named programs · 2 · from sources
what they call their work
Beginning Needlepoint Class
Teaches basic needlepoint stitches like Basketweave and Continental to produce a project.
Open Needlepoint Class
Provides assistance with threads and stitches for participants' needlepoint canvases, offering help from experienced teachers.
activities · 3
what they do
direct service · 2
- Operating a Needlework Retail Store Community-Supported Thrift StoreOperates a volunteer-run retail store in Tucson, Arizona, offering needlework supplies, gift items, and classes. The store, originally named Women's Exchange Specialties of Tucson (the West), opened in 1968 selling hand-made articles on consignment and has since moved and expanded.
- Providing Needlework ClassesOffers various needlework classes, including "Beginning Needlepoint" for basic stitches and "Open Needlepoint" where experienced teachers assist with thread and stitch choices. These classes are offered at a cost of $15 per three-hour session.
other · 1
- Grantmaking to Tucson Charities Local Community GrantmakingProvides annual grants to qualified charitable organizations in the Tucson area, with a focus on those serving women and children, using profits from its retail store. The organization has granted over $2.6 million to Tucson charities, including the Brewster Center, from 1981 to the present, and made its first financial contribution in 1971.
strategies · 4
how they think
Theories of action extracted from this org's own source material. Click any approach shared with other orgs to see the full field.
- Profit-based community investment through grantmaking profit-based community giving unique to this orgChannels store profits into grants for local charitable organizations, using earned revenue as a sustainable mechanism for community investment.
- Skill-based needlework education for community engagement skill-based education unique to this orgOffers needlework education for all skill levels, with instructional support in material and technique selection, fostering skill development and personal engagement as part of the organization’s programming model.
- Targeted grantmaking focused on women and children targeted_grantmaking unique to this orgDirects grant funding specifically toward charitable organizations that serve women and children in Tucson, ensuring resources are aligned with a focused demographic impact goal.
- Volunteer-operated retail model for fundraising volunteer-operated retail unique to this orgOperates a volunteer-run retail store that sells needlework supplies and provides needlework education, using the proceeds to fund community grants, thereby combining community engagement with sustainable philanthropy.
financials · form 990 · fy2021
the money
revenue
Total revenue$270K
Contributions & grants$47K18%
Program service revenue$00%
Investment income$270%
Other revenue$223K
expenses
Total expenses$222K
Program expenses92%
Admin / overhead6%
Fundraising1%
Salaries & benefits$29K
Grants paid out$69K
Largest expense lineFacilities
balance sheet
Total assets$516K
Cash$247K
Investments$0
Liabilities$8K
Net assets$508K
Liquid reserves13.4 mo
3 years on record · 2019–2021 · YoY revenue +49.2%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2021
who runs it
board members · 4
- EILEEN AIRD — VICE PRESIDE
- MARILYN SCHUBERT — TREASURER
- PAULA CHRISTENSON — PRESIDENT
- VIRGINIA HARPOLD — SECRETARY
relationships · 5
who they work with
- Brewster Center for Victims of Family Violence Partner — Deeded property to this organization in 1988 and is a recipient of grants.
- The Brewster Home Partner — Initially established to fund The Brewster Home, a home for unwed mothers.
- The Junior League of Tucson Partner — Voted to assume responsibility for The Brewster Home as a pilot project.
- Women’s Exchange Society Network — Joined this national clearing house for hand-made items.
- our current grantees Partner — Receives annual grants from The West Inc. to support vital community services in the Tucson area.