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TENDER LITTLE HEARTS MINI TALES
Scottsdale, AZ · EIN 834236909 · Form 990EZ · FY2022 · NTEE P20 · Human Services · Small ($100K-$1M) · www.tenderlittlehearts.org
revenue
$105K
expenses
$91K
net assets
$190K
employees
—
mission · from form 990

Literacy Promotion, Equine Assisted Learning, Equine Assisted Therapy, Equine Assisted Services. We provided equine assisted programs and therapy to 3500 children and 1400 adults in 2022. Vision: Tender Little Hearts was organized exclusively as an equine therapy outreach to children and adults. We aspire to create an environment where every horse is given a purpose to enrich a human life, bring joy and comfort, and leave every person with a reason to smile. Mission: The mission of Tender Little Hearts is to build productive relationships and make a positive impact in the lives of others, by inspiring hope and transformation through interactions with our equines. We are driven by a single goal - to do our part in making the world a better place.

profile · synthesized from sources

Tender Little Hearts Mini Tales provides equine-assisted therapy and literacy programs using miniature horses and donkeys. The organization visits schools, senior care facilities, libraries, and nonprofit events across Arizona to promote reading, emotional well-being, and social engagement. Through gentle animal interactions, it serves children, seniors, and individuals with special needs, fostering joy, confidence, and connection in a safe, nonjudgmental environment.

named programs · 4 · from sources

what they call their work

A-Z Activity Book Program
Distributes educational activity books focused on literacy and equine themes to PreK-2nd grade classrooms; funded by grants and supported by 100% program revenue
Miniature Equine-Assisted Literacy Program
Children read to miniature horses and donkeys in schools and libraries to build confidence and improve reading skills in a nonjudgmental setting
Private and Home-Based Therapy Sessions
One-on-one or family sessions at private homes or the organization’s ranch, offering grooming, agility activities, and reading time with the minis
Senior and Memory Care Enrichment Visits
Monthly visits to senior and memory care facilities where residents interact with miniature horses to stimulate memories, provide comfort, and increase social engagement
activities · 7 groups

