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

ALL In Education is proud to announce that Thunderbirds Charities has awarded a $25,000 grant to support our mission of ensuring students across Arizona thrive in their K-12 education. This generous funding will allow us to expand the Parent Educator Academy (PEA)—a program designed to bridge the communication gap between schools and families, empower caregivers with the knowledge to navigate the education system, and amplify their ability to advocate for their children’s success. The Parent Educator Academy was launched in 2020 as a response to the challenges families faced in navigating virtual learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, the program has become a cornerstone of ALL In Education’s efforts, particularly among multilingual Latino families. To date, PEA has served over 716 caregivers through 9 Cohorts, helping them gain confidence, knowledge, and agency in their children’s education. The goal of PEA is to equip Latino and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) parents and caregivers with actionable insights and resources to drive meaningful change. The curriculum covers essential topics such as: PEA alumna and now Parent Facilitator Tatiana Perez shares the program’s impact:“This (PEA) gives parents the guidance to truly get involved, understand how it works, and also be […] More

PHOENIX—U.S.VETS Phoenix, a leading residential and service provider for veterans experiencing homelessness, was recently awarded a grant from Thunderbirds Charities to enhance mental health services for unhoused and at-risk veterans. The grant expands services through clinical assessments, mental health counseling, peer support and life-skills classes for this vulnerable subset of the local veteran population. Although the number of homeless veterans in the county is declining following a national trend, the need for services remains high. U.S.VETS Phoenix estimates that more than half of its clients suffer from mental health issues, and nearly half suffer from substance use disorders.Over the next year, nearly all veterans will be screened for mental health, substance use and other disorders. Services include individual and group counseling, peer support and life skills classes. The goal is for more veterans to find stability and enter permanent homes. “This generous grant allows us to focus on the whole person and trauma-informed care,” said Michelle Jameson, U.S.VETS Phoenix executive director. “Our therapeutic community heals individuals emotionally while supporting life skills, behaviors and overall well-being.” U.S.VETS Phoenix This grant is part of the Fall 2024 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees. More

PHOENIX – Phoenix Rescue Mission, a nonprofit providing life-transforming solutions to people experiencing hunger, homelessness, addiction, and trauma, is excited to announce it was recently awarded a $50,0000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities to fund its Rescue-Place-Assess Program, a residential triage initiative designed to support individuals experiencing homelessness or seeking recovery from addiction or other life-controlling problems. “Outside of our street outreach efforts, the RAP program is the most immediate intervention we can provide our unhoused neighbors,” said Ken Brissa, Phoenix Rescue Mission CEO. “This incredibly generous grant will allow us to continue the life saving work our case managers are doing with the mission of helping Valley residents in need end the cycle of homelessness.” The grant is designed to empower and enhance the RAP Program, which serves as the initial step towards lasting transformation for a diverse range of guests. The primary aim of RAP is to intervene during crises, provide a safe and supportive environment while guiding individuals towards sustainable goals.RAP receives referrals from various sources, including first responders, the criminal justice system, social service providers, businesses, and churches. Upon admission to RAP, clients receive essential amenities such as a bed, clean clothing, and access to nutritious meals […] More

Duet: Partners In Health & Aging was recently awarded a $30,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities to support the operations and expansion of Duet’s kinship care services into Tempe and Maryvale. The expansion will provide grandfamilies in those cities with access to support groups, educational workshops, outings and more on the journey to overcome trauma and foster resilience. “We are thankful for the support of Thunderbirds Charities,” said Patricia Dominguez, Duet’s director of Kinship Care Services. “Grandparents who are raising their grandchildren face additional challenges such as the need for legal resources and feelings of isolation. For grandfamilies in Tempe and Maryvale, this has been compounded by the loss of grandfamily related services that used to be offered by other nonprofit organizations.” Thunderbirds Charities was formed in 1986 and distributes funds raised through the WM Phoenix Open golf tournament to local organizations that provide assistance for children and families, help individuals in need and strive to improve the quality of life among the residents of the Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area. Duet’s Kinship Care Services provide grandparents with vital resources to assist in raising their grandchildren. Through support groups, known as Grandkin Cafes, recreational outings, and workshops, grandfamilies come together and connect […] More

