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Arizona Forward Association

Phoenix, AZ · EIN 237154678 · Form 990 · FY2022 · NTEE S220 · Community Improvement · Small ($100K-$1M) · www.arizonaforward.org
revenue
$645K
expenses
$594K
net assets
$336K
employees
7
volunteers
267
program ratio
66%
mission · from form 990

Arizona Forward brings business and civic leaders together to promote cooperative efforts to improve the environmental sustainability and economic vitality of our state and local regions.

profile · synthesized from sources

Arizona Forward Association is a nonprofit organization that convenes business and civic leaders to address environmental sustainability and economic vitality in Arizona. They focus on issues such as water management, clean air, mobility solutions, and the development of healthy communities and urban waterways. The organization achieves its goals through advocacy, collaborative projects, and public education.

irs program accomplishments · form 990 part iii · fy2022

what they reported doing

Program narrative the organization filed with the IRS. Ordered by program spending.

  1. #1 primary $2K
    Annual Statewide Sustainability Summit Members participated in conversations with leaders and experts to address Arizona issues. The Statewide Sustainability Summit has a focus on ensuring Arizona thrives in 2035. Speakers included nationally renowned climate experts, Arizona congressional delegation members and various experts on energy, water, agriculture and resiliency.
  2. #2 $270K
    The various programs and seminars support, advocate and promote aesthetic, cultural, environmental and quality of life interest in the State of Arizona. Emerging Sustainability Leaders This diverse group of 22 outstanding individuals learned to apply new skills to advance sustainability in their organizations and the community.
named programs · 10 · from sources

what they call their work

Electric Vehicle Adoption Initiatives
Explores ways to expand electric vehicle adoption in Arizona, encouraging use at the business level, and supporting policies for infrastructure and electrification.
Environmental Excellence Awards
Annual program presented in partnership with SRP to recognize leadership and celebrate Arizona’s successful water programs, projects, and environmental achievements.
Grand Canalscape Learning Bridge
Promotes and supports the creation of a bridge connecting four schools along the Grand Canal to foster learning and connectivity.
Grand Canalscape Project
Advocacy and support for the City of Phoenix project to create safe routes for pedestrians and cyclists along the canal, extending connections to public transit, and fostering community spaces.
Phoenix Mural Project
Supports an initiative where block walls along the canal become canvases for local artists, creating outdoor art galleries.
Rio Reimagined
Supports this revitalization initiative spanning 58 miles of the Rio Salado and Gila River, contributing insights and hosting a Statewide Sustainability Summit.
Rio Salado Project
Played an integral role in fostering collaboration among stakeholders and writing legislation for the Rio Salado Development District, leading to projects like Tempe Town Lake.
Santa Cruz Heritage River Project
Supports this initiative in Tucson that uses existing infrastructure to supply recycled water, bringing year-round flow to the Santa Cruz River for ecological and recreational benefits.
Verde River Waterways Support
Supports the vision and collaborative efforts for the Verde River, a unique riparian ecosystem.
Water Strategies Committee
Provides ongoing dialogue and awareness regarding Arizona's water future, addressing challenges like climate change, growth, and water quality.
activities · 12 clusters

