At the Armer Foundation for Kids, we often hear a well-meaning question from supporters: “Wait, nonprofits have payroll? Shouldn’t every dollar go directly to the families?” It’s a great question, and one that reflects a common misconception about how nonprofits operate – even small, family-run ones like ours. The short answer is yes – we do have paid staff – and it’s absolutely vital for delivering real, lasting impact to the Phoenix-area families we serve.
Let us explain why, and how this directly supports our mission of easing the financial and emotional burdens for families with children battling extreme medical conditions.
We’re a Family-Founded and Family-Run “Not-for-Profit,” Not “No-Profit”
The Armer Foundation for Kids is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, proudly founded in 2019 by Jennifer and Matt Armer – a husband-and-wife team inspired by personal experiences and a deep commitment to our community. As owners of a local Phoenix business, Jennifer and Matt started this foundation to make a tangible difference, and it remains family-run at its core.
Important note: That separate business is an entirely independent entity with its own staff, operations, and finances – completely distinct from the Armer Foundation for Kids. The foundation has its own modest team and budget, funded solely through charitable donations, grants, and fundraising events.
Our mission is heartfelt and focused: When health insurance falls short, we step in to help Metro Phoenix families with copays, insurance premiums, deductibles, and other out-of-pocket medical expenses. This allows parents to focus on their child’s healing and well-being, rather than worrying about crippling bills.
Like any effective organization, we generate revenue through generous donations, grants, and fundraising events. Every dollar is reinvested into our mission – including reasonable operating expenses like fair compensation for our dedicated (and modest) team. Without this structure, even a family-run nonprofit couldn’t sustain the professional, year-round support that families rely on.
Dedicated Expertise Drives Real Impact – Even in a Family-Run Organization
Running a nonprofit isn’t just about passion – it requires consistent expertise. As a family-run foundation, Jennifer is deeply involved, but supporting growing needs means handling critical tasks such as:
- Reviewing and verifying family applications to ensure aid goes where it’s needed most
- Distributing financial assistance efficiently and compliantly
- Managing grants, regulatory requirements, and community partnerships
- Organizing programs and events that bring comfort and joy, like our Armer Cares initiatives (delivering toys, blankets, “Go Bags,” and creative supplies to hospitalized kids), holiday efforts, and fundraising galas
Volunteers are the heart of our community – they’re incredible and we couldn’t do this without them! But volunteers can’t manage full-time operations, complex compliance, or consistent program delivery alone. Our small paid team provides the reliable, professional backbone that ensures high-quality support 365 days a year – complementing the family’s hands-on leadership.
The work we do is emotionally intense. Supporting families through life-altering medical crises demands compassion, resilience, and expertise. In a family-run nonprofit, we’re especially mindful of sustainability: Without reasonable compensation (always guided by IRS rules to maintain our tax-exempt status), we’d risk burnout and inconsistent service – even among our close-knit team. Investing in fair pay means better outcomes for the families we serve. It allows us to retain dedicated people who share our family’s vision, ensuring we can continue telling these families: You’re not alone.
Transparency Is at Our Core
We believe in full transparency – it’s part of what makes us a trusted, family-run organization. Your support fuels everything we do: direct financial aid to families, emotional support through our programs, community events, and yes, essential operational costs like fair compensation for our small team. We’re proud of our track record – raising funds to alleviate burdens for local families since 2019, all while keeping overhead responsible and impact maximized.
Thank you for trusting us with your generosity. As a family-founded and family-run foundation, we’re personally committed to this cause, and together with supporters like you, we’re providing hope, relief, and the chance for families to focus on what matters most – their child’s healthier future.
If you have questions about how nonprofits work, our operations, or ways to get involved, we’d love to hear from you! Visit armerfoundation.org to learn more, apply for assistance, donate, or volunteer.
The Armer Family and TeamYou are never alone in this journey.
