Gabriel’s Angels Receives $15,000 Thunderbirds Charities Grant Award
Gabriel’s Angels Founder and CEO, Pam Gaber explains “we are extremely grateful for the support of the Thunderbirds Charities, especially during these unprecedented times. This generous funding has been utilized to keep our 180 statewide Pet Therapy Teams engaged by providing them the tools to facilitate virtual visits and continue an ongoing, meaningful relationship with the 123 Arizona agencies such Title 1 schools and crisis nurseries that we serve. Although we are all adjusting to our ‘new normal’, our experience shows that post crisis events such as 9/11, the Great Recession, and now the COVID-19 Pandemic, that weathering the storm is of the utmost importance to be available to the many children that will unfortunately need the support of Gabriel’s Angels in the wake of these traumatic events. When our partner agencies throughout Phoenix, Tucson, and Prescott are ready to reopen, you can guarantee that Gabriel’s Angels Pet Therapy Teams will be there to meet the increased demand and continue to inspire confidence, compassion and best behaviors in Arizona’s at-risk youth through pet therapy.” Gabriel’s Angels This grant is part of the Spring 2020 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees. More
Thunderbirds Charities Awards $40,000 to Treasures for Teachers to Power Their T4T on Wheels Program
It is ‘Back-to-School’ and thanks to the generous financial support of Thunderbirds Charities, the charitable giving arm of the Thunderbirds – hosts of the Waste Management Phoenix Open presented by Ak-Chin Indian Community, hundreds of teachers and students from Title 1 schools in metro Phoenix will benefit with a delivery of school supplies from Treasures 4 Teachers – T4T on Wheels. Supporting teachers is critical. “Teaching is the one profession that teaches all others” says Barbara Blalock, Executive Director of Treasures 4 Teachers. “Where would we be if we didn’t have a teacher to educate and inspire us?” Barbara expands by saying, “Treasures 4 Teachers has always been available to educators all over the state, but we often hear that they cannot access the supplies they need because of time, money or distance.” Back-to-School is the perfect time to take school supplies to the teachers and students who need them the most. Thunderbirds Charities has continued their commitment to assist students and families, help people in need and improve the quality of life in our communities by providing a $40,000 grant to Treasures 4 Teachers for their T4T on Wheels Program. This year truckloads of free school supplies will be […] More
Thunderbirds Charities Grant Overcomes Digital Divide Magnified by COVID-19 for RISE Scholars Headed to ASU
The RISE (Reaching Impact through Student Excellence) Scholars program is a 5-year college prep and job placement scholarship for Pell grant-eligible high school seniors ready to commit to a degree program at Arizona State University in a STEM major. Qualified students receive four years paid tuition and fees at ASU and College Bound AZ serves as the supportive bridge to ensure that their transition to college is successful. Because of computer access challenges due to COVID-19 closing schools this spring, that transition to college for many low-income students was in jeopardy. Essential steps in the college application process, such as submitting scholarship essays and filling out the complex FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form, suddenly became major hurdles for students without a computer in their home. Jaleeyeah Arnold, a 19-year-old RISE Scholar and recent graduate of the East Valley Institute of Technology, is one of the deserving recipients of a laptop purchased with the Thunderbirds’ Charities funding. “I’m so thankful that I now don’t have to worry about the expense of buying a laptop for college. I have already used it for taking an ASU placement test for one of my fall courses and to attend my virtual […] More
Friendship Foundation DBA Glencroft Center for Modern Aging
Thunderbird Charities donated $6,000 to the Friendship Foundation to purchase vital medical equipment for residents impacted by COVID-19 at the Glencroft Center for Modern Aging, a continuing care retirement community in Glendale, Ariz. “This contribution supports our mission to assist children and families, help people in need, and improve quality of life,” said Tim Woods, President of Thunderbirds Charities. “We are honored to support seniors living at the Glencroft Center for Modern Aging.” Friendship Foundation provides assistance, transportation, and support for programs and projects that empower seniors living at Glencroft Center for Modern Aging. Glencroft Center for Modern Aging This grant is part of the Spring 2020 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees. More
Thunderbirds Charities Gives Back with $3.8 Million Donation to Valley Non-Profits During COVID-19 Crisis
