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

Phoenix ToolBank was generously awarded $10,000 from Thunderbirds Charities in support of their Heat Re-Leaf Program; A year around prevention and emergency response to the high heat which is one of our most critical disasters in the Phoenix area. During the summer months, ToolBank provides emergency portable Air Conditioning (and evaporative cooler) units to low-income individuals and families awaiting repairs. Many individuals and families are left with few options when their air conditioning unit breaks down and their budget is already tight. With these services, ToolBank wants to ensure residents can safely remain at home while awaiting those urgent repairs. In partnership with Valley of the Sun United Way, ToolBank also provides heat related consumable summer support items (sunscreen, water, etc.) to local nonprofits supporting our unsheltered population. During the spring and fall months, ToolBank provides tools and equipment to organizations throughout the Valley to plant trees, helping to decrease temperatures in high heat areas. Last summer, thanks to a wonderful in-kind donation of 40 additional air conditioning units from The Home Depot, ToolBank was able to greatly increase the recipients served. ToolBank supported 107 community members with air conditioning units and distributed almost 3,000 heat relief supplies. With continued […] More

PHOENIX, AZ – Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) & Thunderbirds Charities have joined forces once again in 2025 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 to teach the valuable leadership and life skills/ lessons that can be taught through sport. “We are so grateful for the continued support from Thunderbirds Charities”, said Rich Tomey, PCA Regional Director. “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. Involvement in sports has been a tremendous predictor for success in school, life and in the business world later in life… this grant will allow us to conduct a wide range of workshops that teach valuable life lessons for coaches, athletes and parents.” Mental Health training, along with Empathy training will help accomplish:Building social connections, improving mental health, Increasing the capacity to learn, Improved performance, building a sense of community, Reducing the damaging […] More

Our P.A.S.S. Program (Participation, Accessibility, Socialization, and Sports) supports the growth and enrichment of our participants by providing new experiences that enhance their lives. This year, we are focusing on arts and culture, as these experiences are closely linked to happiness, identity, well-being, and a deeper appreciation for different perspectives and a sense of belonging. Despite progress, negative perceptions and discrimination against individuals with developmental disabilities still persist. Often, these individuals are seen as incapable of making meaningful contributions. By incorporating arts and culture into our P.A.S.S. Program, we aim to highlight the value, perspective, and unique qualities of each person. Through recognizing and celebrating the diversity of cultural backgrounds, beliefs, and values, we foster a deeper understanding of varied human experiences, traditions, and viewpoints. Additionally, the program helps to develop social, communication, and creative skills, contributing to personal growth and connection. The Centers for Habilitation (TCH) This grant is part of the Fall 2024 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees. More

Thunderbirds Charities has awarded a generous grant of $25,000 to support the “Equipping Futures: Mobile Computer Labs for Youth Empowerment” project. This funding will allow the organization to enhance its programs by providing mobile computer labs, ensuring that youth across all seven club locations have access to critical technology and digital learning resources. The “Equipping Futures” project is designed to empower youth through technology-based learning, academic support, and workforce readiness skills. By outfitting mobile computer carts, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sun Corridor will bridge the digital divide for hundreds of children and teens in Pinal County, including clubs in Casa Grande, Arizona City, and Maricopa.“We are deeply grateful to Thunderbirds Charities for their invaluable support,” said Matt Lemberg, Executive Director of Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sun Corridor. “This funding allows us to create equitable opportunities for our youth, providing them with the tools they need to succeed academically and prepare for bright futures in a technology-driven world.” Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sun Corridor This grant is part of the Fall 2024 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees. More

House of Refuge, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing transitional housing and supportive services for families experiencing homelessness, is thrilled to announce it has been awarded a $30,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities. This generous grant will support the Adopt a Home program, enabling House of Refuge to fund the maintenance and upkeep of one of their residential housing units for two years, as well as provide critical wrap-around services for the families in need that occupy the home. These services include trauma-informed case management, employment assistance, life skills classes, and after-school programs for children. “We are deeply honored to have the ongoing support of Thunderbirds Charities over the years,” said Kayla Kolar, CEO of House of Refuge. “Their continued generosity is more than just financial assistance—it’s a testament to their commitment to helping families break the cycle of homelessness. With their support, we can provide not only a safe place to call home but also the resources and guidance families need to rebuild their lives and create a brighter future.” House of Refuge has been a cornerstone in the Mesa community since 1996, offering hope and stability to families facing homelessness. With this grant, the organization will continue its […] More

