Looking for something meaningful to do this summer?
Maricopans are often accused of good-deed-doing, so it probably comes as no surprise that nearly 100 nonprofit organizations call the small town home. And that doesn’t even count the churches and parent-teacher organizations that also qualify as tax exempt.
Some nonprofits are focused on community service while others are focused on specific events. Some raise money for a charitable cause; others raise money for kids’ sports programs.
Blue Star Mothers provide military support from home front[quote_box_right]Currently in good standing in the Internal Revenue Service Files are these organizations, minus churches and PTOs. (Note: Some organizations are inactive but maintain their nonprofit status. This list is not intended as an endorsement.)
Aid 4 Greys
EIN: 20-2574239 Web: Aid4Grays.com
Raises funds for greyhound rescue groups.
American Legion
EIN: 27-2110284 Web: ALPost133Az.org
Creates programs for military veterans.
American Legion Auxiliary
EIN: 27-3655841 Web: ALPost133Az.org
Creates programs for spouses of military veterans.
Arizona Foundation for Social Justice Children and Youth Service
EIN: 80-0491866 Web: AFSJ-CYS.org
Provides family services.
Arizona Greyhound Association Inc.
EIN: 86-6053033 Web: none
Raises awareness of greyhounds and greyhound rescues.
Arizona National Guard Historical Society
EIN: 71-2468937 Web: bit.ly/AzMilMuseum
Operates Arizona Military Museum.
Arizona Poodle Rescue
EIN: 87-0799983 Web: ArizonaPoodleRescue.org
Rescues and re-homes standard poodles.
Assist You With Inc.
EIN: 27-2704971 Web: Facebook.com/AssistYouWith
Provides property and personal information protection.
Association of Rehabilitation Programs in Computer Technology
EIN: 75-3003211 Web: ARPCT.org
Provides professional development for support of people with disabilities.
Atlas Pet Rescue
EIN: 81-5281750 Web: AtlasAnimalRescue.org
Provides rescue and adoptions of all breeds.
Az Knights Inc.
EIN: 39-1722440 Web: ArizonaKnights.com
Provides fundamentals in youth sports.
Baby Fox Foundation
EIN: 82-2796191 Web: BabyFoxAcademy.com
Provides in-home preschool daycare.
Be Empowered to Be Inc.
EIN: 36-4699294 Web: BeMPoweredInc.com
Provides educational services to women and girls 12 and older.
Blue Star Mothers of America Inc.
EIN: 36-4774227 Web: BlueStarMothersofMaricopa.org
Provides auxiliary support of military personnel.
Boy Scout Troop 993
EIN: 20-8803738 Web: Troop993.net
Creates achievement environment for Scouts 11-18.
Chains of Brotherhood S.C.
EIN: 81-4194470 Web: Coboaz.com
Raises awareness of charitable events.
Copa Grande Rattlers Soccer Club
EIN: 46-4602217 Web: Facebook.com/CGRSC
Teaches soccer skills to youth players.
Copa Shorts Film Fest Inc.
EIN: 81-0902509 Web: CopaShortsFilmFest.org
Presents short films and educational programs.
Desert Dogz Safe Haven
EIN: 47-3596008 Web: none
Provides animal rescue.
Dream Catchers Youth Academy
EIN: 81-3976638 Web: DreamCathcersYouthAcademy.com
Develops youth character through sports.
DSPA Gems
EIN: 80-0469117 Web: Facebook.com/DSPAGems
Creates events and provides training in performing arts.
Dwarf Car Museum Inc.
EIN: 45-3761173 Web: DwarfCarMuseum.com
Provides funding for ongoing museum display.
E5 Life Strategies
EIN: 82-2933527 Web: E5LifeStrategies.com
Engages in spiritual, supernatural empowerment.
F.O.R. Maricopa Inc.
EIN: 26-0527262 Web: ForMaricopa.org
Provides food and essentials to families in need.
Families United Inc.
EIN: 51-0578429 Web: Care.com/b/l/Families-United-Inc/Maricopa-AZ
Provides assisted living options.
For the Love of Pete
EIN: 45-1610424 Web: none
Provides animal-rescue opportunities.
Fraternal Order of Police (Lodge 78)
EIN: 27-1685692 Web: AZFOP.com
Provides resources and legal access for law enforcement officers.
Goodwill Offering Inc.
