ACF of the Gila Valley

Since 1997, the Arizona Community Foundation of the Gila Valley has supported local donors, community members, nonprofits, and students with the passion and expertise that drive effective, long-lasting impact.

Serving Graham & Greenlee counties

This regional office focuses on mobilizing enduring philanthropy for those in Graham and Greenlee counties. We are staffed with people who reside in and are passionate for these communities. With back-office support from our central office, ACF of the Gila Valley can focus on community building and local donor development.

Establish a Fund

One of the best ways to invest locally is to start a charitable fund. You can get started in as little as one meeting with Regional Director Colleen Iuliucci.

One of the best ways to invest locally is to start a charitable fund. You can get started in as little as one meeting with Regional Director Colleen Iuliucci.

Give Now

Support Graham and Greenlee counties through a gift to one of our local funds.

Field of wild flowers
Local Impact

Friends of the Library Transform Early Literacy

Performer Jazzy Ash performs for an audience of children, caregivers, and teachers.

In 2024,

a profound act of dedication was honored

1 of 24

organizations recognized by the Library of Congress

2,000

children, caregivers, and teachers in Graham and Greenlee counties enjoyed a three-day artist residency

The Safford City-Graham County Library is a vibrant hub of community connection, lifelong learning, and creativity. Since 1976, the nonprofit organization Friends of the Safford CityGraham County Library has championed this vital institution, advancing its growth and innovation through dedicated advocacy and financial support. 

Engaging the community’s youngest learners in literacy and educational initiatives has flourished thanks to the Friends of the Safford City-Graham County Library’s support of the numerous programs that the library hosts. One of those programs is the Early Literacy Concert Series, which includes a three-day residency where more than 2,000 community members attend performances, teacher workshops, and family reading sessions.

“If you’ve ever seen a kindergarten through second grade audience fill a theater of 1,000 seats, they are all on their feet dancing for 45 minutes,” said Victoria Silva, Library Director. “They don’t simply sit and listen to the performance. The teachers love it because they’re working on various skill sets, touching on fine and small motor skills. The kids are having a blast. They go home exhausted.” 

A key element in sustaining success for Friends of the Safford City-Graham County Library has been the establishment of nonprofit endowment and reserve funds at the Arizona Community Foundation. These funds not only aid in funding signature programs like the Early Literacy Concert Series but the funds are invested to secure the library’s ability to innovate and serve the community into the future.

If a community does not embrace the concept of partnership, they're in trouble. Nobody can do this alone, especially rural communities. Somebody has to step up and help out.
Headshot of Paulette LeBlanc

Paulette LeBlanc

President of the Friends of the Safford City-Graham County Library

For Nonprofits

Grants are available year-round for nonprofits serving the Gila Valley.

Local Leadership

ACF of the Gila Valley is guided by local community members who enhance our work.