Chandler, AZ – Oakwood Creative Care (OCC) is thrilled to announce a generous grant award from Thunderbirds Charities to furnish its newly opened Chandler location — a vibrant new home for brain health, connection, and community. Opened in the summer of 2025, OCC’s Chandler campus is already buzzing with activity and hope. The location brings together an Adult Day Club, Hub, and an on-site clinic under one welcoming roof — making brain health support more accessible than ever for families navigating dementia and other age-related challenges, as well as individuals eager to embrace their own brain health journey. Thanks to Thunderbirds Charities, the Chandler campus looks forward to filling the space with thoughtfully selected furnishings that do far more than complete a room. OCC is excited to furnish areas with comfortable seating that invites conversation and laughter, flexible tables that transform into art studios, music spaces, and learning centers, and warm, welcoming common areas that create opportunities for connection and belonging. For OCC, every piece plays a role in shaping an environment where members feel safe, valued, and inspired. “We believe the environment shapes experience,” said Sherri Friend, President and CEO of Oakwood Creative Care. “This grant allows us to create spaces that […] More

Act One, a charitable organization in Arizona focused on providing arts education access to all students, regardless of their socioeconomic status or geographical location, is combining technology, education and arts with its groundbreaking virtual reality (VR) field trip program, is pleased to announce a $25,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities. The grant will fund virtual reality field trips for over 5,000 Phoenix-area students. “Arts education can be delivered in a variety of formats, but with Act One’s VR field trip program, we are able to provide an innovative, growing, cost-effective and research-driven experience for middle and high school students and educators. Arts education is critical to today’s students and their future successes, which is why we are grateful for this grant from Thunderbirds Charities that will allow us to serve thousands of Phoenix-area students attending Title I schools,” said Dr. Beth Maloney, Executive Director of Act One. The VR field trip experience, also known as Arts Immersion™, is designed to provide a 360° immersive visual and audio journey for fifth- through 12th-grade students across the state. Thanks to virtual reality headsets and educator-built content, more than 31,000 students in Arizona have participated in this unique experience since its launch in 2021. The […] More

New Pathways for Youth is honored to announce we have been awarded a $25,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities to support and expand our Level Up Academy program. Level Up Academy is a 10-week, school-based initiative designed to support underserved youth in Phoenix, particularly students facing multiple Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and barriers such as homelessness, foster care involvement, or justice system involvement. Through evidence-based curriculum focused on goal setting, personal development, and college and career readiness, the Academy helps students build resilience and strengthen their vision for the future. With Thunderbirds Charities’ investment, New Pathways for Youth will expand Level Up Academy to serve up to 140 students across several high-need schools, strengthening school engagement, graduation readiness, and long-term success.“Thunderbirds Charities has been a trusted partner we can count on since 2014, and we are deeply grateful for their continued belief in our mission,” said Karen Johnson, President and CEO of New Pathways for Youth. “Their long-standing support helps ensure that youth facing the greatest barriers have access to the resources, guidance, and opportunities they need to stay in school and build a future filled with possibility.” Thunderbirds Charities, established in 1986, distributes funds raised through the WM Phoenix Open […] More

Homelessness in Arizona has reached alarming levels, with significant growth among families and youth. According to the 2025 Arizona Housing Forum, families with children now comprise 21% of the homeless population, a 15% increase from the previous year. Additionally, unaccompanied homeless youth have increased by 24% since 2017. Save the Family’s Pathways to Stability Program addresses this urgent need by helping families identify individualized goals and overcome barriers to long-term self-sufficiency. Through trauma-informed, evidence-based services, the program supports families as they transition out of homelessness and toward lasting stability. “Housing alone is not enough to ensure family stability,” said Robyn Julien, Chief Executive Officer of Save the Family Foundation of Arizona. “Families overcoming homelessness need consistent, compassionate support that addresses trauma, strengthens economic mobility, and helps parents navigate complex systems. This grant from Thunderbirds Charities allows us to continue creating lasting change for hundreds of families across our community.” The Pathways to Stability Program provides comprehensive support to families in our housing programs, including individualized case management, behavioral health services with an on-site trauma therapist, transportation assistance, career services, and children and youth services delivered by Triple P-certified staff. With support from Thunderbirds Charities, Save the Family expects to serve […] More

