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In the news: Dr. Robert Ashcraft quoted on "promising" merger between two state nonprofit and philanthropic organizations
After nearly two years of discussions, the Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits and Arizona Grantmakers Forum will merge this year
June 29, 2022, azcentral.com
After nearly two years of discussions, the Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits and Arizona Grantmakers Forum are expected to finalize their merger by August. The Phoenix-based groups will integrate in phases during the next 12 months.
The Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits provides education for charities statewide through professional development workshops and resources. Similarly, Arizona Grantmakers Forum works with funders, corporations and investors within the philanthropic sector.
The organizations work together to advocate and create public policies for the nonprofit sector. Several members serve on both boards for the organizations. The Arizona Grantmakers Forum board voted unanimously in favor of merging earlier this month. The Alliance board will vote in July.
The groups' highest profile joint project is the annual Arizona Gives Day, which raised more than $6 million for 900-plus nonprofits statewide during this year's spring drive. [...]
Robert Ashcraft, executive director of ASU's Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation, deemed the merger "promising."
“There is always a power dynamic between those who provide the funds and the organizations that need funds,” Ashcraft said. “This is what makes this merger unique. It levels the playing field.”