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EDUCATION FORWARD ARIZONA
PHOENIX, AZ · EIN 202366755 · Form 990 · FY2021 · Medium ($1M-$10M) · educationforwardarizona.org
revenue
$6.3M
expenses
$5.7M
net assets
$17.0M
employees
57
volunteers
15
program ratio
84%
mission · from form 990

TO SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASE THE COLLEGE ATTAINMENT RATE IN ARIZONA, PARTICULARLY FOR STUDENTS WHO... TO SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASE THE COLLEGE ATTAINMENT RATE IN ARIZONA, PARTICULARLY FOR STUDENTS WHO OTHERWISE WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO ATTEND OR GRADUATE FROM A HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTION.

profile · synthesized from sources

EDUCATION FORWARD ARIZONA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving education outcomes and closing achievement gaps from early learning through postsecondary attainment in Arizona. They advocate for policies and funding, lead innovative programs for low-income and first-generation students, and provide resources to guide students and families through post-high school education and training options.

named programs · 10 · from sources

what they call their work

Action Center
Platform for education champions to advocate for policies and funding that advance education attainment in Arizona, including specific calls to action on legislative issues.
Advocates Network
A coordinated, statewide network of business, education, and community leaders, parents, teachers, and voters who act and amplify their impact for Arizona's students by advocating for education policies.
AskBenji
Bilingual, culturally responsive platform guiding students and families through exploring, preparing for, applying to, and funding education beyond high school
College Knowing & Going
Program supporting students in preparing for, applying to, and transitioning into postsecondary education
College Knowing & Going Program
Program focused on helping students understand and navigate the path to college.
EdVotersArizona.org
Platform featuring student-led interviews with candidates for Governor and Superintendent of Public Instruction on key education issues
Education Explainer
Nonpartisan series breaking down important P-20 education issues for the public
Education Forward Advocates Network
Statewide network of business, education, and community leaders, parents, teachers, and voters advocating for education priorities
Guide To Your Future
Resources and guidance for students and families on exploring, preparing for, applying to, and paying for education or training beyond high school, including planning, discovery, application, and funding steps.
Workforce Development
Initiatives focused on aligning education and training with career and workforce opportunities.
activities · 6 groups