PHOENIX, Ariz. (Feb. X, 2026) — St. Joseph the Worker, also known as “The Worker,” has received a $250,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities to support its Workforce Development Program and Workforce Villages Program, which provide employment and housing stability services for individuals across the Greater Phoenix area. Through the funding, The Worker will support 833 individuals through its Workforce Development Program, helping participants secure direct-hire employment through individualized services and employer connections. In addition, the grant will support 28 employed but housing-insecure clients as they complete The Worker’s Workforce Villages Program and transition into market-rate housing in their own name. “We are incredibly grateful to Thunderbirds Charities for their belief in our mission and their commitment to long-term, measurable impact,” said Carrie Masters, CEO of The Worker. “This investment allows us to support individuals at a pivotal moment, when employment is within reach but stability is not yet secure, and help them move beyond crisis toward lasting independence.” The Worker’s programs provide a seamless integration of employment and housing, addressing the interconnected barriers that prevent individuals from achieving self-sufficiency. Through its Workforce Development Program, The Worker offers individualized job placement support, career readiness services, and connections to direct-hire employers. For […] More

Justa Center, Inc. is pleased to announce it has received a $35,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities to support its Path to Housing program, a comprehensive initiative that helps seniors experiencing homelessness secure and maintain stable housing. Path to Housing is central to Justa Center’s mission to remove barriers to permanent housing for adults aged 55 and older. The program provides case management and financial assistance to address the most common obstacles preventing seniors from exiting homelessness, including emergency rental assistance, utility payments, security and pet deposits, move-in costs, legal and eviction-related fees, transportation, and essential household items. Funding from Thunderbirds Charities will provide direct assistance to 40 seniors as they navigate a customized housing plan designed to meet their health needs, income sources, and personal circumstances. This support aims to ensure long-term housing stability. The grant also funds client-facing staff who offer intensive, one-on-one housing navigation and follow-up services. “Seniors experiencing homelessness face unique and compounding challenges, from chronic health conditions to fixed incomes and limited access to care,” said Dean Scheinert, Executive Director of Justa Center. “Thunderbirds Charities’ investment allows us to respond quickly and compassionately, helping older adults move from crisis to housing and dignity.” Justa Center serves […] More

The grant will help Encircle Families provide individualized mentoring and education to approximately 300 families in Maricopa County who are navigating Arizona’s healthcare, education, and social service systems. The program focuses on families facing the greatest barriers, including those with low incomes, those living in underserved communities, and families who are non-English speakers. Services are available in both English and Spanish. Encircle Families’ Mentoring and Support Program pairs parents and caregivers with trained Family Support Specialists who are also parents of children with disabilities. Through one-to-one mentoring, families receive guidance on understanding their rights, accessing services, and advocating effectively for their children. This peer-to-peer model builds trust, reduces isolation, and empowers families with practical tools and confidence. “Families often come to us feeling overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn,” said Encircle Families’ Executive Director Christopher Tiffany. “Support from Thunderbirds Charities allows us to walk alongside families during critical moments, especially following a new diagnosis, and help ensure they are not navigating these systems alone.” Encircle Families This grant is part of the Fall 2025 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees. More

Thunderbirds Charities has awarded a $300,000 grant to the Be A Leader Foundation to support its Pipeline of Postsecondary Access and Success programs, a comprehensive initiative designed to help students in under-resourced communities prepare for, enroll in, and complete postsecondary education. This funding will sustain Be A Leader’s year-round programming serving approximately 14,000 students annually across the Greater Phoenix area. Grant funds will directly support activities including one-on-one advising, college and scholarship application assistance, FAFSA completion support, and college and career readiness workshops to help students persist through critical transition points from middle school all the way through to college completion. Be A Leader’s pipeline approach focuses on three core areas: building early college-going awareness, supporting high school seniors through the application and enrollment process, and ensuring students receive continued guidance as they work toward degree or credential attainment. The program primarily supports students who are first-generation, low-income, and from under-resourced backgrounds, addressing persistent gaps in postsecondary enrollment and completion in the local community. “Thunderbirds Charities has been a long-standing partner in our work, and this investment reflects their deep commitment to our students and families—allowing us to continue meeting students where they are with consistent, high-quality support,” said Soilo […] More

