Successes, updates, and seasons greetings
from our team to yours...  
Dear Friends and Family-

During this holiday season, we thank our clients, colleagues, and friends for the outstanding work you do and for the partnership and commitment we share in making the world a better place.  We wish you all a wonderful holiday, and a new year filled with joy, happiness, and success.

Sincerely,

Richard Tollefson

 President and Founder, The Phoenix Philanthropy Group
Leadership Profile: David Adame
One in a Series Prepared by Phoenix Philanthropy ...
Presidents and Executive Directors of nonprofit organizations often see the need for enhanced leadership in their communities and state and they want to participate in and help influence statewide discussion of key social and economic issues. However, many are uncertain where to begin and how to get involved. This series of leadership profiles provides concrete tools and examples that will help nonprofit executives demonstrate leadership on behalf of their organizations - and their communities.
 
This profile features Chicanos Por La Causa (CPLC), a 48-year-old regional community development corporation. David Adame, its President and CEO, describes how CPLC's leadership has created an innovative economic development model. The income generated by CPLC's community development projects enable CPLC to provide essential community services and encourage self-sufficiency.  
 
For the complete dialogue about David Adame, Chicanos Por La Causa, and its leadership activities, click here.
 
Featured Article: Shared Leadership
   Shared Leadership  by R ichard Tollefson
Today's governing boards and nonprofit CEOs work together to strengthen social impact...
Corporate executives who find themselves sitting on the board of a nonprofit might initially wonder - in a boardroom filled with so much leadership talent - Who's in charge? What role do I play? What role does the CEO of the nonprofit play? The answers have changed dramatically as nonprofit organizations have been forced to serve more people in need with fewer resources (due largely to declining government support). As a result, nonprofit CEOs are increasingly some of the most innovative, forward thinking leaders in our economy and society. They develop new products and services to meet market demands, build brands, diversify revenue streams, hire strong talent and measure results - all on limited budgets. How do they achieve such success? By leveraging the skills and expertise of their board members and through shared leadership...

New Service: Evaluations
The Value of Evaluations by Wayne D. Parker, Ph.D.
Evaluation is critical to nonprofit funding and quality improvement:
There was a time when private and public funders were willing to give charitable financial support to an organization that aligned well with the funders' priorities. However, in recent years, many funders have shifted from a charity orientation to an investment philosophy. Just as investors in the stock market buy stocks they believe have the best chance of appreciating, funders invest in nonprofits they believe provide services which make the greatest impact on the lives of those they serve.  At The Phoenix Philanthropy Group, we believe evaluation is an important component of nonprofit credibility and success... 
Community Impact
Richard Tollefson, Founder and President, receives Social Venture Partners' highest award!
(First appearing in Social Venture Partners' November newsletter) Richard Tollefson, Partner at SVP Arizona, is this year's winner of the Paul Shoemaker Leadership Award. Since early in his career, Richard has understood the importance of engaged donors. Indeed, he has made it his work as founder and president of The Phoenix Philanthropy Group. He joined SVP Arizona a decade ago and serves on the boards of both SVP Arizona and SVPI. Richard is quick to point out that his partner Marc Kellenberger shares his passion for the greater good and has collaborated with Richard on his contributions to SVP AZ and the SVP Network Office. Their contributions are many and the impact is deep. Richard is passionate about the SVP model of engaged philanthropy and has tailored his involvement to help scale the model in Arizona and globally.
Julie Iacobelli of Phoenix Philanthropy; Annet Ruiter of Planned Parenthood Arizona; Lori Hutson of Planned Parenthood Federation of America
Former Client Annet Ruiter of Planned Parenthood Arizona Name Fundraiser of the Year!
Congratulations to Annet Ruiter, vice president of external affairs for Planned Parenthood Arizona, Inc.!  Annet was awarded the 2015 Planned Parenthood Development Officer Conference Award as fundraiser of the year - testament, she says, to the fundraising coaching she received from Phoenix Philanthropy. "Had I not had the mentorship and the skill-building and confidence that came with it, I wouldn't have made it eight years in fundraising." She believes the correct training can lead to longevity for fundraising professionals and stability for the nonprofits they serve.