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

Scottsdale, Ariz. (June XX, 2025) – Arizona Cancer Foundation for Children (ACFC) is honored to announce a $200,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities. This significant contribution will enhance the local nonprofit’s capacity to serve pediatric cancer patients and their families throughout Arizona by expanding critical programs, including the on-site Family Pantry. ACFC provides support to families facing pediatric cancer through three core pillars, social, emotional, and financial. This comprehensive care aims to ease the overwhelming burden a cancer diagnosis brings, ensuring families have the resources and community they need during an incredibly challenging time. A core part of ACFC’s mission includes offering an escape from cancer. This generous gift from Thunderbirds Charities will help ACFC continue creating a place where kids with cancer can simply be kids. As a lasting tribute to Thunderbirds Charities, ACFC will rename its Family Pantry in honor of their impactful funding. The pantry serves as a lifeline for families, offering essential household items and groceries. Stocked with a variety of pantry staples, toiletries, and household essentials, this resource gives families access to items that help alleviate financial burdens and ensure their basic needs are met. This grant will also allow ACFC to distribute new hot and […] More

PHOENIX (June 9th, 2025) – The MVP Foundation, a non-profit organization aimed at making a difference in the lives of under-served middle school boys has been awarded a generous $50,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities to help fund its Spring 2026 Leadership Academy. “We are extremely grateful to be awarded this grant and are so appreciative of our partnership with Thunderbirds Charities,” said Mike Olson, President of the MVP Foundation. “This grant will allow us to add an additional 100 boys to our Leadership Academy next spring.” The grant from Thunderbirds Charities will not only fund the young men’s weekend at the academy but will also act as a stepping-stone, impacting their futures. Many boys will subsequently participate in the Be a Leader Foundation program, a partner of the MVP Foundation for over a decade, which promotes continued education and creates a pathway tocollege or trade school. The MVP Foundation offers two academy options during the year. The three-day Leadership Academy offers over 300 inner-city boys from low-income neighborhoods the opportunity to immerse themselves in educational activities and utilize resources that lead to productive behaviors and positive decisions as they continue to grow into young adults. The academy, which is held […] More

The Thunderbirds – hosts of the WM Phoenix Open – announced today the 2025 edition of “The People’s Open” raised a record-breaking $18.1 million for local charities — marking the highest single-year total in tournament history. This is the eighth time the tournament has surpassed the $10 million mark in charitable giving. The previous charity record was $17.5 million, set in 2024. “Each year the WM Phoenix Open sets a new standard, but surpassing yet another record and raising $18 million is truly extraordinary,” said Matt Mooney, Tournament Chairman for the 2025 WM Phoenix Open. “This record-breaking milestone is a testament to the unwavering generosity of our community, the dedication of countless volunteers, and the incredible support from our sponsors and fans. The impact of these contributions reaches deep into our neighborhoods, supporting vital charities and changing lives across Arizona. We’re proud not just of the dollars raised, but of the collective spirit that drives this event forward year after year.” Since WM was named title sponsor in 2010, The Thunderbirds and the WM Phoenix Open have now raised more than $160 million (160,212,248) for local charities. In its 90-year history, the tournament has contributed more than $226 million ($226,258,814) to benefit nonprofits across Arizona — including […] More

Girl Scouts¬–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council (GSACPC) has been awarded a $50,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities to advance its Girl Scout (GS) Impact Program: Empowering Girls for Life, which provides leadership development, hands-on learning, and year-round enrichment activities to girls across Maricopa County who face limited access to traditional programming. “The generous grant support from the Thunderbirds and Thunderbirds Charities will connect 500 girls across Maricopa County with skill-building programs, leadership opportunities, and the lifelong sisterhood of Girl Scouts,” says Christina Spicer, co-CEO of GSACPC. “This longstanding investment in our mission continues to lift cost barriers and provide meaningful experiences for the girls we serve.” The GS Impact program aims to make Girl Scouting accessible to all girls, particularly those living in community centers, shelters, correctional facilities, group homes, and other environments where extracurricular programming may be unavailable. A key outreach program of the initiative is Girl Scouts Beyond Bars (GSBB), which serves girls ages five to 17 whose mothers are incarcerated. “Through Girl Scouts Beyond Bars, girls can gain the tools they need to grow into confident leaders, while also strengthening the mother-daughter bond through regular visits and shared activities,” adds Mary Mitchell, co-CEO of GSACPC. “Every girl deserves the chance […] More