Arizona Autism United’s new North Valley Center (NVC) opened on January 22, 2026 – significantly expanding access to diagnostic and mental health services for individuals with autism and related developmental disabilities. The NVC will primarily impact residents of the Northwest Valley region of Maricopa County, where the need is especially critical. Far too many local families must wait months or even years to receive a diagnostic evaluation for their loved one, which is a necessary first step toward accessing treatment, therapies, and services. The NVC will help address this gap in local resources, providing comprehensive Medicaid-covered diagnostic evaluations, individual and family counseling, and wraparound support programs for parents, caregivers, and siblings. The center will also serve as a training and supervision site for graduate-level clinical psychology students, helping build the pipeline of future clinicians in Arizona. During its first year, the NVC is expected to serve at least 150 children, youth, and adults. Thunderbirds Charities’ $50,000 grant is instrumental in supporting start-up and program costs at the NVC. “As we celebrate our 20th year serving families affected by autism and developmental disabilities, Arizona Autism United is deeply grateful for Thunderbirds Charities and the lasting impact this gift will have on […] More

Foster Arizona, a Mesa-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting foster and at-risk youth and families, has received a $5,000 grant from Thunderbird Charities to support the organization’s Young Adult Housing Program, which serves young adults transitioning out of the foster care system. Each year, more than 800 young adults in Arizona age out of foster care without a permanent family or stable housing, placing them at high risk for homelessness, unemployment, and long-term instability. Foster Arizona’s Young Adult Housing Program is designed to interrupt that trajectory by providing safe housing paired with life skills development, education and career support, and intentional community connections for young adults ages 18 to 24. “This grant from Thunderbird Charities represents more than financial support—it’s a vote of confidence in young people who deserve stability, dignity, and a real chance to thrive,” said Kim Vehon, Founder and CEO of Foster Arizona. “When young adults age out of foster care, they shouldn’t age out of support. Because of partners like Thunderbird Charities, we’re able to continue walking alongside them during one of the most critical transitions of their lives.” Launched in 2018, Foster Arizona’s Young Adult Housing Program has grown steadily to meet increasing community need, offering […] More

TEMPE, ARIZONA – The Welcome to America Project (WTAP) has been awarded a $10,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities to expand its Career Bridging program, a workforce development initiative helping refugees in Maricopa County move from entry-level survival jobs to sustainable, professional careers. The grant will fund direct workforce readiness expenses for low-income refugees, including professional certifications, occupational licensing fees, exam costs, targeted job training programs, and community college coursework. Funds will also support individualized career coaching, resume development, interview preparation, and employer connections – ensuring participants have both the credentials and support systems necessary to secure stable, higher-wage employment. Many refugees arrive in Arizona with advanced degrees and professional experience but face significant barriers to transferring credentials or accessing U.S. certification pathways. Without support, they are often limited to minimum-wage positions despite their skills. WTAP’s Career Bridging program addresses these gaps by providing culturally competent guidance, financial assistance for training and credentialing, and long-term mentorship. “This generous investment from Thunderbirds Charities creates tangible pathways to economic mobility for refugee families,” said Kevin Groman, WTAP’s Executive Director. “When individuals gain the credentials and confidence to pursue careers aligned with their skills, entire families benefit – and so does our local economy. […] More

St. Vincent de Paul will serve more individuals and families through its eviction prevention and housing stability efforts thanks to a $500,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities, titled Preventing Homelessness by Ensuring Housing Stability for Low-Income Arizonans. The two-year investment will provide direct financial assistance to low-income Arizona families at risk of losing their housing due to unexpected hardships such as job loss, medical emergencies, or rising living costs, delivered through SVdP’s Family Support Services and more than 80 community pantries across Northern and Central Arizona. Eviction prevention is one of the most effective and cost-efficient ways to address homelessness. Keeping a family housed not only preserves dignity and stability but also reduces strain on emergency shelters, schools, and healthcare systems. “Thunderbirds Charities’ grant will allow us to step in at a critical moment for families who are on the brink of losing everything,” said Laurie Sobel, Homelessness Prevention Manager at St. Vincent de Paul. “Preventing eviction means preventing homelessness. With this support, we can keep more Arizona families safely housed and provide them with the stability they need to move forward.” The nonprofit looks forward to ensuring more vulnerable Arizonans remain safely in their homes and on a path toward […] More