FALL FUNDING CYCLE IS NOW OPEN THROUGH TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1 Click here for information about applying for a grant. Keeping with their mission to support local non-profit organizations here in the Valley, Thunderbirds Charities – the charitable giving arm of The Thunderbirds – awarded more than $3.8 million in grants to 43 Valley charities during its 2020 spring funding cycle. Reaching and serving the community in a meaningful and impactful way, especially during these unusual and unprecedented times, is the chief concern of The Thunderbirds – hosts of the Waste Management Phoenix Open. Local organizations need support now more than ever and Thunderbirds Charities remains committed to being stewards of our communities and a much-needed source of funds and supplies to our wonderful charity partners who do incredible work for children and families in need right here in Arizona. “The impact we can make in our Arizona communities is far and away the most rewarding thing we do as hosts of the Waste Management Phoenix Open,” said Tim Woods, President of Thunderbirds Charities. “It’s an honor to be able to assist the missions of these wonderful Valley organizations and help improve the lives of our fellow Arizonans.” The Thunderbirds raised […] More
Thunderbirds Charities Meets Critical Needs for Child Crisis Arizona
Child Crisis Arizona, with 43 years’ experience in Emergency Children’s Shelter services, is pleased to announce the receipt of a $150,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities. This award, to support the agency’s response to the coronavirus pandemic, will be used to keep children receiving care in the Emergency Children’s Shelter, healthy and safe. The children residing in the Emergency Children’s Shelter are cared for 24/7. The agency has continued uninterrupted services throughout the pandemic. With the advent of COVID-19, Child Crisis Arizona immediately took additional precautions to ensure the health and safety of the children in the shelter program. Steps included scheduling additional qualified staff to supervise smaller groups of children and maintain social distancing, increasing sanitization and disinfecting practices, and providing educational activities to keep children on track academically due to school closures. The additional costs incurred by the agency are being met, in part, by this grant received from Thunderbirds Charities. Food and other everyday necessities have also been harder to acquire and more and more low-income at-risk children of families the organization serves need help. In addition to ensuring the children in shelter are properly nourished, there is a curbside food program now in place to help […] More
Thunderbirds Charities Supports Drive to End Hunger with $25,000 Grant Awarded to Tempe Community Action Agency
The Thunderbirds Charities is supporting Tempe Community Action Agency’s Drive to End Hunger project to benefit more than 16,050 individuals who are experiencing food insecurity in Tempe. Food insecurity is a continuing problem for more than 14% of Tempe residents and is especially true among children. More than half of students in Tempe elementary schools qualify for free and reduced-price meals. Chronic food insecurity negatively impacts health and productivity for people of all ages. TCAA will offer food boxes at its Food Pantry and deliver food boxes to Tempe and Kyrene K-12 schools for students and their families. For seniors, TCAA will deliver food boxes to their homes and transport seniors between their homes, the grocery store and TCAA’s Food Pantry to help them meet their ongoing nutritional needs. By providing access to food using multiple means, participating adults and families can vastly improve their nutritional intake and lead healthier lives. Thunderbirds Charities grant funds will address a portion of personnel expenses for Food Pantry staff who receive, sort, and distribute food to clients; and expenses for program materials/supplies and transportation. Tempe Community Action Agency This grant is part of the Spring 2020 cycle. View a list of all Recent […] More
Thunderbirds Charities Supports Chandler-Based ICAN: Positive Programs for Youth with $75,000 Grant
ICAN’s Positive Youth Development Program is a prevention-focused out-of-school time program with carefully structured activities that teach youth empathy and communication, emotion-management and coping skills, decision-making, social competence, self-regulation, and positive goal setting. As a result, youth are better prepared to navigate adolescence with strong life skills that help them make good choices and avoid pitfalls, such as peer pressure, substance abuse, and violence. Youth also benefit from academic assistance, mentoring, computer skills, STEAM activities, sports and recreation. ICAN’s currently facility serves 200 a day on a year-round basis. ICAN Positive Youth Development Program This grant is part of the Spring 2020 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees. More
Thunderbird Charities Announces $5,000 Grant to Diana Gregory Outreach Services
Diana Gregory Outreach Services (DGOS), a growing non-profit which operates healthy eating and cooking programs for Maricopa County seniors, veterans, and their families, is the recipient of a $5,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities to support fresh produce purchases for its Nourishing Grandkids initiative. CEO and founder Diana Gregory started DGOS in 2009, after retiring from a successful career as a sales and marketing executive at beer giant Anheuser-Busch. Gregory combined her deep expertise in sales, marketing, merchandising, and branding with a strong passion for giving back to the local community to create Gregory’s Fresh Market, a mobile produce market. DGOS and Gregory’s Fresh Market (GFM) quickly grew in popularity and impact, providing more than 120,000 pounds of fresh produce to 8,000 low-income and underserved seniors and veterans last year. In 2017, Diana Gregory identified a new segment of the senior population that impacts senior health: grandparents who act as the primary caregivers of their grandchildren and who lack access to nutritious foods. In Maricopa County, this growing population consists of close to 9,000 seniors on fixed incomes who are caring for one or more grandchildren—many on a permanent basis. Nourishing Grandkids is an intergenerational project through DGOS that provides nutritional […] More