Billy’s Place, a nonprofit organization that supports grieving kiddos and families, is honored to receive a three-year, $30,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities. This funding will help sustain and expand the organization’s Grief Peer Support Groups, which provide crucial services to those navigating the loss of a loved one. Founded in 2012, Billy’s Place was inspired by a young boy’s journey through grief after losing his father. Recognizing the lack of grief support services in Phoenix’s West Valley, his family created a compassionate space where children and families could process their loss together. In the coming year, Billy’s Place plans to serve over 400 children and families annually through specialized grief support groups and its Grief-Informed Schools initiative, which partners with 30 school districts to implement grief-sensitive practices. “The support from Thunderbirds Charities ensures we can continue to be a beacon of hope for grieving families,” said Kris Friedman, Executive Director of Billy’s Place. “This funding enables us to maintain and expand our dedicated team, ensuring that no child or family faces grief alone.” Billy’s Place offers up to 11 monthly group sessions, utilizing evidence-based curricula that incorporate play therapy, art, and storytelling to help children express their emotions. Family events […] More

(PHOENIX, Mar. 20, 2025) – Educare Arizona is proud to announce it has received a two-year, $25,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities to support its Extended Day program, which ensures children receive high quality early education from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. year-round. This funding will help maximize learning opportunities, kindergarten readiness, and social-emotional development for young children while also providing critical support for working families. With many parents balancing demanding work schedules, this program offers peace of mind—knowing their child is in a safe, nurturing, and enriching environment throughout the day. “For years, Educare Arizona has provided a nationally recognized, evidence-based early learning program that helps children build the skills they need for lifelong success,” said Karen Ramos, Board President of Educare Arizona. “We are incredibly grateful to Thunderbirds Charities for their generous support in expanding access to extended learning opportunities for the families we serve.” Investing in early childhood education has long-term benefits, from stronger academic performance to better career opportunities later in life. Research consistently shows that early learning programs like Educare’s Extended Day help children develop the critical skills needed for school and beyond. Learn more about Educare Arizona and its impact at https://educarearizona.org Educare Arizona This […] More

Elaine is excited to announce a $25,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities. Elaine is a Phoenix-based nonprofit named in honor of Elaine Herzberg, who was experiencing homelessness and tragically lost her life after being struck by a vehicle. Founded in 2019, Elaine’s mission is to connect Arizona’s homeless and underserved people to critical resources by eliminating transportation barriers. Elaine’s Transportation Assistance Program connects vulnerable Phoenix adults to locations where they can access food, housing, healthcare, employment, justice court, community centers, and more. Operating Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., the program has four Community Health Drivers, four vehicles, including accommodations for those with disabilities and language barriers, and a structured ride scheduling system for data gathering and coordination with referring agencies andclients. “Thanks to Thunderbirds Charities, this generous, $25,000 grant is providing 1,250 no-charge rides to 278 adults who are low-income, elderly, disabled, uninsured, or experiencing homelessness and lacking transportation to access social services that meet their essential needs,” said Eric Barr, CEO of Elaine. “In the short-term, any one of these rides can help move someone from shelter or streets into a home of their own, provide access to food for someone who hasn’t eaten in days, […] More

