2024 ANNUAL IMPACT REPORT
Making the greater Flagstaff community a better place for all!
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Forest Highlands Foundation is the unique philanthropic vehicle representing the Forest Highlands
community in its support of non-profits serving the greater Flagstaff area. Now in its twenty-sixth year, the Foundation was originally established by Forest Highlands residents, and is run, staffed, and funded by volunteers from our community.
Mission Statement
The Forest Highlands Foundation exists to make the greater Flagstaff community a better place for all by supporting effective local charitable organizations. The Foundation encourages, coordinates and leverages the generosity of Forest Highlands members to create identifiable impact on the needs of the community, with primary emphasis on human services for people at risk and programs focused on breaking the chain of poverty in future generations.
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Officers & Board Members Forest Highlands Foundation operates with term limits for Officers and Board members in a way that ensures continuity but balances it with the regular involvement of new people and fresh ideas.
2024 Forest Highlands Foundation Board
Chair: Marcus Sipolt Vice-Chair: Howard Nute Treasurer: Teri Schwab Secretary: Kathy Haake Immediate Past Chair: Ethan Braunstein
Board Members Ed Lesser John Glass Paul Paparella Vickie Selzer Walter Cuculic Phyliss Banucci Wendy Godfrey Michelle Arena
Forest Highlands Association Board Liaison Bob Bement
Emeritus Bob Golub | Richard Russell | John Rivers Mort Scult | Len Huck (In Memoriam)
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A Letter from the Board Chair
We are pleased to submit Forest Highlands Foundation's 2024 Annual Impact Report. I hope you are as inspired reading the report as our board was while organizing events, raising funds, analyzing grant requests, and awarding selected non-profits in Flagstaff the funds they needed to make their missions a reality. This success has been made possible by a great board and set of officers listed on the previous page, as well as several committees and task forces
composed of FHGC members who unselfishly gave countless hours of service. Perhaps most significant has been the work of Ed Lesser and his task force in establishing us as our own 501(c)(3). This move, which had been contemplated over the past several years, has allowed us to be more nimble and responsive to our community’s needs moving forward. It also enables us to host different types of fundraising events. The 2024 events included a record-breaking Annual Denise Martinez Memorial Tournament coordinated by Vickie Selzer and her team, as well as the unforgettable Foundation celebratory Cheers to 2025 Years Gala coordinated by Michelle Arena and Phyllis Banucci. Under their leadership and with the support of their excellent committees, they raised close to $500,000. While we thank the many community members who made these events so successful, we must also recognize one of our longest-standing committees that runs like a well-oiled machine: the FH Foundation Grants Committee. This committee analyzed millions of dollars in grant requests in collaboration with the Arizona Community Foundation of Flagstaff (ACF). Under the guidance of Kathy Haake and Wendy Godfrey, the Grants Committee spent countless hours reviewing requests, financial information, annual reports, and 990 federal reports to ensure your funds made the greatest impact in our community. Please read their committee report a few pages ahead. We also could not have been as effective as we are without the support of the FHGC board and staff. It has been the FHGC Board’s backing and the behind-the-scenes efforts of Doug, Kim, Katrina, and especially Julie that have made a huge difference. Lastly, and most importantly, all of what we do would not be possible without the continued generosity of our Forest Highlands Golf Club members. 2024 was a record year for giving, with over $900,000 contributed. Those who assisted are recognized later in this report. As I finish my term as Chair, I want to thank everyone in the community who has supported our Foundation, challenged us to do more, and contributed through donations of time, treasures, and talents. My final word of advice—stay tuned. Under the direction of our incoming Chair, Howard Nute, I am confident even bigger and better things are on the horizon. Sincerely, Marcus Sipolt Forest Highlands Foundation Board Chair
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Financial Report
The Foundation's only asset is cash, invested in a Money Market Fund. In 2023, cash was maintained with the Arizona Community Foundation of Flagstaff (ACF) as a donor-advised account. In 2024, its 25th year, the Foundation began operations as its own 501(c)(3) organization. The Cash Statements below reflect the financial activities of the Foundation for the most recent two years. Teri Schwab Treasurer Forest Highlands Foundation Board
COMMENTS
The 25th year of the Foundation saw record levels of giving, in both donors and dollars. The Cheers to 25Years Gala in July 2024 netted over $470K, and the Annual Appeal, Denise Martinez Memorial Golf Tournament and Preferred Seating Auctions for Forest Highlands holiday barbeques in 2024 all received levels of giving support consistent with 2023. Grants increased slightly in 2024, in both the Collaborative and Direct Grant processes and are discussed in greater detail in the Grants Committee Report. Administrative expenses spiked in 2024, primarily due to non- recurring legal fees related to the 501(c)(3) formation process, and some 2023 expenses not charged to the Foundation until 2024. The generosity of the Forest Highlands membership has positioned the Foundation well to provide impactful financial support for the Flagstaff not-for- profit community.
