Local First Arizona Foundation
Local First Arizona Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Phoenix, Arizona, dedicated to driving inclusive community and economic development throughout the state. Founded in 2003, the organization operates as a public charity focused on strengthening local businesses and communities through innovative programs and advocacy. The Foundation supports entrepreneurship, small business development, food system strengthening, and community economic development across rural, tribal, suburban, and urban Arizona communities.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$5.3M
-1.3% YoY
Annual Giving
$44K
-74.9% YoY
Grant Count
2
+0.0% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$22K
-74.9% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
Mission: To strengthen local businesses and communities by establishing equitable systems that level the playing field for a thriving, inclusive and lasting Arizona economy.
Vision: An Arizona where success knows no boundaries. It's a world where every individual, regardless of their background, discovers fertile ground to sprout, dream and blossom.
Primary Focus Areas:
Local Business Technical Assistance: Small business education programs in English and Spanish that foster entrepreneurship and increase access to capital. The Foundation provided one-on-one consulting to 3,500 small and under-resourced businesses in 2024, with Business Accelerator programs graduating 168 owners from the greater Phoenix area, Sedona, Cottonwood, Globe, and Miami.
Food Business Development & Community Gardens: Community kitchen incubation and farm-to-table programs. In 2024, more than 135 food business startups were incubated across community kitchens in Mesa, South Phoenix, and Maryvale, with 85 additional food businesses beginning operations through restaurant start-up boot camp participation.
Community & Economic Development: Programs building a self-reliant economy with focus on developing entrepreneurship in low-income or under-resourced communities.
Advocacy & Coalition Building: Harnessing the collective power of the largest local business coalition in the U.S. to advocate for the local business community.
Grantmaking
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Foundation serves communities throughout Arizona, including:
- Greater Phoenix area
- Sedona
- Cottonwood
- Globe
- Miami
- Mesa
- South Phoenix
- Maryvale
- Rural, tribal, suburban, and urban communities statewide
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
Assets: $5,346,321 (as of 2024)
Total Revenues: $10,547,800 (2024)
Total Expenses: $10,235,173 (2024)
Total Giving: $256,116
Staff: 73 employees (2024)
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $5,346,321 | $5,416,448 | $4,151,480 |
| Revenue | $10,547,800 | $12,939,628 | $6,889,263 |
| Expenses | $10,235,173 | $13,030,339 | $6,382,190 |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | $31,096 | $32,998 | $18,369 |
| Distributable Amount | — | — | — |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 2 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
64 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include Cahokia ($30,000), Orgs Under the Reporting Threshold ($14,316).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| CAHOKIA Phoenix, AZ | — | $30,000 |
| ORGS UNDER THE REPORTING THRESHOLD | — | $14,316 |
Leadership & Key People
Officers and directors from IRS filings
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| KIMBER LANNING | FOUNDER AND CEO | 60 | $224,532 |
| KORANDUS ARMSTEAD | CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER | 50 | $124,976 |
| KERWIN BROWN | MEMBER | 2 | — |
| MARIO ANILES | BOARD TREASURER | 2 | — |
| AMY BIRD | SECRETARY | 2 | — |
| CHERIE RANKIN | MEMBER | 2 | — |
| JONAE HARRISON | VICE CHAIR | 2 | — |
| KELLY DALY | MEMBER | 2 | — |
| EVELYN CASUGA | MEMBER | 2 | — |
| ANDRE WHITTINGTON | BOARD CHAIR | 2 | — |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
In 2024, Local First Arizona provided one-on-one consulting to 3,500 small and under-resourced businesses
Local First Arizona announces 2026 Devour Culinary Classic award winnersBusiness Accelerator programs graduated 168 owners from multiple Arizona communities
Local First Arizona to Facilitate Small Business Stability Grants \u2014\More than 135 food business startups were incubated in community kitchens across Mesa, South Phoenix, and Maryvale
85 additional food businesses began operations through restaurant start-up boot camp participation
The organization's Economic Recovery Center reported significant wins in its first six months of operation
Local First Arizona\u2019s Economic Recovery Center Reports Significant\Local First Arizona announced 2026 Devour Culinary Classic award winners
Local First Arizona announces 2026 Devour Culinary Classic award winnersSubject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Local First Arizona Foundation fund?
**Mission:** To strengthen local businesses and communities by establishing equitable systems that level the playing field for a thriving, inclusive and lasting Arizona economy. **Vision:** An Arizona where success knows no boundaries. It's a world where every individual, regardless of their background, discovers fertile ground to sprout, dream and blossom. **Primary Focus Areas:** • **Local Business Technical Assistance:** Small business education programs in English and Spanish that foster en…
How do I apply for a grant from Local First Arizona Foundation?
**Grant Amounts:** Typical awards range from $8,954 to $166,245. **Total Giving:** $256,116 in recent fiscal year activity. **Focus Areas:** Human Services, Health Care, and Arts, Culture & Humanities, primarily in Arizona. **Recent Activity:** The Foundation has helped Arizona-based entities win 160+ grants totaling $100 million. The organization has facilitated small business stability grants and raised over $1 million in grants for Arizona's smallest businesses.
Where does Local First Arizona Foundation make grants?
The Foundation serves communities throughout Arizona, including: • Greater Phoenix area • Sedona • Cottonwood • Globe • Miami • Mesa • South Phoenix • Maryvale • Rural, tribal, suburban, and urban communities statewide
What size grants does Local First Arizona Foundation award?
In 2024, Local First Arizona Foundation awarded 2 grants totaling $44K — an average of about $22K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
What is Local First Arizona Foundation's EIN?
Local First Arizona Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 26-1657951. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Local First Arizona Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
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Data last updated June 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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