what they do

  • Miniature Horse Community Visitation Programs 5 activities
    • Senior Enrichment Visits with Miniature Equines
      Transports miniature equines to senior care facilities, including assisted living, skilled nursing, hospice, memory care, and Veterans homes, and conducts private home visits to provide social connection, joy, and comfort to lonely and isolated seniors and hospice patients.
    • Senior Enrichment Visits with Miniature Equines
      Transports miniature equines to senior care facilities, including assisted living, skilled nursing, hospice, memory care, and Veterans homes, to provide social connection, joy, and comfort to lonely and isolated seniors through regular visits.
    • Senior Enrichment Visits with Miniature Equines
      Transports miniature equines to senior care facilities, including assisted living, skilled nursing, hospice, memory care, and Veterans homes, to provide social connection, joy, and comfort to lonely and isolated seniors through regular visits.
    • Senior Enrichment Visits with Miniature Equines
      Transports miniature equines to senior care facilities, including assisted living, skilled nursing, hospice, memory care, and Veterans homes, to provide social connection, joy, and comfort to lonely and isolated seniors through regular visits.
    • Therapeutic Equine Visits for Seniors
      Transports miniature equines to senior care facilities, including assisted living, skilled nursing, hospice, memory care, and Veterans homes, to provide social connection, joy, and comfort to lonely and isolated seniors, conducting monthly visits to memory care communities.
  • Children's Educational Activity Kits and Materials 4 activities
    • Educational Activity Book Development and Distribution
      Develops and distributes two equine-themed A-Z activity books for PreK to 2nd grade, featuring letter tracing, coloring pages, and bonus educational content, to encourage reading and promote literacy.
    • Educational Activity Book Development and Distribution
      Develops and distributes two equine-themed activity books for PreK to 2nd grade, featuring letter tracing, coloring pages, and educational content, to encourage reading and promote literacy.
    • Educational Activity Book Development and Distribution
      Develops and distributes two equine-themed A-Z Activity Books for PreK, Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grade classes, featuring letter trace, coloring pages, and bonus educational content, to encourage reading and promote literacy.
    • Educational Activity Book Development and Distribution
      Develops and distributes two equine-themed A-Z Activity Books for PreK, Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grade classes, featuring letter tracing, coloring pages, and bonus educational content, to encourage reading and promote literacy.
  • Animal-Assisted Therapy & Literacy Programs 4 activities
    • Equine-Assisted Literacy Programs
      Provides literacy services and reading encouragement for children, reaching an estimated 3,500-4,000 children annually, by facilitating reading opportunities with miniature therapy horses and donkeys in schools, libraries, child advocacy centers, and special events. This includes virtual reading sessions and the distribution of equine-themed activity books.
    • Equine-Assisted Literacy Programs
      Provides literacy services and reading encouragement for children, reaching an estimated 3,500-4,000 children annually, by facilitating reading opportunities with miniature therapy horses and donkeys in schools, libraries, child advocacy centers, and special events, including virtual options and recorded books.
    • Equine-Assisted Literacy Programs
      Provides literacy services and reading encouragement for children, reaching an estimated 3,500-4,000 children annually, by facilitating reading opportunities with miniature therapy horses and donkeys in schools, libraries, child advocacy centers, and special events, including virtual options and recorded books.
    • Equine-Assisted Literacy Programs
      Provides literacy services and reading encouragement for children, reaching an estimated 3,500-4,000 children annually, by facilitating reading opportunities with miniature therapy horses and donkeys in schools, libraries, child advocacy centers, and special events, including virtual options and recorded books.
  • Equine-Assisted Therapy for Veterans and First Responders 1 activity
    • Assisted Equine Activities for Special Needs
      Provides assisted equine activities for children and adults with special needs, developmental issues, or disabilities, as well as for residents of homes serving abused or at-risk children, foster homes, Hospice, hospitals, skilled nursing care facilities, senior care centers, and memory care facilities.
  • Veteran Commemoration Parades & Honor Rides 1 activity
    • Community Outreach and Events
      Participates in community events such as the Earth Day Celebration in Carefree and the Festival of Tales at Paradise Valley Community College, and conducts private home visits.
  • Early Childhood Literacy Resource Provision 1 activity
    • Online Educational Resources
      Provides free, 24/7 access to online Mini Tales videos and recorded books for children and parents to listen to and read along with.
  • Uncategorized 11 activities
    • Adaptive Equine Learning Programs
      Offers adaptive learning programs for children in wheelchairs, focusing on wheelchair maneuvering, fine and gross motor skill development, and social participation through inclusive equine activities. These programs are approved for funding through Arizona Empowerment Scholarship Accounts for youth aged 5-17.
    • Equine-Assisted Therapy for Special Needs
      Offers adaptive learning programs and assisted equine activities for children in wheelchairs and individuals with special needs, developmental issues, or disabilities, focusing on motor skill development and social participation.
    • Equine-Assisted Therapy for Special Needs
      Offers adaptive learning programs and assisted equine activities for children in wheelchairs and individuals with special needs, developmental issues, or disabilities, focusing on motor skill development and social participation.
    • Equine-Assisted Therapy for Special Needs
      Offers adaptive learning programs and assisted equine activities for children in wheelchairs and individuals with special needs, developmental issues, or disabilities, focusing on motor skill development and social participation through inclusive equine activities.
    • Equine-Assisted Therapy for Special Needs
      Offers adaptive learning programs and assisted equine activities for children in wheelchairs, as well as for children and adults with special needs, developmental issues, or disabilities, focusing on motor skill development and social participation.
    • Equine-Assisted Therapy for Special Needs
      Offers adaptive learning programs and assisted equine activities for children in wheelchairs and individuals with special needs, developmental issues, or disabilities, focusing on motor skill development and social participation.
    • Little Free Library Program
      Establishes and maintains Little Free Libraries in various community locations, including a western-themed library at Pony Express Cafe, one at Rural Metro Fire Station #826, a barn-style library at The General Store, a repurposed kitchen cabinet library at their ranch, and a Southwest-themed library in the Rio Verde Foothills, to promote reading access.
    • Little Free Library Program
      Establishes and maintains Little Free Libraries in various community locations, including a western-themed library at Pony Express Cafe, one at Rural Metro Fire Station #826, a barn-style library at The General Store, a repurposed kitchen cabinet library at their ranch, and a Southwest-themed library in the Rio Verde Foothills, to promote reading access.
    • Little Free Library Program
      Establishes and maintains Little Free Libraries in various community locations, such as cafes, fire stations, and general stores, to provide free access to books for adults and children.
    • Little Free Library Program
      Establishes and maintains Little Free Libraries in various community locations, including a western-themed library at Pony Express Cafe, one at Rural Metro Fire Station #826, a barn-style library at The General Store, a repurposed kitchen cabinet library for ranch visitors, and a Southwest-themed library in the Rio Verde Foothills, to promote reading access.
    • Little Free Library Program
      Establishes and maintains Little Free Libraries in various community locations, including a western-themed library at the Pony Express Cafe, one at Rural Metro Fire Station #826, a barn-style library at The General Store, a repurposed kitchen cabinet library at their ranch, and a Southwest-themed library in the Rio Verde Foothills, to promote access to books.
financials · form 990EZ · fy2022
revenue
Total revenue$105K
Contributions & grants$97K92%
Program service revenue$8K8%
Investment income$00%
Other revenue$0
expenses
Total expenses$91K
Program expenses—
Admin / overhead—
Fundraising—
Salaries & benefits$0
Grants paid out$0
balance sheet
Total assets$190K
Cash—
Investments—
Liabilities—
Net assets$190K
1 years on record · 2022–2022
relationships · 35

