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Manes and Miracles

EIN 82-5409126 · San Tan Vly, AZ

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood73 out of 100GovernanceFair52 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

To provide adaptive recreational and equine-assisted therapy programs to individuals with special needs.

Income
$348,001
Spending
$356,251
Spent on programs
84%
Reserves
4.4 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 68%
Employees
8
Highest pay
$29,463, president

Source: Form 990 for the year ending May 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Good: 73 out of 100. Higher than 54% of charities in its peer group (mental health, $250k to $1m).

  • Reserves

    20 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 4.4 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes -10% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    8 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 2% of income.

  • Income trend

    10 of 15

    Income fell 3% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    84% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 4 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending May 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Fair: 52 out of 100. Higher than 24% of charities in its peer group (mental health, $250k to $1m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    10 of 10 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.

  • Independent check of accounts

    12 of 15

    Its accounts were reviewed or compiled by an independent accountant, but not audited.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

    Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending May 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)
  1. $169,712 spent. We launched our adaptive programs to provide both mounted and unmounted horsemanship lessons tailored to the unique needs, goals, and abilities of children with developmental, cognitive, and emotional disabilities. These lessons build confidence, strength, coordination, and meaningful social connections. With the support of a certified instructor and dedicated volunteers, the program utilized donor and grant- funded scholarships to deliver 244 safe, structured, and inclusive adaptive horsemanship experiences for children who otherwise may not have access to this type of therapeutic support.
  2. $80,390 spent. Educational and leadership development Manes and Miracles successfully launched new educational initiatives designed to strengthen learning, inclusion, and confidence for children of all abilities. Our inaugural summer camps offered single-day and multi-day experiences focused on horsemanship, socialemotional learning, and ranch-based STEM activities, creating meaningful opportunities for growth, friendship, and independence. We also began the initial development of Barnyard Book Club, an innovative literacy program that uses the calming presence of our therapy animals to help children, especially those with learning delays, discover joy and confidence in reading. These initiatives reflect our commitment to expanding access to transformative, whole-child enrichment for families in our community.
  3. $47,639 spent. Equine-Assisted Physical Therapy Manes and Miracles provided access to 170 equine-assisted physical therapy sessions for children with developmental disabilities such as autism, Down syndrome, and cerebral palsy. By partnering each child with a specially trained therapeutic horse, we harnessed the horses natural movement and motivation to accelerate gains in strength, balance, mobility, endurance, communication, and overall independence. Three licensed therapists, supported by 72 volunteers serving over 354 hours, and 9 specially trained horses, worked together to deliver measurable therapeutic gains in 170 therapy sessions. Scholarships ensured that children with financial barriers could fully participate in these life-changing services.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending May 31, 2025, 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 May 2025.

    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 2018.

    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.