TO THE MEMBERS AT FOREST HIGHLANDS ANNUAL REPORT 2023 FOREST HIGHLANDS FOUNDATION
Making the greater Flagstaff community a better place for all!
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 fifth 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.
OFFICERS AND 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.
2023 FOREST HIGHLANDS FOUNDATION BOARD Chair: Marcus Sipolt*
Vice-Chair: Kathy Haake* Treasurer: Teri Schwab* Immediate Past Chair: Ethan Braunstein*
Bob Golub, Emeritus Len Huck, Emeritus John Rivers, Emeritus Richard Russell, Emeritus Mort Scult, Emeritus
Larry Aldrich Phyllis Banucci Walter Cuculic
Edward Lesser Howard Nute Paul Paparella Vickie Selzer Marilyn Seymann
John Glass Renee Haas
*Connotes members of the Executive Committee
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FOREST HIGHLANDS FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT 2023
A Letter from the Board Chair
Welcome to the 2023 annual report of the Forest Highlands Foundation (FHF). The Roman god Janus had two faces, one to look back at the previous year and the other to look forward into the new year. Janus would have observed that there were momentous occurrences at the Foundation looking back at 2023 and looking ahead to 2024. In 2023 not only did we pass the seven-million-dollar mark in total contributions to non-profits, adding more than $300,000 dollars in 2023 alone, but we also were the recipient of the Spirit of Philanthropy Award of the Arizona Association of Fundraising Professionals . The award, which recognized “individuals or organizations who exemplifies (sic) the spirit of giving through their contributions of time, talent, and treasure.” We were nominated by Catholic Charities of Northern Arizona. Catholic Charities collaborates with all the human services nonprofits in Flagstaff, so the award represents a consensus of our value to the community. We are happy that FHF and all of Forest Highlands are considered to be one of the major philanthropic drivers in our geographical area. Janus would also be interested in viewing the future of the Foundation in 2024. As you already know, we have established our own 501(c)3. While retaining a relationship with the Arizona Community Foundation (ACF) to review grants and to collaborate with other funders, the 501(c)3 will streamline access to our own funds for emergencies and for projects that may not fall under the rubric of the ACF. Just as importantly, donors to FHF will not have to channel their contributions to ACF but rather donate directly to FHF. This should make it easier for all concerned. 2024 also promises several fundraising events for the Foundation. As usual, planning for the Denise Martinez Golf Tournament, led by Vickie Selzer, has already begun. We’re looking forward to a great turnout for the event on Monday, July 8.
The Foundation’s busy week will then include our 25th anniversary gala, including dinner and auctions, the following Saturday, July 13. Phyllis Banucci, Michelle Arena and their cohorts already are working hard to make this a great event. There has been only a small amount of turnover on the board. Renee Haas-Westman has stepped down after years of yeoman service, and we’re happy that she will stay with us as a member of the Grants Committee. Michell Arena and Wendy Godfrey have joined us. Wendy will co-chair the Grants Committee 2024, and Michelle is working hard to make the Gala a success. Our Executive Committee will consist of Marcus Sipolt, Chair, Ethan Braunstein, Past Chair, Howard Nute, Vice Chair, Teri Schwab, Treasurer, and Kathy Haake, Secretary. Kathy also co-chairs the Grants committee with Wendy Godfrey. Please take a close look at the annual report, consisting of this introduction and reports from the Treasurer and the Grants Committee, as well as impact statements from some of the groups that we support. Thanks to all our contributors who are helping to make Flagstaff a great place to live for all its citizens.
Marcus K. Sipolt Chair, Forest Highlands Foundation Board
FOREST HIGHLANDS FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT 2023
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FINANCIAL REPORT
The Foundation does not have a conventional balance sheet. The only asset is cash, maintained with the Arizona Community Foundation [ ACF ] as a donor-advised account, and invested in a Money Market Fund. There are current expenses, most of which are discretionary, and no long-term liabilities. The Cash Statements below reflect the activity in the account for the most recent two years. Teri Schwab Treasurer, Forest Highlands Foundation Board
Comments
Donation dollars and participation percentage returned to historical levels in 2023 from the record levels reported in 2022. The largest component of giving is our Annual Appeal, but the Denise Martinez Memorial Golf Tournament remains a perennially popular community event and surpassed even 2022 in terms of funds raised and participation. Preferred seating bids for Memorial Day, 4th of July and Labor Day consistently provide additional funding, as well as the periodic auctions posted in the VIP. Rising interest rates also boosted cash inflows for the Foundation in 2023. Grants decreased in total dollars from 2022 to 2023, largely due to fewer non ACF grant requests, but still exceeded historical levels as will be discussed in further detail in the Grants Committee Report. Other cash outflows are relatively flat from year to year. The Foundation enters its 25th year well positioned to provide impactful financial support for the Flagstaff not-for-profit community.