who they work with

  • Albertsons/Safeway Funder — Received generous gifts that have impacted the organization and supported the continuation and expansion of programs.
  • Arizona ESA Government — Approved provider for the Arizona Empowerment Scholarship Account, allowing funds to be used for their programs.
  • Arizona State Daughters of the American Revolution (AZDAR) Partner — Selected Tender Little Hearts Mini Tales as a winner of their Literacy Promotion Contest.
  • Arizona Veterans Home Partner — Visited as a volunteer to provide therapy work with mini horses.
  • BAM Broadband Partner — Sponsors internet needs, providing higher speed WiFi for communication.
  • Bookmans Phoenix Partner — Met at a children's reading encouragement event.
  • Cashel Company Partner — Provided mini fly masks.
  • Cavallo Cute Little Boots Partner — Provides generous donations for rescues and discounts for program attire.
  • Childhelp Partner — Met at a fundraiser and regularly visits the Childhelp Children’s Center of Arizona.
  • Dennis Eckel Partner — Photographed each book page and produced videos.
  • Dorota Kudyba Art Partner — Created the artwork for the organization's greeting cards.
  • Farnum Partner — Provided Endure fly spray and Mosquito Halt.
  • Fountain Hills Community Foundation (FHCF) Funder — Received a 2025 grant for its work in the community, including programs in the Fountain Hills Library and senior communities.
  • Fountain Hills Library Partner — Hosts the minis for children to read to them and has hosted virtual story times.
  • Four Peaks Rotary Club Funder — Received a 2024 grant to support programs in the Fountain Hills community.
  • Fry's Food Stores Partner — Participates in the Fry's Community Rewards Program, allowing shoppers to link their rewards card to the organization for donations.
  • Hay Pillow Inc Partner — Provides a nonprofit discount and gifts of Hay Pillows for mini equines' feeding needs.
  • Horse Powered Reading® Partner — Facilitator for Horse Powered Reading®.
  • Instagram Partner — Platform used for social media presence
  • Karen Nabity Funder — Purchased books for the Mini Tales library.
  • Kiwanis Partner — Attended their Christmas event in Cave Creek.
  • Kiwanis Club of Carefree Funder — Received 2024 grant funding to cover the cost of two A-Z Activity Books.
  • MIKID Partner — Visited their facility, which provides support to families and children experiencing mental health and behavioral challenges.
  • Michael Noonan Partner — Lent a professional recording device for recording books.
  • National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) Partner — Selected Tender Little Hearts Mini Tales as a SW Divisional and National winner of their Literacy Promotion Contest.
  • North Ranch Elementary school Partner — Visited to provide an experience for kindergarten students to read to, groom, and hug horses.
  • Pony Express Cafe Partner — Host location for a Little Free Library (Charter #173438).
  • Pyranha Partner — Provided Endure and Spray and Wipe fly control products and aloe vera shampoo.
  • Robert D Fisher Foundation Inc. Funder — Received generous gifts of support for its mission and programs, specifically for the care of miniature equines.
  • Rural Metro Fire Station #826 Partner — Host location and co-host for a Little Free Library (Charter #173439), also serving as a collection point for books.
+ 5 more