United Sound is honored to announce it has received a $12,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities in support of its mission to ensure that students with disabilities have equal access to meaningful music-making experiences. Too often, middle and high school students with disabilities are left out of traditional instrumental music programs because teachers face large class sizes and limited resources to adapt curriculum. United Sound bridges this gap through its innovative peer mentoring model, pairing students with disabilities with their band, orchestra, and guitar peers. With the support of music educators and special education teachers, these students are welcomed into ensembles and given the tools to succeed through specialized curriculum, training, and adaptive resources. This year, 14 schools across the greater Phoenix area will participate, reaching more than 600 students. The funding from Thunderbirds Charities will help United Sound strengthen its programs and provide additional opportunities for growth in the 2025–26 school year. “United Sound is not just about teaching music, it’s about creating a culture of inclusion, respect, and belonging,” said Julie Duty, Founder and Executive Director. “Thanks to Thunderbirds Charities, we can continue to expand this important work and empower even more students.” United Sound This grant is part […] More

Phoenix, AZ – August 23, 2025 – The Phoenix Conservatory of Music (PCM) proudly celebrates the extraordinary accomplishments of College Prep students Sebastien Swensen and Patrick Cassidy, who both earned full-ride scholarships to the prestigious Berklee College of Music. Their journeys from uncertainty to achievement were made possible by PCM’s nationally recognized programs, supported in part by Thunderbirds Charities. Sebastien, who once felt lost and without a support system, found direction and purpose through PCM. “What donors provide quite literally makes dreams come true,” he reflected. “Without this support, I wouldn’t be able to pursue my dream at Berklee. This opportunity gave me hope. It changed my life by giving it purpose.” Patrick echoed a similar transformation. Music began as an escape, but through PCM, it became a discipline, a passion, and now a future. “My PCM teachers, my private lesson teachers, they weren’t just musicians—they were life mentors,” Patrick said. “Without scholarship support, I don’t know where I’d be. This place has changed my life, and I’ve watched it transform many others.” Both students emphasized that PCM’s environment—where teaching artists serve as mentors and peers provide unwavering encouragement—was just as impactful as the rigorous training. “Being on stage with […] More

Thunderbirds Charities has awarded a $30,000 grant to BLOOM365 to support its Root It Out program, a critical violence intervention initiative for students in Ombudsman Charter Schools. This funding will help BLOOM365 continue to provide essential healthy relationship education, behavioral health support, and counseling to young people at risk of perpetrating violence. The Root It Out program addresses the root causes of violence through several key strategies: in-class curriculum, individual support, counseling, and peer-to-peer programs that promote empathy and respect. “This grant is a powerful investment in the future of our community,” said Donna Bartos, CEO of BLOOM365. “It allows us to empower students with the tools to build healthier relationships and lives. The impact is clear in the voices of the students and their families.” A parent of a teen who participated in the program shared her gratitude: “I’ve seen my daughter improve so much. She has been great in communicating her needs without arguing. She has also gone from no days in school to five days. She has a smile on her face now, and it makes me happy.” During the 2024-2025 school year, the program delivered over 1,700 sessions to 90 students. Data shows significant positive outcomes: […] More

Valley Bloom is much closer to its goal of dressing nearly 6,000 students for school, thanks to the Thunderbirds. Thunderbirds Charities announced an award of $35,000 to Valley Bloom, formerly Assistance League of East Valley, for its signature program, Valley Bloom Students. The funds are to be used over the next two years. Through the Valley Bloom Students Program, Valley Bloom provides new school clothing and hygiene kits to elementary school children in need in Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Tempe and Kyrene School Districts. This year, our goal is to dress 6,000 students in uniform schools. Each student will receive bottoms, tops, a warm sweatshirt, and the schools’ choice of hygiene items or underwear. Nearly a thousand students in non-uniform schools will receive a shopping trip to Target. The children are recommended by school resource officers. Ibis Valles, President, Valley Bloom: “Throughout the years, donations from Thunderbirds Charities go to the core of what we are all about: helping kids achieve their goals and dreams; and providingthe clothing necessary to feel proud of how they look as they enter the school year. The kids and families are grateful for your continued support, and so are we at Valley Bloom. Thank you. […] More

