The $100,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities will provide 2,500 identification documents to individuals and families across Arizona through Homeless ID Project’s statewide identification assistance program. While the grant will help cover the costs of obtaining replacement Arizona state IDs and birth certificates—including document fees, postage, printing, technology, and staff support—the impact goes far beyond the documents themselves. These are opportunities. For a parent, an ID can mean the ability to apply for a job and provide for their family. For a senior citizen, it can mean accessing benefits, healthcare, or housing. For someone experiencing homelessness, it can be the first step toward stability and a place to call home. Homeless ID Project provides these critical documents at no cost to clients and works through partner agencies and outreach locations to make services accessible to people throughout Arizona. “We are incredibly grateful to Thunderbirds Charities for this generous investment in the people we serve,” said Megan Loden, Development Director of Homeless ID Project. “This grant will provide 2,500 identification documents, but what we’re really providing is 2,500 opportunities for people to work, find housing, access services, care for their families, and move forward. An ID may be a piece of plastic […] More

Down Syndrome Network Arizona (DSNetwork) has received a $25,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities to support its Adaptive Fitness & Wellness Initiative, a year-round program helping youth and young adults with Down syndrome stay active, build healthy habits, and create meaningful connections. The grant will support direct program costs, including specialized instruction, facility use, and adaptive equipment for Down to Box adaptive boxing, Buddy Up Tennis, Adaptive Pickleball, dance-based fitness, Yoga and Mindful Movement, and Down to Earth therapeutic gardening and nutrition. For people with Down syndrome, staying active supports many aspects of health, including strength, balance, coordination, heart health, and overall well-being. DSNetwork makes health and wellness fun and interactive through unique programs designed specifically for individuals with Down syndrome. Beyond physical health, these programs give participants opportunities to try new things, build confidence and independence, develop friendships, and stay connected to their community. By bringing fitness, wellness, and social connection together, DSNetwork is helping youth and young adults establish healthy habits and discover activities they can enjoy throughout their lives. “Thunderbirds Charities’ support allows us to create opportunities where health, friendship, and fun come together,” said Jennifer O’Connell, Executive Director of Down Syndrome Network Arizona. “This investment will have […] More

Junior Achievement or Arizona (JA) is proud to announce that Thunderbirds Charities has awarded a $100,000 grant to support JA BizTown, a hands-on program that helps 4th through 6th graders learn economic and workplace skills through a series of classroom and hands-on lessons and experiences designed to teach skills for future success. “The need for real-world education is growing as we see strong current and predicted changes in the economic landscape,” said Katherine Cecala, president of Junior Achievement of Arizona. “The generous funding from Thunderbirds Charities helps us advance our mission and expand pathways for today’s youth. It is our responsibility to prepare Arizona’s next generation, so they have the skills and confidence they need to seize opportunities and face challenges.” The funding will provide an estimated 1,136 students with the opportunity to take part in the JA BizTown program. Students begin building their life and career skills in a series of classroom lessons where they learn about working in and being consumers in today’s world through topics like business plan development, calculating operational costs, developing marketing campaigns, applying for jobs, and more. Once they’ve explored those skills, they put what they’ve learned to work by becoming employees for a […] More

Foothills Caring Corps is honored to announce it has received a $25,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities to support its community-centered approach that helps older adults and adults with disabling conditions remain independent, connected, and engaged through the power of meaningful human relationships. The grant will help expand the organization’s comprehensive network of services, including volunteer training and engagement, non-emergency medical transportation, Mobile Meals, friendly visits, social outings, caregiver support, and other programs designed to reduce isolation and empower Neighbors to continue living safely and independently in their own homes. While these services provide practical assistance, their greatest impact is often something less tangible: connection. Volunteers deliver meals and stay to chat, Neighbors enjoy lunch with new friends, rides to medical appointments suddenly include conversation and laughter. Foothills Caring Corps is creating opportunities for seniors to remain connected to the people and community around them. “We often say we’re in the relationship business,” said Brent Downs, Executive Director of Foothills Caring Corps. “Our volunteers certainly provide essential services, but what they’re really delivering is friendship, compassion, and the reassurance that someone cares. Thanks to Thunderbirds Charities, we’ll be able to continue building those lifechanging connections for local Neighbors.” Research continues to […] More