Thunderbird Charities Continue Their Generous Support for Community Gardens
Keep Phoenix Beautiful is honored to be among many local non-profit organizations that have received support from The Thunderbirds Charities, an outstanding philanthropy partnership. Our grant award will be put to great use providing shade, storage and equipment needs at our Mountain View Park Community Garden. “The Thunderbirds have been incredibly generous to Keep Phoenix Beautiful over the years,” says Tom Waldeck, President/CEO of Keep Phoenix Beautiful. “The funds received this year will be used to purchase and install a storage container and a shade sail at our beautiful garden in Sunnyslope.” The storage container will be built to City Parks standards and provide a needed and well-organized way to store all the garden tools, supplies and equipment. The shade sail will provide a much needed and welcome respite for the After-School Program students that come to the garden during the later afternoon to tend to their garden bed. It will also serve as lovely shaded sitting area for community gardeners as well as park visitors who want to just take a moment to enjoy the garden and the beautiful view. “We are so thankful to the Thunderbird Charities for supporting local initiatives,” Tom continued. “There is no […] More
Thunderbirds Charities Helps MAM Expand, Expedite Services to Military Families in Need Across Arizona
It’s rare that our military service men and women would ever reach out for help, but when they do, as a community it is our responsibility to lend our support. Military Assistance Mission (MAM) was awarded $100,000 from Thunderbirds Charities so that the nonprofit can continue its mission of providing financial and morale aid to Arizona’s active duty military, their families and post 9/11 Purple Heart Recipients. On average, through donations such as these, MAM provides support to more than 4,500 Military members and families who benefit financially, as well as take part in MAM’s morale programs and event programs annually. “Receiving this grant from Thunderbirds Charities is a game changer for MAM,” said Trey Vineyard, MAM Board President. “I am excited to see how this funding will help us respond even more effectively to the needs of military families. This support will most certainly change the trajectory of their lives and we are humbled by the opportunity to offer programs to those who have given and continue to sacrifice so much for the American way of life we all cherish.” MAM programs include, but are not limited to: Work for Warriors, Seats for Soldiers, GI Gap Grant, Baby Bundle […] More
Thunderbirds Charities Grants Hope Women’s Center $15,000 for Their “Hope Heals” program
The crisis of worldwide pandemic, social distancing, and financial strain are affecting the mind and emotions. This isn’t just a feeling, it’s research. According to the Axios-Ipsos Coronavirus Index, 28 percent of Americans are experiencing a decline in their mental health, and 34 percent report a drop in their sense of emotional well-being. Hope Women’s Center is responding to this problem with their “Hope Heals” program, and thanks to a grant award from Thunderbirds Charities, HWC can provide mental health support to women and teen girls in Arizona’s underserved communities. “We know the pandemic has greatly increased the mental health needs of the women we serve, as isolation and job losses have led to increased anxiety, depression, and abuse. We’ve spent 36 years helping women enjoy the best holistic outcomes for their well being. Our ‘Hope Heals’ program expands upon our existing mentoring program to include free crisis counseling, trauma assessment and support,” says Tammy Abernethy, CEO of Hope Women’s Center. “We are so grateful to Thunderbirds Charities for this grant allowing us to provide a therapeutic level of care within the safety and familiarity of Hope Women’s Center.” Abernethy, CEO of Hope Women’s Center, says the funding and support […] More
Thunderbirds Foster Success for Children in Foster Care
The Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation will use these funds to improve the lives of youth in foster care through educational support and financial awards for social, athletic and educational opportunities to help give them the childhood they deserve. “We are so grateful to have been awarded this generous grant from the Thunderbird Charities,” says Kris Jacober, executive director of the Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation. “It has always been our mission to support youth in foster care and help them have as normal a childhood as possible despite the very difficult circumstances of foster care — and these funds will help us continue to serve that mission.” Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation This grant is part of the Spring 2020 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees. More
Human Services Campus Receives $300,000 Thunderbirds Charities Grant for Critical Client Services