Saving Amy, a Phoenix-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2015, is proud to announce new funding to support and expand all five of its core programs designed to end the cycle of homelessness. With a mission of Creating Community, Transforming Lives, and Resolving Homelessness, Saving Amy empowers families and veterans across all races, religions, genders, and backgrounds to achieve lasting stability and self-sufficiency. This transformative funding will directly support the organization’s comprehensive programs: “Every family has a mentor. Every child has a tutor. With wraparound support and a strong community, our families heal from trauma, maintain stable housing, and truly thrive. As we proudly celebrate 10 years as a nonprofit, we honor a 100% success rate; every single family we’ve served remains housed and has become a contributing member of society.” — Jennifer Kiernan At a time when homelessness is surging, more than 9,734 individuals were counted as homeless in Maricopa County in 2025. Saving Amy’s proven model creates a lasting impact by helping families build futures filled with dignity, stability, and hope. Saving Amy This grant is part of the Spring 2025 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees. More

Family Promise of Greater Phoenix, a nonprofit organization innovating to break the cycle of homelessness for families, announces a $100,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities to support its Emergency Shelter Program. The funds will strengthen Family Promise’s ability to provide shelter, case management, and support services to families experiencing homelessness throughout the Phoenix metropolitan area. This significant funding arrives as family homelessness rates continue to climb across Maricopa County. The $100,000 grant will strengthen Family Promise’s comprehensive support system, which includes comfortable shelter spaces, reliable transportation and personalized case management. Through this integrated approach, families receive employment assistance, resource connections and financial coaching that creates a path to stable housing within 60 days. “Support from Thunderbirds Charities aligns with our shared mission to protect children from the devastating effects of homelessness, which no child should ever experience. This year, hundreds of children will have a safe place to call home because of community partners who recognize the urgency of this issue,” said Ted Taylor, CEO of Family Promise of Greater Phoenix. “This generous grant allows us to provide comprehensive support to families in crisis, giving them not just shelter, but a clear pathway to stability and independence.” Family Promise’s unique model […] More

15 years ago, ARCH developed a STEPS to Health & Well Program to promote healthy lifestyles, nutrition, fitness and preventive screenings for children and adults with special needs. Currently, ARCH partners with students from nursing, dental and occupational therapy schools from 8 universities year-round to complement their need to do rotations and/or internships with diverse populations. Due to the expansion of these programs and the increase in the number of kids and adults we currently serve, it was apparent more designated spaces were needed for these health and wellness activities and our other therapeutic activities and educational programs. As a result, in 2024, we launched the Horizon of Hope, Building Wellness Together campaign. This capital project consists of the construction of an 8,000 sq/ft, two-story Health & Wellness Center on the ARCH 5-acre campus. Our overall campaign goal is $3.5 million. ARCH’s Executive Director, Kip Murray, said “Improving health & well-being through prevention, education, and awareness is one of the main goals of our organization. Adults and kids with special needs have unique health challenges that need unique responses. With this new building, we will be able to expand our services and also nurture our partnerships with local health related […] More

Thunderbirds Charities’ generous $100,000 grant will support Homeless ID Project in our mission to end homelessness by providing the first critical step: identification. We aim to serve 17,000 clients who are homeless or at risk of experiencing homelessness in 2025. This funding will allow us to scale, improve access through mobile units, and ensure each client has the documents they need to access shelter, employment, healthcare, education, and more.This funding supports service delivery, document costs, and mobile unit operations-bringing services to individuals who would otherwise not be able to obtain documents due to mobility, transportation, or safety barriers. This funding will also apply to staff capacity to meet the ever-growing demand and expansion of partnerships with shelters, youth programs, and reentry services across Maricopa County.For one experiencing homelessness, something as simple as a lost ID can be a major barrier. With this funding, we can meet people where they are, both literally and figuratively, to help them take the first step towards self-sufficiency and stability.“Thunderbirds Charities’ investment is transformational,” Said Rick Mitchell, Executive Director of Homeless ID Project. “This gift enables us to ay ‘yes’ to more people, removing a critical barrier. We’re deeply grateful for their partnership in helping […] More