TEMPE, Ariz. – Thunderbird Charities has awarded $100,000 to Tempe Community Action Agency to support the construction of a new site and permanent home for the agency. The larger, modernized facility will assist TCAA in extending its homelessness prevention, shelter and bridge housing, food security, and economic empowerment programs, creating a stronger support network fostering stability and self-sufficiency for clients, including: Groundbreaking is planned for March 2025 with a planned opening in 2026, coinciding with TCAA’s 60th anniversary.“We are so grateful to the Thunderbirds Charities for their support,” said Deborah Arteaga, CEO of Tempe Community Action Agency. “With an increasing number of people facing hardships related to housing, hunger, health and financial stability, their grant will enable us to better meet the demand and ever-changing needs of a growing community.” The expanded services will benefit more than 40,000 people across the East Valley each year, provide more than one million meals, reduce poverty, and increase housing stability. For more information about Tempe Community Action Agency and Thunderbirds Charities can be found at tempeaction.org and thunderbirdscharities.org. Tempe Community Action Agency This grant is part of the Fall 2024 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees. More

The Arizona Council on Economic Education (ACEE) was recently awarded $50,000 of grant funding from Thunderbirds Charities to implement the Arizona Seal of Personal Finance, benefiting 90,000 Arizona high school graduates.The rising trend of states nationwide mandating personal finance education for high school graduation reflects a growing recognition of its importance. Arizona joined this movement by passing legislation to award the Seal of Personal Finance for students who have demonstrated personal finance skills on their high school diplomas. This initiative, developed in collaboration with the Arizona Council on Economic Education (ACEE) and the Arizona Department of Education (ADE), sets criteria and processes for schools and students to qualify for the Seal. ACEE is ramping up efforts and offering teacher professional development to bring these programs to schools statewide. Financial Fitness in Action, Money Minutes, and the Arizona Personal Finance Challenge are some of the programs approved by ADE for the Personal Finance Seal. Students learn budgeting with various real-life scenarios through the Financial Fitness in Action, connect math learning with personal finance skills through Money Minutes, and compete to demonstrate personal finance knowledge through the Arizona Personal Finance Challenge. “ACEE deeply appreciates the recognition and support from Thunderbirds Charities in […] More

Thunderbirds Charities has awarded Local First Arizona $90,000 to support Spanish-speaking and Black entrepreneurs’ success.The donation will go toward Local First’s business education programs Fuerza Local, Nivel Ejecutivo and We Rise.Thunderbirds Charities has invested about $620,000 in the Local First programs since 2017.“Thunderbirds Charities has been a steadfast supporter of Local First Arizona’s business accelerators. This investment will empower many Black and Hispanic Arizonans to open and expand small businesses, create new jobs and drive a strong economy,” said Local First Arizona Founder & CEO Kimber Lanning.The Fuerza Local Business Accelerator is a six-month training program for Spanish-speaking entrepreneurs who want to level up their businesses. Nivel Ejecutivo is an advanced-level accelerator for Spanish-speaking owners and managers. We Rise Business Accelerator is a six-month training program for Black entrepreneurs.Each course was created with experts from these communities to ensure culturally relevant curricula. Classes cover a wide range of topics such as business models, financial literacy, licensing, customer service and networking, paired with a savings program to integrate business owners into mainstream banking and build credit scores.Since 2013, Fuerza Local’s Business Accelerator and Nivel Ejecutivo have graduated more than 1,100 entrepreneurs. The two programs have pumped more than $24 million new […] More

SCOTTSDALE, AZ (September 16, 2024) – Thunderbirds Charities, a long-standing supporter of Make-A-Wish® Arizona, has awarded a $60,000 grant to further the mission of granting life-changing wishes to Arizona’s wish kids. This significant contribution will fund the creation of the “Wish Mobile,” a co-branded SUV that will play a vital role in granting wishes across the state. Make-A-Wish Arizona will use the Wish Mobile to transport wish-related equipment, supplies, and materials to create unforgettable wish experiences for wish kids across the state. This new vehicle will be instrumental in granting nearly 150 of the more than 450 wishes granted annually. It will support wishes involving bedroom redecorations, backyard play structures, splash pads, adaptive medical gear, and physical therapy equipment. “We are incredibly grateful to Thunderbirds Charities for their ongoing support and generosity,” said Fran Mallace, President and CEO of Make-A-Wish Arizona. “Their latest grant will enable us to enhance our wish-granting capabilities, creating more joyful experiences for our wish kids. The Wish Mobile will be more than just transportation; it will symbolize hope and joy for the children we serve.” Thunderbirds Charities, the charitable arm of the Thunderbirds, has a rich history of philanthropy in the Arizona community. Their commitment […] More

