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Iskashitaa Refugee Network

EIN 45-5067244 · Tucson, AZ

Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthFair53 out of 100GovernanceWeak47 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

Iskashitaa Refugee Network creates opportunities to integrate UN refugees into the Southern Arizona community while educating the public and strengthening the local food system, reducing local food waste, and increasing food security. With the help of hundreds of community volunteers and refugees. We have the only year-round gleaning program for backyards. Through our Harvesting Division, we Identify, glean, and redistribute more than 50-75 tons of produce annually This helps a diverse range of under-served families across southern Arizona meet their nutritional needs. Our Culinary Division offers food preservation workshops and food demonstrations featuring an eclectic mix of refugee community groups and cultural tastes. Participants learn international food preservation techniques and gain new understanding of the multi-ethnic significance of food. With twice weekly harvests, edible tree tours, workshops, and presentations to choose from.

Income
$245,962
Spending
$257,543
Spent on programs
100%
Reserves
1.3 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 75%
Employees
4
Volunteers
596
Highest pay
$80,000, 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

Fair: 53 out of 100. Higher than 17% of charities in its peer group (food and agriculture, under $250k).

  • Reserves

    10 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 1.3 months of spending.

  • Debt

    5 of 20

    It owes 65% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    8 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 5% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 30% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    100% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 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

Weak: 47 out of 100. Higher than 26% of charities in its peer group (food and agriculture, under $250k).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    6 of 6 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    0 of 15

    Reports no written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    0 of 8

    Reports no written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    0 of 7

    Reports no written policy on keeping and destroying records.

  • Board minutes

    5 of 5

    Keeps minutes of board meetings.

  • Board sees the tax return

    0 of 10

    Did not give the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Pay set independently

    0 of 5

    Reports no independent review process for its chief executive's pay.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

    Reports 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)
  1. $140,000 spent. Our Harvest and Gleaning program operate year-round, with a total of 262 harvests from 240 locations in 2024. 61,000 pounds of food were gleaned and redistributed to UN resettled refugees and other food-insecure populations throughout Southern and Eastern Arizona. Most of the gleaned fruit was from 277 backyard trees, with other locations including schools, orchards, greenhouses, and heritage farms. A total of 235 volunteers expended 2340 volunteer hours in harvesting efforts. The harvesting program has several components including edible tree identification urban tree stewardship, and environmental sustainability practices like composting. An estimated 5-10% of gleaned and rescued food is culled and composted in an on-site composting facility. This is used as an educational opportunity, and compost is distributed to refugees for gardening. Funders: USDA and individual donations
  2. $70,000 spent. The Refugee Garden Art Program (RGAP) is a weekly gardening, art, and music program for both refugee and nonrefugee volunteers. RGAP supports refugee integration by facilitating social connections, building an environment of trust and safety, and fostering cross-cultural exchange A total of 4197 volunteer hours were expended at RGAP by 361 volunteers, including 187 individual refugees. Funders: Peter and Pat Hirschman Foundation
  3. $47,543 spent. Redistribution In addition to the local harvests, we received 22000 lbs of rescued and donated food through partner agencies and individual donors. An extensive partner network allowed us to redistribute and transport food to over 40,000 individuals in 5 counties in Arizona. The 50 partner agencies/recipients included schools, tribal nations, other refugee-serving organizations, and organizations who serve seniors, veterans, homeless, and other food-insecure populations. CFSAZ

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

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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 September 7, 2026.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since May 2022.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.

  6. 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.