Treasures 4 Teachers is proud to announce it has been awarded a $55,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities to support and expand its T4T on Wheels program—an initiative that delivers free classroom supplies directly to Title I schools in underserved communities across Maricopa County. This significant funding allows Treasures 4 Teachers (T4T) to reach more educators and students than ever before. With the support of Thunderbirds Charities, T4T on Wheels will serve over 3,750 teachers and more than 100,000 students in the upcoming school year. Each school visit brings urgently needed materials, like paper, pencils, crayons, and learning tools, into the hands of educators working with students who often lack even the most basic classroom essentials. “We’re incredibly grateful to Thunderbirds Charities for their continued belief in our mission,” said Joy Klein, Executive Director of Treasures 4 Teachers. “This support fuels our ability to reach schools where the need is greatest and ensure that teachers and students have what they need to succeed.” In addition to core supplies, this year’s expanded program will include investments in creative classroom tools to support social-emotional learning and student self-regulation, such as fidget toys, play-dough, “feelings” activities, and classroom incentives, responding to growing demand from […] More

Aster Aging was honored to receive a generous grant of $25,000 from Thunderbirds Charities for its Neighbors Program. This support will help over 200 homebound seniors in the East Valley remain independent. The Neighbors Program screens, trains, and matches compassionate volunteers with homebound older adults, to provide companionship visits and phone calls, respite, and assisted transportation to medical appointments, pharmacies, and grocery shopping. The program reduces isolation, increases access to essential medical and basic need resources, and helps maintain independence by fostering improved health, nutrition, and emotional well-being. “We are very grateful to Thunderbirds Charities for their support,” said Deborah Schaus, Chief Executive Officer of Aster. “Our Neighbors program enables isolated seniors to remain independent in their own homes for as long as possible, empowering these individuals and strengthening our community.” “Aster Aging has such a positive impact on so many homebound seniors in our East Valley community and we are excited to support such a great mission,” said Matt Mooney, President of Thunderbirds Charities. Aster Aging This grant is part of the Spring 2025 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees. More

Scottsdale, Ariz. (July 2025)— Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale (BGCS) is proud to announce a generous $100,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities to support financial assistance and vital youth programming at its Thunderbirds Branch. The grant—awarded as part of the “Great Futures Start at the Thunderbirds Boys & Girls Club” initiative—will provide critical support to ensure all youth, regardless of financial background, have access to enriching programs focused on academic success, health and wellness, leadership development, and workforce readiness. In 2025, BGCS anticipates providing $85,000 in program assistance to eligible youth at the Thunderbirds Branch, especially during its summer camp programming when nearly 20 percent of members require aid. “This investment from Thunderbirds Charities will directly impact the lives of hundreds of youth and families,” said Ivan Gilreath, BGCS President & CEO. “Their ongoing support helps us deliver on our mission to serve those who need us most—offering a safe place when school is out where all kids can learn, lead, and grow into the engaged citizens and future workforce our community needs.” Located in the Grayhawk community, the Thunderbirds Branch has served as a cornerstone for youth development since its opening in 2001. Though it sits in a […] More

