Wingspan closing its doors July 31

The nonprofit organization at 430 E. Seventh St. has served LGBT clients for 26 years and has experienced financial difficulties since 2009, said Paul Guerrero, president of Wingspan’s board of directors.

“The board voted to begin collaborations with the Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation to discuss a transition that will allow for Wingspan’s programs and mission to continue,” said Guerrero, noting that discussions with other nonprofits are also underway.

Wingspan’s current budget is $665,000, and half of the money is covered by grants and contracts, said Guerrero. He said the remainder is raised through donations and fundraising.

“After the recession, we got hit hard,” Guerrero said. “All of our major donors suffered from the recession. It has been downhill since 2009.”

The organization released its executive director, Carol Grimsby, last week. Her annual salary was $70,000, plus benefits, Guerrero said. He said overhead expenses also increased over the years, and he expects this fiscal year Wingspan will end owing about $25,000.

In 2011-12, Wingspan’s total revenue was $477,750 and its expenses were $498,796, according to Internal Revenue Service documents. In the previous fiscal year, Wingspan had total revenues of $620,343, according to the IRS records.

Wingspan has five employees and the hope is that the employees transition to the nonprofit that will take over Wingspan’s programs, Guerrero said.

For now, Wingspan and SAAF are discussing the continuation of Wingspan’s services in Tucson and Southeastern Arizona.

Merging Wingspan with a larger nonprofit would provide a stronger financial and administrative infrastructure, allowing Wingspan’s anti-violence, youth and transgender programs to continue, said Guerrero.

Wingspan serves more than 500 clients a month, works with schools and youth organizations, he said.

He said he is proposing Wingspan’s programs continue using the Wingspan name. “The name is well-known and can help during fundraising efforts,” Guerrero said.

“I am optimistic that we will continue the name and the legacy through our partners,” he said, adding that Wingspan currently delivers services to clients by partnering with SAAF, CODAC Behavioral Health Services and the University of Arizona.

An announcement of a final merger is expected next month.