ASU Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation

08/28/2026

What does accountability really look like for a nonprofit organization?

Transparency about finances and operations matters—but communities should also be able to ask whether an organization is delivering the services it promises.

In our latest blog post, MNLM alumna Wendi Lewis draws from her experience in the Hopi community to explore the need for stronger accountability systems between nonprofits and the communities they serve.

Building trust starts with being willing to ask - and answer - the important questions.

Read more: https://lodestar.asu.edu/blog/2026/08/making-case-accountability-systems-nonprofit-organizations

ASU Watts College of Public Service & Community Solutions ASU School of Community Resources and Development

08/20/2026

Nonprofits ask their employees to take on some of society’s most challenging work. But passion alone can’t sustain a workforce.

Investing in employees, from fair compensation and meaningful benefits to flexibility, recognition and opportunities for growth, isn’t just an HR issue. It’s an investment in the mission.

In our latest blog post, MNLM alumnus Tanner Swanson explores why workforce sustainability and mission sustainability go hand in hand.

Read more: https://lodestar.asu.edu/blog/2026/08/when-nonprofits-underinvest-their-people-they-undercut-their-mission

ASU Watts College of Public Service & Community Solutions ASU School of Community Resources and Development

08/13/2026

Independent Sector's National Summit is coming to Phoenix in just two months, kicking off on October 13. As part of the planning committee, we couldn't be more excited for these three days of learning, networking and collaborating with nonprofit, philanthropic and corporate giving professionals from across the country.

Learn more about tickets, programming and speakers, including our own Robert Ashcraft, in this Independent Sector post ⬇️ and on their website: https://summit.independentsector.org

Our team can't wait to bring nonprofits and philanthropies together in Phoenix at Independent Sector's National Summit 2026!

We're grateful to our host committee, Arizona partners, proposal reviewers, and subcommittees for dedicating their time and energy to build something special for the charitable sector.

The summit provides a space for us to learn new skills, strategize to tackle challenges, and spark inspiration.
Get your ticket today! 👉 https://summit.independentsector.org/

08/12/2026

Cultural nonprofits need diverse funding sources to keep their programs going, and they have lots of options available to use!

In our new blog post (link in bio), we dive into those options and how they can help sustain an organization in the long term financially.

ASU Watts College of Public Service & Community Solutions ASU School of Community Resources and Development

08/06/2026

Advocacy could be the catalyst for mission impact for your organization.

Our newest blog post gives a structured approach to advocacy to achieve more for your organization strategically.

Read it here: https://lodestar.asu.edu/blog/2026/08/advocacy-catalyst-nonprofit-impact

ASU Watts College of Public Service & Community Solutions ASU School of Community Resources and Development

08/04/2026

Nonprofits are still trusted in the U.S., according to a new report from Independent Sector.

ASU Watts College of Public Service & Community Solutions ASU School of Community Resources and Development

07/31/2026

As you look ahead and start planning for the next year, having reliable compensation data can make all the difference for your nonprofit.

The 2026 Nonprofit Compensation & Benefits Report from the ASU Lodestar Center provides benchmarking data on salaries, wages and employee benefits offered by nonprofit organizations in Maricopa, Pima and Pinal counties.

Whether you're building next year's budget, reviewing compensation, or preparing for hiring, the report offers local insights to help guide your decisions.

Get your copy of the report: https://lodestar.asu.edu/research/2026-nonprofit-compensation-and-b

ASU Watts College of Public Service & Community Solutions ASU School of Community Resources and Development

07/30/2026

What does long-term sustainability really look like for nonprofits?

Building a resilient organization requires more than balancing today's budget. It means planning strategically, investing in people, adapting to change, and creating systems that support lasting impact.

Our newest blog explores actionable ideas nonprofit leaders can use to strengthen their organizations and prepare for the future.

Read the full blog: https://lodestar.asu.edu/blog/2026/07/taking-action-ensure-sustainability-and-growth-nonprofit

What strategies have helped your organization remain resilient? We'd love to hear your perspective in the comments.

ASU Watts College of Public Service & Community Solutions ASU School of Community Resources and Development

07/23/2026

That's a wrap on another year of Public Allies Arizona! Congratulations to all the graduates!

These Allies have spent the last 10 months growing as leaders and making a difference in their communities with their Partner Organizations. We can't wait to see the great things they will do in the future!

Thank you to Helios Education Foundation for hosting our graduation ceremony.

Public Allies ASU School of Community Resources and Development ASU Watts College of Public Service & Community Solutions

07/17/2026

Everyone has heard the adage, "it's not what you know, it's who you know." Who you know can make a huge difference for making an impact for your organization. Strategically growing your network can give you people to reach out to for resources that you might not have.

Our new blog shows just how strategic networking can improve nonprofit missions: https://lodestar.asu.edu/blog/2026/07/strategic-networking-underrated-driver-nonprofit-mission-outcomes

ASU Watts College of Public Service & Community Solutions ASU School of Community Resources and Development