What is Arizona Compassion Initiative?

The Arizona Compassion Initiative is a statewide capacity building program funded in part by a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The purpose of The Arizona Compassion Initiative is to assist grass roots, faith, tribal and community groups that serve elders in need and/or families in transition from welfare to work to maximize their social impact, increase their sustainability and effectiveness, enhance their ability to provide social services and create collaborations to better serve those most in need. The initiative partners are providing training, technical assistance and $200,000 in subawards to qualified applicants. Assistance will be provided at no cost to participating organizations and associations.

The Arizona Compassion Initiative partners are United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona, the Governor’s Office of Faith and Community Initiatives, Arizona Department of Economic Security, Arizona Community Foundation, Arizona State University Center for Nonprofit Leadership and Management, and the consulting firm of LeCroy & Milligan Associates.

Interested program participants underwent an organizational self-assessment assisted by contracted field workers under the direction of the Governor’s Office and Department of Economic Security. Individualized plans of action based on assessment outcomes were developed by Arizona State University’s Center for Nonprofit Leadership & Management and LeCroy and Milligan Associates. Interested program participants were then invited to submit capacity building proposals in line with their plans of action. United Way’s Senior Impact Council reviewed the proposals and submitted qualified groups to Health and Human Services for random selection.

In addition to grants, each sub-awardee has been assigned a mentor to help them achieve their goals.

Workshops have been developed throughout the state to teach groups how to strengthen their infrastructure. These workshops (developed for the  Arizona Compassion Initiative by ASU’s Center for Nonprofit Leadership and Management) will also be open free of charge to other interested parties including tribal, faith-based and community groups in Arizona..

For questions about the Arizona Compassion Initiative, please contact

Emily Fink Bauman
Program Manager, Supporting Seniors
efbauman@unitedwaytucson.org
520.903.9000 ext. 440

Sofia Gomez
Project Assistant, Supporting Seniors
sgomez@unitedwaytucson.org
520-903-9000 x 334