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PRESCOTT WESTERN HERITAGE FOUNDATION INC

PRESCOTT, AZ · EIN 273076815 · Form 990EZ · FY2022 · NTEE T30 · Philanthropy & Grantmaking · Small ($100K-$1M) · www.visitwhc.org
revenue
$190K
expenses
$173K
net assets
$81K
employees
mission · from form 990

OUR MISSION IS TO PRESERVE AND PROMOTE OUR WESTERN HERITAGE THROUGH EDUCATION, EVENTS, ARTS, MUSIC AND PROJECTS THAT ENHANCE OUR WESTERN LIFESTYLE MAKING YAVAPAI COUNTY A UNIQUE PLACE TO LIVE AND VISIT.

profile · synthesized from sources

The Prescott Western Heritage Foundation preserves and promotes the western heritage of Prescott and Yavapai County through educational programs, cultural events, and historic preservation projects. It operates the Western Heritage Center on Whiskey Row, offering free public exhibits and hosting performances, lectures, and community events. The organization supports heritage education through scholarships and school outreach initiatives.

named programs · 5 · from sources

what they call their work

Downtown Lighting and Banner Projects
Community enhancement initiatives that highlight Prescott's historic assets through LED rooftop lighting and downtown banner displays
Education Outreach
Funding and support for history-related projects at elementary schools, such as pioneer treks and history plays
Grand Performances
Series of cultural events featuring performances by western artists and historical reenactors, including Joe Wiegand as Theodore Roosevelt
Western "Heritage Keeper" Scholarships
Annual scholarships of $2,000 awarded to graduating high school students who demonstrate passion and talent for preserving western heritage
Western Heritage Center
Free public museum on Whiskey Row featuring exhibits on Prescott's western heritage, including the World's Oldest Rodeo, cowboy poetry, western art, and local history from partner organizations
activities · 6 groups