Thunderbirds Charities has given a grant award of $5,000 to support WHAM Teen Art Club.The WHAM Teen Art Club (Teen WHAM Art Program) is an inclusive program that welcomes all teenagers with an interest in art or a desire to learn about art. The program provides an environment for teens to explore their creativity and engage in various art projects. The meetings take place on the first and third Wednesdays of each month, from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM, in the WHAM Classroom at 16560 Dysart Rd, Surprise, AZ 85378.During these gatherings, WHAM artists lead creative art projects that allow the teens to express themselves and learn new artistic techniques. Recent projects have included Shrink Plastic Planter, Rock Pictures, Quilling, iPhone Photography, Rain Sticks, Woven Paper Bags, Mosaic Mirror, Clay Collage, Watercolor Cityscape, Recycle Show Art, Clay Boxes, and T-Shirt Painting. These projects offer hands-on experiences and are meant to be enjoyable for the participants.One of the primary goals of the Teen WHAM Art Program is to fill the void left by the lack of art programs in many area schools. By reaching out to local schools and teenagers, the program aims to raise awareness of its existence and provide […] More

September is National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month and a time to thank the Thunderbird Charites for their donation. POP is a 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is “To improve the quality of life for men and their families through education and early detection of Prostate Cancer. Marla Zimmerman CEO said, “We are so thankful to the Thunderbird Charities for their donation for POP to continue providing Prostate Cancer Screenings to men in Maricopa County and AZ. With 1-7 men being diagnosed with Prostate Cancer this 15-minute screening could save their life! This donation will provide free screenings to men who cannot afford one and continue this service!” All Sports Foundation Inc. This grant is part of the Spring 2024 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees. More

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one·n·ten, a leading organization dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ youth, announced today that it has received a generous grant from Thunderbirds Charities. The funding will be used to support essential youth center programs that provide a safe and inclusive space for LGBTQ+ youth and young adults. This grant will enable one·n·ten to continue providing vital services & programs at its Downtown Phoenix Youth Center. These programs include 2gether N Color, a group for BIPOC LGBTQ+ youth; The Wellness Collaborative, which focuses on holistic well-being & healthy life choices; The Zone, offering age-appropriate, medically accurate, LGBTQ+ inclusive, sexual health education; and partnerships with Phoenix Children’s Hospital and Brighter Way Dental Clinic, both of whom bring their mobile clinics to the youth center monthly. These programs & services are a safe space for LGBTQ+ youth who are navigating a world that can sometimes be hostile simply because they are LGBTQ+. “We are incredibly grateful for Thunderbirds Charities’ commitment to our mission,” said Sandra Foisy, one·n·ten Director of Youth Center & Satellites. “This grant will make a significant impact on the young folks by providing them with the resources and support they need to thrive.” one·n·ten This grant is part of the Spring 2024 cycle. View a list […] More

Thunderbirds Charities awarded $25,000 to Back to School Clothing Drive in 2024 in support of the nonprofit’s “New Clothes = New Beginnings” program. As a direct result of the funding, about 4,000 Title I students in kindergarten through 6th grade will receive the things they need to start school happy, healthy, and prepared to learn. Approximately 3,000 students were served over three full days in July at Grand Canyon University. More than 130 schools brought their students to a free shopping spree, where they selected new shirts, shorts, underwear, socks, sneakers, belts, and backpacks filled with school supplies. The students also received dental screening and a fluoride rinse, as well as a take-home oral care kit. Some older students participated in a STEM camp where they assembled a laptop they got to take home. All students selected two new books and two bookmarks from the book fair. The program served 600 students from military families at a similar event at Luke Air Force Base in June. The remaining 400 students will be serviced by the mobile component of the “New Clothes = New Beginnings” program over the course of the school year. “Thunderbirds Charities is dedicated to issues that affect […] More

