ACF of Cochise

Over 30 years ago, Sky Island Alliance was formed by a group of passionate people who recognized the need to protect the Sky Island region, which spans southern Arizona, northern Sonora, and the southwest corner of New Mexico and where six biotic influences meet and 55 mountain ranges tower over desert and grasslands. This incredible diversity of habitat creates a home for more than 7,000 species, including black bears, jaguars, more than half of the continent’s birds, and creatures found nowhere else on Earth. 

In 2022, SIA took a big step into the future. Through a legacy gift from supporter Andrew O’Dell, they created the Forever Fund in partnership with the Arizona Community Foundation. They chose ACF, in part, because of the foundation’s large asset pool, which allows their fund to weather financial ups and downs. They were also drawn to the foundation’s socially and environmentally screened investments.  

Their goal is to raise enough money in the next 10 years to support 50% of their annual operations into the future, so they can keep doing their work in the Sky Islands through science, conservation, education, advocacy, and volunteerism. 

For more information about partnering with the Arizona Community Foundation and the benefits of being a nonprofit fundholder, contact Regional Director Angie Laskarides.

Photo courtesy of Sky Island Alliance