“Homelessness is on the rise in Maricopa County, and we need meaningful, long-term strategies to address the complex issues that contribute to this trend,” says Keys to Change CEO Amy Schwabenlender. “At the same time, we need to continue to meet the needs of our neighbors experiencing homelessness right now, today. Keys to Change does both.” “We provide immediate emergency relief in a compassionate setting at Key Campus, while also crucially addressing the structural issues that brought us to this point. Last year, we connected 18,000 individuals (about the seating capacity of PHX Arena) with emergency shelter, food, clothing, housing navigation, and mental, physical, and dental healthcare.” “Grant funding from the Thunderbirds Charities goes directly to the maintenance and expansion of these life-saving service connections. Their support for the day-to-day work of Keys to Change allows us to set our sights on a brighter, more equitable future for all. Our mission is to end homelessness in Maricopa County – with support from partners like the Thunderbirds, we’re one step closer to reaching that goal.” Keys to Change This grant is part of the Spring 2025 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees. More

The grant from Thunderbirds Charities will bolster our Classroom Support Team (CST) program. This high-impact initiative, which places trained interns and volunteers directly into classrooms, operates from September to March each school year. Over the past cycle, eleven interns contributed over 1,100 service hours across the Madrid Neighborhood School and Wilson School District, reaching more than 400 students. This effort resulted in 60% of teachers reporting that they gained at least two hours per week for individual planning. With this new funding, the program will be able to recruit and train more interns, strengthen instructional support, and broaden its reach to additional classrooms and grade levels. These funds will directly enhance teacher capacity by reducing clerical and supervisory duties. Additionally, CST interns play a vital role in academic and emotional interventions, small group instruction, and classroom management, leading to a significant improvement in student behavior and academic engagement. Ultimately, this investment will enable more students to receive the individual attention they need to thrive, allowing more teachers to focus on meaningful instruction, and providing more future educators with real-world classroom experience. This ripple effect of impact throughout the community is a testament to the CST program’s value and its contribution […] More

notMYkid is proud to announce a transformative $500,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities, that will significantly expand the organization’s prevention, early intervention, and recovery support services for 100 schools in Maricopa County. The grant will help ensure that teens and families have access to life-changing support without financial barriers. In the last year alone, notMYkid reached more than 130,000 individuals and served more than 300 schools in Arizona. “For 25 years, notMYkid has been a trusted source of prevention and mental health services for Arizona youth,” said Kristen Genovese, CEO. “With Thunderbirds Charities as a vital partner, we are expanding to reach more teens, empower more parents, and support more schools.” This funding will allow for continued growth and innovation, including expansion of school-based education, individualized early intervention, and peer-led recovery programs. notMYkid This grant is part of the Spring 2025 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees. More

OCJ (Opportunity, Community, and Justice for Foster) Kids was honored is receive a generous grant of $30,000 from Thunderbirds Charities for its Healing and Restoration for Abused Foster Girls Program. This funding will help at least 300 foster girls ages 8-18 cope with past abuse and prepare for a brighter future. The program addresses the negative impacts abuse has on girls. These include flashbacks, difficulty sleeping, panic attacks, and/or social anxiety. The program goal is to restore the dignity, hope, and self-confidence that were stolen from foster girls due to abuse. OCJ Kids teaches girls how to heal from past abuse, engages them in life skills development activities to build their self-confidence, and helps them increase their resilience and self-esteem. The program also teaches girls to measure themselves for a bra and gives them free undergarments and monthly cycle items. OCJ Kids’ caring female staff teach them about body care and physical changes to expect during puberty. The program is primarily conducted in our Thunderbirds Charities Restoring Dignity Room – the only one of its kind in Arizona. “We are so grateful to Thunderbirds Charities for its generous support of this program,” said Gary Webb, OCJ Kids’ President and Founder. […] More