Thunderbirds Charities has generously awarded Chrysalis with a $75,000 grant to improve the business operations of the organization. This type of funding is uncommon and has significantly improved the speed, quality, and efficiency of Chrysalis’ overall operations, allowing the organization to more effectively deliver services to people who have experienced domestic abuse. Chrysalis’ programs strive to provide a safe and welcoming environment for survivors while working to enhance access to community resources, address barriers, and provide therapeutic support. One recent survivor in the Counseling Program reported going through a very tumultuous divorce marked by verbal, psychological, and financial abuse. The client expressed “freezing up” when confronted by her abuser related to court proceedings. The survivor shared her gratitude for learning how to move through her freeze response through therapy. Many of the survivors served by Chrysalis are also involved in the legal system with lengthy and complex legal processes that can be intimidating and confusing. Chrysalis recently began a certification process to provide certain types of direct legal advice to victims without having to refer them to an attorney, improving their knowledge of legal options and making their healing journey less intimidating. Chrysalis is pleased to report that ninety-five percent […] More

Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation, a nonprofit organization providing opportunities and empowerment for the state’s foster youth, is thrilled to announce the receipt of a $25k two-year investment from Thunderbirds Charities in December 2024. This latest engagement between the two nonprofit organizations will fund AFFCF’s Keys to Success program, which addresses the challenges of affordable housing, rising living costs and barriers to higher education and employment for youth aged 16-26. “This funding so generously provided by Thunderbirds Charities will be instrumental in building the futures of so many current and former foster youth,” said Luis De La Cruz, president and CEO of AFFCF. “We are grateful for the ability to continue uplifting youth and meeting them where they are during their journey through young adulthood.” Keys to Success program participants receive support in career exploration, education, financial literacy and housing, as well as personalized guidance through individualized service plans that address transportation, interview preparation and technological access. The majority of funding from Thunderbirds Charities will be used to support direct assistance services to Keys to Success program participants pursuing secondary education. During 2024, AFFCF granted a total of 8,113 funding requests for foster youth across all of its programs, […] More

Arizona Students Recycling Used Technology (AZ StRUT) is honored to announce that Thunderbirds Charities has awarded a $25,000 grant to support our STEM education programs: Techie Labs and Techie Camps. Techie Labs started in 1998 as a local school partnership with priority on serving Title I schools. AZ StRUT now partners with 50 schools and colleges, enrolling more than 3,000 students yearly. Students learn skills to pass CompTIA A+ and/or Tech+ certifications. Furthermore, AZ StRUT introduces the importance of sustainability to youth, who are the future leaders and innovators of environmental and community health. Techie Camps introduce hardware terms and functions like RAM and hard drives as well as distributing refurbished computers to students and families in a meaningful, hands-on approach. Many students and families get their first home computer from AZ StRUT Techie Camp after learning how to troubleshoot and maintain it. In 2025, AZ StRUT will support thousands of students on the path to STEM careers in Arizona to build the diversity and strength of our workforce. Through these efforts, AZ StRUT builds a more equitable Arizona technological workforce with a sustainable future. Arizona Students Recycling Used Technology (AZ StRUT) This grant is part of the Fall 2024 […] More

Make Way for Books is proud to announce a generous $50,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities in support of its Neighborhood School Readiness Program, a transformative initiative helping young children in under-resourced communities across the greater Phoenix area develop essential early literacy skills. This funding comes at a critical time as Arizona faces a pressing literacy crisis—only 41% of third graders read at grade level, with that number dropping to just 27% among low-income students. Make Way for Books is addressing this challenge head-on by providing high-quality, research-backed literacy programs in community settings, strengthening connections between families, educators, public schools, and local organizations. By equipping children with vital pre-reading skills before they enter kindergarten, this program lays the foundation for lifelong learning and success. “Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, thrive, and succeed,” said Yissel Salafsky, CEO of Make Way for Books. “Thanks to the generosity of Thunderbirds Charities, we can expand our reach and impact, ensuring more children in our community enter school ready to read and ready to learn.” Make Way for Books This grant is part of the Fall 2024 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees. More