what they do

  • Stakeholder Convening & Knowledge Sharing 2 activities
    • Convene Stakeholders for Environmental and Quality-of-Life Issues
      Convenes leaders from various sectors including business, government, academia, and non-profits to address environmental and quality-of-life issues across Arizona, fostering dialogue and collaboration.
    • Convenes multi-sector sustainability leaders
      Brings together leaders from business, government, academia, non-profits, and urban and rural communities to address environmental and quality-of-life issues in Arizona through collaborative dialogue and action.
  • Electric Vehicle & Renewable Energy Research and Advocacy 2 activities
    • Promote Electric Vehicle Adoption and Infrastructure
      Explores and advocates for policies to expand electric vehicle adoption in Arizona, encourages businesses to implement workplace and customer charging, supports the electrification of public vehicle fleets, and builds consensus with utilities for managed charging programs.
    • Support Communities in Transportation Planning and Electrification
      Supports communities in planning long-term strategies for new transportation modes and assists school districts and other entities in transitioning to electric fleets.
  • Public Space Development & Restoration 2 activities
    • Support Canal-Related Community Projects and Events
      Supports community projects and events along canals, including the Grand Canalscape project in Phoenix, the Phoenix Mural Project, and partnering on community events like the Melrose Street Fair.
    • Supports community-led urban revitalization projects
      Partners on local initiatives such as the Grand Canalscape project, which enhances pedestrian and bicycle access along Phoenix canals, and supported the construction of a bridge connecting four schools along the Grand Canal. Also supported the Phoenix Mural Project and community events like the Melrose Street Fair.
  • Stakeholder Outreach for Revitalization Projects 2 activities
    • Support the Rio Reimagined Project
      Supports the Rio Reimagined project by sharing lessons learned from the Rio Salado initiative, hosting a Statewide Sustainability Summit, and having its CEO serve on the project's task force.
    • Supports regional sustainability initiatives through knowledge sharing
      Shares lessons from successful projects like the Rio Salado initiative to support broader regional efforts, including the Rio Reimagined project, and convenes stakeholders through events like the Statewide Sustainability Summit.
  • Transportation Planning & Community Engagement 1 activity
    • Advocate for Sustainable Transportation Infrastructure
      Champions the development and adoption of sustainable transportation infrastructure, including the City of Phoenix Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, the Phoenix METRO Light Rail, the Tucson Streetcar, and the City of Phoenix Complete Streets Policy.
  • Water Policy Advocacy & Infrastructure Planning 1 activity
    • Advocates for sustainable water policy and urban waterway restoration
      Facilitates ongoing dialogue on water issues through its Water Strategies Committee, hosts statewide events on water policy, and supports restoration of urban waterways such as the Rio Salado, Santa Cruz Heritage River, and Verde River projects. Played a key role in establishing the Rio Salado Development District through stakeholder collaboration and legislative drafting.
  • Water Sector Professional Development & Advocacy 1 activity
    • Host Events and Committees for Water Policy Dialogue
      Hosts statewide events such as breakfasts, summits, and webinars to promote dialogue on water issues and facilitates ongoing discussions through its Water Strategies Committee.
  • Youth Internship Placement 1 activity
    • Provides professional development and leadership capacity building
      Offers paid internships across semesters to provide hands-on experience and professional growth opportunities, supports school districts in transitioning to electric buses, and helps communities plan long-term strategies for transportation electrification and new mobility systems.
  • Community Advocacy & Planning Engagement 1 activity
    • Provides strategic leadership in sustainability task forces
      Engages in high-level planning through executive participation in key initiatives, such as the Rio Reimagined task force convened by the Mayor of Phoenix.
  • Environmental & Operational Certification Achievement 1 activity
    • Recognize Environmental Achievements through Awards Program
      Recognizes leadership and celebrates successful water programs and environmental projects through an annual Environmental Excellence Awards program in partnership with SRP.
  • Annual Awards for Conservation and Community Service 1 activity
    • Recognizes environmental leadership and achievements
      Hosts the annual Environmental Excellence Awards program in partnership with SRP to recognize leadership and celebrate successful environmental programs and projects across Arizona.
  • Uncategorized 4 activities
    • Advocate for Urban Waterway Restoration and Development
      Advocates for the restoration and development of urban waterways, including playing a key role in the Rio Salado project by fostering collaboration and drafting legislation, supporting the Santa Cruz Heritage River Project, and collaborating on the Verde River waterway.
    • Champions sustainable transportation infrastructure and electrification
      Advocates for public transit development including Phoenix BRT, Phoenix METRO Light Rail, and Tucson Streetcar systems. Promotes Complete Streets policies, electric vehicle adoption, managed charging programs, electrification of public and school bus fleets, and supports businesses in transitioning to electric fleets and installing charging infrastructure.
    • Hosts educational events on sustainability issues
      Organizes summits, breakfasts, webinars, and other events featuring subject matter experts and leaders to educate stakeholders and promote dialogue on key environmental and sustainability challenges in Arizona.
    • Offer Internships for Professional Development
      Offers paid internships during spring, fall, and summer semesters, providing hands-on experience, professional development, and opportunities to engage with community leaders.
financials · form 990 · fy2022

the money

revenue
Total revenue$645K
Contributions & grants$424K66%
Program service revenue$220K34%
Investment income$6880%
Other revenue$0
expenses
Total expenses$594K
Program expenses66%
Admin / overhead16%
Fundraising18%
Salaries & benefits$330K
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$469K
Cash$288K
Investments$135K
Liabilities$134K
Net assets$336K
Liquid reserves8.5 mo
2 years on record · 2020–2022 · YoY revenue +26.2%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2022