Voices for CASA Children (VOICES) announces that it has received a $75,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities to strengthen its efforts to recruit and support Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA volunteers) to serve youth living in foster care in Maricopa County. VOICES helps community members learn about the CASA volunteer role and guides interested individuals to information sessions and other appropriate resources. The funding comes at a critical time. More than 4,000 youth in Maricopa County live in licensed foster care homes, while only a few hundred have a CASA volunteer to advocate for them. VOICES strengthens advocacy for children living in foster care by recruiting, equipping, and supporting CASA volunteers—so children have a voice when stability matters most. “We are deeply grateful to Thunderbirds Charities for this investment in children and our mission,” said Bonnie Brown, Executive Director of Voices for CASA Children. “This funding allows us to expand our recruitment efforts and helps ensure more children have a dedicated advocate focused on their best interests. Every child deserves a steady adult in their lives, and this grant brings us closer to making that a reality for more youth in our community.” The grant will specifically support: Recruiting caring adults […] More

CASA GRANDE, AZ – Sun Life Health is proud to announce it has received a $25,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities, the philanthropic arm of The Thunderbirds, hosts of the WM Phoenix Open. This generous funding will provide new books and toys for pediatric patients to take home after medical and dental visits. The grant helps create a welcoming and supportive environment for children receiving care at Sun Life Health’s community health centers across Pinal County. Children are sent home with books after each well-child visit, fostering early literacy and developmental growth at a critical time in their lives. Toys are a time-honored tradition in pediatrics, helping to reduce anxiety often associated with doctor and dentist visits—and even giving children a reason to look forward to their healthcare visit! Amid tightening budgets, nonprofit healthcare organizations are increasingly forced to make difficult spending decisions. Generous support from Thunderbirds Charities enables Sun Life Health to add a little fun and enrichment into pediatric patient visits. “We are incredibly grateful to Thunderbirds Charities for their commitment to the health and well-being of Arizona’s children,” said Eddie Estrada, MD, Chief Executive Officer of Sun Life Health. “A visit to the doctor can be a stressful […] More

PHOENIX – Ballet Arizona is honored to announce a $15,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities, a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening Arizona communities by supporting organizations that serve children, families, and individuals in need throughout the Greater Phoenix area. This grant will enhance three of Ballet Arizona’s community engagement programs offered at its East Valley campus in Mesa, located within Child Crisis Arizona’s Center for Child & Family Wellness. These programs, including Native American Hoop Dance, Creative Aging Through Dance, and Dance for Parkinson’s Disease, reflect Ballet Arizona’s commitment to expanding access to the arts and enriching quality of life for diverse communities across Arizona. This fund will provide financial support for all essential expenses associated with these free programs for Mesa residents. “We are deeply grateful to Thunderbirds Charities for their generosity and steadfast support of Ballet Arizona’s community engagement programs,” said Jami Kozemczak, Ballet Arizona’s executive director. “At Ballet Arizona, we believe dance is for everyone, and these programs make that belief a reality. Dance offers far more than joy, it nurtures emotional well-being, supports physical health, and enriches quality of life.” Ballet Arizona offers Native American Hoop Dance classes for Native American youth of various ages and levels, providing […] More

With generous funding from Thunderbirds Charities, Matthew’s Crossing Food Bank is very excited to expand our Mobile Food Distribution program to Chandler schools. By working with the Chandler School District, we’re making it easier for students and families to access nutritious food right where they are. The “Fresh Futures” pop-ups allow families to choose their own groceries from a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy, meats, and pantry staples. Bringing the food to the schools helps to remove the stigma of asking for help and any transportation barriers of going to a food bank. The “Fresh Futures” mobile food distributions do more than provide meals. They reduce stress on families because they’re not worrying about where the next meal is coming from. Providing healthy and nourishing food allows children to thrive in and out of the classroom, setting them up for a successful future. They have better school attendance, can focus more, grades tend to improve, and they’re more engaged in the classroom and with their peers. Our first “Fresh Futures” pop-up was held at Hartford Elementary School in Chandler, where we served 250 families. Our next two mobile distributions will be at Galveston Elementary School in Chandler. Matthew’s Crossing […] More

PHOENIX – Mission of Mercy Arizona (MOM), a Phoenix-based nonprofit dedicated to providing free primary medical care and medications to the uninsured, recently received a $75,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities to support access to healthcare for patients who cannot afford health insurance. Through six clinics operating four to five days per week across the Valley and a network of more than 100 volunteer doctors, nurses and medical interpreters, Mission of Mercy provides approximately 2,000 patients with free primary medical care and vital prescription medications each year. According to the latest U.S. Census, 12.2% of Maricopa County residents have no health insurance, meaning more than 400,000 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 healthcare 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 […] More