Today, Stand for Children Arizona announced they have been awarded a $15,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities. With this grant, Stand for Children Arizona will continue to expand 9th Grade On Track programming designed to support Arizona students during their crucial ninth grade year, setting them up to graduate high school on time and improve Arizona’s graduation rate. Ninth grade has been described as one of the most important years for a student’s education. Research has found students finishing it on pace for graduation are “3.5 times more likely to graduate from high school in four years”. 9th Grade On Track programming increases graduation and on-track rates, reduces absenteeism, and increases career preparedness. 9th Grade On Track programs have been implemented at schools in the Phoenix Union, Mingus Union, and Tolleson Union school districts in Arizona. At Camelback High School, on-track rates have nearly doubled since the program was implemented in 2019. “We are so honored to have been selected as one of the beneficiaries of Thunderbirds Charities,” said Stand for Children Arizona Executive Director Rebecca Gau. “Arizona’s students need strong partners for their success, and that’s what Stand for Children Arizona does. We will continue to lead the effort to […] More

Xico, Inc., a leading nonprofit dedicated to promoting Latino and Indigenous art and culture, is proud to announce it has received a $10,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities. The grant will support Xico’s innovative mobile art program, Say Yes to the Press (SYP), which brings high-quality, accessible art education to underserved communities across the Valley. Many youth and families in underserved areas lack access to quality art education, limiting opportunities for creative and cognitive development that are vital for personal and academic growth. With the support of Thunderbirds Charities, Xico’s SYP program will continue to address these inequities by offering free art workshops directly in the communities that need them most. About Say Yes to the Press (SYP) SYP is designed to connect communities with the rich traditions of Latino and Indigenous art and culture. Through partnerships with Title I schools, community centers, and local festivals, SYP provides free workshops in printmaking and opportunities for youth and families to explore art as a means of self-expression and cultural appreciation. By making art accessible and engaging, SYP inspires a new generation to discover their creative potential and develop a deeper appreciation for cultural heritage. “We are deeply grateful to Thunderbirds Charities for […] More

(PHOENIX–July XX, 2025) Advance Community (Advance) has been awarded a $35,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities to support its I Choose Wellness program. Thunderbirds Charities is the charitable giving arm of The Thunderbirds – hosts of the WM Phoenix Open. The I Choose Wellness program empowers Latino youth in grades 4–8 from under-resourced communities by delivering culturally relevant education focused on nutrition, physical activity and oral health. Designed to combat disproportionately high rates of childhood obesity, the program encourages youth to adopt healthier habits that can last a lifetime—laying the foundation for stronger, more resilient communities. The initiative includes 10 program series, each made up of eight interactive sessions, hosted at Title 1 schools and community centers across Latino neighborhoods in the Valley. “We are thrilled to once again be the recipient of a Thunderbirds Charities grant,” said Jeri Royce, President and CEO of Advance Community. “This grant enables us to bring critical wellness education directly into the communities that need it most. It’s about more than just information—it’s about giving kids the tools and confidence to take charge of their health now and into the future.” Thunderbirds Charities has a long-standing commitment to enhancing lives through investments in health, education, […] More

Foothills Caring Corps is honored to receive a $25,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities. Based in Carefree, Arizona, Foothills Caring Corps is a nonprofit dedicated to promoting independence and enhancing the quality of life for older adults and adults with disabling conditions throughout the communities of Cave Creek, Carefree, North Scottsdale, North Phoenix, and Anthem. The funding from Thunderbirds Charities will support FCC’s Volunteer Transportation Program—one of its most vital services. This program provides rides to medical appointments, grocery stores, planned social events, and other important destinations for vulnerable neighbors who are aging in place. “With this generous grant, we’ll be able to provide essential rides to Neighbors who rely on us for their transportation and socialization needs,” said Brent Downs, Executive Director of Foothills Caring Corps. “Access to transportation isn’t just about getting from point A to point B—it’s about preserving dignity, health, and connection. For many of our Neighbors, these rides are lifelines.” The Transportation Program relies on a network of over 300 trained and background-checked volunteers who donate their time and bring compassion to these Neighbors, who are all members of the Foothills community. In 2024 alone, Foothills Caring Corps coordinated more than 30,000 meaningful service touchpoints, helping […] More