who runs it

paid leadership · 1
NameTitleHours/wkCompensation
Lori Singleton President/CEO 40 $156K
board members · 24
  • Aaron Blawn Intel — Director
  • Aaron Melleur HDR Engineering Inc — Secretary
  • Bruce Hungate Northern Arizona Univ — Director
  • Ceclia Riviere Arizona State Univer — Director
  • Christopher Schmaltz — Vice Chair
  • DeEtte Person Central Arizona Proje — Director
  • Elizabeth Fretheim Nikola Motor Com — Director
  • Hinrich Eylers University of Phoeni — Director
  • Jake Lenderking Global Water Resour — Director
  • Jan Lorant Gabor Lorant Architects — Director
  • Jon Ford Vitalyst Health Foundation — Immediate Past Chair
  • Karen Gaylord Jennings Haug Cunning — Director
  • Karen Peters City of Phoenix — Director
  • Kathryn DeBoer WestGroup Research — Vice Chair
  • Kelly Barr SRP — Board Chair
  • Kristie Cocco APS — Director
  • Lauren Evans PInyon Environmental I — Treasurer
  • Marc McIntosh AECOM — Director
  • Morgan Bishop Fraser Arizona Commun — Director
  • Oliver Adams Mother Road Brewing Co — Co-Chair, No Regional Council
  • Robert Anderon Fennemore Craig PC — Co-Chair, Water Strategies Committee
  • Sandra Kotzambasis Lambert — Director
  • Stephanie Healy Cox Communications — Co-Chair, So Regional Council
  • Stephanie Maloney Wells Fargo — Director
relationships · 36

who they work with

  • 150+ organizations Partner — Works with a diverse membership of over 150 organizations to create solutions.
  • APS Electric Vehicles Partner — Listed as a resource for electric vehicles.
  • AZ MAG Partner — Listed as a resource for an interactive bike map.
  • American Lung Association Partner — References their 2020 State of the Air Report for Arizona.
  • Arizona Commerce Authority Partner — Listed as a resource for Autonomous Vehicles (AVs).
  • Arizona Commerce Authority Partner — Promotes forest health
  • Arizona Department of Water Resources Government — State agency collaborating on water policy and planning, referenced in Arizona Forward's work on drought contingency and reconsultation processes
  • Arizona State University Partner — Collaborates with Arizona Forward on carrying forward the legacy of the Rio Salado Development District.
  • Brophy College Prep Partner — One of four schools connected by a bridge along the Grand Canal, promoted by Arizona Forward.
  • Center for the Future of Arizona Partner — Listed as a resource for infrastructure progress.
  • Central Arizona Project Partner — Partner organization involved in drought planning and water management efforts referenced in Arizona Forward's programs
  • Central High Partner — One of four schools connected by a bridge along the Grand Canal, promoted by Arizona Forward.
  • City of Phoenix Partner — Advocated for and supported the City of Phoenix's Grand Canalscape project.
  • City of Phoenix Partner — Partnered through the Rio Reimagined task force created by the Mayor of Phoenix.
  • Coconino County Partner — Promotes forest health through forest restoration
  • Dept. of Forestry & Fire Management Partner — Promotes forest health
  • Friends of the Verde River Partner — Collaborates on the preservation and restoration of the Verde River waterway.
  • Honeywell Sustainability Partner — Listed as a resource for sustainability.
  • Liberty Wildlife Partner — Partner organization involved in waterway revitalization efforts such as the Rio Salado project.
  • National Audubon Society Partner — Collaborates on waterway restoration projects, including those related to the Rio Salado.
  • National Forest Foundation Partner — Promotes forest health
  • Nikola Partner — Listed as a resource for mobility.
  • SRP Partner — Co-presenter of the annual Environmental Excellence Awards program with Arizona Forward
  • SRP Partner — Promotes forest health through watershed management
  • SRP Electric Vehicles Partner — Listed as a resource for electric vehicles.
  • Salt River Project Partner — Partner organization linked through Arizona Forward's water stewardship initiatives and recognized in resource listings
  • Salt River Project Partner — Supported the vision for a restored canal system and partners on the annual Environmental Excellence Awards program.
  • Shared-Use Mobility Center (SUMC) Partner — Listed as a resource for mobility.
  • Southwest Energy Efficiency Project (SWEEP) Partner — Listed as a resource for transportation.
  • St. Francis Xavier Partner — One of four schools connected by a bridge along the Grand Canal, promoted by Arizona Forward.
+ 6 more