Thunderbirds Charities has awarded the Human Services Campus (HSC, Inc.) a $300,000 grant for critical client services to help individuals experiencing homelessness remove barriers leading to permanent housing. The grant is in addition to a donation earlier this year to use in reacting to the coronavirus pandemic. “Thunderbirds Charities has been a vital partner with the Human Services Campus in our ongoing efforts to provide shelter and critical services to individuals experiencing homelessness at a time that is even more challenging because of the COVID pandemic,” said HSC Executive Director Amy Schwabenlender. “We are incredibly grateful for this generous support.” The Human Services Campus opened in 2005 as a compassionate response to a community problem as well as an economic response to an increase in homelessness in the downtown Phoenix area. HSC, Inc., a 501c3 nonprofit agency, owns and operates a 13-acre campus at 12th Avenue and Madison that is home to 16 nonprofit organizations providing services and resources to people experiencing homelessness. “The services, programs and resources at the Human Services Campus are a collective lifeline for individuals experiencing homelessness,” said Tim Woods, President of Thunderbirds Charities. “Thunderbirds Charities is proud to work alongside the dedicated staff and volunteers […] More
Improving Lives Impacted by Pediatric Cancer
There is nothing more frightening for a parent than hearing, “Your child has cancer.” These were the words spoken to Arizona Cancer Foundation for Children’s Founder, Chrisie Funari. Her experience of losing her daughter, Ava, to Stage IV Neuroblastoma left her with the following undaunted words, “I knew my story wasn’t unique; all cancer families face the same struggles.” Since 2014, ACFC has provided continuous support to 700 families affected by pediatric cancer. The generous support from the Thunderbirds Charities will empower an estimated 50 children with cancer and their entire family. We believe the overall financial and emotional stability of a family will determine the state of health and hope for their child battling cancer. The Thunderbirds Charities’ gift to support our Improving Lives Impacted by Pediatric Cancer program ensures families continue to receive individualized support they need and deserve. A diagnosis of pediatric cancer devastatingly impacts families as a whole – socially, emotionally and financially. Our Improving Lives Impacted by Pediatric Cancer Program provides families with financial assistance to cover living and medical expenses associated with a child’s diagnoses, respite support, care packages, canine therapy and mental health counseling. Together we are extending tailored support during a time […] More
Thunderbirds Charities Supports Benevilla Home Services Program COVID-19 Response
Benevilla extends sincere appreciation to Thunderbirds Charities for their generous support to their organization and the people they serve especially during the current COVID-19 crisis. Thunderbirds Charities commitment to serving and improving our communities – backed by a $60,000 grant – will enable Benevilla to continue their Home Services program and provide much needed services to older adults challenged with the daily routine of independent living and staying safe with extra precautions during COVID-19. During the COVID-19 crisis, CDC guidelines advise older adults to stay home as they are at high-risk of serious complications/death from the virus. According to the Census 2018 population estimates, there are 254,000 West Valley residents that are seniors or adults with disabilities and many of them do not have a support network that enables them to stay home. Benevilla has received a surge of requests from older adults in the West Valley in need of assistance with grocery shopping or transportation. Concurrently, Benevilla experienced a drop in volunteers for the program as many of them are retirees that need to take similar precautions for their health. The Benevilla Home Services program provides essential care services helping your neighbors in need maintain their independence. All services […] More
Thunderbirds Charities Supporting the Fight Against Veteran Homelessness
The Veterans Furniture Center is a veteran run, volunteer-based, organization dedicated to assisting formerly homeless veterans’ transition to permanent housing by providing them, free of charge, the furniture and household goods they need to establish a home and successfully return to society. The VFC focus is on transitioning veterans who are moving into permanent housing under the HUD-VASH program. The Veterans Furniture Center (VFC) is honored to have the support of Thunderbirds Charities. 100% of this donation will go toward purchasing the furniture and household goods the transitioning veterans so desperately need to start a new life and stay off the streets. During this unusual time, the homeless veterans are especially vulnerable to the ravages of COVID-19. It is essential to get them off the streets and safely into permanent housing. Veterans Furniture Center This grant is part of the Spring 2020 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees. More
Court Appointed Special Advocates Receives Funding from Thunderbirds Charities
