Mission and Eligibility

MISSION

Established in 1986, Thunderbirds Charities is the philanthropic arm of The Thunderbirds, dedicated to distributing the charitable funds raised through the WM Phoenix Open. For nearly four decades, the mission of Thunderbirds Charities has remained steadfast: to support children and families, assist those in need, and enhance the quality of life throughout the Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area.

Each year, Thunderbirds Charities awards grants to nonprofit organizations that address critical community needs in the following areas:

  • At-risk youth and families
  • Community outreach and quality of life initiatives
  • Education
  • Services for individuals with physical and mental challenges
  • Efforts to eliminate domestic violence, homelessness, and poverty

Through this ongoing commitment, Thunderbirds Charities continues to make a lasting impact across the Valley.

GEOGRAPHIC PROPERTIES

Thunderbirds Charities only accepts requests from organizations serving Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area. “Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area” is defined as Maricopa & Pinal Counties.

GRANT ELIGIBILITY & GUIDELINES:

Thunderbirds Charities is proud to support organizations making a difference in Arizona communities. To be eligible for funding, applicants must be a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Arizona. Please note that all applications are reviewed at the sole discretion of Thunderbirds Charities. We reserve the right to accept or decline any application, approve or deny funding proposals, and modify eligibility criteria at any time. Grant amounts vary annually and are determined by proceeds from the WM Phoenix Open. Additional guidelines may apply and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

For more information or to begin your application, please refer to the detailed eligibility criteria below or read through the FAQ’s.

ELIGIBILITY

Thunderbirds Charities does not currently provide funding to the following:

  • Nonprofit organizations whose 501(c)(3) status has been in effect for less than three years.
  • Organizations that discriminate based on race, color, gender, national origin, marital status, age, disability, or veteran status.
  • Individuals.
  • Political, labor, fraternal or service organizations.
  • Advocacy or lobbying activities for issue related topics.
  • Medical or scientific research.
  • Professional societies, trade associations or membership organizations.
  • Religious organizations, churches or programs that are purely denominational in purpose.
  • Foundations or organizations which are themselves, grant-making entities.
  • Endowments, Fellowships or Scholarships (for college purposes).
  • Individual schools: public, charter, private, colleges, universities, or their support organizations (to include but not limited to; Booster Clubs, PTA/PTO’s, athletic teams, bands, performing arts groups, alumni associations, or school foundations).
  • Debt reduction campaigns.
  • Ongoing support or multi-year support.
  • Projects or programs outside of Greater Phoenix Metropolitan area unless the project/program primarily serves Greater Phoenix Metropolitan area residents.

For further information, please contact grantsinfo@thunderbirdscharities.org.