The Fall 2025 grant from Thunderbirds Charities supports House of Refuge Sunnyslope’s Comprehensive Housing Programs, which provide long-term transitional housing and supportive services for individuals experiencing homelessness in Phoenix. This funding helps sustain essential services that ensure residents have safe housing, nutritious meals, and individualized case management as they work toward long-term stability and independence. Grant funds support a portion of resident services staff salaries and benefits, occupancy-related expenses, and food costs. These resources ensure that more than 120 residents each night have access to clean, well-maintained living spaces with functioning plumbing, electrical systems, and heating and cooling. The grant also supports the provision of healthy, balanced meals that meet residents’ dietary needs, contributing to physical well-being and daily stability. In addition, this funding strengthens the capacity of trained staff who provide personalized case management and daily support. Case managers walk alongside residents to set and achieve goals, access community resources, develop life and employment skills, and prepare for long-term housing stability. This consistent, relationship-based support is critical for individuals rebuilding their lives after homelessness, addiction, incarceration, or domestic violence. “Our Comprehensive Housing Programs are designed to address both immediate needs and long-term transformation,” said Kelly Fine, CEO of House […] More

We are proud to share that the $10,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities was directly applied to support Fighter Country Foundation’s Top Three Program Areas. These program areas consist of programs and services designed to enhance Morale & Well-Being, Culture & Tradition, and Mission Sustainability. They are provided in direct support of military members and their families stationed at Luke Air Force Base and the 161st Air Refueling Wing. During their time on station, these programs are designed to enhance overall quality of life, create positive distractions during challenging times, strengthen family connections, and ensure military members remain focused on both family and mission readiness. Examples of these programs include our annual Holiday Dorm Party, Single Parent Retreats, Deployed Family Events, and many other mission-focused initiatives that support the Fighter Country community year-round. “We are sincerely grateful to Thunderbird Charities for their continued support and partnership. Their investment has made a meaningful impact on the lives of those who serve, and we value the opportunity to continue this partnership moving forward as part of a strong and unified community.” Says Ron Sites – President & CEO of Fighter Country Foundation Fighter Country Foundation This grant is part of the Fall 2025 […] More

Paz de Cristo Community Center in Mesa received a $25,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities in Fall 2025 to address growing food insecurity across the East Valley. The funding allows the organization to scale operations as it works toward providing more than 600,000 meals to 12,000 people this year. “Thunderbirds Charities has invested in our community’s most vulnerable neighbors for more than a decade,” said Executive Director Jackie Shelley. “This grant helps us meet people where they are—whether that means providing emergency food assistance or connecting them with resources that create lasting stability.” Since 2011, Thunderbirds Charities has contributed nearly $130,000 to Paz de Cristo’s operations. The current grant supports Our Relief Services to Empower Individuals with our food services being our largest program, including a weekly food box distribution that provide fresh produce, proteins, and shelf-stable items to families facing financial hardship, and a nightly meal served in their dining room every night of the year. All programs connect participants with case management and referral services. Paz de Cristo Community Center This grant is part of the Fall 2025 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees. More

Jobs for Arizona’s Graduates (JAG) is proud to announce it has received a $100,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities to expand its proven workforce development and post-secondary readiness programming for Arizona youth. JAG currently operates 26 programs in middle schools, high schools and community-based programs in Arizona. The investment will support JAG Arizona’s mission to prepare students for career, education, and life success while increasing high school graduation and postsecondary engagement across Maricopa County. JAG Arizona students consistently outperform statewide outcomes. JAG seniors graduate at a 99% rate, compared to the Arizona statewide graduation rate of approximately 77%. One year after high school graduation, 93% of JAG graduates are enrolled in full-time school, employed full-time, and/or serving in the military, demonstrating strong long-term outcomes beyond the classroom. Additionally, 77% of JAG graduates are employed full-time, reinforcing JAG’s effectiveness as a workforce development solution aligned to employer needs. “Arizona’s economic future depends on a workforce that is prepared, confident, and connected to opportunity,” said Marjorie DeRubeis, President & CEO of Jobs for Arizona’s Graduates. “Thunderbirds Charities’ investment allows JAG Arizona to continue removing barriers for students who may be the first in their families to graduate, attend college, or enter high-demand careers. […] More