This funding will enable a comprehensive renovation and repurposing of the existing Miracle League Field, a vital community asset that has unfortunately fallen into disrepair in recent years. Built in 2008, the Miracle League Field has provided countless memories and opportunities for community engagement. However, due to exposure to the harsh elements, the field and its facilities have significantly deteriorated. The new grant will enable the Maryvale Y to restore and enhance this cherished space. The renovation plans include grading the existing field and installing state-of-the-art artificial turf. To ensure safe use during Arizona’s peak sun hours, shade screens will be installed. The landscaping will be updated to create an inviting and functional environment. Additionally, the restrooms will be upgraded, as well as the concession stand, which will support the workforce development program by providing job readiness skills for youth ages 16-24, as they learn gain valuable retail and work experience. The vision for this renovation at Maryvale YMCA is to transform the large, unused space into a versatile outdoor play area. The upgraded field will serve the early learning center and school-age childcare programs and support various activities, including soccer, adaptive sports, t-ball, flag football, and kickball. “This renovation […] More

Phoenix, AZ – The Thunderbirds Charities provided $20,000 to OCJ Kids to help restore the dignity, hope and self-confidence that was stolen from girls after being shattered by pre-foster care abuse. Through the program, the girls receive help to cope with, and overcome, the impacts of past abuse; engage in life skills development activities to build their self-confidence and resilience; and participate in OCJ Kids’ post-secondary education, career planning, internships and other activities to help prepare them for a successful life after foster care. The program will take place in OCJ Kids’ Thunderbirds Charities Restoring Dignity Room. Additional program activities include providing the girls with undergarments that fit, as many experience pain by wearing items that are too small because their past abuse makes it difficult to ask for new ones; providing monthly cycle and hygiene products; cutting and styling their hair; teaching them about how to care for their bodies as they go through puberty and beyond; and engaging them in educational workshops, discussions and training activities to help them overcome the pain of abuse, improve their self-esteem, and develop resilience. The grant will provide all these services for at least 500 girls in 2024-25. “We are so grateful […] More

SCOTTSDALE, ARIZ – Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale (BGCS) is excited to announce a generous $50,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities for the “Adding the A in STEM” program. The funding will be dedicated to the renovation of art rooms at the Vestar and Thunderbirds Branches facilitating comprehensive remodels, marking the first updates since the construction of these facilities. The art rooms at BGCS Thunderbirds Branch in the Grayhawk Community, built in 2001, and Vestar Branch in Desert Ridge, built in 2007, will undergo significant transformations in the coming weeks. Both spaces will receive new flooring, improved lighting, and a fresh coat of paint. Additionally, the renovations will include installing new storage solutions, tables, and chairs to create a more functional and inspiring environment for young artists. The Thunderbirds Branch will see a reconfiguration of its layout, including the removal of a sink in the center of the room, which will be replaced with a true art sink situated in a new location to enhance the room’s flow. Furthermore, new window tinting will be installed to allow for natural light while reducing sun glare, fostering a more conducive artistic atmosphere. BGCS CEO Ivan Gilreath expressed gratitude for the support, […] More

July 10, 2024 (Phoenix, AZ) – The Sandra Day O’Connor Institute for American Democracy has been awarded a generous $50,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities for youth civic programming. Since 2017, the O’Connor Institute has presented Camp O’Connor to prepare Arizona’s youth for active citizenship through high-quality civics education. The O’Connor Institute’s youth programming includes Camp O’Connor USA, Civics Challenge, and the O’Connor Institute Ambassadors Civics & Debate Club. Camp O’Connor USA is a free, merit-based, week-long summer program providing interactivecivics education and leadership development for 7th and 8th graders. Our sixth camp took place in downtown Phoenix at the ASU Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, home of the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute. Uniquely, Camp O’Connor participantsexperience civics in action, enhanced by field trips to the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches of Arizona’s state government. With participants from Maricopa County and surrounding areas, the Institute was pleased to welcome their largest camp to date, 100 7th and 8th-grade students. In preparation for Camp O’Connor, middle schoolers are required to complete an essay assignment on the topic of civics. Camp applicants are also encouraged to take part in extracurricular activities such as performing arts, student government, and sports. Camp O’Connor also […] More