EIN: 51-0552645 Web: none
Undefined cause.
Graysmark Schools Corporation
EIN: 27-0575484 Web: GraysmarkAcademy.com
Provides private education for preschool-kindergarten.
Helping Orphaned Hounds Rescue
EIN: 27-1868373 Web: HelpingOrphanedHounds.org
Finds homes for dogs and promotes spaying/neutering.
International Association of Railway Operating Officers
EIN: 06-1034133 Web: IAROO.org
Provides operating/technical information for railroad management.
International Association of Safety Environmental Professionals
EIN: 47-1938317 Web: IASHEP.org
Helps businesses create safe workplaces.
Keep the Beat Inc.
EIN: 81-3575032 Web: KeepTheBeatDJs.com
Offers music training and community service opportunities.
Knights of Columbus
EIN: 45-5089097 Web: KofcKnights.org/CouncilSite/index.asp?CNO=13895
Performs volunteer service in parish and community.
Little League Baseball Inc.
EIN: 20-0616188 Web: MaricopaLittleLeague.com
Provides youth sports opportunities.
Maricopa Ak-Chin STEAM Foundation Inc.
EIN: 45-5489047 Web: none
Cultivates a love of learning science and math.
Maricopa Amateur Radio Association
EIN: 46-2297818 Web: CopaHams.org
Presents activities and testing in amateur radio operations.
Maricopa Arts Council
EIN: 46-3796208 Web: Facebook.com/Maricopa-Arts-Council-607730355925627
Creates opportunities to showcase community arts and entertainment.
Maricopa Community Alliance Against Substance Abuse
EIN: 86-0731529 Web: MCAASA.org
Creates positive, empowering activities and learning experiences for youth.
Maricopa Community Theatre
EIN: 27-3193374 Web: MaricopaCommunityTheatre.com
Presents live theater productions and youth performances.
Maricopa Cultural Activity Center Inc. (Friends of the Maricopa Public Library)
EIN: 94-2933340 Web: Maricopafriends.yolasite.com
Supports and enhances the public library.
Maricopa Dukes
EIN: 47-1468853 Web: LeagueLineup.com/welcome.asp?url=MaricopaDukes
Provides training and games for youth baseball.
Maricopa Economic Development Alliance
EIN: 27-0924554 Web: MaricopaEDA.com
Seeks strategies and solutions for economic growth.
Maricopa Education Foundation Inc.
EIN: 260273602 Web: MaricopaEducationFoundation.org
Provides academic and cultural enrichment for students.
Maricopa Football Boosters
EIN: 81-4514608 Web: MaricopaRamsFootball.com
Provides opportunities and resources for Maricopa High School football.
Maricopa Golf Classic Incorporated
EIN: 47-5276824 Web: Holes4HeroesAZ.com
Raises money for American Service Animal Society and 100 Club of Arizona.
Maricopa Historical Society
EIN: 27-3047891 Web: MHS50.com
Preserves historical materials and educates through special programs.
Maricopa Lions Club
EIN: 47-3132480 Web: E-Clubhouse.org/sites/Maricopa
Provides community service and fundraising.
Maricopa Multi Cultural Consortium
EIN: 81-2253575 Web: Facebook.com/MMCCvenue
Seeks resources for construction of senior/community center.
Maricopa Pantry
EIN: 81-3081927 Web: Facebook.com/MaricopaPantry
Provides food bank services.
Maricopa Police Foundation Inc.
EIN: 80-0540115 Web: MPFinc.org
Provides support and resources for Maricopa Police Department.
4-H Clubs & Affiliated 4-H Organizations
EIN: 20-8837543 Web: none
Advances youth development.
Maricopa Sandlot
EIN: 82-1774844 Web: MaricopaSandlot.com
Provides competition opportunities for girls fastpitch softball.
Maricopa Seniors Inc.
EIN: 90-0502807 Web: MaricopaSeniors.org
Provides resources for senior safety.
Maricopa United Soccer Club
EIN: 81-3559665 Web: MaricopaUnitedsc.com
Provides competition for year-round soccer.
Maricopa Youth Football
EIN: 01-0832741 Web: Facebook.com/MaricopaYouthFootball
Provides recreation and instruction for youth.
Military Order of the Purple Heart of the USA
EIN: 32-0316136 Web: mophaz.org
Provides resources to combat-wounded veterans.