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Grants Committee Report
As we close another year of impactful work, we want to take a moment to reflect on the progress we’ve made together and share how your generous contributions are being used to support our efforts to address the basic human needs of less fortunate individuals and families in the Flagstaff community, as well as break the cycle of poverty for current and future generations. First and foremost, we want to express our deepest gratitude for your continued commitment to the causes we champion. Your support empowers us to partner with charitable organizations that are dedicated to providing hunger relief, medical and dental care, homeless services, hospice care, victim witness services, youth mentoring programs and more, to those in need in Flagstaff. THE GRANTS COMMITTEE The Forest Highlands Foundation (FHF) Grants Committee is comprised of Foundation Board and non-Board members. These Forest Highlands residents volunteer many hours of their time reviewing grant requests, attending grant proposal interviews, and making site visits to ensure that members’ donations are put to good use. The Grants Committee is tasked with ensuring that residents’ contributions to the FHF are used in the most responsible and impactful way possible. As in the past, the Grants Committee authorized grants to nonprofits in collaboration with the Arizona Community Foundation of Flagstaff (ACF) and 13 other funding organizations that participate in a process that ACF coordinates. While the initial vetting is completed by ACF, the FHF Grants Committee follows a rigorous and comprehensive process in determining the organizations to which we award funds as well as the amounts awarded. DUE DILIGENCE Before any funds are distributed, each potential recipient organization undergoes a second vetting process completed by the FHF Grants Committee. This due diligence includes, but is not limited to: Assessing the financial health and stability of the organization. This includes reviewing financial statements, budgets, and past funding records to ensure that resources are used efficiently and that a high percentage of donations directly support programs, rather than administrative overhead. 1. Determining program impact. We work closely with each partner organization to evaluate their capacity for achieving measurable outcomes. Our goal is to support organizations that not only have a strong track record but also demonstrate a thoughtful, evidence-based approach to tackling the issues at hand. 2. Ensuring alignment with our mission and values. Each organization is evaluated for its alignment with our mission and core values. We prioritize initiatives that focus on sustainable, long-term change and that empower individuals and communities to thrive and ultimately break the cycle of poverty. 3. Regular monitoring and reporting. Once funds are distributed, we monitor progress and request regular updates from our partners. This allows us to track the effectiveness of each program and ensure that funds are being used appropriately and efficiently. 4.
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$401,316 AWARDED IN 2024
This year, in part because we have established ourselves as an independent 501(c)(3), we formalized our direct grant process, enabling us to provide funds to organization projects that may not fall under the ACF guidelines and / or are needed for emergency purposes outside of the ACF grants cycle. Through this direct grant process, we are pleased to report that we awarded grants to four area nonprofits for a total of $113,881. Separately, a restricted contribution of $1,000 was made, bringing the grand total to $401,316. We are proud to report that, thanks to your generosity and support of our major fundraisers, the FHF contributed $286,435 to 32 non-profits through the ACF collaborative process, a new record in dollars!
LOOKING AHEAD As we look forward to the next 25 years, we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. We will continue to be vigilant in our commitment to effective philanthropy, ensuring that every donation you make goes further, reaches more people, and creates lasting change. Once again, thank you for your unwavering support and for being a vital part of our mission. Together, we are making the Flagstaff community a better place, one life at a time. WITH SPECIAL THANKS We are honored to recognize Don Beresini, Ethan and Susan Braunstein, and Marilyn Seymann for their dedication and service to the Grants Committee over the past many years. Their expertise, wisdom and commitment to the mission of the Foundation have been invaluable and have set the standard for all who follow. We will miss them!
POINT OF PRIDE Since its establishment in 1999, the Foundation has been a reliable and important source of support – a community partner, highly regarded by both nonprofits and other funders. Thanks to the generosity of our members, we have distributed nearly $7.5 million to Flagstaff nonprofits in our 25 years of giving. It is important to note that the Forest Highlands Foundation is the second largest contributor to nonprofit organizations in the ACF collaborative process, second only to ACF. In addition, Forest Highlands is the only residential golf community in the area with a charitable foundation.
