Introducing the 2024 Class of Piper Fellows
PHOENIX – The Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust proudly announces the selection of seven exceptional nonprofit leaders as the 2024 Class of Piper Fellows. This prestigious program serves to empower these individuals to enhance their leadership skills and achieve greater impact within their communities.
Meet the Inspiring Piper Fellows
The 2024 Piper Fellows come from a diverse array of backgrounds, each bringing unique talents and perspectives to the table:
Tami Bohannon
Tami is the president and CEO of the Foundation for Senior Living, playing a pivotal role in enriching the quality of life for seniors across the region.
Ellen Conn
Ellen, serving as general manager of Childsplay, ensures that theatrical performances and educational opportunities reach children and families throughout the community.
Kim Graham
As the CEO of the Arizona Educational Foundation, Kim is dedicated to supporting schools and enhancing educational resources for students statewide.
Christopher Hamby
Christopher is the executive director of TheaterWorks, where he brings performing arts experiences to children and patrons in the Phoenix area.
Kayla Kolar
Kayla serves as the president and CEO of House of Refuge, a nonprofit focused on aiding families in times of need.
Tracy Lindbergh
Tracy, as chief of staff at the Sonoran University of Health Sciences, supports a range of health services and educational programs for students and patients alike.
Jennifer O’Connell
Jennifer, the executive director of Down Syndrome Network, passionately advocates for individuals and families facing challenges in their communities.
The Fellowship Experience
Each Piper Fellow will embark on a self-designed fellowship program, aimed at promoting professional development and enhancing their leadership journey. The program includes various activities, such as hands-on learning experiences, workshops on current nonprofit issues, and opportunities to study successful models from across the sector. A key component of their fellowship will include periods of reflection to apply their new insights after completing each learning module.
Furthermore, the fellowship extends its benefits to the staff and board members of the respective organizations led by the fellows. After completing the program, alumni have the opportunity to apply for an Organizational Enhancement Award. This funding is intended to promote and implement innovative projects inspired by their fellowship experiences, with potential awards reaching up to $90,000 for their organizations.
Reflections from Leadership
Steve Zabilski, president and CEO of the Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust, shares insights on the importance of the fellowship program. "When I interact with our Piper Fellows, I often reflect on Virginia Piper's profound message about the stewardship of charitable giving. Investing in nonprofit leaders through these fellowships embodies this spirit," he remarked. He recognizes that the fellows are adaptive leaders committed to refining their approaches to better serve their communities.
Notable past fellow Darlene Newsom highlighted the transformative power of the fellowship experience. After being awarded a fellowship in 2011, she established Helpings Café and Catering, a social enterprise creating training opportunities for individuals experiencing homelessness. Today, this initiative stands as a testament to the meaningful impacts from the Piper Fellowship.
Future Opportunities
The Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust plans to open applications for the 2025 Class of Piper Fellows in spring 2025, inviting more nonprofit leaders to join this impactful program and continue fostering positive change across the community.
About Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust
The Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust is dedicated to supporting organizations that enhance health, well-being, and opportunities for individuals within Maricopa County. Since its inception in 2000, the trust has invested over $736 million into local nonprofits and continues to focus on various critical areas such as healthcare, education, arts and culture, and more. For further information about its initiatives, visit pipertrust.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Piper Fellowship?
The Piper Fellowship aims to empower nonprofit leaders through professional development, enabling them to enhance their leadership skills and community impact.
Who are the 2024 Piper Fellows?
The 2024 Piper Fellows include leaders from organizations such as the Foundation for Senior Living, Childsplay, and House of Refuge.
How much funding can organizations receive through the fellowship?
Piper Fellows may apply for an Organizational Enhancement Award, which can provide up to $90,000 for their organizations.
When will the next fellowship applications open?
Applications for the 2025 Class of Piper Fellows will open in spring 2025.
How long has the Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust been awarding grants?
The trust has been awarding grants since 2000, supporting impactful projects and nonprofits across Maricopa County.
