Be among the first to learn the findings of the 2026 Giving USA Annual Report at this exclusive presentation hosted by AFP Greater Arizona. As the nation's longest-running and most respected study of charitable giving—now in its 66th year—Giving USA provides the essential insights nonprofit leaders need to understand the evolving philanthropic landscape.
Featured presenter Richard Tollefson, Founder and President of The Phoenix Philanthropy Group, will unpack the latest national giving trends, reveal what's driving donor behavior, and highlight the opportunities and challenges shaping philanthropy today.
Following the report presentation, an esteemed panel of Arizona philanthropic leaders will discuss "Philanthropy Moves at the Speed of Trust," exploring how organizations can deepen donor relationships through transparency, authentic communication, and meaningful stewardship in an era of rising donor expectations.
Leave with fresh perspectives, actionable strategies, and valuable connections that will help your organization strengthen fundraising efforts and thrive in the year ahead.
Giving USA Presenter:
Richard L. Tollefson, Jr.
Founder & President
The Phoenix Philanthropy Group
The values and identity of The Phoenix Philanthropy Group are a reflection of its founder and president. “I believe in the greater good and our role in it,” Richard says. “It’s what drives me, and us, to empower our clients to optimize their impact and generate lasting change in the world.”
Richard’s passion for development and the nonprofit sector was inspired by his parents. “They were ‘can do, must do’ people – hard-working volunteers, effective and transformative community leaders, and engaged philanthropists.”
As an adult, Richard has aspired to achieve similar leadership and impact. As the vice president for institutional advancement at his alma mater, Thunderbird School of Global Management, he managed two comprehensive fundraising campaigns, raising funds and managing constituent engagement programs in 26 countries, and secured the largest-ever naming gift to a college or business school in the world at the time. Richard transformed Thunderbird’s alumni association into a global professional association, created a corporate relationship management structure to generate revenue and manage relationships across all parts of the institution, and managed conferences, seminars, and events around the world. Over his career, Richard successfully guided many other acclaimed arts, culture, and educational institutions, including Master Chorale of Orange County, The Joffrey Ballet, the University of Arizona, and Arizona State University, where he was part of the campaign leadership team.
Richard was the 2015 recipient of Social Venture Partners’ highest honor, the Paul Shoemaker Leadership Award, and is a past recipient of the Outstanding Fundraiser of the Year award from the Arizona chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.
Richard has also been a highly active volunteer, serving on the Boards of Directors of Social Venture Partners International, Social Venture Partners Arizona, Giving Institute, and Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) District VII; on the Advisory Council for Arizona Community Foundation’s Kellenberger + Tollefson Center for LGBTQ Philanthropy and Tollefson + Kellenberger Forum for Social Justice; and is active in the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Richard sums up his career thus: “I do well by doing good, living my personal and professional dreams at the same time.”
Meet our Panelists:
Dr. Angela M. Allen
Member
ACF Black Philanthropy Initiative & African American Women's Empowerment Giving Circle
Dr. Angela M. Allen has a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) from Arizona State University College of Health Innovation, a Master of Education/Educational Specialists (EdS), a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) and a Bachelor of Science (BSN) and is currently completing her Master’s Public Health (MPH) at University of Arizona.
For the past 15 years, Dr. Allen has been in the role of Clinical Research Program Director at Banner Health, where she has focused on mentoring and evaluating outcomes of various research programs, as well as the principal investigator of several research studies in clinical, academic and community settings. Her work has been disseminated through numerous publications, podium, and poster presentations at regional and national conferences.
Dr. Allen has a long history of professional commitment to education, starting as a secondary high school teacher and principal. She has over 18 years of experience in postsecondary education at Arizona State University as a Clinical Professor teaching evidence-based practice, research methods, culture and health, and gerontological nursing.
Her work includes participating in research and community engagement with the Arizona Community Engagement Alliance (AZCEAL) on COVID-19 Disparities and now promoting health equity post pandemic using the Social Determinants of Health initiative with the Arizona Department of Health and Mayo Clinic.