what they do

  • Western Heritage Educational Grants & Scholarships 8 activities
    • Administer Heritage Keeper Scholarships
      Offers Western "Heritage Keeper" Scholarships to graduating high school students passionate about preserving western heritage; the program has awarded 22 scholarships of $2,000 each.
    • Administers Heritage Keeper Scholarship program
      Offers Western "Heritage Keeper" Scholarships to graduating high school students passionate about preserving Western heritage, awarding 22 scholarships of $2,000 each through its scholarship program.
    • Educational Outreach and Scholarships
      Provides funding for history-related projects, such as pioneer treks and history plays, at the elementary school level through its Educational Outreach program. The organization also awards "Heritage Keeper" Scholarships, having provided 22 scholarships of $2,000 each to graduating high school students passionate about preserving western heritage.
    • Educational Outreach and Scholarships
      Provides funding for history-related projects, such as pioneer treks and history plays, at the elementary school level through its Educational Outreach program. The organization also awards "Heritage Keeper" Scholarships, having provided 22 scholarships of $2,000 each to graduating high school students passionate about preserving western heritage.
    • Educational Outreach and Scholarships
      Awards Western "Heritage Keeper" Scholarships to students passionate about preserving western heritage and provides funding for history-related projects at the elementary school level through its Educational Outreach program.
    • Educational Outreach and Scholarships
      Provides funding for history-related projects, such as pioneer treks and history plays, at the elementary school level through its Educational Outreach program. The organization also awards "Heritage Keeper" Scholarships, having provided 22 scholarships of $2,000 each to graduating high school students passionate about preserving western heritage.
    • Support educational outreach in local schools
      Provides funding through its Educational Outreach program for history-related projects at the elementary school level, including pioneer treks and history plays.
    • Supports educational outreach in local schools
      Provides funding for history-related educational projects at the elementary school level, including pioneer treks and history plays, through its Educational Outreach program.
  • Historic Sign and Landmark Installation 6 activities
    • Community Beautification and Information Projects
      Initiated and implemented the Downtown Light Pole Banner Project to provide information about local attractions to visitors and residents. The organization also installed donated white LEDs to outline downtown rooftops as part of a Downtown Lighting Project.
    • Community Beautification and Information Projects
      Initiated and led the Downtown Light Pole Banner Project to provide information about local attractions to visitors and residents through banners. The organization also installed donated white LEDs to outline downtown rooftops as part of a Downtown Lighting Project.
    • Community Beautification and Information Projects
      Initiated and led the Downtown Light Pole Banner Project to provide information about local attractions to visitors and residents through banners. The organization also installed donated white LEDs to outline downtown rooftops as part of a Downtown Lighting Project.
    • Community Engagement and Promotion
      Initiates community projects such as the Downtown Light Pole Banner Project to promote local attractions and preserve western heritage.
    • Manage downtown heritage promotion projects
      Leads downtown beautification and heritage promotion initiatives, including the Downtown Light Pole Banner Project (initiated in 2010, approved 2013) and the Downtown Lighting Project using donated white LEDs to outline rooftops, to highlight local attractions and history for residents and visitors.
    • Manages downtown heritage promotion projects
      Leads downtown beautification and heritage promotion initiatives, including the Downtown Light Pole Banner Project (approved in 2013, initiated in 2010) that displays information about local attractions on lamp post banners, and the installation of donated white LEDs to outline downtown rooftops as part of a lighting enhancement effort.
  • Public History Lectures & Symposia 5 activities
    • Host public events and performances celebrating western heritage
      Hosts a variety of public events, performances, and presentations at the Western Heritage Center and partner venues such as the Elks Theater, Yavapai Exceptional Industries, and The Pioneer Home, featuring western performers, historical reenactments, and cultural programs including "Arizona Frontier Legends," Buffalo Soldiers, Desert Rose Dancers, and guest speakers like "Teddy Roosevelt," Doc Holliday, and Kate Cory.
    • Hosting Cultural and Historical Events
      Hosts a variety of events and presentations, including performances, historical reenactments, and talks by authors and artists, to engage residents and tourists in western heritage. These events have featured figures like "Teddy Roosevelt" and "Doc Holliday," and included performances such as "Arizona Frontier Legends."
    • Hosting Western Heritage Events and Presentations
      Organizes and hosts various events and presentations to promote western heritage, including performances, historical reenactments, and talks by authors and experts. Examples include events featuring "Teddy Roosevelt," "Soapy Smith," "Buffalo Bill's Galloping Gourmet," "Doc Holliday," and "Arizona Frontier Legends" performances at various venues, as well as school field trips and presentations by local performers, artists, and authors.
    • Hosting Western Heritage Events and Presentations
      Organizes and hosts various events and presentations to promote western heritage, including performances, historical reenactments, and talks by authors and experts. Examples include events featuring "Teddy Roosevelt," "Soapy Smith," "Buffalo Bill's Galloping Gourmet," "Doc Holliday," and "Arizona Frontier Legends" performances at various venues, as well as school field trips and presentations by local performers, artists, authors, and craftsmen.
    • Hosts public events and performances celebrating Western heritage
