Kiwanis Club Of Tempe

What Kiwanis Club Of Tempe does

Kiwanis Club of Tempe (KCOT) is a nonprofit community service organization chartered on February 20, 1952, under Kiwanis International and headquartered in Tempe, Arizona. It is the 25th oldest continuous Kiwanis club in the Southwest District, the 10th oldest in Arizona, and the 4th oldest in Maricopa County. KCOT's mission is dedicated to serving the children and youth of the Tempe community through social, civic, and philanthropic engagement, with the tagline "Serving The Children of The World."

KCOT's core offerings center on two buckets: (1) large-scale community events that function as primary fundraising vehicles — notably the Tempe 4th of July Fireworks Show (the largest pyrotechnic display in Arizona, drawing 10,000+ attendees annually since 1952), the Fantasy of Lights Parade (originated 1995), Easter Egg Scramble, and Halloween Carnival — and (2) youth development and service programs including sponsorship of the K-Family pipeline (Builders Club at Gilliland Middle School, Key Club at Tempe High School since 1956, Circle K International at ASU since 1959), Boy Scout Troop 474 (chartered 1973, 149+ Eagle Scouts), literacy programs (Read to Exceed since 2007, Day of Literacy), scholarships and grants (Busch Family Endowment, Karl Wochner Award), and holiday giving programs (Thanksgiving feast for 400+, Adopt-A-Family). Since founding, KCOT has distributed over $2.5 million to local children and youth organizations.

KCOT's business model is a hybrid of membership dues (individual: $100 induction + $350/year quarterly billed; corporate: $100 induction + $564/year quarterly billed), event-driven fundraising (4th of July Fireworks net proceeds), and tax-deductible donations through the KCOT Foundation, a 501(c)(3) operating under the Southwest District Kiwanis Foundation (EIN #46-5573009). Membership recruitment is community-led and referral-based, targeting professionals, educators, public servants, and socially responsible corporations. KCOT is governed by a Board of Directors under the parent Kiwanis International umbrella; current leadership includes President Oliver Yandle (2025-27 term), President-Elect Paul Bentley, and Secretary-Treasurers Janie Hydrick, Katie Phalen, and Laura Taylor. The organization received the Guiding Light Lifetime Achievement in Philanthropy Award (2014) and the Downtown Tempe Authority 2024 Impact Award for Lifetime Achievement.

Name

Kiwanis Club Of Tempe

Legal name

Kiwanis Club of Tempe

Website

https://kcot.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1952

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Kiwanis Club of Tempe is a nonprofit service organization chartered in 1952 under Kiwanis International, serving children and youth in Tempe, Arizona through community events (4th of July Fireworks, Fantasy of Lights Parade), youth service clubs, scholarships, and literacy programs. It has distributed over $2.5 million to local youth organizations since founding.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Service Organization

NAICS

Civic and Social Organizations (8134), Business Associations (813910), Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation (71)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Cultural Festivals & Events Organizations (BPAGAHAG)

akta.pro secondary industry

Student Clubs & Organizations (General Interest, Cultural, Service) (EDAJAJAG)

Keywords

• Community service organization
• Youth development programs
• Nonprofit fundraising events
• Civic volunteer programs
• Charitable grant programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Tempe

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. 4th of July Fireworks Show: Since 1952, KCOT has produced the Tempe 4th of July Fireworks Show - the largest pyrotechnic display in the State of Arizona. All net proceeds are distributed to local children and youth organizations. The event draws over 10,000 people at Tempe Beach Park and is 5 hours of entertainment with live music and vendors.
2. Membership Dues: Individual membership includes $100 induction fee plus $350 annual dues billed quarterly at $87.50. Corporate membership includes $100 induction fee plus $564 annual dues billed quarterly at $141.00. Meals are paid separately at meetings ($12-$20).
3. Donations and Foundation Contributions: KCOT Foundation accepts donations via Venmo (@TempeKiwanis) and PayPal. Donations are tax-deductible as the foundation operates under the Southwest District Kiwanis Foundation 501(c)(3) status (EIN #46-5573009).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Kiwanis Club of Tempe is a nonprofit civic service organization that produces large-scale community events and youth-focused programs to raise and distribute funds for children in the Tempe area. Its core offerings include the annual 4th of July Fireworks Show (Arizona's largest pyrotechnic display), seasonal community events such as the Fantasy of Lights Parade, Easter Egg Scramble, and Halloween Carnival, as well as literacy initiatives, scholarships, and grants to local youth organizations. The club operates through individual and corporate memberships, with all net event proceeds directed to local children and youth programs.