Generous support from Thunderbirds Charities will help provide critical out-of-school programming to underserved youth in Chandler and Mesa. With over 493,000 youth in Arizona lacking access to afterschool care, ICAN addresses this urgent need by offering free, year-round programming—the only program of its kind in the state. Without access to safe, structured programs, youth are at greater risk of academic struggles, risky behaviors, and limited opportunities for personal development. ICAN bridges this gap by creating a supportive space where youth can thrive.ICAN’s comprehensive programming focuses on life skills development, educational enrichment, and workforce readiness. Youth participate in activities designed to improve literacy, math, and STEAM skills while fostering personal growth. They also benefit from career exploration, enrichment clubs, recreation, homework help, and nutritious meals/snacks. The impact of ICAN’s work is transformative. By providing a secure environment during out-of-school hours, ICAN improves youth safety and ensures they are supported in their academic journeys, helping to close the achievement gap for low-income youth. Additionally, workforce development and career exploration activities fuel students’ hopes and aspirations for the future, while the provision of no-cost, high-quality out-of-school time programming helps improve families’ financial sustainability.This partnership with Thunderbirds Charities ensures ICAN can continue to build […] More

Low-income cancer patients in Maricopa County will have increased access to comprehensive cancer care, including essential mental health support, thanks to a $35,000 grant Thunderbirds Charities awarded to Cancer Support Community Arizona (CSCAZ), a nonprofit that delivers free emotional and social support services to anyone impacted by cancer statewide. The grant will support CSCAZ’s Cancer Resource Navigator Program, created to address cancer disparities and improve health equity for two years. “Unfortunately, disparities in the effectiveness of cancer treatment remain a harsh reality,” said Julie Dunnigan, CEO of CSCAZ. “Underinsured and uninsured cancer patients often struggle to access the care they need, while those with comprehensive insurance typically benefit from early detection and consistent, advanced medical intervention. Barriers to accessing physical and mental health services disproportionately affect low-income individuals, leading to higher fatality rates for treatable cancers directly linked to income and insurance gaps.” CSCAZ’s Cancer Resource Navigator program provides low-income clients with advocacy, resource navigation, and a Direct Assistance Fund to support crucial expenses beyond a family’s financial means. As part of the program, Navigators work closely with two Phoenix hospitals, most often serving this vulnerable population to ensure low-income patients and their families receive the support they need, in […] More

Cultural Coalition is honored to share that they are the recipient of a $5,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities. This generous support will directly benefit the organization’s free After School Arts Program, located at a low-income housing complex in Mesa, Arizona. The After School Arts Program serves over 100 youth ages 6 to 13 annually, providing a safe and enriching environment after school located in the complex where their families reside. This grant funding will directly support the programs activities, which are provided daily along with the Mesa Public School calendar, including: -Free daily meals: Ensuring all participants have access to nutritious food.-Homework assistance: Providing academic support and fostering a love of learning.-Engaging arts experiences: Exploring music, dance, gardening, cooking, and other creative disciplines. “We are incredibly grateful to Thunderbirds Charities for their generous support,” says Carmen Guerrero, Cultural Coalition Executive Director. “This grant will be instrumental in ensuring the continued success of our After School Arts Program, providing free access to vital resources for these deserving young people who are benefiting from the transformative power of the arts.” Since 2015, Cultural Coalition’s After School Arts Program has played a crucial role in the lives of the children who live in […] More

This grant will be used to boost access to nutritious food for at-risk youth and low-income families facing food insecurity throughout the Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area. MFB packages a nutritious, instant-, protein-packed rice and bean meal called “Tender Mercies”. We pledge to distribute an additional 125,000 meals, always without cost, to our partner agencies that serve people of all ages and backgrounds facing food insecurity across Maricopa and Pinal Counties. Specifically, these highly nutritious meals will be distributed to low-income families and at-risk youth that are located in food deserts, meaning they do not have easy access to grocery stores and a variety of healthy foods. The goal is to help people maintain their health through access to nutritious foods. The Tender Mercies meal packet consists of high-grade rice, pre-cooked pinto beans, fortified chicken seasoning, and soy protein. The result is delicious food at the cost of 25 cents per meal. One packet feeds four people with 13 grams of protein, 6 grams of fiber, and 1 gram of fat per serving. “An estimated 1 in 8 Arizonans are food insecure. These people face adverse physical health, poor emotional well-being, and academic setbacks. Our “Tender Mercies” program helps to fill […] More

