Discover the most impactful non-profit organizations in Arizona that are making a difference across the state.
This comprehensive resource highlights Arizona’s leading charitable organizations’ missions, locations, and exceptional work.
Importance of Arizona’s Non-Profits
Arizona faces unique challenges from affordable housing shortages to water conservation concerns, border issues, and educational disparities.
The state’s vibrant non-profit sector addresses these challenges with innovative, community-centered solutions.
These organizations serve as vital lifelines for vulnerable populations while strengthening Arizona’s diverse communities.
Best Non-Profit Organizations in Arizona
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1. Arizona Community Foundation
Location: 2201 E. Camelback Road, Suite 405B, Phoenix, AZ 85016
Website: azfoundation.org
Phone: (602) 381-1400
Focus Areas: Community development, education, health, arts and culture
The Arizona Community Foundation stands as Arizona’s largest public foundation, managing over $1 billion in charitable assets.
With regional offices in Flagstaff, Prescott, Sedona, Tucson, and Yuma, ACF provides critical support through strategic grantmaking, donor-advised funds, and community initiatives.
What Makes Them Stand Out:
- Manages more than 2,000 philanthropic funds
- Distributed $132 million in grants and scholarships in 2023
- Operates specialized affiliate communities like the Black Philanthropy Initiative and the LGBTQ+ Philanthropy Initiative
- Maintains a commitment to addressing systemic issues affecting underserved communities
2. St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance
Location: 2831 N. 31st Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85009
Website: stmarysfoodbank.org
Phone: (602) 242-3663
Focus Areas: Food security, hunger relief, nutrition education
As the world’s first food bank, St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance has pioneered hunger relief since 1967.
Serving 9 Arizona counties, this non-profit distributes millions of pounds of food annually to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity.
What Makes Them Stand Out:
- Distributes over 250,000 meals daily
- Operates innovative mobile pantries to reach remote communities
- Runs the Community Kitchen culinary training program for employment skills
- Implements the Kids Cafe program providing after-school meals to children
3. Banner Alzheimer’s Institute
Location: 901 E. Willetta Street, Phoenix, AZ 85006
Website: banneralz.org
Phone: (602) 839-6900
Focus Areas: Alzheimer’s research, patient care, family support, education
The Banner Alzheimer’s Institute represents Arizona’s premier center for Alzheimer’s care, research, and education.
Their innovative approach combines cutting-edge research with compassionate care models.
What Makes Them Stand Out:
- Conducts groundbreaking prevention trials through their Alzheimer’s Prevention Initiative
- Provides comprehensive clinical care through specialized memory centers
- Operates extensive support services for caregivers and families
- Maintains national leadership in developing new diagnostic techniques and treatments
4. Child Crisis Arizona
Location: 817 N. Country Club Drive, Mesa, AZ 85201
Website: childcrisisaz.org
Phone: (480) 834-9424
Focus Areas: Child welfare, foster care, adoption, family education
Child Crisis Arizona provides comprehensive services to protect vulnerable children and strengthen families.
For over 40 years, this organization has been at the forefront of preventing child abuse and supporting Arizona’s foster care system.
What Makes Them Stand Out:
- Operates emergency shelter programs for children in crisis
- Provides foster care and adoption services to find permanent homes
- Offers extensive family education programs to strengthen parenting skills
- Runs early childhood education centers focused on high-quality development
5. Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center
Location: 27026 N. 156th Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85262
Website: southwestwildlife.org
Phone: (480) 471-9109
Focus Areas: Wildlife rehabilitation, conservation, education
The Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center rescues, rehabilitates, and releases injured wildlife while providing sanctuary for animals unable to return to the wild.
Their conservation efforts focus primarily on Arizona’s native species.
What Makes Them Stand Out:
- Rescues and rehabilitates over 300 wild animals annually
- Provides sanctuary for non-releasable wildlife including Mexican gray wolves
- Conducts educational programs reaching thousands of visitors yearly
- Participates in critical species recovery programs for endangered wildlife
6. Chicanos Por La Causa
Location: 1112 E. Buckeye Road, Phoenix, AZ 85034
Website: cplc.org
Phone: (602) 257-0700
Focus Areas: Economic development, education, housing, health and human services
Chicanos Por La Causa (CPLC) stands as one of Arizona’s largest community development corporations.
For over 50 years, CPLC has provided integrated services addressing economic, educational, and social barriers facing underserved communities.
What Makes Them Stand Out:
- Provides affordable housing through development and property management
- Offers small business loans and entrepreneurship support
- Operates charter schools and educational programs for all ages
- Delivers comprehensive health and human services across Arizona
7. Hospice of the Valley
Location: 1510 E. Flower Street, Phoenix, AZ 85014
Website: hov.org
Phone: (602) 530-6900
Focus Areas: Hospice care, palliative care, grief support, dementia care
Among the best non-profit organizations in Arizona is Hospice of the Valley.
This organization provides exceptional end-of-life care to patients and families throughout central Arizona.
As a non-profit hospice, they ensure all patients receive compassionate care regardless of financial circumstances.
