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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