Fresh Start Women’s Foundation has received a $250,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities to enhance its Thunderbirds Charities Family Law Support Center, which helps Valley women navigate complex legal matters of family court. This gift marks the latest milestone in a nearly two-decade partnership. Thunderbirds’ support has surpassed $1 million since 2006, earning it recognition as a Fresh Start Visionary, a designation for supporters who have given $100,000 or more. Established in 2020, the Thunderbirds Charities Family Law Support Center equips women with the tools, information, and services they need to advocate for themselves and their families in court. Resources include reduced-fee document preparation, pro-bono attorney referrals, and an on-site virtual courtroom, along with legal education programs. With the new funding, Fresh Start will offer continuing legal education for its Certified Legal Document Preparers, update reference materials to reflect changes in Arizona law, and expand the biannual Law Day for Women, which provides free, individual consultations with volunteer attorneys.“This generous gift from Thunderbirds Charities will change the trajectory of countless lives,” said Kim McWaters, President and CEO. “Facing family court can feel overwhelming and isolating. With this grant, we can expand access to legal resources that empower women to advocate for […] More

The Thunderbirds Charities grant will fund the GAP Prevention of Homelessness program which is designed to offer immediate and flexible assistance to individuals facing temporary challenges, helping them maintain productivity and remain active members of society. Additionally, the grant will cover move-in costs for employed individuals on fixed or poverty-level incomes who are unable to save. Our observations show that current rehousing systems often prioritize chronically homeless individuals for most financial programs. While this is crucial, it often limits support for those who need minimal assistance to quickly return to a productive life. This grant directly addresses this gap, significantly enhancing our capacity to serve individuals often overlooked by traditional support systems. This partnership also enables us to continue providing compassionate and practical assistance as individuals transition from crisis to stability, ensuring they have the resources needed to regain independence. Preventing homelessness benefits the community by reducing taxpayer costs, improving public health, increasing community safety, and enhancing social well-being. The Dsquared Homes for the Homeless team is honored and grateful for the support of Thunderbirds Charities! Dsquared Homes This grant is part of the Spring 2025 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees. More

PHOENIX, (May 30, 2025) – Thunderbirds Charities, the charitable giving arm of the Thunderbirds, hosts of the Waste Management Phoenix Open, recently donated $100,000 to Stardust, a Phoenix-based reuse organization, in support of its Gifts In Kind program. Gifts In Kind annually distributes $50 million in household items, toiletries, office supplies, and building materials to more than 400 Maricopa County nonprofit organizations at no cost to the agency. Materials received through Gifts In Kind provides much needed material resources in our community. “This generous grant from Thunderbirds Charities ensures that the Gifts In Kind program can continue to serve nonprofit organizations with the goods they need benefitting low-income children and families across the valley,” says Karen Jayne, Stardust CEO. “We consider Thunderbirds Charities a key partner in helping us achieve our mission to extend the life of quality materials enriching our community and protecting our planet. We are grateful for their support.” For every one dollar invested in the Gifts In Kind program, an additional $116.25 in goods is distributed to the community. Stardust This grant is part of the Spring 2025 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees. More

WHAM Art Association proudly shares that Thunderbirds Charities has awarded a $5,000 grant to support the WHAM Teen Art Club (Teen WHAM Art Program). This inclusive program welcomes all teens—whether experienced artists or just beginning their creative journey—and offers an inspiring space for self-expression through art. Meetings take place on the first and third Wednesdays of each month from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM at the WHAM Art Center, located at 16560 N. Dysart Rd, Surprise, AZ 85378. Led by WHAM artist Ashley Dooley, each session explores new artistic techniques through hands-on projects. Recent activities include Oil Pastel Resist Watercolor, Recycled CD Mosaics, Acrylic Abstract Painting, Resin Keychains, and White Charcoal Still Life Drawing. A core goal of the program is to fill the gap left by diminishing art programs in local schools. Through outreach to schools and teens, Teen WHAM raises awareness and expands access to creative opportunities. The Thunderbirds Charities grant provides critical support for outreach efforts and essential art supplies for every session. By fostering ongoing engagement, mentorship, and creative exploration, the Teen WHAM Art Program empowers youth to grow personally and artistically. WHAM expresses deep gratitude for Thunderbirds Charities’ commitment to young artists and the transformative […] More