Moms Club
EIN: 55-0889732 Web: Facebook.com/MOMSClubofMaricopa
Provides mutual support for mothers.
Nelson C. Lathan Counseling Center
EIN: 46-1079110 Web: NelsonCLathanCounseling.com
Provides youth programs for emotional health and education.
North Hidden Valley Fire Department
EIN: 45-2628478 Web: none
Provides fire protection in unincorporated area.
Parent Information Distribution Center Inc.
EIN: 35-2019678 Web: none
Improves lives of children by assisting families.
Pet Social Worker Tails of Hope
EIN: 26-1974172 Web: PetSocialWorker.org
Offers information on lost/found and adoptable pets.
Powerpack Copa Inc.
EIN: 47-5488722 Web: PowerPackCopa.org
Provides weekend meals for school children.
Pride & Joy Learning & Development Center Inc.
EIN: 41-2205048 Web: none
Provides reduced-rate daycare services for qualifying families.
Rocking 4dFoundation Inc.
EIN: 81-0864768 Web: Rocking4dFoundation.org
Provides community service.
Rotary International
EIN: 86-6038197 Web: Portal.ClubRunner.ca/2896
Provides community service.
Sassy S Sisters Happy Haven Animal Sanctuary
EIN: 891-4382642 Web: none
Provides animal rescue.
Silent Heroes
EIN: 81-4088924 Web: none
Hosts golf tournament to benefit first responders.
The Streets Don’t Love You Back
EIN: 47-3208272 Web: TheStreetsDontLoveYouBack.com
Provides education and resources to prevent youth crime and recidivism.
Support Team for Education and Learning Associations Inc.
EIN: 26-2352793 Web: STELASonline.org
Supports higher learning for children in developing countries.
Toastmasters International (Club 00003256)
EIN: 86-0988503 Web: Toastmasters.org
Develops communication and leadership skills.
Vetit Inc.
EIN: 47-3420223 Web: Facebook.com/VetitUSA
Helps veterans transition to civilian life.
Vietnam Aviation Veterans of Arizona
EIN: 86-1003308 Web: none
Hosts a museum of military aviation history.
Viper Club of America – Arizona Region Inc.
EIN: 80-0010718 Web: AZVipersClub.com
Offers automotive activities for Viper owners.[/quote_box_right]
Blue Star Mothers of Maricopa will turn 5 years old Aug. 5, five years of looking out for military servicemembers whose mothers call Maricopa home.
A private nonprofit, it was designated Chapter AZ7 by the national organization, which was created during World War II. Started locally by Tracy Davis and Lisa Durst and now led by Air Force mom Vero Sanchez, Blue Star Mothers offers support for moms who have children on active duty in the armed forces or are veterans. They send “Packages from Home” to those serving, celebrate homecomings and find resources for troops and their families.
Navy mom and club Treasurer Gail DeLair said Blue Star Mothers made her feel at home quickly. “I had someone I could talk to instantly.”
The group includes mothers, stepmothers, grandmothers, foster mothers and female legal guardians. They want to reach out not only to those whose children are deployed but also those whose kids are entering basic training. Mothers of servicemembers who have already been discharged have remained members of Blue Star Mothers to offer support to moms still working through the process of having a child in harm’s way.
A highly patriotic club, Blue Star Mothers is a visible presence at many community events, such as the Great American 4th and the Veterans Day Parade. They meet the third Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at Maricopa Veterans Center, 44240 W. Maricopa-Casa Grande Hwy.
Blue Star Mothers plans a fund-raiser at Freddy’s, 21467 N. John Wayne Parkway, on July 12, 5-9 p.m.
BlueStarMothersOfMaricopa.org, [email protected]
Boy Scout Troop 993 creates adventures
In 2007, Boy Scout Troop 993 started with five boys. Today, there are more than 40 enrolled with a solid 22-25 active any given week.
Gerry Hahn started the troop after discovering Maricopa had no community troop of Boy Scouts of American, only those associated with churches. He said he wanted to give boys unaffiliated with other organizations a chance to learn new skills and be part of something.
“We go camping about 10 times a year, a weekend almost every month,” Hahn said. “We have competitions within the county. We plan six months ahead of time.”
Whether its tug-o-war or cooking competitions, the Scouts have an opportunity to show their stuff in a wide range of activities at camporees. Scouts range in age from 11 to 18. The troop’s success relies on consistent leadership and fundraising.