This grant will directly support AYA’s core youth programming, including the Spring Break Innovation Camp, the AYA Innovation Hub delivered in partnership with Arizona State University, and the Future Innovators Teen Mentor Program. These programs provide Title I students with hands-on business education, mentorship, and real-world leadership experiences designed to break the cycle of poverty and create pathways to economic mobility. “We are incredibly grateful to Thunderbirds Charities for believing in our mission and investing in the potential of the young people we serve,” said Bridget Costello, Executive Director of Aspiring Youth Academy. “This funding allows us to expand access to high-quality entrepreneurship and financial education for teens who need it most, equipping them with the skills, confidence, and mentorship to build brighter futures.” “Thunderbirds Charities is proud to support Aspiring Youth Academy and their impactful work empowering teens through entrepreneurship, leadership, and financial education,” said a representative of Thunderbirds Charities. “By investing in programs that equip young people with real-world skills and mentorship, we are helping create pathways to opportunity and long-term economic success for youth and families across our community.” “This investment from Thunderbirds Charities is more than a grant—it’s an investment in the next generation of entrepreneurs […] More

Thunderbirds Charities Grant will help fund Laptops 4 Learning’s Laptops for Youth project, which provides laptops to youth in grades K-12 who are enrolled in Title-1 schools across Arizona and do not have convenient access to a computer at home. Eligible students must be enrolled in a Title-1 school in Arizona and demonstrate financial need as determined by school administrators or L4L’s Application for Financial Assistance. Convenient access to computers has long been linked to positive academic outcomes. An unfortunate consequence of the digital divide is the measurable academic inequities that exists for students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds who lack the technology tools required for educational success. Having their own computer enables the student to fully participate in all educational programs offered at their school. Laptops 4 Learning This grant is part of the Fall 2025 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees. More

The Arizona Pet Project is honored to announce a generous $35,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities, which will primarily support critical services for people experiencing homelessness alongside pets. This impactful contribution will help expand life-saving programs, enhance animal welfare services, and further the organization’s mission of building a healthier, more compassionate community for pets and people throughout Arizona. Thunderbirds Charities is widely recognized for its commitment to improving the quality of life for individuals and families in the Greater Phoenix area through strategic philanthropic investments. This grant will provide essential backing for The Arizona Pet Project’s efforts to remove barriers to shelter and housing for people experiencing homelessness, and will expand access to veterinary care, community outreach initiatives, wellness programs, and resources that ensure people with pets are able to access services. “We are deeply grateful to Thunderbirds Charities for investing in our work and supporting the well-being of pets and pet families across our community,” said Leanna Taylor, CEO of The Arizona Pet Project. “This generous grant will allow us to enhance our work with unsheltered and unhoused people with pets, while strengthening collaborations with Key Campus, Central Arizona Shelter Services, and UMOM, to reach even more animals and people […] More

Connecting Kids encompasses the Center’s core youth programs, including theater camps, student matinee field trips, the Youth Advisory Council, and free visual arts programs designed to spark creativity, build confidence, and foster lifelong connections to the arts. The program serves thousands of young people each year, with a focus on removing financial and access barriers for families. Support from Thunderbirds Charities will help sustain and expand these opportunities, ensuring that students; regardless of their socioeconomic background, can experience live performance, hands-on learning, and creative expression in a professional arts environment. “The generosity of Thunderbirds Charities directly supports our mission to make the arts accessible to young people throughout Chandler,” said Sandra Bassett, Development Manager of Chandler Center for the Arts. “This investment allows us to continue offering impactful programs that inspire creativity, nurture leadership, and introduce students to the performing and visual arts at a formative age.” Through Connecting Kids, students attend live performances aligned with school curriculum, participate in immersive theater camps, engage in leadership development through the Youth Advisory Council, and access free visual arts workshops that encourage exploration and self-expression. Chandler Center for the Arts This grant is part of the Fall 2025 cycle. View a list of […] More

Thunderbirds Charities has awarded $90,000 to Local First Arizona to support and expand business education and accelerator programs serving entrepreneurs who face persistent barriers to capital, credit and business training. The funding sustains Local First’s flagship programs, Fuerza Local Acelerador de Negocios, Fuerza Local Nivel Ejecutivo and We Rise, which provide culturally relevant business education, financial literacy and access to fair-market capital for Latino and Black entrepreneurs across Arizona. Since 2017, Thunderbirds Charities has invested more than $620,000 in Local First Arizona’s entrepreneurship programs. Local First Arizona This grant is part of the Fall 2025 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees. More

