Arizona business leaders know a strong economy depends on more than balance sheets and quarterly growth. Employees need safe housing, reliable childcare, food, health services and education. Across the state, nonprofit organizations provide much of that support while employing Arizonans, purchasing goods and services, and helping communities develop into places where businesses … [More]
Choose a Credible Issue
A public position is easier to explain when it grows from the company’s work. A manufacturer may speak about energy or water. A healthcare employer may focus on licensing and staffing, while Medicaid funding affects the entire field. A builder may address housing supply, zoning or infrastructure issues. Before speaking, leaders should identify how an issue affects the … [More]
Beyond the Check: A Business Case for Community Partnership
Every company depends on conditions it did not create alone. Employees need reliable childcare, healthcare and transportation. Employers need trained workers; commercial districts benefit from arts, culture and safe neighborhoods. Nonprofits help provide this community infrastructure every day, while grantmakers supply funding that allows many of those services to reach people … [More]
Advocacy without Losing Trust
Public Policy Is Already in Your Business Plan
Every Arizona business operates within decisions made at city hall, the state Capitol and regulatory agencies. Voters make consequential decisions at the ballot box, too. These choices shape utility costs and permits, tax policy reaches balance sheets, and access to skilled workers affects day-to-day operations. So does the strength of the communities where employees and … [More]
You Don’t Have to Do It Alone: Why Partnerships are the Heart of Arizona
In the business world, we often talk about the "self-made" success story. We celebrate the entrepreneur who started in a garage and built an empire. But if you look closer at any thriving local business, you will find a web of support behind them. No one succeeds in a vacuum. Partnerships and community are not only helpful; they are the reason local businesses survive during … [More]
The Venmo Donor and Check Writer: Generational Giving
If you walk into a nonprofit office during a fundraising drive, you might see two very different scenes. On one desk, there is a stack of paper envelopes, each containing a carefully written check and a stamped return card. On the other desk, a staff member is watching a digital screen as small notifications pop up every few minutes, five dollars here, twenty dollars there; all … [More]
Trust Me, That’s Why You Chose Us: Trust-Based Philanthropy
If you run a business, you know that success relies on the talent of your team. You hire experts because they have the skills to meet your goals. You provide the tools they need, offer guidance and then let them do what they do best. In the world of philanthropy, our grantmakers and philanthropists are looking for that same level of success. They want to know their gifts are … [More]
Advocacy in Action: A Strategic Playbook for Arizona’s Nonprofits and Business Leaders
In today's interconnected world, the expectation for organizations to engage with societal issues has evolved from a fringe concept to a mainstream imperative. Advocacy, once the exclusive domain of specialized activists, has become a strategic function essential for both mission fulfillment in the nonprofit sector and long-term resilience in the business community. … [More]
AI Wrote This Article. And It’s Obvious.
Artificial intelligence has burst onto the scene as a seemingly miraculous writing assistant. For nonprofit and business leaders — juggling countless responsibilities — the allure of AI churning out reports, articles and marketing copy is undeniable. And indeed, AI can be a powerful tool, helping with brainstorming, outlining and even drafting initial content. However, … [More]
Beyond the Bottom Line: Why Corporate-Nonprofit Partnerships Are a Perfect Match
For nonprofits across the country, the ground is shifting. The fiscal landscape of 2025 has been marked by a significant slowdown and reallocation of federal grant funding, leaving many organizations facing an uncertain future. While this presents a formidable challenge, it also creates a powerful opportunity for a new kind of leadership to emerge from the business community. … [More]
Social Media as a Force for Good
Social media often gets a bad reputation: doomscrolling, divisiveness and fleeting trends dominate the conversation. However, it remains one of the most powerful tools for making a positive impact. Beyond marketing, social media offers an opportunity to support communities, amplify causes and connect with audiences in meaningful ways. In today’s evolving digital landscape, … [More]
Build a Better Arizona – Give and Buy Local
When you spend a dollar at a local business, that dollar stays in the community, fueling job creation, economic growth and a stronger Arizona. Research shows that for every $100 spent at a locally owned business, approximately $43 stays in the local economy, compared to only $14 when spent at a national chain. But did you know that nonprofits function as local “businesses,” … [More]
Elevating Impact: New Membership Benefits at AZ Impact for Good
At AZ Impact for Good, we believe in the power of collaboration to strengthen Arizona’s nonprofit sector. By bringing together nonprofits, grantmakers and businesses, we create opportunities for connection, learning and meaningful impact. We’ve recently introduced several new benefits designed to enhance engagement, education and financial accessibility with our business … [More]
Giving Is Good for Business
Support Arizona through AZGives.org this spring
Corporate & Business Giving: A Strategic Investment in Community and Business Corporate philanthropy is no longer just a goodwill initiative; it is a powerful strategy that strengthens communities while also benefiting businesses. More companies are recognizing that giving back enhances brand reputation, builds customer loyalty and boosts employee engagement. In 2023 … [More]
Neutral but Not Silent: Boosting Voter Turnout with Nonpartisan Engagement
In today’s rapidly evolving social and political landscape, nonprofits play a crucial role in fostering an inclusive democracy through nonpartisan voter engagement. Engaging in voter education and mobilization efforts, without designating or encouraging support of specific political parties, allows organizations to contribute positively to the democratic process while … [More]
The Essential Guide to Nonprofit Board Governance: Insights from an Executive
Serving on a nonprofit board is a significant responsibility, offering the opportunity to shape and support the mission of an organization committed to the greater good. With these responsibilities comes a set of duties that demand both strategic acumen and a deep commitment to the organization’s success. As a nonprofit executive, I've seen how exceptional boards can propel an … [More]
The Excited Intern: How AI Can Empower Nonprofits and Businesses to Make Smarter Decisions
In the rapidly evolving landscape of technology, artificial intelligence is often perceived as a complex, futuristic tool, reserved for tech giants and data scientists. However, when understood on a fundamental level, AI can be likened to an eager intern — full of potential, ready to impress, and capable of augmenting the capabilities of your staff, but not yet a replacement … [More]