As a tax-exempt organization, how does Boy Scout Troop 993 spend money it raises with popcorn sales, face-painting booths at city events and other efforts?
Along with campouts and miscellaneous adventures, the troop uses donations for supplies and program expenses.
“We went to the Bahamas, and the next year we went whitewater rafting,” said Mark Yonts, advisor for Venture Crew 2993, a coed program within Scouting that existed before the national organization announced it would admit girls and change its name to BSA. They are in their fifth summer as part of Troop 993.
“Last year we went kayaking in Canada,” Yonts said.
Troop 993 Scout Master Sean Handwerk said he’s enjoyed watching his son grow from a Tiger Scout to an Eagle candidate. His son Michael, a former troop member, joined the U.S. Army while his younger son Cody has risen to leadership position in the troop. Gerry Hahn’s brother Damon Hahn is also a leader.
Cody Handwerk, a senior patrol leader, said he was “forced” to join Boy Scouts four years ago, but set his sights on being the troop’s youngest Eagle Scout at 14.
“It really helps in your future career options, and in job interviews it boosts your resume,” Cody said.
His Eagle project was creating an Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant walkway to the ramada at Maricopa Veterans Center. He said scouting has helped him hone is leadership skills.
“It got me out of my comfort zone,” he said. “I never used my voice that loud before.”
Raul Rivera, 17, joined Troop 993 because of the lure of adventure. He has stuck like glue. Even though he and his family moved away three years ago, he continues to travel to Maricopa to be with 993.
“It looked like a lot of fun, with campouts, and I’ve always been a big outdoors guy,” Rivera said. “That really appealed to me.”
This year, his Eagle Scout project was reflooring part of his church, Foothills Baptist in Ahwatukee. Eagle candidates are required not just to work but also to organize several volunteers and raise funds and resources.
Scouts can be members of Troop 993 and Crew 2993 simultaneously. Both emphasize empowering kids to take responsibility.
“We usually have a big summer adventure, and then we have our regular meetings throughout the year, learning skills to whatever the kids decide to do,” Yonts said. “They come with all their ideas, they discuss them, they plan the calendar out and decide what they want to do.
“We have five active troop members right now. We had more, but one left to go to the Coast Guard, one left to go to the Army, and two went to college.”
Maricopa Ak-Chin STEAM Foundation cool with science
Maricopa Ak-Chin STEAM Foundation Inc. was founded in 2012 to promote science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics in school-age children.
From rockets and robots to LEGOs and microscopes, the nonprofit engages programs and students in learning activities. Executive Director Dan Miller is planning a big STEAM event Nov. 5-9 during National STEAM Week, including hands-on demonstrations.
The foundation is organizing companies, government entities and industry specialists for presentations that enhance ongoing STEAM-themed programs at local schools.
Lions Club has clear vision of community service
Maricopa Lions Club is a fairly new chapter but has been very busy since its inception. The Lions have adopted a highway and picked up trash. They have contributed resources and labor for the local Against Abuse shelter. They have helped at F.O.R. Maricopa food bank and at Relay for Life. They have chipped in at the Maricopa Police Foundation’s Shop with a Cop holiday program.
Lions International was founded in 1917. Its Lions Eye programs gained renown for the organization by organizing vision screenings, raising awareness of eye diseases and collecting used eyeglasses. The Maricopa Lions, founded in 2015 by Dave and Berta Bock, continue that mission while engaging in other ways to help the community.
Fundraisers have included an annual golf scramble and golf ball drop raffle. Club president is Marc Tremblay, who can be reached at 520-350-2908.
PowerPack Copa feeds kids for the weekend
PowerPack Copa was formed out of noticing a need in Maricopa. While children participating in the free/reduced lunch programs at their school could eat breakfast and lunch, there was a gap for the weekend.
Launched by Church of Celebration in 2013, the nonprofit collects food items, packs them into food bags and takes the packs to eight Maricopa schools for distribution to the children who need them. With the early start to the school year for most Maricopa children (July 23), PowerPack Copa is also getting started early.
The next PowerPack Copa Packing Party is July 26 at 4:30 p.m. at the Villages clubhouse. The packs will then be taken to the schools on Friday, July 27, in time to be distributed for the weekend.
This story appears in the July issue of InMaricopa.
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