Funded by Thunderbirds Charities, VOICES will be able to upgrade the quality and access of virtual training and education provided to Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers. A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer is a specially trained citizen-volunteer that advocates for the best interest of abused and neglected children in the courtroom and within the community. Advocates report that on-going education provides them with critical tools and understanding needed for them to be more effective with the children they serve. Advancing the Education Center with enhanced technology systems, more CASA volunteers will have access to high-quality, live-streaming education from experts in the fields of trauma, child-welfare, justice issues, and so forth. CASAs are appointed by a judge to look out for their best interests, monitor their progress, and address their needs. To ensure advocates are equipped with leading information and insights from within the field of child welfare, VOICES remains committed to providing on-going education and the tools that allow them to be more effective with the children they serve. The Thunderbirds Charities is enabling Voices for CASA Children to invest in the specific technology needed to allow CASAs to continue their educational journey regardless of their geographic location. […] More
Thunderbirds Charities Donate $60,000 to Desert Voices for Capacity Building
Thunderbirds Charities, the charitable giving arm of the Thunderbirds – hosts of the Waste Management Phoenix Open–recently awarded Desert Voices a $60,000 grant to build capacity. “We could not be more thrilled with the Thunderbird’s extraordinary support of our program that helps children who are born deaf speak oral language,” said Tim Louis, Board Chairman. Thunderbirds Charities has been a supporter of Desert Voices for 20 years. Their generosity has helped Arizona’s only non-profit, private, listening and spoken language program, give voices to hundreds of children. Desert Voices offers two programs: Early Intervention for children 0 to 3 years of age, where a child learns to hear and speak one sound at a time; and Early Education that takes the child from 3 to 5 or 6 when they mainstream to traditional schools speaking about 3,000 words and having experienced a pre-school environment where they learn to read and write. The funding will be used to increase capacity creating more flexibility for the school when scheduling teachers of the deaf and speech language pathologists to most effectively maintain the low teacher/student ratio and therefore the best outcomes for each child. Desert Voices This grant is part of the Spring […] More
Thunderbirds Charities Donates $5,000 to Sharing Down Syndrome Arizona’s “Angels Among Us”
The project funded is for “Angels Among Us” – an outreach program that starts as soon as a need is identified. Our team visits new birth and/or adoptive parents at the hospital, in the home, or (during the pandemic) online to celebrate their newest family member(s) with Down syndrome. We supply gifts, resources and support for the new family to help them navigate becoming a new Proud Parent of a child with Down syndrome. Sharing Down Syndrome Arizona This grant is part of the Spring 2020 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees. More
Students Continue Music Learning Online During COVID-19 Thanks to Support from Thunderbirds Charities
Despite Phoenix Conservatory of Music (PCM) closing its doors temporarily due to COVID-19 and not re-opening its facilities until this summer, PCM’s music education lessons and classes haven’t missed a beat. PCM staff and teaching artists got to work immediately setting up and using Zoom for all students enrolled in private lessons and College Prep Program classes, with no disruption in services. Thunderbirds Charities has helped make it possible for these students to continue their learning online, thanks to a $10,000 grant to support PCM’s College Prep Program during the 2019-2020 school year. In the last two months, PCM provided students in the College Prep Program over 300 hours of online ensembles, music theory classes and enrichment classes, as well as over 200 hours of private music lessons; all online. PCM serves more than 2,000 students annually, mostly from low-income families and Title 1 schools. Music lessons are typically up close and personal, with teaching artists and students sitting in close proximity. Offering professional development to teaching artists so they can continue to provide high-quality music education using new technology and embrace remote learning was the first step. Nearly 90 percent of families have remained enrolled in PCM music lessons […] More
Thunderbirds Lend a Hand at Local Foodbanks
The Thunderbirds – Hosts of the Waste Management Phoenix Open – are no strangers to charities like St. Mary’s Food Bank and United Food Bank and their mission to alleviate hunger through the gathering and distribution of food. In fact, The Thunderbirds routinely donate to these community-based organizations that improve the quality of life for Arizonans in need. They are one of hundreds of Valley charities that have had to change their business operations to combat the effects of the current health crisis here in the United States and across the world. To lend a hand, 50 Thunderbirds visited St. Mary’s Food Bank and United Food Bank over the weekend to help the staff pack boxes of food to feed hungry Arizonans and people in need. “These vital organizations do an amazing job helping hungry people in our community regardless of the circumstances,” said Thunderbirds Big Chief Chance Cozby. “Obviously, the current health crisis has impacted their ability to serve the community in the same ways they have in the past, but through volunteer support and the backing of the community at large, we know we can come together and provide aid and assistance to these as much as we […] More