Cultural Coalition is proud to announce it has received a $7,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities to support its free After School Arts Program. For the second consecutive year, this funding will provide vital resources for over 100 youth residing in a low-income housing complex in Mesa, Arizona. The After School Arts Program serves children primarily in grade kindergarten to middle school, offering a safe, creative, and enriching environment directly within their residential community. By aligning with the Mesa Public School calendar, the program ensures consistent support throughout the academic year. This generous contribution from Thunderbirds Charities directly funds daily operations, including:Nutritional Support: Providing free daily meals to ensure every participant is nourished and ready to learn.Academic Guidance: Daily homework assistance to bolster school performance and foster a lifelong love of learning.Creative Exploration: Hands-on experiences in music, dance, gardening, and cooking. “We are incredibly grateful to Thunderbirds Charities for their continued investment in our community’s youth,” says Carmen Guerrero, Executive Director of Cultural Coalition. “Last year, their support allowed us to expand our cooking program and re-introduce music instruction for guitar, keyboards, and ukulele. We are thrilled to use these new funds to deepen these experiences and keep the arts accessible […] More

Thunderbirds Charities has awarded a generous grant to Make Way for Books to expand high-impact early literacy programming across Maricopa County, benefiting nearly 3,000 young children, families, and educators annually. Across greater Phoenix, children in high-need communities face significant barriers to early literacy and long-term academic success. In 2024, only 39% of Arizona third graders passed the state exam, dropping to 27% among economically disadvantaged students. Access to high-quality early learning remains limited: only 32% of three- and four-year-olds are enrolled statewide, leaving many families without the tools needed to prepare their children for kindergarten and beyond. “With the generous support from Thunderbirds Charities, our neighborhood school readiness model brings the full strength of our programs into one community,” said Julie Fischer, Regional Director at Make Way for Books. “By equipping parents, caregivers, and educators with the skills and confidence to support early learning, we are creating lasting impact and setting children up for long-term success.” The grant will strengthen and expand Story School and Story Project programs, increasing access to high-quality books and literacy experiences. Story School offers weekly English- and Spanish-language sessions for children ages 0-5 and their caregivers, along with a 22-book home library. Story Project equips […] More

Ability360 is proud to announce it has been awarded a $250,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities to support upgrades to the courts at the Ability360 Sports & Fitness Center. The funding will be used to install new video scoreboards, video scorer’s table with sponsor display panels and replace worn court padding, significantly improving safety, accessibility, and the overall experience for people with disabilities who use the facility. The Ability360 Sports & Fitness Center serves thousands of individuals with both visible and invisible disabilities each year, providing inclusive recreation and sports opportunities. These improvements will directly benefit adaptive athletes, youth programs, veterans, and community members who utilize the two courts for a variety of sports and recreation activities including wheelchair basketball, power soccer, wheelchair rugby, tennis, fitness classes and more.“The generous support from Thunderbirds Charities will have a meaningful impact on our community and the thousands of athletes we host on our campus each year,” said Chris Rodriquez, CEO of Ability360. “Upgrading our scoreboards and court padding will not only enhance safety and accessibility but also elevate the quality of play and the experience for athletes, spectators, and program participants.” New video scoreboards will provide improved visibility, clearer game information, and an […] More

Spot 127, KJZZ’s Youth Media Center, is proud to announce that Thunderbirds Charities has granted the organization $18,000 in funding. This funding will enable SPOT 127 to purchase state-of-the-art Dell laptops for after-school and boot camp programs, during which high school students learn to edit video, audio, photos, and graphics using the Adobe Creative Cloud. The new laptops will allow SPOT 127 to increase the number of teens who have the opportunity to gain advanced digital media skills that can inspire their career plans and assist them in contributing positively to their communities. With the skills gained in Spot 127’s innovative after-school program, students report increased self-esteem, job opportunities, and internship options. Their new skills and increased digital citizenship often provide career direction and enable teens to become role models in their communities. “We are grateful for the community support of the SPOT 127 Youth Media Center programs. The funding from Thunderbirds Charities enables us to continue offering digital media education to those high school students who might not otherwise have this kind of opportunity.” Executive Director of Friends of Public Radio Arizona, Linda Pastori, goes on to say participants consistently report the positive impact these classes have on how […] More