The Arizona Foundation for Educational Advancement is a private, non-operating foundation based in Phoenix, Arizona. Established in 1995, it holds 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status and is designated as an organization for educational purposes. The foundation supports educational advancement through strategic grantmaking to preselected charitable organizations.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$17.3M
+6.0% YoY
Annual Giving
$585K
+5.0% YoY
Grant Count
22
+0.0% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$27K
+5.0% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation's primary purpose is to support educational advancement. Its grantmaking focuses on educational institutions and related activities, with particular emphasis on scholarships and student financial aid services.
Grantmaking
Grant Range
$15,000
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation primarily funds organizations in Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado. Organizations in Arizona, New Mexico, and Kansas account for 71% of all grants.
Grant Distribution by State
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
Assets & Revenue:
- Total assets: $16.3 million (2023)
- Total assets: $17.3 million (reported in alternative source)
- Total assets have grown from $12.5 million in 2011 to $16.3 million in 2023
- Annual income: $7 million
- Total liabilities: $43,200 (2023)
2023 Financial Summary:
- Revenue: $698,000
- Expenses: $859,000
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $17,263,365 | $16,281,223 | $15,439,958 |
| Revenue | $1,391,176 | $698,051 | $691,719 |
| Expenses | $902,213 | $859,459 | $854,718 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $746,342 | $717,184 | $715,735 |
| Net Investment Income | $1,259,582 | $577,596 | $521,874 |
| Distributable Amount | $829,677 | $766,396 | $801,041 |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
134 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
No grants recorded for .
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
John Muessle serves as President of the foundation. The foundation is governed by 5 officers and trustees.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| JOHN MUESSLE | PRESIDENT/SECRETARY | 20 | $87,000 |
| LEO VALDEZ | DIRECTOR | 2 | $10,000 |
| SCOTT BUTTERFIELD | VICE CHAIRMAN | 2 | $10,000 |
| THOMAS DUNCAN | ASSISTANT TREASURER | 3 | $20,000 |
| LEE BURTON | CHAIRMAN/TREASURER | 2 | $12,500 |
Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
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Similar funders by location and focus area
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Data last updated April 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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