Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education
The Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education is a Phoenix-based public charity, formed in 1978. It works to promote access to justice for Arizonans through legal services and law-related education, including financial and technical support for legal-service providers and educational programs.
Key facts about Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education
In short: Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education gave $6.0M across 20 grants in 2024 (avg $300K), mostly in Arizona. 10% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- EIN
- 95-3351710
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2024
- Annual giving (2024)
- $5,992,708
- Grants made (2024)
- 20
- Average grant
- $299,635
- Median grant
- $25,346
- New grantees (estimate)
- 10% first-time grantees (2 of 20, 2024)
- Total assets
- $27,224,905
- Primary geography
- Arizona (100% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- How to apply
- The Foundation’s website says the Grant Giving Program is not currently accepting applications. Full details ↓
- Deadline
- The 2026-award application period ran from September 15 to October 10, 2025, and is past.
Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology). Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990 · View filing
Total Assets
$27.2M
+96.2% YoY
Annual Giving
$6.0M
+178.8% YoY
Grant Count
20
+17.6% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$300K
+137.0% YoY
Is Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education open to new grantees?
10%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 2 of 20 grantees (10%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $26K; repeat grants $330K. How we count
Medians: $26K first-time, $23K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2020–2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Mission & Focus Areas
The Foundation’s stated mission is to promote access to justice for all Arizonans. Its work includes preparing young people for civic responsibility and helping Arizonans most in need access the justice system. Its 2024 filing describes legal services and law-related education as two parts of this work, including support for entities providing free legal services and programs that build young people’s understanding of citizenship.
The Foundation’s grants support legal-service organizations and related community providers. For example, Community Legal Services describes its mission as increasing fairness in the civil justice system for underserved communities; Southern Arizona Legal Aid says it provides quality legal services to people who would not otherwise have equal access to justice. Other 2024 recipients include domestic-violence organizations: Sojourner Center describes services for people affected by domestic violence, sexual violence, and human trafficking, while Defenders of Children focuses on protecting vulnerable children and families and supporting their access to justice.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2024, the Foundation reported 20 grants totaling **$5,992,708**. Grant amounts ranged from **$6,525 to $2,849,275**, with a median of **$25,346**. The largest awards were to Community Legal Services in Phoenix (**$2,849,275**) and Southern Arizona Legal Aid in Tucson (**$1,830,465**), both for domestic violence and legal services. DNA People’s Legal Services received **$601,240** for domestic violence and legal services, and the William E. Morris Institute received **$323,637** for legal services.
Review Cycle
The 2026-award application period ran from September 15 to October 10, 2025, and is past. The instructions said award notifications would be made in mid-December for a grant term beginning January 1, 2026.
Open Grants
3 open opportunities from Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education
Arizona Bar Foundation Community-Based Organization Scholarship
Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Arizona Bar Foundation Grant Giving Program
Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Foundation Grant Giving Program
Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Ready to take the next step with Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Foundation’s Grant Giving Program serves Arizona. All grant dollars itemized for filing year 2024 went to recipients in Arizona.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 20 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $1.7M (2022) to $6.0M (2024). In 2024 it made 20 grants totaling $6.0M.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Community Legal Services ($2.8M). Together the top 10 received $5.8M.
Grant Size Distribution
91 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 63 grants of 91 (69%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Community Legal Services Phoenix, AZ | Domestic Violence and Legal Services | $2,849,275 |
| Southern Arizona Legal Aid Tucson, AZ | Domestic Violence and Legal Services | $1,830,465 |
| DNA Peoples Legal Services Window Rock, AZ | Domestic Violence and Legal Services | $601,240 |
| William E Morris Institute Phoenix, AZ | Legal Services | $323,637 |
| Florence Immigrant & Refuge Tucson, AZ | Legal Services | $51,400 |
| Step up to Justice Tucson, AZ | Legal Services | $51,300 |
| Sojourner Center Phoenix, AZ | Domestic Violence Grant | $37,323 |
| Emerge Center Against Domestic VIO Tucson, AZ | Domestic Violence Grant | $32,625 |
| Defenders of Children Phoenix, AZ | Legal Assistance | $25,900 |
| Against Abuse Inc CASA Grande, AZ | Domestic Violence Grant | $25,491 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
Amounts in dollars, as reported by filing year.
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $27,224,905 | $23,793,539 | $9,829,809 | $5,992,708 |
| 2023 | $13,876,138 | $15,440,413 | $5,965,109 | $2,149,257 |
| 2022 | $3,979,281 | $5,548,454 | $4,505,833 | $1,704,260 |
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $27,224,905 | $13,876,138 | $3,979,281 |
| Revenue | $23,793,539 | $15,440,413 | $5,548,454 |
| Expenses | $9,829,809 | $5,965,109 | $4,505,833 |
| Net Investment Income | $679,605 | $124,081 | $16,010 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS September 29, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 15, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS October 4, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS October 16, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 13, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Kevin Ruegg as CEO/executive director; Alvaro Flores as CIO; Lara Slifko as CRO; Christine Groninger as CSO; and Stephanie Sandner as CFO. It also lists Jennifer Castro, senior director of education; Susan Brichler Trujillo, vice-president; Lance Broberg, president elect; and board members Hon. Robert Brooks and Peter Davis.
Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education is led by Kevin Ruegg, Ceoexecutive Director on every filing since 2020; 6 of 31 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Kevin Ruegg
Ceoexecutive Director
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$197K (2020) → $240K (2024)
Joseph Kreamer
President
Vice President → President Elect, 2022
President Elect → President, 2024
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jennifer Castro
Senior Director of Education
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$110K (2023) → $158K (2024)
Alvaro Flores
CIO
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$105K (2020) → $187K (2024)
Christine Groninger
Cso
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$105K (2020) → $191K (2024)
Lara Slifko
Cro
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$105K (2020) → $187K (2024)
Stephanie Sandner
CFO
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$107K (2020) → $189K (2024)
Anni Hill Foster
Board Member
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Brian Furuya
Board Member
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
David Rosenbaum
Board Member
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jennifer Lee-Cota
Past President
President Elect → President, 2022
President → Past President, 2024
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Joel England
Ex-Officio Member
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Kelsi Lane
Board Member
Board Memberpr Chair → Board Member, 2021
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Lance Broberg
President Elect
Secretary → Vice President, 2022
Vice President → President Elect, 2024
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Mark McCall
Board Member
Board Memberlre Chair → Board Member, 2021
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Peter Davis
Board Member
Board Member → Treasurer, 2022
Treasurer → Board Member, 2024
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Robert Brooks
Board Member
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Samuel Thumma
Ex-Officio Member
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Susan Brichler Trujillo
Vice President
Board Member → Secretary, 2022
Secretary → Vice President, 2024
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Todd Lang
Board Member
President → Past President, 2022
Past President → Board Member, 2024
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Craig Lewandowski
Treasurer
Board Member → Treasurer, 2024
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
David Bell
Board Member
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Joseph Adams
Secretary
Board Member → Secretary, 2024
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Leslie Ross
Board Member
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Ted Schmidt
Board Member
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Diana Varela
Board Member
On filings since 2022
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Kerry Melcher
Board Member
On filings since 2022
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Mignonne Hollis
Board Member
On filings since 2022
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Richard Parks
Board Member
On filings since 2022
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Scott Sherman
Board Member
On filings since 2022
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Suzanne Porter
Board Member
New on the 2024 filing
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (13)
- Former: Bradley Pack (2020–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Gina Godbehere (2020–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Dennis Fitzgibbons (2021–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Damon Ashcraft (2020–2021) — Past President
- Former: German A. Salazar (2020–2021) — Board Member
- Former: Hector Figueroa (2020–2021) — Board Member
- Former: Susan Conrad (2020–2021) — Board Member
- Former: Tom Giallanza (2020–2021) — Treasurer
- Former: Doreen N. McPaul (2020) — Board Member
- Former: Jennifer Rebholz (2020) — Board Member
- Former: Joannie Collins (2020) — CAO
- Former: Rachel Hernandez (2020) — Past President
- Former: Rodney Glassman (2020) — Board Member
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $240K, to Kevin Ruegg (Ceoexecutive Director). 6 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Contact
Mailing address: 4201 N 24Th Street Suite 210, Phoenix, AZ 85016
Phone: (602) 340-7356
Website: https://azbf.org
Frequently asked questions about Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education
How much does Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education give each year?
Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education gave $6.0M across 20 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $2.1M across 17 grants.
What is Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education's typical grant size?
Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education's median grant in 2024 was $25,346, and its average grant was $299,635, across 20 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education that year got $26K on average.
Where does Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education give grants?
Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education gives mostly in Arizona: 100% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Phoenix, AZ (6 grants) and Tucson, AZ (5 grants).
Does Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 20 grants with a stated purpose on Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education's 2024 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Domestic Violence Grant" (9 grants), "Domestic Violence" (3 grants) and "Domestic Violence and Legal Services" (3 grants).
Who are Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education's largest grantees?
Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education's largest 2024 grantees include Community Legal Services ($2,849,275), Southern Arizona Legal Aid ($1,830,465) and DNA Peoples Legal Services ($601,240), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. Together they received 88% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education?
Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education reported $27.2M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $23.8M.
What does Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education fund?
The Foundation’s stated mission is to promote access to justice for all Arizonans. Its work includes preparing young people for civic responsibility and helping Arizonans most in need access the justice system. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education?
The Foundation’s website says the Grant Giving Program is not currently accepting applications. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education's EIN?
Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 95-3351710. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Here's the math on researching Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education by hand.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
Arizona Community Foundation
Phoenix, AZ
The Arizona Community Foundation funds eligible nonprofits and community-serving organizations across arts and culture, education, community development, health and human services, the environment, and other areas, primarily in Arizona and sometimes nationally. Its 2025 median grant was $17,760; it accepts competitive applications during grant cycles, while donor-advised grants cannot be applied for.
Assets
$1.2B
Grants
1,174
Total Given
$92.9M
Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence Inc
Phoenix, AZ
ACESDV funds Arizona organizations serving survivors of sexual and domestic violence, including providers of shelter, crisis support, advocacy, legal services, and related programs. In 2025, its grants ranged from $6,038 to $684,168, with a median of $35,486; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$3.0M
Grants
24
Total Given
$2.1M
United Way of Northern Arizona Inc
Flagstaff, AZ
United Way of Northern Arizona funds early childhood development, positive youth development, and basic needs and safety programs. Its 2025 grants ranged from $4,896 to $68,544, with a median of $10,862, and supported organizations in Northern Arizona, including Coconino, Navajo, and Apache counties. Its Community Investment Fund uses an application process; the profile does not state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.
Assets
$3.5M
Grants
26
Total Given
$488K
Arizona Eastern Star Foundation
Phoenix, AZ
The Arizona Eastern Star Foundation supports charitable organizations working in areas such as food assistance, housing, veterans’ services, children’s needs, and health-related causes, with most 2025 grant dollars going to Arizona and California recipients. Grants ranged from $100 to $44,200, with a median of $3,000. It funds only preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$1.3M
Grants
42
Total Given
$195K
Arizona Foundation for Women Inc
Phoenix, AZ
Our vision is to create an Arizona where women are safe, healthy, and economically independent. We live out our mission by committing to advance the status of arizonas women through research, advocacy, and philanthropy.
Assets
$1.3M
Grants
1
Total Given
$25K
Signeski Family Foundation
Scottsdale, AZ
Assets
$2.2M
Grants
3
Total Given
$124K
The Diane and Bruce Halle Foundation
Scottsdale, AZ
The Diane and Bruce Halle Foundation funds human services, health and medical care, education, arts and culture, and spirituality, primarily in Arizona; applicants generally must be Arizona-based and direct most services and requested funding to the state. Its 2024 grants ranged from $1,000 to $2.7 million, with a median award of $100,000. The profile describes an eligibility quiz and LOI process but does not state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.
Assets
$16K
Grants
138
Total Given
$47.7M
First Interstate BancSystem Foundation
Billings, MT
The foundation funds poverty elimination, youth development, financial education, community development, and related community needs, including education, health, arts, and human services, in communities served by First Interstate Bank across 10 states. Its minimum grant is $2,500; the 2025 median award was $2,500, though amounts varied widely. Organizations may submit requests online, but grants are limited to organizations recommended by local First Interstate branches.
Assets
$19.2M
Grants
767
Total Given
$5.0M
The Yelp Foundation
San Francisco, CA
Assets
$6.2M
Grants
644
Total Given
$886K
The Picerne Family Charitable Foundation
Phoenix, AZ
The Phoenix-based Picerne Family Charitable Foundation funds nonprofits and programs in education, arts, health and mental health, older-adult services, affordable housing, equity, and the environment. Its 2025 grants had a median of $1,250, though amounts varied widely; specific programs offer awards up to $15,000 and serve areas including Southern California, San Diego, and Orange County. The profile describes application processes for certain programs but does not state whether it accepts unsolicited general requests.
Assets
$23.9M
Grants
672
Total Given
$2.5M
Petsmart Charities Inc
Phoenix, AZ
PetSmart Charities funds nonprofit and municipal programs for companion animals, including adoption, veterinary-care access, pet-food assistance, and disaster response. Its 2026 grants had a median of $15,000, with awards ranging from $5,100 to $8.1 million, for eligible organizations in the United States, its territories, and Canada. The profile lists application pathways for several grant programs; its Accelerator Sustainable Veterinary Care Grants are invitation-only.
Assets
$96.8M
Grants
655
Total Given
$48.1M
Virginia G Piper Charitable Trust
Phoenix, AZ
Virginia G Piper Charitable Trust funds nonprofits and community partners serving Maricopa County, Arizona, in arts and culture, children, education, healthcare, older adults, religion, and nonprofit capacity. In 2025, grants ranged from $25 to $1 million, with a median of $7,500. It uses a competitive application process that begins with a Letter of Inquiry; unsolicited requests are not explicitly addressed.
Assets
$429.9M
Grants
483
Total Given
$24.5M
More Funders in Arizona
Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education down — hundreds of funders to go?