International Sonoran Desert Alliance

At the International Sonoran Desert Alliance, we design and implement environmental, cultural, real estate and business development projects intended to preserve and enrich the environment, culture and economy of the Sonoran Desert. We are committed to fostering communication, understanding and cooperation among the diverse cultures residing in the area.

The International Sonoran Desert Alliance (ISDA) is a tri-national non-profit organization located in the Colonia of Ajo, Arizona. Representing both indigenous and non-indigenous populations of the U.S. & Mexico, we have come together to provide opportunities for our residents that are otherwise next to non-existent for a rural community. We do this by not only developing creative and sustainable solutions for local issues, but by also providing practical opportunities for all ages in this friendly, yet low income region.

Why should you support ISDA? 100% of all of our donations go directly towards the various programs that we implement every day that benefit the citizens of our unique region. We not only support all demographics within our communities, but also address long term solutions that are specific to the issues that are faced every day. And we do this while we celebrate, preserve, & share the cultural diversities & similarities that inhabit the Sonoran Desert. This year we have earmarked all AZ Gives Day donations for our work to preserve the sacred and irreplaceable site of Quitobaquito Springs | A'al Vaipia.

Program Areas

Historic Preservation and Economic Development: Over the past decade, ISDA has worked to bring the historic town center of Ajo back to life through preservation and renovation on some of the extraordinary examples of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture found there: the Curley School, the Ajo Plaza, and the Sonoran Desert Inn & Conference Center. The Curley School, the historic public school in Ajo, Arizona, was a multi-million-dollar renovation that was converted into 30 affordable live/work rentals for artists, artisans and creative home businesses in 2007. In the summer of 2008, ISDA purchased Ajo's town plaza and began what has been a long and rewarding process of restoration and revitalization. The historic plaza was built in phases beginning in 1917 with completion in 1947. Then in 2011, ISDA began renovations on the furthest west buildings of the Curley School campus, an elementary annex added in 1940s, to transform it into the Sonoran Desert Inn & Conference Center. The Conference Center offers accommodations and meeting services with a menu of authentic cultural, artistic, scientific & outdoor adventures for individuals and groups

Environmental Stewardship & Cultural Preservation: We host a bi-annual Tri-National Symposium to address successes & continuing challenges of conserving the magnificent Sonoran Desert. Organized by representatives from the Tohono O'odham Nation, Mexico, and the United States, the event focuses on cultural and natural resource issues and Native American tribal perspectives. ISDA is also the lead organization in governance and convenings for the Sonoran Desert Bioregion - a UNESCO designated biosphere reserve. As a part of this work, we are collaborating with stakeholders on restoration efforts of Quitobaquito Springs | A'al Vaipia in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument.

Workforce Development: 23% of area residents are currently living below the poverty line & 13% are unemployed. In response, we have implemented employment programs such as a Registered Apprenticeship Program in Building Maintenance and Repair and work-study opportunities for General Education Development (GED) students and other lifelong learners. All of these programs are not only paid programs, but are guided through local mentors who are experts in their trades.

Business Support: ISDA is a business eco-system builder. Through access to capital programs, technical assistance offerings, a business support center and flexible commercial leasing agreements, we are working hard to share some of the risk with local and regional entrepreneurs toward a more resilient and inclusive economy of all.

Financial Assistance: Financial assistance & training programs are a key part of our commitment to providing what support we can to individuals & families. These include volunteer income tax preparation, home repair support, supplemental nutrition assistance, & emergency utility assistance.

Your gift sincerely makes a difference in lives every day. Because of your gift, a working mother is gaining confidence with her money managing habits & no longer feels overwhelmed by her financial problems. Because of your gift, a previously unemployed young father is gaining portable trade skills while also providing for a growing family. Because of your gift, a group of students who have always lacked confidence in their ability to learn will earn their GED.

With ISDA, you are giving more than a donation...