Grand Canyon Institute
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
The Grand Canyon Institute (GCI) is a non-partisan think tank that provides fact-based research and education to decision-makers and the public on policies that affect the economic, fiscal and social future of Arizona. The principal objective of GCI is to elevate the fiscal and economic implications of policy initiatives and decisions for the benefit of policymakers, the media, and the general public.
- Income
- $74,414
- Spending
- $92,258
- Reserves
- 9.9 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 100%
- Highest pay
- $15,711, executive director
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Fair: 69 out of 100. Higher than 41% of charities in its peer group (civil rights, under $250k).
Reserves
28 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 9.9 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 0% of what it owns.
Living within its means
0 of 15Spending exceeded income by 24% of income.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
This organization files the short tax form, which does not ask about boards, policies or audits. That is normal for a small charity and is not a mark against it.
Source: Form 990EZ 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 (4)
- $35,363 spent. Survey to determine if Arizona voters would support a paid family and medical leave program in the state. The survey was led by GCI in partnership with Arizona Center for Empowerment, the Arizona Early Childhood Alliance, and the Arizona Center for Economic Progress. The survey was conducted with support from Pritzker Children's Initiative.
- $7,700 spent. Review of fiscal impact of transferring federal lands to Arizona.
- $5,925 spent. Review of pilot program regarding disciplinary records and if data would impact use of Advanced Weapons Detection Systems at schools
- $21,418 spent. General research projects in addition to a survey of full-time workers by occupational level and union membership of Sky Harbor Airport workers. Analyses including but not limited to: Housing security (cost relative to income, late on rent/mortgage/whether expect to pay rent next month), Moving and children (looking for multiple moves in households with children (undermines academic success), Food Security Index tabulation, Incomes relative to family size. open ended comments categorized). Other research includes but is not limited to costs of Universal ESA Voucher Program.
Source: Form 990EZ 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 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 November 6, 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 2025.
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 March 2012.
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 November 4, 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.