Product overview

Kiwanis Club of Tempe is a community service organization offering a portfolio of community events, youth development programs, and charitable giving initiatives. Core offerings include the annual 4th of July Fireworks Show (major fundraiser), seasonal community events (Easter Egg Scramble, Halloween Carnival, Fantasy of Lights Parade), youth programs (Boy Scouts Troop 474 sponsorship, Key Club and Circle K International sponsorships), literacy initiatives (Day of Literacy, Read to Exceed), holiday giving programs (Thanksgiving Dinner, Adopt-A-Family), and scholarship/grant programs. The organization operates as a non-profit under Kiwanis International, using event proceeds to support local children and youth organizations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Tempe 4th of July Fireworks Show The largest pyrotechnic display in Arizona, produced annually since 1952. Draws over 10,000 people to Tempe Beach Park with 5 hours of entertainment, live music, family activities, and vendors. All net proceeds are distributed to local children and youth organizations.
• Fantasy of Lights Parade Annual holiday tradition featuring illuminated floats and entries. Originally produced by KCOT since 1995, now managed by Downtown Tempe Authority with KCOT providing manpower and logistics support.
• Easter Egg Scramble Annual spring event where over 8,000 plastic Easter eggs with prizes, items, and stickers are scattered for Tempe children ages 10 and under. Free community event open to the public.
• Halloween Carnival Annual participation in the City of Tempe Halloween Carnival at Kiwanis Park. KCOT operates game booths and a refreshment booth with three carnival games for kids, including a costume contest and face painting.
• Day of Literacy Annual literacy event for children grades K-5 held at Aguilar Elementary School as part of Read Across America celebration. Features Dr. Seuss-themed activities, entertainers, book donations, and literacy games.
• Read to Exceed Literacy program implemented in 2007 for Head Start classrooms in Tempe. Kiwanians visit classrooms to read books and donate them to schools, improving literacy for children from low-income families.
• Tempe Cares Annual one-day community service project to revitalize Tempe neighborhoods. Hundreds of volunteers unite to improve blighted areas through house/school painting, brush clearing, and minor repairs.
• Holiday Giving Programs Includes Thanksgiving Dinner serving over 400 people at the Ladmo Branch-Tempe Boys & Girls Club, Red Kettle Bell Ringing for the Salvation Army, and the Adopt-A-Family Christmas sponsorship program for families.
• Scholarships and Grants Financial assistance programs including the Karl Wochner Middle School Award ($100 to 8th graders), Busch Family Scholarship Endowment ($1,500 to Tempe High Key Club members annually), and grants to youth organizations totaling over $2.5 million distributed since 1952.
• Boy Scout Troop 474 Sponsorship KCOT has sponsored Boy Scout Troop 474 since 1973. The troop has produced over 149 Eagle Scout recipients and conducts hundreds of service projects. The troop assists KCOT with 4th of July festival parking and serves as flag bearers at events.
• Individual and Corporate Membership Membership program offering individual ($100 induction fee + $350 annual dues) and corporate ($100 induction fee + $564 annual dues) memberships, billed quarterly. Includes Kiwanis International dues, Southwest District dues, member liability insurance, and access to weekly meetings, committees, and service projects.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over $2.5 million distributed to community since 1952
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Downtown Tempe AuthoritycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDowntown Tempe Authority has ownership of the Fantasy of Lights Parade - managing parade entries and presenting sponsor. KCOT remains involved providing manpower and logistics. Linda Spears continues to serve as Parade Marshall. This partnership has maintained the parade tradition KCOT originated in 1995.
• Boy Scout Troop 474coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKCOT chartered Troop 474 in 1973. Troop has 27 scouts and 19 adult leaders with over 149 Eagle Scouts. KCOT's annual contribution ensures no scout is denied membership. Troop assists KCOT by staffing West Parking Lot at 4th of July festival and serving as flag bearers for Fantasy of Lights Parade.
• Tempe High School Key ClubcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKCOT sponsored formation in September 1956. Recipients of Busch Family Scholarship Endowment Fund ($1,500 awards to two Key Club members annually). Katie Phalen and Mike Jennings serve as advisors. Helps produce Easter Egg Scramble and other events.
• Arizona State University Circle K International (CKI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKCOT sponsored charter in December 1959, re-chartered May 12, 1975. CKI is active at ASU with members dedicated to serving communities. CKI advisor is Tracy Scott, KCOT member. Helps produce Easter Egg Scramble.
