Arizona Forward Association
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
See Schedule O
- Income
- $919,220
- Spending
- $739,771
- Spent on programs
- 67%
- Reserves
- 6.4 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 58%
- Employees
- 4
- Volunteers
- 350
- Highest pay
- $178,603, president/ceo
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Good: 89 out of 100. Higher than 73% of charities in its peer group (community improvement, $250k to $1m).
Reserves
28 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 6.4 months of spending.
Debt
16 of 20It owes 26% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 20% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 28% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1567% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 20 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Good: 84 out of 100. Higher than 65% of charities in its peer group (community improvement, $250k to $1m).
Independent board
25 of 2528 of 28 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
8 of 8Has a written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
0 of 7Reports no written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
5 of 5Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.
Independent check of accounts
6 of 15Its accounts were not audited or reviewed by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Impact evidence
Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.
Programs described in its return (3)
- $146,573 spent. Annual Arizona Forward Environmental Excellence Awards For over 41 years, the Annual Environmental Excellence Awards recognizes outstanding contributions to the physical environment of local communities. It spotlights distinguished projects throughout Arizona that demonstrate a high level of environmental commitment and contribute to overall sustainability. The coveted Crescordia Award sets standards for the exceptional physical, technical and social development in Arizona. Ten broad categories include buildings and structures, livable communities, site development and landscape, art in public places, environmental technologies, environmental education, communication and environmental stewardship. The program serves as a benchmark for promoting sustainability, conserving natural resources and preserving unique desert environment for future generations.
- $30,305 spent. Annual Statewide Sustainability Summit Members participated in conversations with leaders and experts to address Arizona issues. The Statewide Sustainability Summit has a focus on ensuring Arizona thrives in the next decade. Panels included sustainability experts on climate impact and experts on energy, water, agriculture, governmental and resiliency.
- $321,632 spent. The various programs and seminars support, advocate and promote aesthetic, cultural, environmental and quality of life interest in the State of Arizona. Emerging Sustainability Leaders This diverse group of outstanding individuals learned to apply new skills to advance sustainability in their organizations and the community.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.
Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.
Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 30, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.
On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.
Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 10, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2025.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since January 1972.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.
Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.
Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 7, 2026.
Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.