Surprise, AZ – Benevilla is proud to announce it has received a generous $30,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities to support the Benefitness Adaptive Gym Membership Assistance Program. This vital funding will help provide access to fitness services for older adults and individuals with different abilities, special considerations, and chronic medical conditions who may otherwise be unable to afford a gym membership. The Benefitness Adaptive Gym, part of the Benevilla family of programs, is a first-of-its-kind facility in the West Valley designed to meet the unique needs of individuals with Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, stroke recovery, and other age-related health conditions. The Membership Assistance Program ensures all community members—regardless of income—can access the specialized, therapeutic movement programs that help improve strength, mobility, brain health, and overall quality of life. “This grant from Thunderbirds Charities helps us remove financial barriers for seniors and those living with disabilities,” said Joanne Byers, Benevilla President and CEO. “We are deeply grateful for their continued support and investment in the health and independence of our community members.” The Benefitness team includes trained exercise specialists who work closely with each member to develop safe, customized programs that emphasize progress, not perfection. With the help of this funding, Benevilla can […] More

PHOENIX (June XX, 2025) – The Arizona Center for Nature Conservation (ACNC)/Phoenix Zoo is pleased to share continued progress on its new, state-of-the-art Veterinary Medical Center. The Veterinary Medical Center encompasses the Midwestern University Zoological Medical Institute, and the JoEllen and Philip Doornbos Veterinary Student Center, all within The Kemper and Ethel Marley Foundation Animal Care & Conservation Campus. A transformative gift from Thunderbirds Charities, the charitable giving arm of The Thunderbirds – hosts of the WM Phoenix Open – has provided significant support to this endeavor. Thunderbird Charities awarded the Phoenix Zoo a generous $500,000 grant in support of the new medical center. This investment reflects Thunderbirds Charities’ enduring commitment to improving the quality of life for all Arizonans, including through enhanced access to education and community enrichment. Construction began in May of 2025, marking a significant step forward in advancing zoological medicine and animal care in Arizona. This 27,000+ square-foot facility will serve as a critical resource for the Zoo’s animal population, many of which are rare or endangered, while also acting as a regional hub for education, veterinary training and public engagement. “We are grateful to Thunderbirds Charities for their leadership and generosity,” said Bert Castro, President […] More

PHOENIX (June XX, 2025) – Thunderbirds Charities stepped up when help was needed most, to close the gap in a $2.7 million project to completely renovate the Dobson House facility operated by Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central and Northern Arizona (RMHCCNAZ). The 16-room Dobson House, providing lodging and meals to families with hospitalized children at no cost, is located on the campus of Banner Children’s at Desert. Currently closed since April, renovation work to fully transform the Dobson House interior is expected to be completed this fall. “We were just about $279,000 short for funding the total renovation,” said Kerry Schulman, Chief Executive Officer of RMHCCNAZ. “And this generous grant from the Thunderbirds brought the project to completion in terms of the funds needed to finish the project. Our Board, staff and especially the families who stay at Dobson House want to express sincere gratitude to Thunderbirds Charities for this significant grant and all they do to support our community,” Schulman added. Originally opened in 2014, the Dobson House is the third Valley location of RMHCCNAZ. It provides families with amenities including a shared kitchen, dining area, library and play space, two laundry facilities, a shaded playground and free […] More