Thunderbirds Charities has awarded The Joy Bus a generous $75,000 grant to help complete the final components of their new 6,700 square-foot kitchen, which plays a key role in the organization’s More Than a Meal Program. This grant will specifically support the final stages of outfitting the commercial kitchen, allowing The Joy Bus to better serve homebound persons with cancer in the Phoenix metro area. “The contribution from Thunderbirds Charities will support us in equipping our kitchen and increase the meals we provide to cancer patients. With this support, we can deliver five days worth of food each week to our patrons through our More Than a Meal program… We are deeply grateful for their commitment to our mission,” said Jennifer Caraway, founder and CEO of The Joy Bus. This funding helps The Joy Bus scale its operations from delivering two hot meals per week to each patient and caregiver to now providing five days’ worth of food, including a variety of breakfast, lunch and dinner options as well as snacks. These meals are tailored to the specific nutritional needs of people receiving cancer treatment, addressing food insecurity and malnutrition—a significant issue for patients undergoing treatment. “Food insecurity is a […] More

The National Kidney Foundation of Arizona (NKF AZ), in partnership with Tempe Community Action Agency (TCAA), is proud to host a Path to Wellness community health screening event in late June in Tempe, Arizona. This event is generously funded by Thunderbirds Charities and aims to provide essential health screenings for up to 100 community members. Path to Wellness is comprehensive health screening designed to detect early signs of kidney disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure— conditions that disproportionately affect underserved populations. The screening includes blood and urine tests, as well as consultations with medical professionals, to help participants understand their risk factors and take proactive steps. Participants can also connect with health insurance navigators and other community resources that will help them in their personal wellness journey. “We’re grateful to the Thunderbirds for their generosity, making this screening possible, and to the Tempe Community Action Agency for their partnership to bring this event to Tempe. Our Path to Wellness free health screenings are a vital lifeline for underserved communities, offering many their first opportunity to learn about existing health issues,” said Leslie McReynolds, CEO of the National Kidney Foundation of Arizona.“Strong communities are built through collaboration. By partnering with the […] More

The Future Stars, Inc Hands-On STEM Fair is a celebration of youth and the joy of learning through interactive, hands-on experiences. In its tenth year, the STEM Fair will be bigger than ever before adding STEM vehicles, gaming trucks, and several fresh activities that have never been part of previous fairs. The event will foster curiosity and excitement about STEM fields and encourage students to pursue them. This year, Thunderbirds Charities will be a lead sponsor of the Hands-On STEM Fair. Additionally, the support of Thunderbirds Charities will launch a more official partnership between Future Stars, Inc and SARSEF, resulting in an expansion of programming within Future Stars, Inc. communities. Future Stars, Inc This grant is part of the Fall 2024 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees. More

CDT Kids, a non-profit dedicated to empowering children with special needs through education, therapy, and recreation, is excited to announce a generous $50,000 donation from The Thunderbirds Charities to support its pool depth conversion project. This funding will help modify the pool to a maximum depth of four feet, making it fully accessible for aquatic therapy and recreational swimming. The Thunderbirds Charities, known for their commitment to inclusivity in Arizona, have made it possible for CDT Kids to enhance safety and expand therapy services for children of all abilities. “We are incredibly grateful to The Thunderbirds Charities for their support,” said Mat Curtner, President of CDT Kids. “This donation allows us to create an inclusive aquatic space where every child can experience the joy and benefits of swimming.” CDT Kids This grant is part of the Fall 2024 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees. More

Circle the City addresses the health needs of individuals experiencing homelessness in Maricopa County. Funding from Thunderbirds Charities will support CTC’s new in-house pharmacy, which will provide medication to patients in our medical respite, outpatient, and outreach programs. By bringing pharmacy services in house, we will reduce costs while enhancing the continuity of care for our unique patient population. “We are deeply grateful for this generous grant, which will allow us to open a new pharmacy,” said Kim Despres, CEO of Circle the City. “Access to medication is a critical component of healthcare, and this pharmacy will ensure that our vulnerable populations receive the care they need.” Circle the City This grant is part of the Fall 2024 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees. More

