Four local non-profit agencies were honored for their impact and innovation at the second annual achievement awards, presented by the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona.

The agencies, selected from approximately 2,500 local charitable, arts and educational groups in metropolitan Tucson, were recognized as examples of the best in what foundation President and Chief Executive Officer Steve Alley called, "The third sector of our economy."

Alley said the foundation has learned through its 25 years of operation in Tucson, where it has given $56 million in directed and competitive grants, "that we can't make good grants if there aren't quality organizations."

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By recognizing the best practices, he sad the Community Foundation can encourage non-profit organizations to emulate them. Alley said, "Non-profits are really the backbone of what is right in this community, our recognition that only by a commitment to common goals can we accomplish our vision."

Honored for their impact on the Tucson area were Administration of Resources and Choices, an assistance program for elderly victims of domestic violence, and Family Counseling Agency of Tucson and its senior companion program, which brings together senior volunteers with elderly or disabled people needing companionship, transportation or other non-physical assistance.

Honored for their innovation were Miracle Square Project, which provides affordable housing for the elderly and disabled, and the Microbusiness Advancement Center of Southern Arizona, which has launched a Spanish-language business training program for women and minority business owners in the Tucson area.

Each of the achievement award winners received a plaque, as well as an unrestricted grant for $5,000. The top eight nominees also recognized at the foundation's April 14 luncheon—the Funhouse Movement Theatre, Opening Minds through the Arts, Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Tucson, the Rotary Club of Tucson Foundation, American Parkinson Disease Association, Linkages, Arizona's Children Association and Wingspan—received an unrestricted $500 grant.

Philip S. Moore may be contacted at pmoore@azbiz.com or at (520) 295-4238.