Phoenix, AZ – NAMI Valley of the Sun (NAMI VOS) is proud to announce that Thunderbirds Charities has awarded a $25,000 grant to support the expansion and strengthening of NAMI On Campus clubs throughout Arizona. This funding will enable NAMI Valley of the Sun to launch six new NAMI On Campus clubs while also providing enhanced support and resources to six existing NAMI On Campus clubs. Through this initiative, students will gain greater access to peer-led mental health education, awareness activities, advocacy opportunities, and support networks on their campuses. NAMI On Campus clubs are student-led, student-run organizations that empower young people to promote mental health awareness, reduce stigma, and create supportive school environments. These clubs serve as an important resource for students navigating mental health challenges while fostering a culture of understanding and help-seeking. “We are incredibly grateful to Thunderbirds Charities for investing in youth mental health,” said Kristina Sabetta, Executive Director of NAMI Valley of the Sun. “This funding will allow us to expand the reach of NAMI On Campus and support students as they create meaningful change within their schools and communities. By establishing new clubs and strengthening existing ones, we can ensure more young people have access […] More

Feeding Matters has received a $40,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities to expand Feeding Hope, a program providing trauma-informed support to Arizona families navigating complex pediatric feeding disorders.The program connects caregivers of children with Pediatric Feeding Disorder (PFD) and Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) to education, peer mentorship, and community resources at a time when many families struggle to find knowledgeable providers and timely diagnoses. PFD affects an estimated 2.3 million children in the United States each year, yet many families report their child’s feeding challenges are dismissed as “picky eating,” leaving parents without guidance or support. Funding from Thunderbirds Charities will help Feeding Matters expand several family services, including one-to-one caregiver mentoring, a seven-day-a-week support hotline, a virtual resource platform with webinars and provider directory, and the Patient Readiness and Empowerment Program course (formerly Family First). The program will also provide family educational guides in English and Spanish and host an annual summit that connects families with healthcare professionals and advocates. “For families navigating feeding disorders, the journey can be isolating and overwhelming,” said Heidi Van Der Molen, senior manager of family support programs at Feeding Matters. “This support ensures Arizona caregivers have access to the tools, community, and guidance […] More

Nourish Phoenix, a trusted community hub serving low-income individuals and families across the Valley, has been named a recipient of the Thunderbirds Charities Fall 2025 Grant. NourishPHX has received $75,000 to support its emergency services programming, sustaining the core operations at the heart of its mission and ensuring families in crisis can stabilize and move toward self-sufficiency. These funds help keep NourishPHX’s emergency food pantry open and stocked, providing 200–250 food boxes each day and distributing more than 3.5 million pounds of food annually to over 25,000 unduplicated community members. The grant also supports the clothing room, where neighbors can access professional attire, children’s clothing, and essential household items that help stretch tight budgets. Additionally, funding strengthens the Job & Resource Center, which connects job seekers to computers, hiring fairs, and one-on-one coaching designed to remove barriers to employment and promote long-term stability. By addressing both immediate needs and pathways to income, the program helps individuals move from crisis to independence. NourishPHX also collaborates with more than 40 community partners who provide vital wraparound services on-site, including haircuts, veterinary care, financial and nutrition education, cell phones, vaccines, and health screenings—offered free or at low cost. This investment ensures NourishPHX can […] More

