Mission & Vision

Mission Statement

Short:
Turning our passion for games into positive community impact.

Long:
Our mission is to strengthen our local community by using the power of games, generosity, and shared experiences to support charitable causes, encourage connection, and create meaningful impact beyond the table.

Vision Statement

A welcoming, connected community where play brings people together, kindness is part of the culture, and everyone in Arizona has a seat at the table.

Guiding Principles

Everyone Has a Seat at the Table

Games bring people together, and we believe real life should work the same way. We support efforts that ensure access, inclusion, and a genuine sense of belonging for all.

Empowerment Over Charity

We uplift people and communities by supporting initiatives that promote dignity, self‑determination, and long‑term stability, not just short‑term relief.

Collaboration Creates Opportunity

The strongest outcomes happen when we work together. We partner with local nonprofits, players, staff, creators, and community organizations to expand opportunity and amplify positive results.

Small Actions Can Roll Big Results

Grassroots efforts matter. Game nights, tournaments, volunteer hours, and donations even small contributions can create lasting, meaningful change when we act together.

Our Focus Areas

Empowering People Through Skills and Opportunity

We support programs that help individuals build practical skills, confidence, and access to opportunities that strengthen independence and long‑term stability.

Upholding Dignity and Strengthening Community

Everyone deserves to feel respected, valued, and connected. We help create environments where people are welcomed, supported, and able to thrive.

Supporting and Amplifying Local Organizations

We collaborate with organizations already doing impactful work in our community. By sharing resources and building partnerships, we help extend their reach and deepen their impact.

How We Choose the Charities We Support

Every event we run and every dollar we raise is guided by clear values that ensure our efforts genuinely help the people who need it most. We use the following criteria to keep our work meaningful, transparent, and aligned with our mission.

1. Financial Transparency & Accountability

We require that partner charities demonstrate strong financial efficiency with public financial transparency. As part of our evaluation, we look for organizations that direct at least 85% of total expenses toward programs and services, with no more than 15% allocated to administrative and fundraising costs.

This ensures:

• Donations aren’t lost to excessive administrative costs

• We can confidently tell our community where their contributions go

• Our events create real, measurable impact

2️. Local Impact, Local Focus

We prioritize charities that directly serve our surrounding community. By supporting local causes, we ensure:

• Donations stay within our community

• We can see the impact firsthand

• Our members can build real relationships with the organizations we support

3️. Causes That Reflect Our Community

Our community is diverse, and the causes we support should reflect the people who make it what it is. We prioritize organizations whose work aligns with the lived experiences and real needs of our members.

4️. Events Designed to Amplify Impact

Our fundraising model is built around multiplying the good we can do.

Example:

• $500 invested into an event as a sponsored donation

• $3,500 raised for a local cause (with $3,500 actually getting into their hands, for a more than 100% contribution efficiency). 

• The system is working exactly as intended

Our goal is always to turn every dollar spent into many more dollars donated.

Why This Work Matters

At Gamers Guild, we believe in creating spaces where people can connect, grow, and support one another. By bringing people together and strengthening local efforts, we help open doors to opportunities that make a real difference in everyday life.

Financial Transparency & Accountability Standards

To ensure every partnership creates real impact, we evaluate potential charity partners using clear, measurable criteria.

1. Required Financial Documentation

A charity must provide verifiable, up‑to‑date financial records, such as:

• Annual financial statements

• IRS Form 990

• Audited financial reports (preferred)

• Clear breakdowns of program vs. administrative spending

• Publicly accessible financials or listings on a charity watchdog

If documentation is missing, unclear, or inconsistent, we do not proceed.

2. Third‑Party Accountability Standards

We use independent evaluators to confirm a charity’s integrity. A partner must meet at least one of the following:

• BBB Wise Giving Alliance: Meets all 20 Standards for Charity Accountability

• Charity Navigator: 3‑ or 4‑star rating

• GuideStar/Candid: Gold or Platinum Seal of Transparency

• Local accreditation demonstrating strong nonprofit governance

3. Program Spending Threshold

Our standard:

• At least 85% of total expenses go directly to programs

• No more than 15% combined for admin + fundraising

If a charity falls below this threshold, we typically do not engage unless there is a compelling, well‑documented reason.

4. How We Use These Standards

These criteria ensure:

• Donations are used efficiently

• The charity is accountable to the public

• Funds aren’t lost to excessive overhead

• We can confidently communicate impact

• Our events amplify real, measurable outcomes

If a charity cannot meet these requirements, we do not move forward.

How We Route Requests

Our organization supports the community through two pathways:

The Charity Path

Requests go to the Charity Committee when they involve:

• Funding support

• Evaluating a nonprofit or cause

• Reviewing financial transparency

• Determining alignment with our values

• Approving donations raised through events

The Charity Committee ensures every cause we support is transparent, local, and relevant to our community.

The Events Path

Requests go to GG Events when they involve:

• Hosting an event

• Using event space, equipment, or staff

• Planning tournaments or community nights

• Event logistics and scheduling

• Amplifying a charity through an event (after approval)

GG Events focuses on creating fun, engaging experiences that multiply our charitable impact.

Some requests involve both teams.

Get Involved

We welcome community‑minded individuals who want to contribute their time, skills, and passion to something meaningful. To get involved or learn more, contact us at Charity@gamersguildusa.com.