Military Assistance Mission Receives $100,000 from Thunderbirds Charities
It’s rare that our military service men and women would ever reach out for help, but when they do, as a community it is our responsibility to lend our support. Military Assistance Mission (MAM) has recently been awarded $100,000 from Thunderbirds Charities, so that they can continue their mission to provide financial and morale aid to Arizona’s active duty military, their families and post 9/11 Purple Heart Recipients. On average, through donations such as these, MAM provides support to more than 4,500 Military members and families who benefit financially, as well as take part in MAM’s morale programs and event programs annually. “Receiving this grant from Thunderbirds Charities is a game changer for MAM,” said Trey Vineyard, MAM Board President. “I am excited to see how this funding will help us respond even more effectively to the needs of military families. This support will most certainly change the trajectory of their lives and we are humbled by the opportunity to offer programs to those who have given and continue to sacrifice so much for the American way of life we all cherish.” MAM’s financial assistance program is at the heart of their mission of giving back. When the men and […] More
Thunderbirds Charities Supports Community Alliance Against Family Abuse
Community Alliance Against Family Abuse (CAAFA) has received a $10,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities. The grant will be used to provide music therapy for children impacted by domestic and sexual violence. CAAFA operates a domestic and sexual violence crisis shelter, where, in 2020, they expect to serve 25 children from Maricopa County. For the second year in a row, the funding from Thunderbirds Charities will allow children at CAAFA to participate in music therapy at Higher Octave Healing in Tempe. “CAAFA provides trauma-informed care to adults and their children in our Safe House. While they stay with us, we can help them begin to heal and learn coping skills that they can carry for the rest of their lives,” CAAFA Executive Director, Ray Villa said. “Music therapy is a key feature of our children’s programming, and we are thankful for support from the Thunderbirds Charities support, which enables us to continue this important service.” Studies show that music therapy can help children who have experienced horrific events overcome their post-traumatic stress. CAAFA parents who attend sessions with their children also learn how to engage with them in new ways, and make new memories that will hopefully overshadow the darker ones. […] More
Thunderbirds Charities Awards $50,000 to Assistance League®of Phoenix
Thunderbirds Charities recently awarded the Assistance League® of Phoenix $50,000 grant to support their Operation School Bell. The Delivering Dreams Bus is the mobile unit of Operation School Bell®, the signature program of Assistance League® of Phoenix, and serves over 8,500 students each school year both through the bus and the satellite dressing center located in Sunnyslope. “Thunderbirds Charities has been a longstanding partner of ours,” said Aimee Runyon, Chief Executive Officer, Assistance League® of Phoenix. “Their generous donation provided much needed support to fill our new buses with shoes & clothing. We are thrilled to add the Thunderbirds Charities to our two new buses, as one of our greatest supporters.” The Assistance League of Phoenix recently launched two new buses sponsored with Rotary 100/BHHS Legacy Foundation and Fiesta Bowl Charities/BHHS Legacy Foundation. Thunderbird Charities helped support the clothing & shoes to fill these buses. Assistance League of Phoenix partners with more than 90 Title I schools throughout the year. Each school can select up to 100 children who qualify for the program (students on the free or reduced lunch program). Once on board the Delivering Dream Bus, students work with volunteers to select correct sizes. Each student receives a […] More
Grassroots Parent Engagement Group Receives Grant from Thunderbirds Charities
Stand for Children Leadership Center, a parent engagement group, is pleased to announce they have recently received a $25,000 grant from Thunderbirds. Stand for Children Leadership Center is a leadership development and training organization. They train ordinary people to be effective citizen leaders capable of solving problems facing children, both locally and statewide, by convincing elected officials and voters to invest in and reform vital children’s programs. They provide parents and others concerned about children’s issues with tools to achieve long-lasting improvements for children by joining together in a unified, grassroots voice. “We are honored to receive this award,” Stand for Children Executive Director Rebecca Gau said. “It will enable us to have a greater impact by reaching and empowering more parents. It is our aim to identify and address early literacy issues through our Every Child Reads initiative, and we are excited about the increased opportunities available for the families we serve thanks to this award.” To reach even more families, Stand for Children Leadership Center launched Every Child Reads (ECR), a research-based family engagement program that empowers parents with the skills and knowledge they need to support their child’s learning and prepare them to succeed after graduation. Currently, […] More