What Makes Them Stand Out:
- Serves over 19,000 patients and families annually
- Operates specialized programs including Dementia Care, Pediatric Care, and Veterans Care
- Provides extensive grief support services at no cost to the community
- Maintains internationally recognized education and research programs
8. Arizona Humane Society
Location: 1521 W. Dobbins Road, Phoenix, AZ 85041
Website: azhumane.org
Phone: (602) 997-7585
Focus Areas: Animal rescue, shelter, adoption, veterinary services
The Arizona Humane Society is another of the top non-profit organizations in Arizona that aims to transform animal welfare through innovative programs and services.
Their comprehensive approach addresses both immediate rescue needs and systemic improvements to pet ownership.
What Makes Them Stand Out:
- Operates an Emergency Animal Medical Technician™ program for rescue and field response
- Runs the Second Chance Animal Trauma Hospital™ treating over 11,000 injured pets annually
- Provides extensive foster care networks for animals requiring specialized care
- Advocates for legislative improvements to animal welfare laws statewide
9. Esperança
Location: 1911 W. Earll Drive, Phoenix, AZ 85015
Website: esperanca.org
Phone: (602) 252-7772
Focus Areas: Health education, disease prevention, surgical missions, community development
Esperança uniquely bridges international and domestic health initiatives.
While conducting surgical missions abroad, they also implement vital health programs in underserved Phoenix communities.
What Makes Them Stand Out:
- Delivers culturally appropriate health education to Phoenix’s most vulnerable neighborhoods
- Conducts international surgical missions providing life-changing procedures
- Implements sustainable development projects focused on clean water and food security
- Provides dental care and education to children in low-income schools
10. Duet: Partners In Health & Aging
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Location: 10000 N. 31st Avenue, Suite D200, Phoenix, AZ 85051
Website: duetaz.org
Phone: (602) 274-5022
Focus Areas: Eldercare, caregiver support, transportation services, health promotion
Duet provides comprehensive services that help older adults age with dignity in their own homes.
Their volunteer-driven model creates meaningful connections while addressing the practical needs of Arizona’s aging population.
What Makes Them Stand Out:
- Coordinates volunteer services including transportation, shopping assistance, and home visits
- Facilitates support groups for family caregivers and grandparents raising grandchildren
- Provides health promotion activities through evidence-based workshops
- Delivers interfaith volunteer training for congregation-based services
11. Tumbleweed Center for Youth Development
Location: 1550 E. McKellips Road, Suite 102, Mesa, AZ 85203
Website: tumbleweed.org
Phone: (602) 271-9904
Focus Areas: Youth homelessness, crisis services, housing, education
Tumbleweed provides life-changing interventions for homeless, runaway, and at-risk youth in the Phoenix metro area.
Their comprehensive services address immediate needs while building pathways to independence.
What Makes Them Stand Out:
- Operates the Safe Place program providing immediate crisis intervention
- Provides emergency shelter and transitional housing options
- Offers educational support and employment readiness programs
- Delivers specialized services for LGBTQ+ youth and victims of trafficking
12. Native American Connections
Location: 4520 N. Central Avenue, Suite 600, Phoenix, AZ 85012
Website: nativeconnections.org
Phone: (602) 254-3247
Focus Areas: Affordable housing, behavioral health, cultural preservation
Native American Connections combines affordable housing development with culturally appropriate behavioral health services.
Their integrated approach addresses critical needs within Native American communities and beyond.
What Makes Them Stand Out:
- Develops and manages over 1,000 units of affordable housing
- Operates culturally sensitive substance abuse treatment programs
- Provides Native American cultural and spiritual healing practices
- Implements innovative homelessness prevention initiatives
13. Make-A-Wish Arizona
Location: 2901 N. 78th Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Website: wish.org/arizona
Phone: (602) 395-9474
Focus Areas: Children’s wishes, support for seriously ill children
As the founding chapter of the global Make-A-Wish organization, Make-A-Wish Arizona continues its mission of granting life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses throughout the state.
What Makes Them Stand Out:
- Grants approximately 400 wishes annually across Arizona
- Pioneered the wish-granting movement that spread worldwide
- Creates personalized, transformative experiences for each child
- Maintains a strong volunteer base with over 600 active volunteers
14. Phoenix Rescue Mission
Location: 338 N. 15th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85007
Website: phoenixrescuemission.org
Phone: (602) 233-3000
Focus Areas: Homelessness, addiction recovery, hunger relief, life skills
Phoenix Rescue Mission provides Christ-centered, life-transforming solutions to persons facing hunger, homelessness, addiction, and trauma.
Their holistic approach addresses immediate needs while building pathways to lasting change.
What Makes Them Stand Out:
- Operates comprehensive addiction recovery programs
- Provides emergency shelter and transitional housing options
- Distributes food, water, and essential items to those in need
- Offers vocational development and life skills training
15. Fresh Start Women’s Foundation
Location: 1130 E. McDowell Road, Phoenix, AZ 85006
Website: freshstartwomen.org
Phone: (602) 252-8494
Focus Areas: Women’s empowerment, education, career services, support groups
Fresh Start Women’s Foundation helps women transform their lives through education, resources, and support.