Phoenix, AZ — Valleywise Health Foundation is thrilled to announce that Thunderbirds Charities has awarded a generous $125,000 grant to support the expansion of its innovative First Episode Centers in Avondale and Mesa. These centers provide critical, evidence-based treatment and support services for adolescents and young adults experiencing their first episode of psychosis. Thunderbirds Charities’ gift is part of a larger fundraising campaign, led by Stardust Foundation’s contribution to expand the impact of this transformative initiative. The First Episode Centers at Valleywise Health are the only evidence-based programs of their kind in Maricopa County. They offer comprehensive services including recovery coaching, counseling, family education, supported education and employment, peer support, and medication management. These services are designed to help young individuals recover and continue pursuing their life goals, such as education, career development, and maintaining meaningful relationships. “We are incredibly grateful to Thunderbirds Charities for this generous support,” said Lisa Hartsock, Interim CEO of Valleywise Health Foundation. “Mental health challenges, especially among young people, are at a crisis point in our community. The expansion of our First Episode Centers means more families will have access to life-changing care at a critical time. With this grant and other philanthropic support, we […] More

Thunderbirds Charities has awarded a $50,000 grant to First Place–Phoenix for accessibility upgrades at the supportive residential property for adults with autism and/or developmental disabilities. The grant will fund the installation of additional handicap door push buttons on all main doors, including access to the Thunderbirds Charities sports pool, and upgrades to public restrooms to meet or exceed current accessibility standards. First Place–Phoenix, First Place® AZ’s flagship property, is an 81,000-square-foot apartment community for more than 65 residents offering a suite of supports, amenities and community life activities. “First Place AZ is thrilled the generous Thunderbirds Charities grant will enable First Place-Phoenix to be even more accessible and supportive for our residents as they gain independent living skills,” said Denise D. Resnik, First Place AZ founder and president/CEO. “First Place is grateful for the longtime partnership with Thunderbirds Charities. Their enduring commitment improves our community and levels the playing field for everyone.” Thunderbirds Charities is a nonprofit organization formed in 1986 to distribute funds raised through the WM Phoenix Open golf tournament. Thunderbirds Charities has impacted innumerable lives in Arizona and beyond by granting nearly $200 million since its inception. For more information or to get involved, email info@firstplaceaz.org or […] More

A grant from Thunderbirds Charities is providing support to the Music Therapy Rock Band program through Higher Octave Healing. Established in 2013, the Rock Band program provides opportunities for teens and adults with developmental disabilities to learn to play in a band while gaining valueable life skills. The program currently consists of 12 bands and 54 participants, with growth expected later this year. Each week, the bands meet to rehearse, guided by a Board-Certified Music Therapist and skilled volunteers,learning to play guitars, drums, and keyboards and preparing to perform. Each year, every band participates in at least one live public performance and one music video production project to share with their community. Funding supports program staffing, facility expenses, and equipment and supply upgrades. In 2025, Higher Octave Healing transitioned into a new facility. Funding from Thunderbirds Charities was key in helping the organization outfit the new program space with instruments and materials needed to help band members thrive. The new space and support will provide new opportunities for recording and music production for years to come. “Participating in Rock Band is an important opportunity for band members to learn valuable life skills while expressing themselves artistically and connecting with their […] More

