The Phoenix Philanthropy Group partners with organizations and individuals to build the strategies and resources to optimize their impact on our global society. We have served over 200 clients in education, human and community services, arts and culture, healthcare, social justice, and the environment in the Southwest and around the world.
Richard Tollefson established Phoenix Philanthropy in 2004 after a successful career in fundraising and advancement management. Prior to starting Phoenix Philanthropy, Richard served as vice president for institutional advancement at his alma mater, Thunderbird School of Global Management. At Thunderbird, he managed two comprehensive fundraising campaigns, raising funds and managing constituent engagement programs in 26 countries; 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. Throughout 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.
Richard has also been a highly active volunteer, serving on the Boards of Directors of Social Venture Partners International, Social Venture Partners Arizona, The Giving Institute, and Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) District VII. He is on the Advisory Council for Arizona Community Foundation’s Kellenberger + Tollefson Center for LGBTQ Philanthropy and Tollefson + Kellenberger Forum for Social Justice, and he is active in the Association of Fundraising Professionals.