Phoenix, Arizona, December 10, 2025
The Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust has announced the 2025 class of Piper Fellows, celebrating its 25th anniversary. This program focuses on enhancing leadership skills and organizational effectiveness among nonprofit leaders in Maricopa County. Selected leaders will engage in sabbaticals aimed at professional development, offering significant benefits to their organizations, including the potential for $90,000 in grants. As these fellows embark on their journeys, the initiative emphasizes the importance of community leadership in driving positive changes.
PHOENIX, Arizona – The Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust has recently unveiled the 2025 class of Piper Fellows, an initiative celebrating its 25th anniversary. This esteemed program aims to enhance leadership capabilities and boost organizational effectiveness among nonprofit leaders within Maricopa County, providing them with invaluable professional development opportunities.
The 2025 Piper Fellows include notable leaders such as Jolyana Begay-Kroupa, CEO of Phoenix Indian Center, Michael Zirulnik, Executive Director of Arizona Jewish Historical Society, and Debbie Castaldo, Executive Director of Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation, among others. These individuals have been recognized for their unwavering commitment to improving the health, well-being, and opportunities of those in their respective communities.
The Piper Fellows program offers each selected leader a self-designed sabbatical focused on professional development and reflective learning. During this time, they can engage in study, travel, and an intentional respite activity, enabling them to contemplate and integrate their experiences. Furthermore, the Fellowship underscores the importance of investing in the growth of the Fellow’s organization as it also supports related professional development for the staff and board members of their nonprofits.
### Benefits of the Piper Fellowship
The support provided through the Piper Fellowship is robust. Each Fellow has the opportunity to apply for an Organizational Enhancement Award upon completing their sabbatical, which can amount to up to $90,000 in grants for their organization. This financial endorsement further empowers nonprofits to implement new learnings or expand programs that came about as a result of the Fellow’s studies. This significant funding highlights the emphasis placed on community-driven growth and development.
### Strengthening Community Leadership
Established to foster effective leadership within the nonprofit sector, the Piper Fellows program continues to play an essential role in nurturing a network of leaders committed to driving positive changes in Maricopa County. This initiative reflects a core belief that community leaders who are well-equipped can catalyze growth not only in their organizations but also in the broader community.
Additionally, by providing these leaders with time off from their daily responsibilities, the Piper Fellowship allows them to gain fresh perspectives and skills that they can bring back to their organizations. This investment in human capital fosters a spirit of innovation and resilience, allowing nonprofits to adapt to changing social and economic landscapes.
### The Path Forward
As Phoenix continues to grow, initiatives like the Piper Fellows program are vital in ensuring a robust nonprofit sector. By focusing on professional development in a supportive environment, the program nurtures leaders who can better serve their communities while striving to make local Arizona and Maricopa County a more vibrant place for all residents.
Engagement with local nonprofits not only strengthens community ties but also serves as a critical driver for business innovation and social services growth. It’s imperative for the community to support these initiatives as they bolster economic resilience.
In conclusion, the Piper Fellows program remains an essential part of fostering community leadership in Phoenix, underscoring the importance of professional development to enhance organizational effectiveness in the nonprofit sector. As the 2025 fellows embark on this enriching journey, their experiences and potential contributions will undoubtedly resonate throughout the community.
### Call to Action
Residents and businesses in Phoenix are encouraged to support local nonprofits and stay engaged with community initiatives. The growth of the nonprofit sector is crucial for our economic landscape, leading to greater opportunities for collaboration and innovative solutions for local challenges.
### Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Piper Fellows program?
The Piper Fellows program is an initiative by the Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust that offers professional development opportunities to nonprofit leaders in Maricopa County. Each year, selected Fellows receive a self-designed sabbatical focused on study, reflection, and growth to enhance their leadership skills and organizational effectiveness.
Who were selected for the 2025 class of Piper Fellows?
The 2025 Piper Fellows are: Jolyana Begay-Kroupa, Michael Zirulnik, Debbie Castaldo, Valentina Restrepo-Montoya, Jennifer Caraway, Tracy Leonard-Warner, Richard Crews, Shonna James, Lloyd Hopkins, Jaclyn Pederson, Nate Rhoton, and Eric Spicer.
What does the Fellowship provide to the selected leaders?
The Fellowship provides each recipient with a self-designed sabbatical focused on professional development, study, and travel, including an intentional respite activity that allows the Fellow to reflect on learnings. Additionally, the Fellowship supports related professional development for the staff and/or board of a Fellow’s organization. After completing the Fellowship, the Fellow is eligible to apply for an Organizational Enhancement Award to implement learning or programming that emerged as a result of the Fellow’s study. In total, a Piper Fellowship provides up to $90,000 in potential grant awards for a Fellow’s organization.
How can I learn more about the Piper Fellows program?
For more information about the Piper Fellows program and the Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust, please visit their official website.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Program Name | Piper Fellows Program |
| Organized By | Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust |
| Location | Maricopa County, Arizona |
| Number of Fellows in 2025 | 13 |
| Program Duration | Self-designed sabbatical focused on professional development, study, and travel |
| Potential Grant Awards | Up to $90,000 for a Fellow’s organization |
| Eligibility | Nonprofit leaders in Maricopa County with significant responsibilities in human services, health, education, arts and culture, or religious organizations |
| Application Process | Applications open in the spring; specific dates and details available on the official website |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
UMOM New Day Centers Promotes Monique Lopez to Deputy CEO
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