what they do

  • Education Funding & School Choice Advocacy 8 activities
    • Advocacy for Education Policy and Funding
      Advocates for improved education outcomes and a stronger talent pipeline in Arizona by influencing policymakers on key education issues, including opposing school vouchers and legislation that would decrease teacher pay or lower educator standards, and supporting sustained funding for public education systems, community colleges, and early childhood education.
    • Advocate for equitable and sustainable education funding
      Advocates for sustained, stable state funding for public education, including support for community colleges, dual enrollment expansion, FAFSA completion, state scholarship programs like Arizona Promise, and long-term solutions to expenditure limits; supports renewal of Proposition 123 and increased funding for early childhood education.
    • Education Policy Advocacy
      Advocates for education by elevating its importance to policymakers, weighing in on key education issues, and mobilizing supporters to influence legislation and policy decisions related to school funding, teacher standards, school choice, and early childhood education in Arizona.
    • Education Policy Advocacy
      Advocates for education by elevating its importance to policymakers, weighing in on key education issues, and mobilizing supporters to influence legislation related to school funding, teacher standards, school choice, and the alignment of workforce and education efforts in Arizona.
    • Education Policy Advocacy
      Advocates for education by elevating its importance to policymakers, weighing in on key education issues, and mobilizing supporters to influence legislation and policy decisions in Arizona. This includes advocating for sustained public education funding, expanding post-high school education access, and ensuring transparency in education spending.
    • Education Policy Advocacy
      Advocates for education by elevating its importance to policymakers, weighing in on key education issues, and mobilizing supporters to influence legislation related to school funding, teacher standards, school choice, and early childhood education in Arizona.
    • Education Policy Advocacy and Mobilization
      Advocates for education by elevating its importance to policymakers, weighing in on key education issues, and mobilizing a statewide network of leaders, parents, teachers, and voters to support or oppose specific legislation and policies affecting education funding, teacher standards, and school accountability in Arizona.
    • Oppose policies undermining education quality and equity
      Organizes advocacy campaigns against legislation perceived to weaken education standards or equity, including opposition to universal school vouchers (ESAs), bills lowering teacher qualifications, school takeovers, and reductions in teacher pay funding.
  • Education Advocacy Network Coordination 8 activities
    • Build statewide advocacy networks and civic engagement
      Operates the Education Forward Advocates Network—a statewide coalition of business, education, and community leaders, parents, teachers, and voters—and hosts monthly Education Power Hours to inform advocates and mobilize action on key education issues.
    • Education Advocacy Network and Information Dissemination
      Operates the Education Forward Advocates Network, a statewide network of leaders, parents, teachers, and voters, and produces the Education Explainer series to provide nonpartisan explanations of P-20 education issues. The organization also hosts monthly Education Power Hours to inform advocates about state education issues and ways to take action.
    • Education Advocacy Network and Information Dissemination
      Operates the Education Forward Advocates Network, a statewide network of leaders, parents, teachers, and voters, and produces the "Education Explainer" series and "Education Power Hours" to inform advocates about state education issues and ways to take action.
    • Education Advocacy Network and Information Dissemination
      Operates the Education Forward Advocates Network, a statewide network of leaders, parents, teachers, and voters, and produces the Education Explainer series and Education Power Hours to inform advocates about state education issues and ways to take action.
    • Education Advocacy Network and Information Dissemination
      Operates the Education Forward Advocates Network, a statewide network of business, education, and community leaders, parents, teachers, and voters, and produces the "Education Explainer" series and "Education Power Hours" to inform and mobilize advocates on P-20 education issues in Arizona.
    • Education Explainer Series
      Produces the Education Explainer series, which provides nonpartisan explanations of important P-20 education issues to inform the public and advocates.
    • Education Forward Advocates Network
      Operates the Education Forward Advocates Network, a statewide network of business, education, and community leaders, parents, teachers, and voters, to support education advocacy efforts.
    • Education Issue Explainer Series
      Produces the Education Explainer series, which provides nonpartisan explanations of important P-20 education issues to inform the public and advocates.
  • Education Stakeholder Collaboration Networks 7 activities
    • Partnership and Coalition Building
      Partners with educators, employers, and communities across Arizona, and collaborates with over 50 organizations across education, business, philanthropy, and nonprofit sectors to improve education outcomes and strengthen the state's talent pipeline.
    • Partnership and Coalition Building
      Partners with educators, employers, and communities across Arizona to improve education outcomes and strengthen the state's talent pipeline, and was formed through the merger of three established education nonprofits with support from over 50 partners.
    • Partnership and Coalition Building
      Partners with educators, employers, and communities across Arizona, and collaborates with over 50 partners from education, business, philanthropy, and nonprofit sectors, to improve education outcomes and strengthen the state's talent pipeline.
    • Partnership and Coalition Building
      Partners with educators, employers, and communities across Arizona, and was formed through the merger of three established education nonprofits, to improve education outcomes and strengthen the state's talent pipeline.
    • Partnership and Collaboration for Education Improvement
      Partners with educators, employers, and communities across Arizona, and collaborates with over 50 partners across various sectors, to improve education outcomes and strengthen the state's talent pipeline.
    • Publish strategic action plans for education improvement
      Published the Achieve60AZ Action Plan to guide stakeholders in prioritizing and advancing essential education reforms and improvements across Arizona.
    • Strengthen cross-sector partnerships for education and workforce alignment
      Partners with educators, employers, and communities across Arizona to improve education outcomes and align talent development with workforce needs, launched with support from over 50 partners across education, business, philanthropy, and nonprofits.
  • FAFSA & Scholarship Application Support 6 activities
    • Develop and scale programs for low-income and first-generation students
      Leads innovative programs that support low-income students, students of color, and first-generation students in accessing and completing postsecondary education, with the goal of closing achievement gaps and advancing Arizona Education Progress Meter goals.
    • Postsecondary Education Access and Completion Support
      Develops and scales innovative programs to support low-income and first-generation students and students of color in exploring, preparing for, applying to, and securing financial aid for postsecondary education or training, including trade schools, community colleges, apprenticeships, military, or universities.
    • Postsecondary Education Access and Support Programs
      Develops and scales innovative programs to support low-income and first-generation students and students of color in exploring, preparing for, applying to, and funding postsecondary education or training, including trade schools, community colleges, apprenticeships, military, or universities.
    • Postsecondary Education Access and Support Programs
      Develops and scales innovative programs to support low-income and first-generation students and students of color in exploring, preparing for, applying to, and paying for postsecondary education or training, including trade schools, community colleges, apprenticeships, military, or universities.
    • Postsecondary Education Access and Support Programs
      Develops and scales innovative programs to support low-income and first-generation students and students of color in exploring, preparing for, applying to, and funding postsecondary education or training, including trade schools, community colleges, apprenticeships, military, or universities.
    • Provide postsecondary planning resources and guidance
      Offers comprehensive, bilingual, and culturally responsive resources to help students and families explore, prepare for, apply to, and pay for postsecondary education or training, including tools for college applications, financial aid (e.g., FAFSA workshops), scholarship searches, and career pathway options like trade schools and apprenticeships.
  • Statewide Public Opinion and Market Research Studies 5 activities
    • Conduct research and inform public understanding of education issues
      Conducts voter polling on education priorities and produces the nonpartisan Education Explainer series to increase public understanding of key P–20 education issues in Arizona.
    • Education Priorities Polling
      Conducts polls of Arizona voters to identify their education priorities, informing advocacy and program development.
    • Education Priorities Research
      Conducts polls of Arizona voters to identify their education priorities, informing advocacy efforts and strategic planning.
    • Education Research and Polling
      Conducts polls of Arizona voters to identify education priorities and inform advocacy efforts.
    • Education Research and Polling
      Conducts polls of Arizona voters to identify education priorities and inform advocacy efforts.
  • Uncategorized 5 activities
    • Education Voter Engagement
      Engages voters on education priorities through initiatives like EdVotersArizona.org, which features student-led interviews with political candidates, and conducting polls to identify voter education priorities.
    • Education Voter Engagement
      Launches initiatives like EdVotersArizona.org, featuring student-led interviews with political candidates, to engage voters on education priorities.
    • Education Voter Engagement
      Launched EdVotersArizona.org, a website featuring student-led interviews with candidates for Governor and Superintendent of Public Instruction, to engage voters on education priorities.
    • Elevate student and voter voices in education policy
      Launched EdVotersArizona.org, a platform featuring student-led candidate interviews for Governor and Superintendent of Public Instruction, to engage youth and voters in education policymaking.
    • Voter Education Initiatives
      Launches initiatives like EdVotersArizona.org, featuring student-led interviews with political candidates, to inform voters about education priorities and candidates' stances.
financials · form 990 · fy2021
revenue
Total revenue$6.35M
Contributions & grants$5.11M81%
Program service revenue$126K2%
Investment income$1.11M17%
Other revenue$0
expenses
Total expenses$5.74M
Program expenses84%
Admin / overhead12%
Fundraising4%
Salaries & benefits$2.41M
Grants paid out$1.52M
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$19.04M
Cash$8.68M
Investments$8.51M
Liabilities$2.06M
Net assets$16.98M
Liquid reserves35.9 mo
2 years on record · 2020–2021 · YoY revenue +28.4%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2021