Sojourner Center proudly announces a generous $50,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities to support its Emergency Shelter and Supportive Services program. This funding will provide approximately 555 safe nights of rest for children of domestic violence, sexual violence, and human trafficking survivors in the next year. Founded in 1977, Sojourner Center is one of the largest domestic violence shelters in the nation. It serves over 2,000 individuals annually through core programs and its 24/7 emergency hotline. In Arizona, a child experiences domestic violence every 44 minutes, and 38% of domestic violence survivors with children face homelessness. Thunderbirds Charities’ support helps ensure that children in Sojourner Center’s Emergency Shelter Program have access to safety, stability, and essential services. The Emergency Shelter Program offers a secure environment where survivors and their children receive trauma-informed care, including safe housing, meals, case management, legal support, and access to Sojourner Center’s on-site Child Development Center. Through this funding, children will receive:× Safe shelter and basic living needs, including food, clothing, and hygiene items× Trauma-informed case management and support groups× High-quality childcare and early intervention programs× Access to recreational spaces, including a shaded playground, basketball court, and game room Sojourner Center This grant is part of the […] More

This grant from Thunderbirds Charities will help A New Leaf continue to provide life-saving shelter, advocacy, counseling, and other support services to survivors of domestic and sexual violence and their children. A New Leaf is the largest provider of domestic and sexual violence support services in the Phoenix Metro area, serving approximately 2,700 survivors each year through eight programs. These programs include Autumn House Domestic Violence Shelter in Mesa, Faith House Crisis & Transitional Shelter in Glendale, Community Alliance Against Family Abuse (Community Alliance) in Apache Junction, emergency overflow shelter program (DVSTOP), court advocacy services, trauma-informed outreach and therapeutic services, transitional housing support, and the REACH Center for Survivors of Sexual Violence and 24-hour Helpline. A New Leaf anticipates continued reductions in government funding for domestic violence and homeless shelter programs. ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funding is coming to an end, and Victims of Crime Act funding for domestic violence programs has been decreasing. “We are extremely thankful to Thunderbirds Charities for their continued support of our Domestic and Sexual Violence Services,” said Michael Hughes, CEO of A New Leaf. “This grant will help us provide critical shelter, advocacy, and comprehensive support services to survivors who are fleeing abuse […] More

NAMI Valley of the Sun (NAMI VOS) is thrilled to announce that Thunderbirds Charities has generously awarded a $10,000 grant to support our mission of expanding mental health services for youth and families in the Greater Phoenix area. This funding will enable NAMI VOS to implement critical programs, including youth-focused support groups, family support groups, and educational classes such as NAMI Family-to-Family and NAMI Basics. These initiatives aim to reduce feelings of isolation and despair, increase hope, and promote understanding for individuals and families impacted by mental health conditions. “With one person dying by suicide every eleven minutes in this country and a rising need for services among youth, Thunderbirds Charities’ support will help us make a significant difference,” said Kristina Sabetta, Executive Director of NAMI VOS. “Their generosity strengthens our ability to serve more than 13,000 individuals through education, support, and outreach.” The funding will also allow NAMI VOS to train new facilitators, ensuring that our programs continue to meet the growing needs of the community. NAMI VOS expresses its heartfelt gratitude to Thunderbirds Charities for their commitment to mental health awareness and support. For more information about NAMI VOS and its programs, visit namivalleyofthesun.org. NAMI Valley of the […] More

Phoenix, AZ —Rosie’s House is thrilled to announce it has been awarded a generous $10,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities. This funding will support the Free Afterschool Music and Leadership Program, providing under-resourced youth in the Phoenix metro area with access to life-changing music education and leadership development opportunities. With this grant, Rosie’s House will enroll more than 650 students during the 2024-2025 program year, a remarkable 50% increase from just five years ago. The funding from Thunderbirds Charities will help cover the costs of: “We are deeply grateful to Thunderbirds Charities for their investment in our students and their futures. This funding will directly support the learning experiences of our young musicians and help us meet the growing demand for our program,” said Becky Bell Ballard, CEO of Rosie’s House. “Music education is a powerful tool for fostering creativity, discipline, and confidence, and thanks to this grant, we can continue to make a meaningful impact on the lives of under-served students.” Rosie’s House is committed to providing tuition-free music education programs that break down financial barriers and empower students to achieve their full potential. The Free Afterschool Music and Leadership Program combines music instruction with leadership development, giving students the […] More

We are honored to be a recipient of a $20,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities. This donation will allow Impact One to continue assisting women diagnosed with breast cancer, alleviating some of the financial and emotional stress during treatment and the recovery journey. The Foundation is currently working with low income, underserved areas of Phoenix metro and outlying communities in Arizona. Outreach efforts within the Latino and African American communities are crucial as both groups currently hold the highest percentage of breast cancer incidences within women of color as reported by the American Cancer Society. Impact One This grant is part of the Fall 2024 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees. More