Their comprehensive services address the unique challenges women face when seeking personal and professional growth.
What Makes Them Stand Out:
- Provides career services including job search assistance and interview preparation
- Offers computer training and digital literacy programs
- Facilitates personal development workshops and support groups
- Delivers legal support services and consultations
16. Arizona Science Center
Location: 600 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Website: azscience.org
Phone: (602) 716-2000
Focus Areas: Science education, STEM programming, teacher development
Arizona Science Center inspires, educates, and engages Arizonans in the wonder of science, technology, engineering, and math.
Their interactive approach makes science accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds.
What Makes Them Stand Out:
- Features over 300 hands-on exhibits spanning multiple scientific disciplines
- Operates the CREATE makerspace for innovation and design
- Provides extensive field trip experiences for Arizona schools
- Delivers professional development for educators in STEM subjects
17. Tucson Wildlife Center
Location: 13275 E. Speedway Boulevard, Tucson, AZ 85748
Website: tucsonwildlife.com
Phone: (520) 290-9453
Focus Areas: Wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, release, education
The Tucson Wildlife Center rescues, rehabilitates, and releases wildlife in southern Arizona.
Their professional staff and dedicated volunteers provide expert care for thousands of animals annually.
What Makes Them Stand Out:
- Operates a full-service wildlife hospital with veterinary facilities
- Maintains specialized rehabilitation enclosures for diverse species
- Provides 24/7 wildlife emergency response services
- Conducts community education about wildlife conservation
18. Tempe Community Action Agency
Location: 2146 E. Apache Boulevard, Tempe, AZ 85281
Website: tempeaction.org
Phone: (480) 350-5880
Focus Areas: Food security, homelessness prevention, senior services, community gardens
Tempe Community Action Agency (TCAA) addresses immediate needs while implementing long-term solutions to help people achieve economic independence.
Their integrated services focus primarily on Tempe residents.
What Makes Them Stand Out:
- Operates the Tempe Community Food Bank serving thousands monthly
- Provides emergency rent and utility assistance preventing homelessness
- Runs the I-HELP program offering meals and shelter for homeless individuals
- Maintains community gardens promoting food sustainability
19. Association for Supportive Child Care
Location: 3910 S. Rural Road, Suite E, Tempe, AZ 85282
Website: asccaz.org
Phone: (480) 829-0500
Focus Areas: Early childhood education, childcare quality, family support
The Association for Supportive Child Care improves the quality of early childhood education through provider training, family resources, and community awareness.
Their programs reach across Arizona’s diverse communities.
What Makes Them Stand Out:
- Facilitates the Quality First program improving childcare quality statewide
- Provides training and technical assistance to childcare providers
- Operates family resource programs supporting parents and caregivers
- Implements innovative early literacy initiatives in underserved communities
20. United Food Bank
Location: 358 E. Javelina Avenue, Mesa, AZ 85210
Website: unitedfoodbank.org
Phone: (480) 398-4442
Focus Areas: Food security, hunger relief, nutrition education
United Food Bank distributes millions of pounds of food to hungry individuals and families throughout eastern Arizona.
Serving five counties covering 19,608 square miles, their reach extends to some of Arizona’s most rural communities.
What Makes Them Stand Out:
- Distributes over 22 million pounds of food annually
- Serves more than 228,000 individuals through 150+ partner agencies
- Operates efficient food rescue programs reducing waste
- Delivers essential nutrition to remote tribal communities
How to Support Arizona’s Non-Profit Organizations
These twenty organizations represent the diversity and impact of Arizona’s non-profit sector.
Their collective work addresses critical needs from healthcare to education, environmental conservation to food security, demonstrating the power of community-based solutions.
You can support these vital organizations through:
- Financial Contributions: One-time or monthly donations directly support programs and services
- Volunteer Opportunities: Donate your time and skills to make a tangible difference
- In-Kind Donations: Many organizations accept goods, professional services, or equipment
- Corporate Partnerships: Businesses can engage through sponsorships and employee volunteer programs
- Advocacy: Amplify their mission by raising awareness in your community
By supporting Arizona’s non-profit organizations, you become part of the solution to the unique challenges facing the Grand Canyon State.
Frequently Asked Questions About Arizona Non-Profits
How can I find volunteer opportunities in Arizona?
Most organizations list volunteer opportunities on their websites or you can contact them directly.
Volunteer matching services like VolunteerMatch.org also connect volunteers with appropriate opportunities.
Do Arizona non-profits qualify for tax exemptions?
Most established non-profits hold 501(c)(3) status, making donations tax-deductible.
Always verify an organization’s status before claiming deductions.
How do Arizona non-profits fund their operations?
Funding typically comes from multiple sources including grants, individual donations, corporate sponsorships, government contracts, and fundraising events.
Can I specify how my donation is used?
Many organizations accept restricted donations for specific programs. Contact the organization directly to discuss how you’d like your contribution directed.
How can I verify that an Arizona non-profit is legitimate?
Check their registration with the Arizona Corporation Commission and verify their tax-exempt status through the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search tool.
For more information about these organizations or to discover additional non-profits serving specific needs, visit our NGOs category.
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