10 FRONTDOORS MEDIA | JANUARY 2020 and they care deeply about those who struggle. They use us to help manage their giving and achieve their philanthropic objectives most effectively. We are humbled every day by donors who commit such significant amounts of their wealth to improve conditions for others. 6. To what do you attribute the incredible 10-year growth of ACF’s funds, from $450 million to $1 billion? Our growth has been the direct result of a very talented staff focused on serving our donors and engaging with community partners through a “serve and amaze” philosophy. ACF’s board has provided clear leadership on what differentiates ACF from for-profit commercial enterprises that offer charitable funds. Our knowledge and expertise in the community in combination with the ability to serve nonprofit organizations, corporations and supporting organizations have been other essential elements of our success. But most importantly, we stick to our core values: exceptional service, stewardship, integrity, innovation, nimbleness, inclusion and collaboration. 7. What trends in philanthropic giving do you see as we enter a new decade? Philanthropy has received national attention and criticism in recent months, particularly around the mega- or ultra-wealthy donor. This has not been the case in Arizona. I fear this criticism might lead to restrictive regulations that would curtail giving in the future. We are also learning from the next generation of philanthropists of their strong desire for deeper connections to the causes they support. Moreover, they are seeking creative models of social finance they can use to further their charitable goals. That’s why we created the New Arizona Innovation Prize, the Affordable Housing Pre-Development Loan Fund, the Community Impact Loan Fund and Philanthropy for All Giving Circles. 8. Is there a stat about giving in Arizona that would surprise our readers? ACF has received the highest, 4-star rating for nine consecutive years from Charity Navigator, the preeminent rating agency for the charitable sector, placing us in the top 3 percent of all philanthropic organizations nationally for our financial efficiency and effectiveness. Annually our donors throughout the state gift between $75 million and $135 million to the wide variety of charitable funds they’ve set up at ACF. As a result, ACF is in the Philanthropy 400, the charitable sector’s version of the Fortune 500. Lastly, ACF is the largest, independent provider of scholarships in Arizona. 9. How would you rate the “health” of our community? As prosperous as we are as a state, there continue to be growing needs in the areas covered by our philanthropic agenda: health innovations, quality education, community improvement and development, environment and sustainability, and arts and culture. We are most healthy in our ability to collaborate to solve big problems. Arizona, like nowhere else, knows how to work together within and across sectors, and you see more philanthropic/private/corporate/government partnerships here than elsewhere. That’s what you need to solve big problems and achieve greatness. Moreover, business, community and government leaders are incredibly accessible, making collaboration so much more effective. 10. What do you see as the single most significant opportunity for philanthropic growth in the coming year? Our biggest opportunity is the nonprofit sector. NPOs are the fifth-largest driver of economic development in our state. These vital organizations address the most difficult and complex community challenges we face, and they work with amazing intensity to assist the most fragile populations in our communities. They work where others do not. And they are among the leanest, most agile and innovative organizations anywhere. We need to get behind all of our nonprofit leaders and support their organizations with both time and resources. The impactful work and dedication of the nonprofit sector contribute to making Arizona a great place to live. To learn more, go to azfoundation.org .

DECEMBER 2019 | FRONTDOORS MEDIA 11 creighton.edu/phoenixhealth A new era in health care education rises in Phoenix. Through the newly formed Creighton University Arizona Health Education Alliance, Creighton is helping to elevate the state’s health system by educating physicians, nurses and other skilled and passionate professionals to serve all populations, including those in our most underserved communities. With Jesuit, Catholic values, Creighton University is reaching new heights in care. The Creighton Alliance is in partnership with: