Arizona

The Phoenix-based Arizona Community Foundation, in partnership with Republic Media and Arizona State University's Morrison Institute for Public Policy, has announced the five finalists for the $250,000 Water Innovation Challenge, the second philanthropic prize competition offered under the New Arizona Prize initiative. The finalists are Arizona State University Foundation for a New American University, the City of Phoenix, Friends of Verde River Greenway, Freshwater Systems, and the Pima County Regional Wastewater Reclamation Project Department. Each finalist will pitch solutions aimed at addressing water use challenges in the region to an eighteen-member evaluation panel on November 3.

California

The San Diego Foundation has announced that its Ramona Community Foundation affiliate has awarded grants totaling $39,700 to ten nonprofits in support of civil engagement projects in the community. Recipients include ArtReach, Lutheran Social Services of Southern California, Young Audiences of San Diego, and Ramona Meals on Wheels.

Louisiana

The Greater New Orleans Foundation has awarded $25,000 in matching funds to the Coliseum Square Association, UptownMessenger.com reports. The association raised more than $68,000 toward its endowment to repair and refresh parks and fountains in the city's Lower Garden District. According to UptownMessenger, the GNOF board is considering matching the funds at a higher level and will make a decision in November.

New York

The Brooklyn Community Foundation has announced the election of attorney Nicole Gueron to its board of directors. The co-founder of law firm Clarick Gueron Reisbaum, Gueron previously served as deputy chief trial counsel to Andrew Cuomo when he was attorney general of New York State.

Ohio

The Cleveland Foundation has announced the retirement of several longtime staffers. In addition to executive vice president Robert E. Eckardt, who will retire on December 31 after thirty-five years with the foundation, administrative services manager Jan Carpenter is stepping down on November 30 after forty-one years with the foundation and Jim Bickel, director of technology, is retiring in December after fifteen years with the foundation.

Pennsylvania

The Philadelphia Foundation has appointed Lois Gabin-Legato as its new vice president of institutional advancement.

Vermont

The Vermont Community Foundation in Middlebury has elected James "Jake" G. Wheeler, Jr. as chairman of its board of directors. A board member since 2009, Wheeler has served as vice chair for the past two years.

Wisconsin

The Oshkosh Area Community Foundation has announced Katie Neitzel as its new development and communications coordinator. In that role, Neitzel will split time between the foundation and its Women's Fund.