AZA United Earns the 2026 Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid
At AZA United, we believe that trust is earned through openness, accountability, and a demonstrated commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of the families we serve. That is why we are proud to share that AZA United has earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid, the organization formed through the merger of GuideStar and Foundation Center. This is the highest level of recognition available through Candid’s nonprofit transparency program. ,
What Is the Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency?
Candid is the nation’s leading source of information about nonprofit organizations. Millions of donors, foundations, corporations, and grantmakers rely on Candid’s database to evaluate nonprofit organizations and make informed funding decisions. By maintaining a profile with Candid, nonprofits can share information about their mission, leadership, finances, goals, and impact with the public.
The Platinum Seal represents the highest level of transparency available. To earn it, an organization must go beyond simply sharing basic organizational and financial information. Nonprofits must also publicly report their strategic goals, the methods they use to achieve those goals, and measurable data demonstrating their impact. In addition, organizations must provide information about board governance and demographics to help funders better understand leadership diversity and representation.
Why Transparency Matters
Families trust us with some of the most important aspects of their lives—the care, development, and well-being of their children and loved ones. Donors trust us to steward their contributions responsibly. Community partners trust us to collaborate effectively in addressing unmet needs throughout Arizona.
By openly sharing how we operate, how resources are used, and what outcomes we achieve, we demonstrate our commitment to accountability and continuous improvement. Transparency allows supporters to see not only what we do, but also how we measure success and learn from our experiences.
In a nonprofit sector where resources are limited and community needs continue to grow, this level of openness helps ensure that families, donors, and partners can make informed decisions about the organizations they choose to support.
What This Recognition Says About AZA United
At AZA United, we strive to:
- Deliver high-quality, evidence-based services that improve outcomes for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities.
- Measure the impact of our programs and use data to drive improvements.
- Be responsible stewards of donor and grant funding.
- Share information openly with our community.
- Maintain strong governance and organizational oversight.
Why It Matters for Our Community
Many foundations and charitable funders use Candid profiles when evaluating nonprofit organizations for grants and other funding opportunities. Maintaining a Platinum-level profile helps ensure that funders can easily access accurate and comprehensive information about AZA United’s work, impact, and financial stewardship.
Ultimately, increased transparency can help strengthen confidence in our organization and expand opportunities to secure resources that directly benefit Arizona families. Every grant awarded, every donor inspired, and every partnership formed helps us increase access to critical services and support.
As AZA United continues to grow, transparency remains one of the ways we honor the trust placed in us by families, supporters, and the broader community.
Looking Ahead
This achievement is a milestone, but it is not the finish line. We remain committed to continually evaluating our impact, sharing our progress, and seeking new ways to serve more families across Arizona.
We are grateful to the families, staff members, donors, volunteers, community partners, and funders who make our work possible.
The Platinum Seal of Transparency reflects a collective commitment to excellence and accountability—and a shared belief that every individual deserves the opportunity to thrive.
Thank you for being part of the AZA United community and for helping us create a more inclusive and supportive future for individuals with autism and developmental disabilities throughout Arizona.
About Candid:
Candid is the leading source of nonprofit data and insights in the United States. The Platinum Seal of Transparency is the highest recognition available through its nonprofit profile program and is awarded to organizations that publicly share detailed information about their goals, strategies, governance, finances, and measurable impact.