who runs it

paid leadership · 3
NameTitleHours/wkCompensation
RICH NICKEL PRESIDENT & CEO 40 $286K
RICHARD DANIEL EXEC VP & COO 40 $185K
ERIN HART SR VP & CHIEF OF POLICY 40 $140K
board members · 15
  • CHARLES MONTY ROESSEL — DIRECTOR
  • CHEVY HUMPHREY — DIRECTOR
  • DARCY RENFRO — DIRECTOR
  • DEANNA SALAZAR — DIRECTOR
  • GONZALO DE LA MELENA — DIRECTOR
  • JOHN FEES — TREASURER
  • KATE HICKMAN — DIRECTOR
  • PATRICIA WELBORN — SECRETARY
  • PAUL KOEHLER — VICE CHAIR
  • RON BUTLER — DIRECTOR
  • SCOTT VANDERPOOL — DIRECTOR
  • SHELLEY WATSON — DIRECTOR
  • STEVE SELEZNOW — DIRECTOR
  • TRACY BAME — DIRECTOR
  • VINCE ROIG — CHAIRMAN
relationships · 21

who they work with

  • Achieve60AZ Partner — Collaborates on the Achieve60AZ Action Plan to advance education goals in Arizona.
  • Achieve60AZ Partner — Collaborates with Achieve60AZ to increase postsecondary attainment in Arizona.
  • Achieve60AZ Partner — Merged with College Success Arizona and Expect More Arizona to form Education Forward Arizona.
  • Arizona Community Foundation Funder — Invested $1 million or more since February 2021.
  • Arizona Education Progress Meter Network — Aligns organizational efforts with the goals outlined in the Arizona Education Progress Meter.
  • Arizona Education Progress Meter Partner — Uses the Arizona Education Progress Meter as a framework for guiding collaborative efforts to advance education goals.
  • Arizona First Advised Fund Funder — Invested $1 million or more since February 2021.
  • Arizona GEAR UP Funder — Invested $1 million or more since February 2021.
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Funder — Invested $1 million or more since February 2021.
  • Center for the Future of Arizona Partner — Collaborated on a voter poll about education priorities, complementing the Arizona Voters’ Agenda.
  • College Success Arizona Partner — Merged with Achieve60AZ and Expect More Arizona to form Education Forward Arizona.
  • Education Progress Meter Network — Uses the Education Progress Meter as a framework to guide and support education initiatives.
  • Expect More Arizona Partner — Merged with Achieve60AZ and College Success Arizona to form Education Forward Arizona.
  • Freeport-McMoRan Foundation Funder — Invested $1 million or more since February 2021.
  • Maricopa Community Colleges Funder — Invested $1 million or more since February 2021.
  • National College Attainment Network Funder — Invested $1 million or more since February 2021.
  • Northern Arizona University Funder — Invested $1 million or more since February 2021.
  • Season for Sharing, The Arizona Republic Funder — Invested $1 million or more since February 2021.
  • The University of Arizona Foundation Funder — Invested $1 million or more since February 2021.
  • Valley of the Sun United Way Funder — Invested $1 million or more since February 2021.
  • askbenji.org Partner — Collaborates to provide online tools and resources for postsecondary planning, with embedded links to their platform for planning, discovery, application, and funding support.