Wendy Godfrey
Kathy Haake
Wendy Godfrey Board Member
Kathy Haake Secretary
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2024 Grants
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2024 Grants (cont.)
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2024 Grants (cont.)
$401,316 TOTAL GRANTS
Includes a restricted contribution of $1,000
Photo credit: Housing Solutions of Northern Arizona
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Photo credit: Flagstaff Family Food Center
Photo credit: Camp Colton
Changing Lives
Chris
Chris* was a truck driver who lived in his cab as he criss-crossed the country. When he was let go from his job, Chris found himself homeless. He landed in Flagstaff, where he was able to obtain a new job. Unable to find affordable housing, he turned to Flagstaff Shelter Services for help. Chris worked with his Housing Case Manager to identify and secure an affordable apartment close enough to his job that he could bike to work. After moving in, he furnished the unit with items from our donation center and turned the apartment into a cozy home. Chris is grateful to have a place of his own and reliable income enabling him to remain stably housed. Stories like his are made possible, in part, by the support of the Forest Highlands Foundation, whose commitment to the community helps fund critical programs that provide housing, job assistance, and essential resources to those in need.
Flagstaff Shelter Services provides life-saving, life-changing services to 2,000 unduplicated individuals each year.
86% of the people Flagstaff
Shelter Services houses do not return to homelessness.
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*Name changed for privacy Photo credit: Flagstaff Shelter Services
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Henrietta Changing Lives
“Henrietta” has improved significantly over this past year. Our Day Program Instructor, Maize, has been Henrietta’s assigned staff; Henrietta requires “enhanced staffing” at a 1 staff-to-1 client ratio due to behavioral challenges. Henrietta used to sit in her chair all day and did not want to engage or participate in any activities. She used to experience behavioral challenges including self-abusive behaviors, crying, screaming, and aggression towards others. Henrietta had minimal social skills and lacked communication skills. She started to attend the classes offered at Hozhoni including yoga once a month which introduced her to group activities in group settings. Henrietta now enjoys being a part of the daily scheduled classes and activities. Some of her interests now include arts and crafts with the help of hand-over-hand assistance from her assigned staff. She loves cooking class and can verbally communicate her wants and needs through the help of speech therapy. Henrietta now sings and dances during karaoke, especially when “Bob the Music Man” (music therapist) comes to play music. Previously Henrietta struggled in group settings and communicating her wants and needs. Through dedicated staff support, speech therapy and a communication device, as well as engaging in prosocial activities designed to stimulate the senses, Henrietta is thriving. Her “target behaviors” have decreased significantly over this last year and she is able to more easily tolerate transitions from one activity/setting to another. This has been a great improvement for Henrietta and for her quality of life. She can now tolerate going to appointments in the community as a result of this progression, something that was very challenging just a year ago. We are proud to be able to be a part of Henrietta’s transformation and with the right support and programming, our clientele get to experience these achievements each and every day.
“The Hozhoni Foundation’s day program design would not be possible without the generous support of our community and The Forest Highlands Foundation in connection with the Arizona Community Foundation. This funding allows us to provide our clients with various therapies, classes to stimulate socialization and skill building, prosocial activities, movement, horticulture, social events, etc. for a holistic approach to individual client needs.”
*Name changed for privacy Photo credit: Hozhoni Foundation
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Changing Lives
Sarah
Sarah came from a small school and was the only girl from her school going to Camp Colton. She was hesitant about being away from home for 4 days and 3 nights and worried about sleeping in a tent with strangers (not actual strangers, just 6th graders from other schools). Thanks in part to our newly designed first day which focuses on friendship skills and team- building, Sarah quickly spread her social wings. Through adventures, games, and challenges, students take turns being leaders and practice working together. During one activity on the first day, students, working in learning groups, have to rope swing across a pretend river (with an actual rope swing) and then use islands to get the group all back across. These learning groups stay together throughout the rest of the week. After plenty of laughter and conversations, Sarah became fast friends with many other campers and her apprehension quickly turned to enjoyment. The Camp staff appreciated that Sarah was an eager participant in all the lessons and kept a positive attitude the entire week. In particular, she loved working with her learning expedition group to explore forest health by measuring trees. On the last day, she approached Camp staff with her new friends from other schools looking for paper to exchange phone numbers. As a completely off-grid and rustic site, kids aren’t allowed to bring their phones or technology of any kind to Camp so things are old school! As Camp wrapped up for the week, they skipped off to the bus, already making plans about what they will do when they get to hang out. Sarah’s classroom teacher remarked on her positive transformation and her newly found confidence after just 4 days and 3 nights at Camp. The Forest Highlands Foundation made this program possible for kids with financial needs as a generous collaborator through our Arizona Community Foundation of Flagstaff grant last year. Holistic experiences in nature help children make discoveries about themselves and their world. By supporting this program, the Forest Highlands Foundation makes endless opportunities for learning and growth possible.
