Sonoran Prevention Works
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
Sonoran Prevention Works mission is building a healthy Arizona with people who use drugs. We envision an Arizona where justice, autonomy & wellbeing are guaranteed for people who use drugs.
- Income
- $4.9 million
- Spending
- $5.3 million
- Spent on programs
- 71%
- Reserves
- 3.2 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- government grants, 95%
- Employees
- 48
- Volunteers
- 200
- Highest pay
- $102,210, interim executive director
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Good: 70 out of 100. Higher than 43% of charities in its peer group (health care, $1m to $10m).
Reserves
20 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 3.2 months of spending.
Debt
16 of 20It owes 17% of what it owns.
Living within its means
4 of 15Spending exceeded income by 7% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 5% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1571% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 4 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Good: 88 out of 100. Higher than 46% of charities in its peer group (health care, $1m to $10m).
Independent board
25 of 258 of 8 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
0 of 5Reports no independent review process for its chief executive's pay.
Independent check of accounts
15 of 15Its accounts were audited 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, 2024, 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)
- $2.0 million spent. Our programs include harm reduction outreach, where staff create opportunities for meaningful change through participant driven, holistic goal setting while assisting with practical issues like transportation, insurance, obtaining vital docs, or finding stable housing. HIV & Hepatitis C testers conduct community based testing, education and linkage to care. We ensure that safety supplies are available to people who use drugs and those who love them throughout AZ. Our syringe service program provides safe disposal of used and access to new syringes as well as naloxone, fentanyl test strips, wound care and hygiene supplies via street outreach, fixed sites, home delivery and harm reduction by mail.
- $1.6 million spent. Supporting people who use drugs at the institutional leval by offering training, education, and technical assistance for organizations who interact with people who use drugs and the community at large. Supporting people who use drugs directly, with an emphais on people identifying as women and those involved in the criminal legal system, through workshops and more individualized referrals.
- $195,167 spent. Staff and volunteers distribute naloxone and fentanyl test strips to people at risk of overdose and others who may be in a position to assist, while providing trainingon how to use them.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, 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 October 13, 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 October 13, 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 October 13, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2024.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since January 2014.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 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 21, 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.