• Gilliland Middle School Builders ClubminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUnder leadership of President Michelle Helm, KCOT Board approved sponsoring a Builders Club in December 2016. Serves grades 6-8 and is a feeder to Tempe High School Key Club.
• Landings Credit UnioncoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate member. Brian Lee, President and CEO states: 'Supporting students and the education community is where our roots lie.' Corporate membership provides additional opportunities to put 'People Helping People' philosophy into action. Partners on KCOT projects for many years.
• Tempe Family YMCAcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate member since 1985. Executive Director David Burckhard states partnership is 'a great fit' as both focus on improving community and serving children. Both organizations focus on Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility.
• Boys and Girls Club, Ladmo BranchcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate member. KCOT conducts Back to School Shopping events and serves annual Thanksgiving feast to families. Over 400 people receive nourishment from these service projects.
• Tempe Community Action Agency (TCAA)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate member since 1966. TCAA serves low income families, elderly residents, and people challenged with financial crisis. Mission is to foster dignity and self-reliance for the economically vulnerable.
• City of TempecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCity of Tempe has been partner for 4th of July Fireworks since 1952. Event venue moved to Tempe Beach Park and back to Tempe Diablo Stadium. City provides support for parade route changes due to light rail development.
• Tempe Elementary School DistrictcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Day of Literacy event. Superintendent Chris Busch requested event date to build momentum for Read Across America. District provides Aguilar Elementary School venue for literacy event serving grades K-5.
• Kiwanis Club of AhwatukeeminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCo-sponsor of Day of Literacy event along with other Tempe-based Kiwanis clubs (Friendship Village, Nuevo & Sunrise) and Kiwanis Club of Casa Grande.
• American Heart AssociationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerRecipient of KCOT grants for CPR In Schools program.
• Junior Achievement of ArizonaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerRecipient of KCOT grants.
• Tempe Impact Education (TIE) FoundationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerRecipient of KCOT grants for Rice and Beans Program.
• United Food BankminorGTM or Marketing PartnerRecipient of KCOT grants for Kids Café program.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Kiwanis International: Parent organization of KCOT and global umbrella for all Kiwanis clubs. Comparable as the network administrator and brand owner of the K-Family pipeline (Builders Club, Key Club, Circle K) that KCOT operates locally.
• Lions Club International: Global civic service organization with similar membership-based, community-service model. Comparable as a peer civic service club family competing for the same volunteer demographic and community fundraising dollars.
• Rotary International: Global civic service organization and direct peer in the service-club category. Both Rotary and Kiwanis run membership-based clubs, host community events, and operate youth leadership programs (Rotary: Interact/Rotaract; Kiwanis: Key Club/Circle K).
• Boys & Girls Clubs of America: National youth-development nonprofit organization that KCOT actively partners with (Ladmo Branch). Comparable in youth-service mission, nonprofit structure, and community fundraising model.

Direct peers

• Optimist International: National civic service club with similar focus on youth development programs and community service. Comparable as a peer organization with membership dues, weekly meetings, and youth-serving mission.
• Civitan International: National civic service club with focus on community service and youth programs. Comparable as a peer membership-based organization in the civic service club category competing for similar volunteers and donors.
• Kiwanis Club of Ahwatukee: Tempe-area Kiwanis club that KCOT actively co-sponsors events with (Day of Literacy). Functions as a sibling club under the same district with comparable programming, events, and member base.
• Rotary Club of Tempe: Other civic service club operating in the same Tempe market with similar membership-dues structure, weekly lunch meetings, and youth/community service focus. Directly comparable as competing civic organization targeting the same member demographic.
• Kiwanis Club of Phoenix: Another Kiwanis club in the same metropolitan area (sponsored KCOT's charter in 1952). Operates similar community events, youth sponsorship programs, and membership structure in the same Southwest District.

Others

• United Way: National community-impact nonprofit that aggregates corporate donations and distributes to local service organizations. Comparable as a peer fundraising/grant-distribution entity in the same nonprofit civic ecosystem.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/kiwanis-club-of-tempe

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Kiwanis Club Of Tempe