Dr. Allen is most proud of her work in philanthropy. She is a member of the Arizona Community Foundation’s Black Philanthropy Initiative and African American Women’s Giving Empowerment Circle which collectively has distributed more than 2 million dollars to over 200 organizations in the valley, as well as a board member of The Larry C. Tripplett, Sr. Foundation.
Tom Egan
Executive Director
Diane and Bruce Halle Foundation
Tom Egan is the Executive Director at the Diane and Bruce Halle Foundation. In this role, he leads Arizona’s largest philanthropic foundation, aligning resources to social issues important to the family. There he is responsible for all aspects of day to-day operations, including grantmaking, evaluation, strategic planning, and community relations.
Throughout his career, Tom has led healthcare and human service nonprofits. Prior to his current role, he served as the President and CEO of FSL, an Arizona-based health and community development organization. Hailing from Buffalo, NY, and now making a significant impact in Phoenix, he brings a wealth of experience and expertise that spans three decades.
The Diane and Bruce Halle Foundation, under his leadership, funds nonprofit organizations addressing critical needs in human services, health and medical care, education, arts and culture, and spirituality. His commitment to providing basic human needs, promoting health and independence, and supporting spiritual purposes reflects a deep dedication to creating positive societal change.
Beyond his professional achievements, he is an alum of Vistage, and served on various boards and task forces addressing critical societal issues.
Larry C. Tripplett, Sr.
Entrepreneur, Philanthropist
Mr. Larry C. Tripplett, Sr. inspires entrepreneurs with his philosophy: If your plan isn’t working, adjust it— and never give up. Always have a backup plan.
A graduate of Washington High School in Los Angeles, he earned both his B.A. and M.A. in Education Administration from California State University, Long Beach, pursued doctoral studies at UCLA, and obtained Standard Secondary and Administrative Life Credentials. His career began in education as a teacher and administrator, ultimately serving as principal of Linwood High School. He later shifted into entrepreneurship, becoming a licensed real estate broker and building a successful business career.
Mr. Tripplett now owns nine McDonald’s restaurants in the San Francisco Bay Area, served four terms as Chairman and CEO of the National Black McDonald’s Operators Association (NBMOA), owns multiple Los Angeles real estate properties, and is the owner of the Comfort Suites State Farm Arena Hotel in Glendale, Arizona.
He is also a dedicated philanthropist. In 2023, the Larry C. Tripplett, Sr. Family Center opened at the Ronald McDonald House Children’s Hospital in Oakland. He served more than 12 years on the Ronald McDonald House at Stanford Board and 12 years on Stanford University’s School of Education Advisory Board.
In 2024, the Boys and Girls Club in East Palo Alto unveiled the Larry C. Tripplett Gymnasium, honoring his leadership as former board president, during which he helped raise over $8 million to build the East Palo Alto Clubhouse and guided major renovations of the East Menlo Park Clubhouse. He is also the founding treasurer of the “Center for a New Generation,” established with Condoleezza Rice.
A steadfast advocate for generational wealth, Mr. Tripplett believes that his success today lays the groundwork for his children’s and grandchildren’s success tomorrow.
Lyndsey Waugh
Executive Director
Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation
Lyndsey Waugh is Executive Director of the Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Sprouts Farmers Market. Since joining Sprouts following the company's IPO in 2014, she has helped grow the Foundation from a concept into a nationally recognized philanthropy advancing nutrition education, healthy food access, and wellness. Today, the Foundation supports more than 600 grassroots nonprofit organizations and nearly 10,000 schools working to improve health outcomes in communities coast to coast.
Known for her collaborative approach, Lyndsey connects organizations, leaders, and ideas across sectors to strengthen local solutions. She works alongside community partners, following their lead and drawing on their expertise to shape how the Foundation invests, engages, and shows up locally. By leveraging the reach and resources of Sprouts, she helps translate shared purpose into collective impact.
Lyndsey also founded the National School Garden Summit, the largest gathering dedicated to advancing school garden education in the United States. She serves on nonprofit and advisory boards focused on nutrition, health, and place-based community development.
Ticket Prices
Members - $45
Nonmembers - $60