2023
2022
Beginning Cash with ACF
$390,865 $426,789
Donations
$387,556 $484,939 $16,374 $4,677
Investment Income
Cash Inflows
$ 403,930
$ 489,616
Grants
$383,164 $495,603
Administrative Expenses FH Foundation
$21,001 $23,265 $5,575 $6,672
ACF Fees
Cash Outflows
$ 409,739
$ 525,540
Ending Cash with ACF
$385,056 $390,865
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FOREST HIGHLANDS FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT 2023
GRANTS COMMITTEE REPORT
Our Grants Committee is comprised of volunteers from the Foundation Board and non-Board residents of Forest Highlands. These individuals contribute many hours of time to review grant requests. The role of the Committee is to ensure that funds awarded support our mission and achieve the maximum impact possible on the Flagstaff community from our members’ generous donations. As the steward of the Foundation’s funds, the Committee has developed substantial expertise about the Flagstaff nonprofits. Regular meetings with nonprofit management, site visits, assessments of requests for support, and evaluations of the operating effectiveness of those nonprofits seeking assistance are all part of our process. Committee members have developed strong relationships with the leadership of many of these nonprofits. This experience helps ensure added value in the application of funds contributed by our members. Operating within budgets set by the Foundation Board, the Committee authorizes grants to nonprofits directly or in collaboration with the Arizona Community Foundation and 13 other funding organizations that engage in a process that ACF chairs. In 2023, the Forest Highlands Foundation contributed $281,163.50 to 29 nonprofits through the ACF process, a new record in dollars. A specific list of the grants awarded is included in the adjacent insert.
An additional $50,000 donation to the Friends of Camp Colton helped them meet their capital campaign goal to renovate and expand the facilities to enable more students to attend. The updated lending room for students unable to afford their own equipment will be named for the Forest Highlands Foundation. In addition, a grant of $50,000 was made to Housing Solutions of Northern Arizona (HSNA) to further assist in the conversion of the former Travelodge into JoJo’s Place. The ribbon cutting for this updated long-term affordable housing for families took place on January 31. It also enables the FHF to advance our vision to eliminate involuntary homelessness in Flagstaff. With the additional grants just mentioned, the FHF contributed a total of nearly $400,000. Since its establishment in 1999 the Foundation has become a reliable, important source of support, distributing almost $7 million to Flagstaff nonprofits, thanks to the generosity of our members. In this our 25th year of operations, we are honored to celebrate the impact of your contributions to improving the quality of life for the less fortunate in the Flagstaff community, now and in the future. Kathy Haake Committee Chair 2023
FOREST HIGHLANDS FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT 2023
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2023 GRANTS
JUNE 29
GRANTEES
GRANTS
PURPOSE
This award is for general support, recommended by Barbara Vincent-Oswald
Friends of Camp Colton
$1,000.00
JULY 27
GRANTEES
GRANTS
PURPOSE
Hozhoni Health and Happiness Project (H3)
Hozhoni Foundation, Inc.
$29,000.00
Camp Recreation and Healthy Benefits for Flagstaff Campers
Civitan Foundation, Inc.
$500.00
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flagstaff
Youth Mentoring Programs
$7,200.00
Flag Hoops Grant Request for Student-Athletes
Flagstaff Hoops Inc.
$500.00
FLYRS School Based Bicycle Program
Flagstaff Youth Riders, Inc
$9,430.00
Rebuilding Futures: Education for Incarcerated Adults, Pre-collegiate Students, & Aspiring Citizens
Literacy Volunteers of Coconino County
$387.00
Over The Rainbow Butterfly Garden
In Home Caregiver Job Creation
$1,107.50
Expanding Immigration Services to Crime Victims in Northern Arizona
DNA-People's Legal Services $500.00
Primary Care for Uninsured / Uncovered
Poore Medical Clinic
$20,250.00
Housing Solutions of Northern Arizona, Inc.
Sharon Manor: Empowering Survivors of Domestic Violence
$10,000.00
Ending Abuse: Through Supportive Services and Empowerment
Northland Family Help Center
$5,000.00
The Peaceful Revolution Project
Project Mindful Movement in Coconino County Jails
$1,980.00
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FOREST HIGHLANDS FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT 2023
2023 GRANTS
JULY 27 (CONTINUED) Victim Witness Services for Coconino County Community Assistance Teams of Flagstaff
Victim Witness Services for Northern Arizona - Crisis Response Program
$19,150.00
Community Assistance Teams Mobile Outreach and Shower Bus
$5,000.00
Habitat for Humanity of Northern Arizona
Building Flagstaff’s Future
$11,450.00
Empowering Youth For The Future (EYFTF)
Homeless Youth Connection $1,500.00
Catholic Charities Community Services, Inc.
