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Empowering Arizona

EIN 88-2308669 · Scottsdale, AZ

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood75 out of 100GovernanceFair54 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

Empowering Arizona is a non-profit corporation dedicated to transforming lives. Accordingly, we will seek out opportunities in a broad range of sectors as long as they provide us the opportunity to impact lives in a positive manner. We are dedicated change agents seeking to educate, model, and develop and implement strategies that will improve the lives of those we serve.

Income
$280,179
Spending
$257,299
Spent on programs
100%
Reserves
1.4 months of spending
Largest source of income
government grants, 75%
Employees
0
Volunteers
0
Highest pay
$33,951, cfo

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: 75 out of 100. Higher than 43% of charities in its peer group (public benefit, $250k to $1m).

  • Reserves

    10 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 1.4 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 0% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 8% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 265% 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

Fair: 54 out of 100. Higher than 25% of charities in its peer group (public benefit, $250k to $1m).

  • Independent board

    18 of 25

    3 of 3 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

    10 of 10

    Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Pay set independently

    5 of 5

    Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.

  • Independent check of accounts

    6 of 15

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

  • 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 (5)
  1. $169,919 spent. The organization received a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) through the Empowering Arizona program to promote climate-smart agricultural practices among the next generation of producers. The program focused on partnering with schools and organizations serving socially disadvantaged communities that lacked the funding, resources, or expertise to implement or expand agricultural education. Through this initiative, the organization supported the launch and enhancement of multiple school- and community-based agricultural programs with an emphasis on conservation and sustainability. These programs provided students with practical experience and education in climate-resilient farming practices, contributing to long-term environmental stewardship and food security. Ther program installed 3 hoop houses.
  2. $54,347 spent. This program executed a comprehensive voter engagement plan in collaboration with various partner organizations across different regions and communities in Arizona. The organization supported initiatives focused on nonpartisan voter education, registration, and mobilization. Activities were conducted through multiple modalities, including in-person outreach, digital campaigns, printed materials, and community events, with a focus on underrepresented populations. The goal was to increase civic participation by equipping individuals with knowledge about the voting process and encouraging voter turnout. By leveraging organizations with varying spheres of influence, the program reached diverse populations and helped reduce barriers to civic participation.
  3. $12,086 spent. With support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture NRCS and Empowering Arizona, this project aimed to address food insecurity in underserved urban areas by establishing a community garden and greenhouse. The program focused on increasing access to fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables while also creating green spaces that promote neighborhood beautification and community interaction. This initiative aligned with USDA's urban agriculture priorities and the People's Garden Initiative. The program installed a community garden with a greenhouse. The completed garden now serves as a hub for education, food production, and community engagement.
  4. $8,887 spent. Voter education grants
  5. $12,060 spent. The organization incurred operational expenses in support of its core programmatic activities. These included costs related to facilities, technology, supplies, and contract services essential for delivering educational content, coordinating community outreach, and supporting participants. Operational spending covered items such as venue rentals, software platforms used for virtual programming, printed materials, and staff travel directly tied to program delivery. These resources enabled the organization to fulfill its mission and extend its reach to a broader audience.

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 October 13, 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 November 6, 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 October 13, 2026.

  4. 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.

  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 October 13, 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 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.