December 2008 enewsletter

Piper Staff Note

December always brings a new class of Piper Trust Fellows. Since 2001, the Trust has created sabbaticals for a small group of Valley nonprofit leaders to retool, refresh and renew their skills. I was a fellow myself in the '02 class: What an opportunity it was! As executive director of the Foundation for Blind Children at the time, I was able to establish a new low vision clinic for Arizona and significantly expand assistive technology services for blind and visually impaired children and adults through the knowledge I gained on sabbatical. The 2008 Piper Fellows are an impressive group of four leaders with specific plans to learn and reflect and, like all Piper Fellows, improve the community in which we live. Check out their sabbatical plans below.

Piper Fellowship

2008 Piper Fellows (from
top left): Daniel Scoggin,
Mark Nelson, Edmundo Hidalgo, John Swagert, M.D.

Piper Trust names four 2008 Piper Fellows
Sabbaticals for Nonprofit Leaders Provide Professional Development, Renewal
Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust awarded Piper Fellowships to four exemplary nonprofit leaders who will participate in self-designed sabbaticals for professional development and renewal. The 2008 Piper Fellows are Edmundo Hidalgo, Chicanos Por La Causa; Mark Nelson, Foundation for Blind Children; Daniel Scoggin, Great Hearts Academies; and John Swagert, M.D., Mountain Park Health Center. Read more…

Learn more about the Piper Fellows Program…

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Piper Trust News

Virginia Galvin Piper's
biography is now available
online.

A new biography of
Virginia Galvin Piper
The year 2009 will mark the 10th anniversary of Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust. As a tribute to Mrs. Piper, the trustees commissioned a new biography. Written by Melissa Pritchard, the biography is a compilation of over 100 interviews with people who knew Virginia Galvin Piper.

Read Devotedly, Virginia; The Life of Virginia Galvin Piper…

Read an interview with author Melissa Pritchard…

Dear Editor
To our good friends at Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust
I have just read the opening pages of the 07-08 annual report, which opens, During 2009, we will celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust. I could not but help reflect a little. Read more…

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Grantee Highlights

Hospice of the Valley

Therapy animals brighten hospice patients' days
Hospice of the Valley, December 10, 2008
Louis Garno lifted his hand and began to pat the soft fur of Riley, a golden retriever that owner Diane Elliott had brought to the Gardiner Home in Phoenix. "He likes that," Elliott said recently as Garno gave a little tap on Riley's head. Soon the Hospice of the Valley patient was smiling and thinking back to a dog his son had owned. Read more…

Tips for a safe holiday season
American Red Cross - Grand Canyon Chapter, November 25, 2008
The holiday season is upon us. The Grand Canyon Chapter offers some safety tips to prepare you and your family for a safe and enjoyable holiday season… Read more…

AZ policies have improved education, child care and healthcare for working families
Children's Action Alliance, November 25, 2008
Children's Action Alliance reported that Arizona's investments in education, child care and healthcare paid off for many Arizonans in recent years. The recently updated The State of Working Arizona shows… Read more…

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In the Media

Community involvement and growth linked
Philanthropy Journal, December 15, 2008
The more emotionally involved residents are in their communities, the more the communities grow economically, says a new study. "The study is especially important in the current economic crisis because, beyond addressing immediate needs, communities will have to make smart choices… Read more…

Trying to spread the giving spirit
The Chronicle of Philanthropy, December 11, 2008
Holiday fund-raising season began a lot earlier than usual at many charities across the country. Seeking ways to offset the effects of the deepening recession, nonprofit groups are working harder and trying new tactics…
Read more…

Nonprofits start franchising
The Nonprofit Times, December 1, 2008
It's not unusual for a nonprofit to do a lot of mailings. It is uncommon when the charity is mailing for someone else, such as what Woburn, Mass.-based nonprofit CMARC is doing… Read more…

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Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust
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