An endowment created to support the work of Sky Island Alliance into the future.
Why is this important?
The Sky Island region is made special by six biotic influences converging with 55 mountain ranges, desert, and grasslands. This incredible diversity of habitats creates a home for more than 7,000 species, including black bears, jaguars, and more than half of the continent’s birds, as well as creatures found nowhere else on Earth.
Sky Island Alliance was founded 35 years ago on the understanding that the diversity of life in our bi-national region is unique, and with the conviction to protect and advocate for the plants, animals, and landscapes for future generations. We’ve built an unmatched alliance of scientists, conservation organizations, landowners, land and wildlife managers, and community members who care deeply about sustaining the diversity of life and lands in our special region.
In 2022, through a legacy gift from supporter Andrew Odell, we created the Forever Fund held at the Arizona Community Foundation – a giant leap towards organizational sustainability. Investing in the Forever Fund today helps ensure our work as guardians of the Sky Island region into the future.
What are our goals for the fund?
The primary goal of Sky Island Alliance’s board of directors for the Forever Fund is creating long-term organizational sustainability.
Over the next 10 years, our goal is to raise 8 million for the fund. This threshold is where income generated by the Forever Fund would enable SIA programs to operate sustainably and optimally position the organization for future growth.
In 2025, we crossed the $100,000 threshold, our next milestone will be $500,000.
Is a gift to the Forever Fund tax deductable?
Absolutely. A gift to the Forever Fund is a gift to Sky Island Alliance, and we’ll send you a gift reciept just like we always do. We are a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization and our Tax ID is 86-0796748. The only difference is when you make your donation we transefer it into the Forever Fund.
Where is the fund held, and how is it invested?
The Forever Fund is held at the Arizona Community Foundation (ACF). ACF’s mission is to “lead, serve, and collaborate to mobilize enduring philanthropy for a better Arizona,” and they manage over $1.4 billion in assets. Needless to say, we are in good company. You are welcome to talk to ACF staff about the fund by contacting Regional Director for Southeast AZ, Colleen Iuliucci, at ciuliucci@azfoundation.org or by calling her at (520) 505-3678.
We are committed to creating a better world in the Sky Islands and our investments are part of a larger system. We committed to 100% investment in ACF’s Socially Responsible Pool, which grows capital through funds screened for environmental, social, and governance factors. It fits with our mission and values.
How can I support the Forever Fund?
You can give today or plan for later. Click here to make a gift to the fund today. We can also accept checks, donor advised funds, and qualified charitable distributions from a retirement account. But please indicate that your gift is for the Forever Fund.
If you are planning for the future or would like to make a more complex gift to SIA, read on for more information. We can work with you for most any type of gift, for now or later. The most common types of gifts are:
- Electronic Fund Transfers
- Stock
- Donor Advised Funds
- Qualified Charitable Distributions
- Retirement Plan Beneficiary
- Life Insurance Beneficiary
- Gifts From Will or Estate Plans
- Charitable Gift Annuities
- Real Estate
If I have more questions, who can I talk to?
If you want to learn more about the Forever Fund, please contact Louise Misztal at louise@skyislandalliance.org or (520) 624-7080 ext 19.
Testimonials:
Last year we decided to support the Sky Island Alliance Forever Fund. As co-chair of SIA’s board of directors, I see firsthand how careful this organization is when determining which projects to take on and how to allocate funds. The work on landscape rehabilitation, wildlife movement, spring identification and restoration, and invasive species removal is important to the future of our region.”
— Pamela Rossetter
In my 40-year career with the U.S. Forest Service, I partnered with many nonprofits that supported conservation and public service programs. From my experience, I can tell you that SIA is one of the best. They have a focused mission, dedicated board and staff, an inspired volunteer and intern program, and importantly they deliver results for the environment and communities of the Sky Islands.”
— Fran Colwell
If you do decide to include us in your will or estate plans, please let us know. We have a new notification form you can fill out and return, which helps us understand and honor your wishes.
Our Tax ID is 86-0796748