Our ARCHKids program provides year-round enrichment programs for children with special needs when school is not in session, including after school programming, full-day camps during seasonal breaks, and half-day camps during early release days. Working closely with community service providers, school districts and community transportation services, we serve 200 kids age 8 to 22 from all ethnicities and walks of life. The $20,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities will cover enrichment activity supplies and ensure that youth with special needs from low-income families will have access to supportive care when school is not in session throughout the year. Through our programs we aim to provide education and socialization opportunities to improve quality of life, enrichment programs to increase independence and personal safety and physical fitness activities to combat obesity and support health and well-being. ARCHKids Coordinator, Derrick Martinez, said “We are truly grateful for the continued support of the Thunderbirds Charities! With their generous contribution the ARCHKids Programs have thrived, as we strive to enrich the lives of all the children who walk through our doors.” ARCH’s Executive Director, Kip Murray, said “We are thrilled to be endorsed once again this year by Thunderbirds Charities. They are our heroes! Because Thunderbirds […] More

Project REWIND is an early-action program for youth experiencing mild problems associated with alcohol and/or other drug use. The goal of the program is to deter experimenters from becoming regular users and provide support to families. Participants explore how substance use impacts brain development, academics, relationships, stress, and emotions. A proactive approach increases connections, understanding, communication, and boundaries. Project REWIND is a strength-based family program for teens and parents to Rediscover Empowering Ways to Inspire New Directions. Through this funding, notMYkid will expand the early action program to serve more than 400 youth and parents in the Greater Phoenix area. The parent-child relationship is an important focus of prevention, as it is associated with a range of known risks and protective factors. Helping parents manage behavioral problems while supporting the development of a healthy parent-child relationship serves to bolster child resilience and prevent future substance use. “We are incredibly grateful to Thunderbirds Charities for their generous support,” said Kristen Polin, CEO of notMYkid. “This funding will allow us to reach more families with our proactive approach, providing them with the resources and guidance necessary to navigate the challenges of adolescence and prevent substance use before it starts.” notMYkid This grant […] More

Phoenix, Arizona – Phoenix Conservatory of Music (PCM) recognizes the impact of a $10,000 grant award from Thunderbirds Charities. This generous support allows PCM to provide scholarships to qualifying students for our College Prep Program (CPP). The College Prep Program offers youth ages 9-17 the opportunity to participate in weekly enrichment classes such as piano, sight singing, songwriting, audio production, and audition and interview preparation. PCM’s College Prep Program is a unique collaboration with Berklee College of Music’s Berklee City Music Network, one of 47 community music schools in the nation utilizing Berklee’s PULSE curriculum as a base for the College Prep Program. As the only Berklee College City Music Network site in Arizona, PCM is proud to provide CPP students with the ability to develop their skills through music while creating pathways for success. “PCM’s College Prep Program students have an 85% acceptance rate to top universities and have been awarded over $4.5 million in scholarships and counting,” said Regina Nixon, PCM’s Executive Director. “Our focus in the CPP is to provide an immersive and fun experience making contemporary music while exposing them to enrichment classes like music theory and music business, along with life skills such as collaboration, […] More

Phoenix (July 5, 2024)—St. Joseph the Worker (SJW), a leading Phoenix nonprofit organization committed to empowering unhoused, low-income, and other disadvantaged individuals with a pathway to stability and self-sufficiency through quality employment, has received a grant totaling $125,000 from Thunderbirds Charities. The funds will support the organization’s Employment Without Barriers program. “SJW’s partnership with Thunderbirds Charities and their financial support is vital to our community. Their contributions help sustain our free direct-hire employment program, Employment Without Barriers, which has offered comprehensive employment services for over 35 years. Through this program, SJW has helped more individuals secure quality paying jobs than any other workforce organization in Arizona,” said Carrie Masters, CEO of St. Joseph the Worker. “Our goal is to provide long-term solutions for our clients, empowering them to achieve independence and reduce reliance on government assistance.” “Thunderbirds Charities is proud to support the Employment Without Barriers program,” said George Thimsen, President of Thunderbirds Charities. “St. Joseph the Worker provides invaluable assistance to those in need, connecting them to quality employment opportunities. This program plays a crucial role in enabling individuals to rebuild their lives and provide a better future for their families.” SJW’s free Employment Without Barriers program provides employment […] More

