Public Allies Arizona receives financial commitment of nearly $1 million, will engage 33 new Allies in 2026-27 year to build capacity at Arizona nonprofits
Arizona State University's Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation received nearly $500,000 in support of its Public Allies Arizona program from AmeriCorps through the Public Allies National Office. This funding for the 2026-27 program year will allow the Center to engage 33 new Public Allies in Phoenix and Tucson metropolitan communities.
With an additional investment obtained as required in local matching dollars, $959,200 has been committed for the program year to support Arizona communities and this signature workforce development program cultivating future nonprofit leaders.
Public Allies Arizona is an AmeriCorps program run by the ASU Lodestar Center that places dedicated, service-minded individuals in paid 10-month apprenticeships – full-time or part-time – 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.
“Each of our Public Allies Arizona members brings a passion for social impact, service and leadership. With support from AmeriCorps, we can create opportunities for that passion to turn into action at our community Partner Organizations,” said Yolotzi Lopez Ortega, Public Allies Arizona program director. “In turbulent times, our Allies are focused on building bridges and growing the capacity of our nonprofits to do their necessary, good work. Every Ally joins this program with the promise to take action and strengthen their community. I am consistently reignited by seeing them fulfill that promise as emerging community leaders.”
Over $11 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 over $21 million.
“For more than two decades, Public Allies Arizona has produced proven results, demonstrating the strength of our leadership development model that places a premium on inclusive excellence,” said Dr. Robert Ashcraft, executive director of ASU’s Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation and Saguaro Professor of Civic Enterprise. “This latest grant will extend our Center’s nonprofit capacity-building efforts and help ensure a strong pipeline of mission-driven leaders prepared to serve and strengthen Arizona communities,” Ashcraft added.
As one of the largest Public Allies sites in the country, Public Allies Arizona's impact on Arizona communities through capacity-building programs is profound. Since 2006, the program has placed over 500 emerging leaders with nonprofit partners. Public Allies Arizona members have collectively served over 1 million hours and implemented community service projects that have impacted hundreds of individuals. For their service with Public Allies, program graduates have earned over $3 million in Segal Education Awards that can be used towards college or professional development courses.
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 [email protected].
Support an Ally placement
Partner Organizations must provide matching dollars to support their Public Allies. Get in touch with our team at [email protected] if your organization would like to sponsor a placement. With our proven model, it’s an easy way to unlock new capacity for a partner and develop the nonprofit workforce.
ASU Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation
Arizona State University’s Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation educates, empowers and connects nonprofit leaders to accelerate social impact. Housed within ASU’s Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions and its School of Community Resources and Development, the ASU Lodestar Center believes that the quality of life in communities is enriched with impactful philanthropy and effective nonprofit leadership. For more than 20 years, the ASU Lodestar Center has provided education, research, practical tools and convenings for nonprofit professionals, philanthropists and volunteers who seek to solve problems and realize their communities’ highest aspirations.
Public Allies Arizona
Public Allies Arizona, now beginning its 21st year at Arizona State University, is an AmeriCorps program of the ASU Lodestar Center that places emerging leaders in apprenticeships in nonprofit organizations throughout Maricopa, Pima and Pinal counties. It identifies service-minded people and advances their leadership through a 10-month program of paid apprenticeships with nonprofit organizations, leadership trainings and team service projects.
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