Catholic Charities Homeless Services of Northern Arizona
$29,000.00
Parenting Arizona: Programs Preventing Child Abuse
Chicanos Por La Causa
$1,000.00
DAMES Differently Abled Mothers Empowerment Society Flagstaff Family Food Center: Food Bank and Kitchen
Mental Health Support for Caregivers
$4,014.00
Feeding Neighbors, Transforming Lives
$63,440.00
Flagstaff Shelter Services’ Emergency Shelter Program
Flagstaff Shelter Services, Inc.
$31,950.00
Flagstaff Senior Meadows: Addressing Housing & Food Insecurity for Seniors Rollercoasters Divorce Education Program for Children and Teens
Foundation for Senior Living $500.00
Integrated Family Court
$1,000.00
Northland Hospice & Palliative Care
Hospice Home Patient Assistance
$500.00
Emergency and Supportive Services for Flagstaff Foster Children
OCJ Kids
$4,305.00
FOREST HIGHLANDS FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT 2023
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2023 GRANTS
JULY 27 (CONTINUED)
The Scenic Route Recreational Program
Quality Connections
$5,500.00
Flagstaff Food Distribution Program
St. Mary's Food Bank Alliance $1,000.00
Sunnyside Micro-Entrepreneurship, Cooperative Multicultural Market & Art Venue (Market of Dreams)
Sunnyside Neighborhood Association
$4,500.00
Expanding Student Access and Experiences at Camp Colton
Friends of Camp Colton
$5,000.00
JULY 28
GRANTEES
GRANTS
PURPOSE
Flagstaff Family Food Center: Food Bank and Kitchen
ACF Moving the Needle Grant
$5,000.00
AUGUST 25
GRANTEES
GRANTS
PURPOSE
Interfund Transfer Profile
$2,500.00
ACF of Flagstaff Administrative Fund
OCTOBER 3 AND 24 (RESPECTIVELY)
GRANTEES
GRANTS
PURPOSE
Housing Solutions of Northern Arizona, Inc.
$50,000.00
This award is for general construction expenses for JoJo’s Place
This award is designated support for renovation and expansion of the camp
Friends of Camp Colton
$50,000.00
Total for all grantees
$383,163.50
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FOREST HIGHLANDS FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT 2023
Thank You Thank You
Through the generosity of our members, the Foundation was able to raise a total of $383,163.50 in 2023. We wish to acknowledge and thank the Forest Highlands members for their contributions during the year. You have made a significant, positive impact on those organizations that provide for the well-being of some of the most vulnerable members of the Flagstaff community.
The Foundation and our grantees express their heartfelt gratitude.
FOREST HIGHLANDS FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT 2023
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CHANGING LIVES
JORDAN
Jordan has always loved buses.
Actually, he’s a fan of all forms of public transportation, including planes, trains, and heavy equipment – but buses seem to hold a special place in his heart. Maybe it’s a family thing; several of Jordan’s relatives have spent time behind the wheel of buses, including his paternal grandmother, who drove a school bus for Flagstaff Unified School District for 21 years.
Or it could have started when he began amassing toy buses as a kid, a collection that would grow to 52 vehicles.
About a year ago, Jordan’s parents reached out to Quality Connections to access our work training programs and help Jordan, who has autism, secure a job. They weren’t sure if their son could achieve his dream position – working for Mountain Line, the local public transit agency – but perhaps he could find work that would engage his enthusiasm and attention to detail.
What they did not know was that Jordan had already started to gain a reputation with Mountain Line employees.
“Jordan had befriended many of the bus drivers he met while riding the bus,” his father, Skott Goodwin said. “He got to know all of them and would share his knowledge and passion for buses with them.”
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FOREST HIGHLANDS FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT 2023
CHANGING LIVES “
Jordan’s parents reached out to Quality Connections to access our work training programs and help Jordan, who has autism, secure a job.
Those conversations demonstrated Jordan’s detailed knowledge about all the buses in the Mountain Line fleet. He can talk extensively and expertly about the pros and cons of diesels, hybrids, electric vehicles, and the New Flyer articulated long buses. Eventually, executives at Mountain Line learned about Jordan and reached out to Quality Connections Director of Employment Services, Allie Lunsford. They wanted to create a position for Jordan at the public transit agency to help keep their buses clean, they said. They asked if Quality Connections could help with training.