      Hosts a variety of public events, performances, and presentations at the Western Heritage Center and partner venues such as the Elks Theater and community facilities, featuring Western performers, historians, and cultural figures. Events include themed presentations (e.g., Doc Holliday, Buffalo Soldiers, Soapy Smith), theatrical performances like "Arizona Frontier Legends," and special programs with guest speakers and performers such as the Desert Rose Dancers and "Buffalo Bill's Galloping Gourmet."
  • Heritage Organization Fundraising Events 5 activities
    • Organizes fundraising and recognition events
      Hosts major fundraising and recognition events, including the Inaugural Western Heritage Recognition Dinner and Concert (a sold-out event) and the Prescott Western Heritage Days, which supports the Sharlot Hall Museum. Also presented a $3,500 check to the Sharlot Hall Museum.
    • Provide financial support to heritage-related organizations
      Supports other heritage institutions through financial contributions, such as presenting a $3,500 check to the Sharlot Hall Museum and funding the Western Heritage Center’s launch through a Centennial medallion project that raised $15,000.
    • Supporting Other Heritage Organizations
      Provides financial support to other heritage organizations, such as presenting a check for $3,500 to the Sharlot Hall Museum and founding the Prescott Western Heritage Days event as a fundraiser for the Sharlot Hall Museum.
    • Supporting Other Heritage Organizations
      Provides financial support to other heritage organizations, such as presenting a check for $3,500.00 to the Sharlot Hall Museum and founding the Prescott Western Heritage Days event as a fundraiser for the museum.
    • Supporting Other Heritage Organizations
      Provides financial support to other heritage organizations, such as presenting a check for $3,500.00 to the Sharlot Hall Museum and founding the Prescott Western Heritage Days event as a fundraiser for the Sharlot Hall Museum.
  • Teacher and Staff Appreciation Events 1 activity
    • Host volunteer appreciation events
      Holds Volunteer Appreciation Night events annually, including on October 30, 2024, and February 28, 2024, to recognize volunteer contributions.
  • Uncategorized 10 activities
    • Exhibit and Event Hosting
      Hosts a variety of events and presentations, including performances and historical presentations, to engage the community and promote local heritage.
    • Operate online resource for western heritage organizations
      Operates VisitWHC.org, a website providing access to information about nonprofit organizations dedicated to preserving and promoting western heritage.
    • Operate the Western Heritage Center museum
      Operates the Western Heritage Center in the historic Sam Hill Hardware building on Whiskey Row in Prescott, AZ, featuring permanent and rotating exhibits on western heritage, including Prescott's movie-making history, law enforcement, fire department history, mining, the Palace Roulette Wheel, historic long guns, Native American artifacts, and the World's Oldest Rodeo. The center has welcomed 70,000 visitors since 2019 and maintains free admission for all.
    • Operates online platform for western heritage organizations
      Operates VisitWHC.org, a website that provides public access to information about nonprofit organizations dedicated to preserving and promoting Western heritage.
    • Operates the Western Heritage Center museum
      Operates the Western Heritage Center in the historic Sam Hill Hardware building on Whiskey Row in Prescott, providing free admission to visitors and housing exhibits on regional history, including Native American artifacts, law enforcement, mining, fire department history, historic long guns, the Palace Roulette Wheel, and Prescott's film-making legacy. The center has welcomed 70,000 visitors since 2019 and has added nearly 20 exhibits since its 2019 grand opening.
    • Operating the Western Heritage Center
      Operates the Western Heritage Center in the historic Sam Hill Hardware store building on Whiskey Row, which opened in 2019 and has welcomed 70,000 visitors. The center features exhibits on historical artifacts, fine art, local history, and memorabilia from various regional organizations and events, with free admission for all visitors.
    • Operating the Western Heritage Center
      Operates the Western Heritage Center in the historic Sam Hill Hardware store building on Whiskey Row, which opened in 2019 and has welcomed 70,000 visitors. The center features over 20 exhibits of historical artifacts and fine art, including sections on Prescott's movie-making history, the Arizona Cowboy Poets Gathering, the Arizona Rangers, film history in Yavapai County, fire department history, the World's Oldest Rodeo, Native American artifacts, local history, law enforcement, mining, historic long guns, and the Palace Roulette Wheel. Admission is free for all visitors.
    • Operating the Western Heritage Center
      Operates the Western Heritage Center in the historic Sam Hill Hardware store building on Whiskey Row, which opened in 2019 and has welcomed 70,000 visitors. The center features over 20 exhibits of historical artifacts and fine art, including sections on Prescott's movie-making history, the Arizona Cowboy Poets Gathering, the Arizona Rangers, film history in Yavapai County, fire department history, the World's Oldest Rodeo, Native American artifacts, local history, law enforcement, mining, historic long guns, and the Palace Roulette Wheel. Admission is free for all visitors.
    • Recognizes community contributions to western heritage
      Engages Yavapai County residents and tourists in its programs and holds Volunteer Appreciation Nights (e.g., October 30, 2024, and February 28, 2024) to recognize community involvement in preserving Western heritage.
    • Western Heritage Center Operations
      Operates the Western Heritage Center in the historic Sam Hill Hardware store building, showcasing local western performers, artists, and historical exhibits, and welcoming approximately 70,000 visitors since 2019.
financials · form 990EZ · fy2022
revenue
Total revenue$190K
Contributions & grants$183K96%
Program service revenue
Investment income$40%
Other revenue
expenses
Total expenses$173K
Program expenses
Admin / overhead
Fundraising
Salaries & benefits
Grants paid out$9K
balance sheet
Total assets$107K
Cash
Investments
Liabilities
Net assets$81K
2 years on record · 2021–2022 · YoY revenue +7.1%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2022

