Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust Achieves $300 Million Milestone in Grantmaking

VIRGINIA G. PIPER CHARITABLE TRUST Press Release
December 10, 2012

Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust Achieves $300 Million Milestone in Grantmaking
Quality of Life in Maricopa County is Strengthened by Piper Trust’s Investments Over Past 12 Years

PHOENIX, Ariz.—Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust, a private foundation that honors the legacy of Virginia Galvin Piper, achieved a grantmaking milestone by investing more than $300 million in nonprofits and programs over the past 12 years. A grant award to Arizona Opera for $250,000 marks this defining moment in Piper Trust’s history.

Annually, Maricopa County’s 10 largest (public and private) foundations invest approximately $156 million in nonprofits and programs; the 10 largest private foundations in Maricopa County invest approximately $93 million.

“This is a significant point in time for all philanthropies in Greater Phoenix that have come of age together and work daily as partners to elevate best practices within our nonprofits, establish state-of-the-art facilities in our communities, and support programs that enhance quality of life for all,” said Judy Jolley Mohraz, president and CEO, Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust. “We also applaud the nonprofit community’s extraordinary contributions over the years and particularly during times of economic distress—their innovative nature and drive for excellence are invaluable to the health of our state,” said Mohraz.

Arizona’s nonprofit sector is a major force in the state’s economy. In 2010, Arizona nonprofits contributed an estimated $19.9 billion, or 8 percent, of Arizona’s Gross Domestic Product.

Over the past 12 years, Piper Trust has strengthened the nonprofit sector and quality of life in Greater Phoenix through strategic grantmaking in the areas of healthcare and medical research, children, older adults, arts and culture, education, and religious organizations. Some significant examples of Piper Trust supported initiatives include:

• The Partnership for Personalized Medicine—a collaboration of Arizona State University’s Biodesign Institute, the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, and various international partners. The collective effort is creating an Arizona hub for personalized medicine and diagnostics focused on disease prevention and early detection.

• The Arizona Parents Kit (now administered by First Things First)—the toolkit provides expert advice, parenting tips, and national and local resources to help parents navigate their children’s first critical years. On average, 65,000 Arizona Parents Kits are distributed annually to new parents statewide through hospitals and other health providers.

• Experience Matters—initially a pilot project, Experience Matters has grown into a major nonprofit organization that connects people age 50+ with meaningful, social impact work. Experience Matters’ work has contributed to Greater Phoenix’s success in becoming a national laboratory for innovative programs that match the talents of baby boomers with the professional and social purpose needs of nonprofits.

• Building Strong Nonprofits—assist organizations through Piper Fellowships, Piper Academies, and other programs and grants. Over the past several years, Piper Trust increased its capacity building activities that support nonprofits during the economic downturn and help equip grantees with innovative management ideas and technical assistance.

“It is very meaningful to be the organization connected to Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust reaching its $300 million dollar investment milestone. Arizona Opera has received substantial support from the Trust and our most recent grant will enable us to offer a range of new cultural activities and serve as a venue for other organizations to present new work—we are grateful and excited about the future,” said Scott Altman, general director, Arizona Opera.

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About Piper Trust:
A private independent foundation, Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust honors Virginia Galvin Piper’s philanthropic commitment to changing lives and strengthening community in Maricopa County (Arizona). By investing in nonprofits and encouraging strategic planning for the future, Piper Trust strives to make Maricopa County a stronger, more nurturing, and vibrant community. Since it began awarding grants in 2000, Piper Trust has invested more than $300 million in local nonprofits and programs. The Trust had total grants paid of $21.9 million in fiscal year 2012. Piper Trust grantmaking areas are healthcare and medical research, children, older adults, arts and culture, education and religious organizations. For more information, visit www.pipertrust.org. Follow us on Twitter @PiperTrust / Like us on Facebook.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Karen Leland, 480-556-7125 / kleland@pipertrust.org
Director, Communications and External Relations
Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust
1202 East Missouri Avenue
Phoenix, Arizona  85014