Thunderbirds Charities Awards Arizona Housing Inc Comforts of Home Project $50,000
Since 1995, Arizona Housing Inc (AHI) has worked toward its mission to assist individuals and families in attaining self-sufficiency through the provision of dignified, comprehensive housing and services. AHI serves extremely low income, disadvantaged individuals and families; 85% of all tenants are living at or below 30% of area median income ($15,300 or less), and the majority are behaviorally/physically disabled, elderly, veterans, or families with children. Thunderbirds Charities support for the Comforts of Home Project has provided assistance in supplying furniture, fixtures and equipment to 90 individuals at their newly refurbished Steele Commons site and will be used to increase healthy engagement of families and prosocial development of children through play at their North 17 site by enhancing the current outdoor space through installation of a shade structure for the playground and the purchase of indoor/outdoor equipment, toys and games. AHI has a unique long history and expertise in serving extremely low-income individuals with additional challenges such as serious mental illness, physical disabilities, and substance abuse issues. They seek the most difficult to serve with the goal of providing them with a home, supportive services, and a community of support. Through their community-building strategies, AHI helps this diverse and vulnerable […] More
Thunderbirds Charities Grant Supports Kinship Foster Families
Thunderbird Charities has recently awarded $25,000 to Aid to Adoption of Special Kids (AASK) to improve outcomes for foster children who have been removed from their home and placed with a kinship caregiver. More than 5,500 of the nearly 14,000 children in Arizona’s foster care system are placed with relatives – grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, siblings. These kinship foster families take immediate placement of children, but don’t get full state support until they become licensed foster parents – a process that can take six months or longer. The goal of the AASK Kinship Care Program is to support kinship foster families as they care for the children of relatives, with a special focus on the first six months of care as the entire family responds to the crisis of children being brought into foster care. This grant makes it possible for AASK to provide support to families before they become licensed. AASK has a unit dedicated to the unique needs of kinship foster families. Each family is assigned a family support specialist who serves as a guide for dealing with the Arizona Department of Child Safety, the courts, the schools and other organizations involved in the life of a child […] More
Act One Receives $50,000 from Thunderbirds Charities to Support Transportation for Arts Field Trips
Thunderbirds Charities recently awarded a $50,000 grant to Act One to support transportation costs for field trips. Act One works with schools that serve a high percentage of students from households that qualify for free or reduced lunch and are part of the Federal Title 1 Schoolwide program. “Act One’s biggest field trip expense is transportation to get students to the arts venues,” said Juliet Martin, vice president of strategies and programs. “Thunderbirds Charities is such an important community partner, and the gift helps Act One meet the incredible demand from schools for arts field trips.” Act One reimburses schools for the cost of using district buses or books and pays for charted buses if district buses are unavailable. Act One also pays the arts organizations for tickets to attend field trips. Each school’s only cost for Act One field trips is a $1 per participant program partnership fee. Thunderbirds Charities is proud to support Act One’s goal to serve students whose families and schools are unlikely to have the means to bring them on educational arts field trips. Act One This grant is part of the Fall 2019 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees. More
Be a Leader Foundation Receives $50,000 from Thunderbirds Charities
The Be A Leader Foundation is proud to announce that it has been awarded a $50,000 grant to help support its PIPELINE of College Access, Postsecondary Success and Postsecondary Transition programs which serve over 8,000 students a year. “We are honored to partner with The Thunderbirds again this year,” said Melissa Trujillo, President/CEO and Co-Founder of the Be A Leader Foundation. “This investment will continue to allow us to provide thousands of Arizona students with the tools, resources and mentoring to pursue a higher education.” The Be A Leader Foundation’s (BALF) mission is to increase the number of students who are prepared for and succeed in higher education by empowering them with tools, leadership skills and consistent support, transforming lives and creating life-long opportunities for success. Their vision is a community where all students have the opportunity to succeed in higher education and have the skills and resources to ensure personal success. BALF believes that Arizona’s future is linked to the state’s ability to produce a robust educated workforce; college graduates earn, on average, one and a half times more than high school graduates, adding more revenue back into the economy. “We’re thrilled and so proud to give these grants […] More