Grant funding secured will primarily support Maggie’s Place‘s volunteers and staff engaging directly with mothers in our care. AmeriCorps volunteers work across our residential facilities to provide 24/7, hands-on support to mothers and their babies as they work through our program. Maggie’s Place has over 100 volunteers consistently helping the organization with administrative tasks, in the residential facilities, at events and during programs and services at our Family Success Center. Volunteer support will ensure that both mothers in our care and women who have successfully completed our program will have access to a variety of services, supplies and programs necessary to empower mothers to lead a life of self-sufficiency and independence. Maggie’s Place This grant is part of the Spring 2024 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees. More

These funds will assist the community-supported nonprofit’s mission to provide social, emotional, and financial support directly to families managing the health and well-being of a loved one with pediatric cancer. Through support from the community, the Arizona Cancer Foundation for Children (ACFC) is able to provide financial assistance to families for medical, rent and travel expenses as well as immediate assistance through K9 therapy and counseling, birthday gifts, art classes, and all other expenses associated with a child’s cancer diagnosis. “When we offer financial assistance to families who need to repair a car, pay rent, or provide for funeral services, I feel deeply gratified to be a part of this organization,” says Ben Hayes, Arizona Cancer Foundation for Children Board Member. Arizona Cancer Foundation for Children (ACFC) This grant is part of the Spring 2024 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees. More

The Maricopa Association of Governments Regional Council conducted a point-in-time count in January 2023, revealing that 9,642 people experience homelessness at any time.We sincerely appreciate the significant role Thunderbirds Charities’ funds play in the ongoing Saving Amy’s Rise Up program, making a difference in the lives of those we serve.When families and individuals leave the shelter, they often do so with their personal belongings in a garbage bag. The income from their new jobs barely covers the rent, making it difficult to achieve a secure home. The Rise Up program ensures families can stay home, creating a safe, stable environment and aiding their transition into society.Rise Up furnishes our families’ apartments and covers all moving expenses. Saving Amy pays for the first few months’ rent, utilities, furniture, hygiene items, cleaning supplies, kitchen supplies, food, and anything the family needs to make a house a home. This hand-up gives the families a feeling of permanence, reduces stress, and provides the resources to learn essential life skills.As families stabilize with secure jobs and can pay their bills without government assistance, they are ready to move to better neighborhoods with higher-performing schools, increasing their likelihood of success. Rise Up covers the cost of […] More

United Sound’s peer mentoring program offers musical opportunities to chronically underserved populations. Students with disabilities in 7-12 grade are often excluded from traditional instrumental music programs due to the large student-to-teacher ratio, which makes differentiating curriculum for individual students difficult or even impossible. United Sound provides current band and orchestra students, music teachers and special education teachers the opportunity and resources (training, specialized curriculum, flash cards) needed to step up and create more inclusive, empowering ensembles. Currently, 14 schools in the greater Phoenix area participate in United Sound’s peer mentoring program. This grant will allow us to expand our reach in the 24/25 school year and impact over 600 students! Participation in United Sound has the life-long effect of creating a huge body of people who will work better together and protect each other from discrimination and harm. This, above everything else, is the importance of our work. “I created United Sound after realizing that, as a band director, I was not well-equipped to serve students with disabilities and, after searching for help, realized it did not exist.,” said Julie Duty, Founder and Executive Director. “This grant will enable us to provide inclusive music education opportunities to even more students […] More

Advance Community (Advance) has been awarded a $35,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities to support its I Choose Wellness program. Thunderbirds Charities is the charitable giving arm of The Thunderbirds – hosts of the WM Phoenix Open. The I Choose Wellness program, designed for under-resourced Latino youth in grades 4-8, offers culturally appropriate lessons on nutrition, physical activity, and oral hygiene. These lessons are designed to inspire youth to improve their health outcomes and address the high prevalence of obesity in their communities. By focusing on these critical areas, the program aims to instill lifelong healthy habits in young people, thereby fostering a healthier future for the entire community. The planned programming includes 10 series of eight sessions each, conducted at Title 1 schools and community centers in Latino communities throughout the Valley. “We are incredibly grateful to Thunderbirds Charities for their support,” said Jeri Royce, CEO of Advance Community. “This grant will significantly enhance our ability to provide essential health education and resources to the youth in our community. It will allow us to expand our reach and make a meaningful impact on the lives of many families with the ultimate goal of empowering at-risk youth to change their behaviors […] More