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Photo credit: Camp Colton
Changing Lives
Martinez Family
For one family in Flagstaff, the past year has been a journey of hardship, hope, and healing. A single mother, living with her two sons, ages 19 and 13, saw her world upended when she suddenly lost more than half of her income. As the bills piled up and the cost of living continued to rise, she found herself in the impossible position of not being able to provide enough food for her children. “I woke up crying one morning, realizing I didn’t have any money for breakfast or dinner for my family. As a mother, that was the hardest thing I have ever had to experience,” she recalls. On that difficult day, a sign about a local food distribution at a nearby school caught her attention. Though filled with anxiety and fear, she drove there, unsure of what to expect. What she found was a warm welcome, not judgment. Volunteers greeted her with kindness, offering not just food, but encouragement and understanding. “I was so scared, but everyone was so kind. The gentleman at the front told me to come back whenever I needed help, and the volunteers who loaded up my car were incredibly supportive. I went home and made egg omelets with the vegetables, milk, and cereal I received. It felt like such a huge relief to feed my boys when I didn’t know where our next meal would come from.” Over the next several months, this family slowly regained their footing. Thanks to the support from the Family Food Center and its volunteers, they were able to keep food on the table and a sense of stability in their lives. The food donations allowed them to stretch their budget and provide a little comfort during an incredibly stressful time. Now, with things slowly improving, this family is filled with gratitude for the support they received. “I will forever be thankful to everyone involved, from the drivers who bring the food to the volunteers who give their time to help families like ours. You saved us from going hungry, and we will never forget that.” As they continue to rebuild, they plan to give back to the community that helped them in their time of need. “Once we are back on our feet, I plan on joining you all in the work you do,” they say. This story is a powerful reminder of the impact your generosity can have. Thank you for your continued support in changing lives and offering hope to families in need.
Photo credit: Flagstaff Family Food Center
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Changing Lives
James
PATH (Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness) program utilizes specially trained staff and volunteers to connect those experiencing serious mental illness and homelessness with psychiatric treatment and housing. We search for these vulnerable people where and when they need us—on the streets, under bridges, in the deserts and forests, even in snowstorms. This is the story of one of our clients who was served through PATH, funded in part by the Forest Highlands Foundation. James Westwind was housed with a sober group home in Flagstaff, but due to loss of employment, he was unable to pay bills which unfortunately resulted in eviction. James was homeless for about a month before enrolling with Catholic Charities Community Services. Our PATH staff, Brynn Merz enrolled him into the PATH program and helped him stay at Flagstaff Shelter Services. While he was staying there, Brynn and James consistently worked together seeking resources for mental health treatment and other community resources. He enrolled into treatment services at Southwest Behavioral Health and received benefits for food stamps, and health insurance. James also enrolled with Section 8 Housing and applied for a voucher at Flagstaff Housing Authority. After a year of living at the shelter, and continuing to work alongside Brynn, James found out on 01/08/2025 that he was going to receive a voucher for Section 8 Housing! This is a wonderful permanent housing solution for him, for the long term. It is challenging to find a unit that will accept a Section 8 Housing voucher for Flagstaff. There is limited affordable housing and landlords often will not accept a voucher. However, Legacy Pines offered an apartment for James that accommodated his needs. James recently moved into his new home on 02/12/2025 and is enjoying the safety and comfort of living independently.
Brynn Merz is a Homeless Outreach Support Specialist for Catholic Charities Community Services PATH Program- Coconino County
Photo credit: Catholic Charities
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2425 William Palmer | Flagstaff, AZ 86005 Email: Admin@FHGC-FHF.org www.fhgc.com/forest-highlands-foundation/ or scan the QR code below
Small cover photo by Camerawerks, courtesy of the Arizona Community Foundation. Large cover photo credit: Flagstaff Shelter Services
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