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Public Allies Arizona receives financial commitment of $1.2 million, engages 46 new Allies in 2021-22 year to build capacity at Arizona nonprofits
Public Allies Arizona has launched its 16th program year and will place 46 developing leaders for 10 months of national service at Arizona nonprofit organizations
October 6, 2021 (Phoenix, Ariz.) – Arizona State University's Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation received approximately $600,000 in support of its Public Allies Arizona program from AmeriCorps through the Public Allies National Office. This funding for the 2021-22 program year will allow the program to engage 46 new Public Allies in Phoenix and Tucson metropolitan communities.
With an additional investment of $600,000 obtained as required in local matching dollars, $1.2 million has been committed for the program year to support Arizona communities and this signature leadership development program.
Public Allies Arizona is an AmeriCorps program run by the ASU Lodestar Center that places dedicated, service-minded individuals in paid 10-month apprenticeships at nonprofit partner organizations in Greater Phoenix and Greater Tucson communities. During the program, they develop leadership skills, gain professional experience, and make lasting connections in the community and with their cohort. Allies are diverse and passionate individuals interested in social change and making a positive impact in their community.
"New leadership is more important than ever as we navigate the new challenges caused by the ongoing pandemic," said Lou Haiduk, co-director of Public Allies Arizona. "This new cohort is filled with energy and bright ideas, and I am excited to see the powerful impact they make in the coming months."
Over $7 million in external grant dollars have been awarded to the ASU Lodestar Center in support of Public Allies Arizona since the program's launch in 2006. When accounting for the value of in-kind support, as well as funds invested by the nonprofits to have an Ally placed within their agencies, the total financial investment is nearly $15 million.
“As part of the national network of operating partners, Public Allies Arizona is exemplary in meeting the organization’s mission to create a just and equitable society and the leadership to sustain it,” said Dr. Robert Ashcraft, executive director of ASU’s Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation and Saguaro Professor of Civic Enterprise. “Building on our Center’s proud history of nonprofit capacity building, Public Allies Arizona is a proven resource in building a competent, mission-driven, diverse pipeline of leaders to lead our communities,” Ashcraft added.
As one of the largest Public Allies sites in the country, the impact on Arizona communities through capacity-building programs such as Public Allies Arizona is profound.
The 2020-21 Allies, who graduated in June, collectively served nearly 44,000 hours and implemented four community service projects, impacting hundreds of individuals. For their service with Public Allies, the class earned over $160,000 in Segal Education Awards that can be used towards college or professional development courses.
Moreover, thanks to a grant from Bank of America, dozens of program alumni will have the opportunity to receive continued professional development education with courses through the ASU Lodestar Center’s Nonprofit Management Institute.
For additional information regarding any of the ASU Lodestar Center’s programs, visit lodestar.asu.edu. If you have questions, please call 602.496.0500 or email nonprofit@asu.edu.
ASU Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation
The ASU Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation educates, empowers and connects nonprofit leaders to accelerate social impact. The ASU Lodestar Center exists to enhance the quality of life in communities through the advancement of nonprofit leadership practices and provides knowledge and tools to build the capacity of nonprofit organizations, professionals, board members, donors and volunteers by offering a selection of capacity building workshops, conferences, classes and programs.
Public Allies Arizona
Public Allies Arizona, now beginning its 16th year at Arizona State University, is an AmeriCorps national youth leadership organization that places service-minded young people in apprenticeships in nonprofit organizations throughout Maricopa, Pima and Pinal counties. It identifies talented young adults from diverse backgrounds and advances their leadership through a 10-month program of full-time, paid apprenticeships in nonprofit organizations, leadership trainings and team service projects.