Thunderbirds Charities underscored its commitment to education and literacy by awarding $25,000 to the Arizona Educational Foundation (AEF) in support of the Arizona Spelling Bee. This program, which AEF has facilitated since 2001, acts the state qualifier for the Scripps National Spelling Bee. In 2024, 531,990 of Arizona’s students participated in school and district bees around the state. “Spelling Bees are gateways to academic excellence and confidence-building for students,” said AEF’s CEO Kim Graham. “Every child deserves the opportunity to participate, regardless of their school’s financial standing. This generous grant from the Thunderbird Charities ensures Spelling Bees remain a vibrant and inclusive educational tool for years to come.” The funding will allow AEF to help Title I schools cover the Scripps enrollment fees and will help AEF cover the cost of broadcasting the Arizona Spelling Bee finals statewide. It also offsets the costs of sending the top two Arizona winners and their chaperones to Maryland to compete in the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee. This year’s national bee marks the 100th anniversary of this tradition that builds self-confidence and improves oral and written literacy skills. “The Thunderbirds are committed to programs that serve Arizona’s youth,” said George Thimsen, President of […] More

The Agua Fria Food & Clothing Bank is proud to reaffirm our commitment to providing nutritious food to families and individuals in need, through a generous grant from the Thunderbirds Charities. This contribution will directly help strengthen our efforts in combating food insecurity in the southwest valley. As a nonprofit organization, AFFCB has served as a vital resource for individuals and families facing hardship, ensuring that no one goes hungry. With the support of donors like Thunderbirds Charities, we are able to reach more people, and build partnerships that will allow us to address food insecurity with greater efficiency and compassion. “We are incredibly grateful for the continued support from Thunderbirds Charities. Their generosity allows us to continue to provide hope to our southwest valley neighbors by providing for their most fundamental needs.” said Leanne Leonard, Executive Director of the Agua Fria Food & Clothing Bank. “Every contribution makes a tangible difference, and together, we are helping to build a stronger, healthier community.” Donors can continue to support the Agua Fria Food & Clothing Bank through monetary contributions, food drives, and volunteer opportunities. For more information on how to get involved or donate, please visit www.AFFCB.org or contact info@affcb.org or […] More

Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels (AHRA) is proud to announce that it has been awarded a generous $25,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities to support its Comfort and Care program. This grant will provide critical resources to families in Arizona whose children are battling cancer or other life-threatening illnesses. The Comfort and Care program offers a comprehensive range of services, including counseling, mother mentoring, mindfulness sessions, and wellness support, all designed to alleviate the emotional and mental toll of childhood cancer on families. By addressing the unique needs of both children and caregivers, AHRA ensures that families receive the support they need during one of the most difficult times of their lives. “We are deeply grateful to Thunderbirds Charities for their continued support and for recognizing the impact our Comfort and Care program has on families facing childhood cancer,” said Lorraine Tallman, Founder of Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels. “This grant will allow us to expand our reach and provide even more families with the tools they need to heal and cope with the emotional challenges of this journey.” The Comfort and Care program is part of AHRA’s larger mission to provide emotional support to families, which includes services such as free counseling, […] More

Mission of Mercy Arizona (MOM), a Phoenix-based nonprofit dedicated to providing free primary medical services to the uninsured, recently received a $50,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities to support access to healthcare, medication management, and chronic disease education. Through six clinics operating five days weekly across the Valley and a network of more than 100 volunteer doctors, nurses and medical interpreters, MOM’s mobile medical program provides approximately 2,000 patients with free medical care and vital prescription medications each year. According to the latest U.S. Census, 10.7% of Maricopa County residents have no health insurance, meaning 475,000 people in the county cannot afford quality, reliable healthcare. “Thunderbirds Charities has been a vital partner of ours for nearly two decades,” said Paula Carvalho, executive director of Mission of Mercy Arizona. “With their generous support, our clinics fill the gap in healthcare services to vulnerable populations and remove barriers to care, ensuring patients have an equitable, reliable medical home to meet their health needs.” Unlike other free or low-cost clinics, Mission of Mercy Arizona has no cumbersome prequalification process, which can deter people from seeking medical help. MOM’s patients do not qualify for AHCCCS (Medicaid) or cannot afford private health insurance. Additionally, approximately 91% […] More