The Real World Job Development (RWJD) Program at Jewish Family & Children’s Service (JFCS) has been generously funded by Thunderbirds Charities to support at-risk and opportunity youth, ages 16–24, as they transition from instability to self-sufficiency. This investment directly funds individualized career pathway services, including vocational training, job readiness workshops, academic support, and intensive case management. Funds will be allocated to expand hands-on workforce development opportunities, provide essential wraparound supports such as transportation assistance, certification costs, and basic needs, and strengthen employer partnerships that lead to meaningful, sustainable employment. RWJD’s evidence-based model focuses on removing barriers to success while equipping youth with the skills, confidence, and resources needed to secure and retain employment or pursue post-secondary education. The impact on the community is significant. By stabilizing young people early, RWJD reduces long-term reliance on public systems, interrupts cycles of poverty, and builds a stronger, more resilient workforce in Maricopa County. Participants leave the program not only employed or enrolled in school, but with a clear pathway toward economic independence. “Thunderbirds Charities’ support is transformational,” said Tina Lopez, Vice President of Philanthropic Services at JFCS. “This investment allows us to meet young people where they are, remove barriers that stand in […] More

Support from Thunderbirds Charities is making it possible for the Center for the Rights of Abused Children to expand the Pro Bono Children’s Law Clinic and deliver life-changing legal services to children in Arizona’s foster care system. Right now, approximately 10,000 children are in the custody of the Department of Child Safety due to abuse and neglect, and nearly 1,000 teens age out of foster care in Arizona each year—often without family connections, housing, or resources. This funding goes directly toward providing legal representation, advocacy, and counseling for children who have endured abuse, neglect, abandonment, or trafficking—removing obstacles that stand in the way of their education, employment, and long-term stability. With support from Thunderbirds Charities, our attorneys help youth reclaim stolen identities, expunge eligible juvenile records, and obtain critical documents such as birth certificates and Social Security cards. These services break down barriers that so often keep foster youth from graduating, finding work, securing safe housing, or even voting. Studies show that 20% of young adults aging out of foster care experience homelessness immediately, and 25% are incarcerated within two years. By investing in this work, Thunderbirds Charities is helping to change these outcomes. We provide direct legal aid to […] More

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — The Thunderbirds – hosts of the WM Phoenix Open – announced today the 2026 edition of “The People’s Open” raised a record-breaking $20.1 million ($20,154,600) for local charities, marking the highest single-year total in tournament history. This is the first time the event has surpassed $20 million in charitable giving in a single year and the ninth time it has exceeded the $10 million mark. It also represents the fourth consecutive year the tournament has set a new fundraising record, surpassing last year’s total of $18.1 million. “The WM Phoenix Open continues to show what’s possible when this community comes together behind a greater purpose,” said 2026 Tournament Chairman Jason Eisenberg. “Eclipsing the $20 million mark for the first time – and continuing to build on that momentum year after year – speaks to the dedication of our group, our partners, and the greatest fans in golf who make this event what it is. The impact of these dollars goes far beyond tournament week, supporting organizations across Arizona and changing lives throughout the year.” Since WM was named title sponsor in 2010, The Thunderbirds and the WM Phoenix Open have now raised more than $180 million ($180,336,848) […] More

PHOENIX, AZ – Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) & Thunderbirds Charities have joined forces once again in 2026 to collaborate on a series of workshops focusing on the Mental Health & Leadership Development for PCA Youth, Sports & Education Initiatives in Arizona. Through Thunderbirds Charities and its generous support of PCA with a $25,000 grant, PCA will have the opportunity to expand its work with underfunded schools and Youth Sports Organizations in Maricopa County to teach the valuable leadership and life skills/ lessons that can be taught through sport. “Thunderbirds Charities exemplifies what’s possible when leadership, philanthropy and community purpose come together”, said Rich Tomey, PCA Sr. Regional Director. “Their work continues to elevate PCA’s Mission in Arizona by funding programs that create real, lasting change for generations to come. Without their support, PCA would be limited in providing much-needed resources for Arizona’s underserved schools and youth organizations that see the value in PCA programming.” “Thunderbirds Charities is proud to support Positive Coaching Alliance and its commitment to strengthening the mental health, leadership development, and overall well-being of Arizona youth through sports,” said Matt Mooney, President of Thunderbirds Charities. “By investing in programs that empower coaches, students, and families with meaningful […] More

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