who runs it

board members · 2
  • DOUG ALLEN — DIRECTOR
  • MELISSA RUFFNER — DIRECTOR
relationships · 32

who they work with

  • Arizona Cowboy Poets Gathering Partner — One of six regional preservation-related organizations whose exhibits are housed at the Western Heritage Center.
  • Arizona Preservation Foundation Partner — Hosted the Arizona Preservation Foundation Awards.
  • Atkinson Studios Partner — Designed and developed the organization's website
  • Cowboy Poets Gathering Partner — Participated in planning meetings for the Downtown Light Pole Banner Project.
  • Desert Caballeros Museum Partner — Features an exhibit related to the Desert Caballeros Museum.
  • Elks Theater Partner — Features an exhibit related to the Elks Theater.
  • Grand Highland Hotel Partner — Hosts "Boots on the Row" dinner and dance party at the historic Grand Highland Hotel.
  • History of Yavapai Law Enforcement Partner — One of six regional preservation-related organizations whose exhibits are housed at the Western Heritage Center.
  • Joe Wiegand Partner — Features Joe Wiegand, a reprisor of President Theodore Roosevelt, in "Grand Performances."
  • Mountain Artist's Guild Partner — Receives funding for art classes.
  • Museum of Indigenous People Partner — Features an exhibit related to the Museum of Indigenous People.
  • Phippen Museum Partner — Features an exhibit related to the Phippen Museum.
  • Phippen Museum Partner — One of six regional preservation-related organizations whose exhibits are housed at the Western Heritage Center.
  • Phippen Museum Partner — Participated in planning meetings for the Downtown Light Pole Banner Project.
  • Phippen Museum of Western Art and Heritage Partner — Features exhibits representative of treasures at the Phippen Museum of Western Art and Heritage.
  • Prescott Chamber of Commerce Partner — Endorsed the Downtown Light Pole Banner Project in 2013.
  • Prescott City Council Government — Endorsed the Downtown Light Pole Banner Project in 2013.
  • Prescott Downtown Partnership Partner — Endorsed the Downtown Light Pole Banner Project in 2013.
  • Prescott Frontier Rotary Club Partner — Hosted a presentation by the club.
  • Prescott Regulators & Their Shady Ladies Partner — President Neil Thomas co-presented a check to Sharlot Hall Museum and co-chaired the Prescott Western Heritage Days event.
  • Rodeo Partner — Participated in planning meetings for the Downtown Light Pole Banner Project and supported the Inaugural Western Heritage Recognition Dinner and Concert.
  • Rough Riders Partner — One of six regional preservation-related organizations whose exhibits are housed at the Western Heritage Center.
  • Sharlot Hall Museum Partner — One of six regional preservation-related organizations whose exhibits are housed at the Western Heritage Center.
  • Sharlot Hall Museum Partner — Participated in planning meetings for the Downtown Light Pole Banner Project, received a $3,500 donation, and is the beneficiary of the Prescott Western Heritage Days event.
  • Skyview Elementary School Partner — Received funding for history-related projects, specifically a biennial pioneer trek.
  • Smoki Museum Partner — Displays Native American artifacts and local history on loan from the Smoki Museum.
  • Smoki Museum (now the Museum of Indigenous People) Partner — Participated in planning meetings for the Downtown Light Pole Banner Project.
  • Yavapai Cattle Growers / Ranching Partner — Features an exhibit related to Yavapai Cattle Growers / Ranching.
  • Yavapai Cowbelles Partner — Features an exhibit related to the Yavapai Cowbelles.
  • Yavapai Cowbelles Partner — One of six regional preservation-related organizations whose exhibits are housed at the Western Heritage Center.
+ 2 more