Thunderbirds Charities Generous Grant of $50,000 To Support Best Buddies in Arizona And Individuals With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities Best Buddies International, a nonprofit founded in 1989 by Anthony K. Shriver to establish a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, inclusive living, and family support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), is excited to announce a generous grant of $50,000 from Thunderbirds Charities to further our mission of inclusion by supporting friendship programs. Best Buddies is built upon five key mission pillars: one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, inclusive living, and family support. With the grant provided by Thunderbirds Charities, Best Buddies will focus on furthering our mission through creating an environment of inclusion and support through our School Friendship Project to ensure students with IDD are empowered to participate in everyday activities without the fear of being ostracized or bullied. This funding will support the existing 56 active elementary, middle, and high school chapters in the Greater Phoenix Metropolitan area, with plans to expand into 5 more school chapters this school year. This program will help people with IDD form meaningful one-to-one connections with their peers, gain self-confidence and self-esteem, […] More

The Harvest Compassion Center (HCC) is thrilled to announce that it has received a $50,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities.HCC functions as a mini-mart, upscale clothing boutique, and kids’ play corner all in one. We strive to meet the specific needs of every person we serve with dignity and respect, offering a “normal but elevated” shopping experience for our guests.Our centers resemble typical grocery stores, and volunteer personal shoppers are always available to assist with selecting food items and hygiene products. Guests can shop in our beautifully arranged clothing boutiques, where seasonally appropriate shoes, socks, and apparel are available in infant, child, and adult sizes. For our youngest clients, we provide diapers, formula, clothing, and new socks. Walking through life with our clients, fostering their independence and confidence, allows us to witness their newfound success and self-sustainability! 2024 was a record-breaking year for HCC. Across our three center locations, we served over 19,000 families, which is 14% more than the previous year. Thus far in 2025, requests for our help continue to grow. With food insecurity and financial instability increasing throughout Arizona, HCC must expand its operations and plans to open a fourth location in the southwest Valley.“A growing number of […] More

The top concerns often reported by military service members are time away from family (and the impact that separation has on their family), their children’s education and childcare, and frequent relocations. The USO in Arizona assists with these concerns through a myriad of impactful programs and events. This $25,000 gift from the Thunderbirds Charities will be used to support local service members and their families through the USO’s resiliency-building programs. These programs include military spouse support programs, youth programming for pre-school and school-aged military children, military family days, baby showers for expecting service members and spouses, and programming for single service members. Military families face many unique challenges because of their military service. “With military families relocating every two to three years,” said Tim Mullin, Executive Director, USO Intermountain. “Military children also face the challenges of life- altering moves in their formative years, repeatedly adjusting to new peer groups. To help even the youngest members of military families overcome these obstacles, USO hosts a multitude of children’s events for youth of all ages, designed to build resiliency, improve education, and build a sense of community.” Youth programs include art projects, pre-school power hours, sporting events, learning new skills, and special […] More

Phoenix, AZ – June 12, 2025 — MentorKids USA is proud to announce it has been awarded a $25,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities in support of its innovative iLEAD My Generation program—an intensive four-year high school leadership and mentoring initiative. The iLEAD My Generation program (Leadership, Exploration, Academics, and Discovery) equips high school students in underserved neighborhoods with critical job training, academic support, and leadership development. A unique feature of the program is that students serve as paid mentors to younger children in MentorKids’ after-school and summer programs, helping them grow while gaining real-world skills and confidence. “We are incredibly grateful to Thunderbirds Charities for this generous investment in the lives of the youth we serve,” said Aaron Parrott, Executive Director of MentorKids USA. “This funding will allow us to deepenour impact and expand opportunities for students to become confident, capable leaders in their families and communities.” Currently serving students in South Phoenix, North Phoenix (Palomino), South Scottsdale (Paiute), and Maryvale Promise Neighborhoods, iLEAD is transforming the lives of teens at high risk of becoming disconnected youth—those who are neither in school nor working. The program boasts strong outcomes in school attendance, academic achievement, and leadership development. The $25,000 grant […] More