Jordan’s mother, Mable Goodwin, a retired special education teacher, said the position was a perfect fit for Jordan.
“Some of the characteristics of being on the [autism] spectrum are real strengths in the workplace,” she said. “He can really focus and stay on task. He enjoys order and for everything to be just so.” These qualities helped Jordan develop into the great worker he is today. His family shares that Jordan’s previous experience working at Mission Linen helped prepare him to seize the opportunity with Mountain Line. In fact, Jordan did so well at Mission Linen, that they have continued employing workers with disabilities in their operation, and fully supported his transition to working at Mountain Line.
FOREST HIGHLANDS FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT 2023
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CHANGING LIVES
CLIFFORD AND RAEONNA
Clifford came to Flagstaff Shelter Services (FSS) after losing his housing. He slept in his van in our parking lot and accessed meals, showers, and medical services (provided on-site through North Country HealthCare) at FSS. As a result of health challenges he was having, Clifford was eligible for a private room at our non-congregate shelter. Shortly after he moved in, FSS staff learned of Clifford’s 26-year-old daughter and her two sons (ages one and two). Raeonna and her boys were fleeing a domestic violence situation and were sleeping in Clifford’s van. The FSS team quickly sprang into action and provided Raeonna and her two boys a room at our Family Shelter. Raeonna recently said, “It’s a giant step! We went from sleeping in the van to a bed of our own, plus we can take a shower. Moving away from eating fast food and more of the meals you all serve here at Flagstaff Shelter Services is a great help. My boys are no longer in a van all day, they get to run around and play here. They run around all day until they are exhausted from playing!”. Meals for FSS are regularly provided by the Flagstaff Family Food Center. Within six months of settling into their rooms at our Family Shelter, Raeonna and Clifford had both obtained employment. Clifford now works four nights a week, and Raeonna works three nights a week so that they can take turns caring for the children. Clifford and Raeonna also worked with an FSS Housing Case Manager to find affordable, long-term housing. Clifford recently told the Housing Case Manager, “You can have the strength as an individual to move forward but the services you receive and what you all provide here is what helps put it all into motion.” This three-generational family is thrilled to have a place of their own and to be saving money to buy a four-wheel drive vehicle that is reliable through Flagstaff’s snowy winters.
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FOREST HIGHLANDS FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT 2023
JOSE At Camp, as much as each kid is a unique representation of their culture and family, each kid is also on a level playing field. Supported by a kind and intentional staff, everyone gets the gear and food they need and more. Everyone is together outside getting dirty, having fun, and learning about the shared space they all call home. One of Jose’s teachers, Mr. Pomerenke, shares that the most valuable part of Camp is how students “get to explore who they are and interact with students who they may not interact with normally.” As Jose got on the bus to go home that week, we were happy to send him off with a new backpack and clothing, but happier still to see him leave Camp a more comfortable and confident kid. “ Students “get to explore who they are and interact with students who they may not interact with normally.” Jose’s Teacher Mr. Pomerenke Below is a student story from our fall season at Camp Colton: Jose’s mother was hesitant about sending him to Camp Colton. Jose was a child experiencing homelessness, and his mom had very reasonable concerns about sending him to Camp with just the clothes on his back. Fortunately, thanks to her willingness to reach out and our explicit offer to loan and give out gear, we figured out how to support Jose at Camp. When Jose arrived at Camp we privately handed him his new backpack full of gear, clothing, and toiletries and he blended right in with his other 6th-grade peers eager to explore and discover new things. Jose spent the rest of the week playing, hiking, learning, and building relationships with his classmates and teachers.
CHANGING LIVES
FOREST HIGHLANDS FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT 2023
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Scan the QR code to learn more about Forest Highlands Foundation
Forest Highlands Golf Glub, 2425 William Palmer, Flagstaff, AZ 86005
Forest Highlands Foundation 2425 William Palmer, Flagstaff, AZ 86005
2024 FOREST HIGHLANDS FOUNDATION BOARD MEMBERS Chair: Marcus Sipolt
Vice-Chair: Howard Nute Secretary: Kathy Haake Treasurer: Teri Schwab Immediate Past Chair: Ethan Braunstein
Board Members Michelle Arena Phyllis Banucci Walter Cuculic John Glass Wendy Godfrey Edward Lesser Paul Paparella Vickie Selzer
Director Emeritus Bob Golub Len Huck John Rivers Richard Russell
FOREST HIGHLANDS GOLF CLUB General Manager/COO: Doug Sutter Administrative Assistant: Cori Hilton
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