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

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

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

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

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

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

Chemo Companions, a Phoenix-based nonprofit dedicated to ensuring no one faces cancer alone, is honored to announce it has received a $5,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities. The grant will directly support Chemo Companions’ Arizona Chemosabe Wellness Events, which provide free, holistic wellness experiences for individuals impacted by cancer. Chemosabe Events are designed to support patients, survivors and caregivers through movement, education, connection, and restorative practices that address both physical and emotional well-being during and after cancer treatment. “This support from Thunderbirds Charities allows us to continue creating safe, welcoming spaces where individuals impacted by cancer can prioritize their wellness and feel supported in community,” said Alyssa Gofonia-Dinowitz, Founder and Executive Director of Chemo Companions. “At Chemo Companions, we believe in caring for the whole person — mind, body, and spirit. Our Chemosabe Events are designed to support not only patients, but also survivors and caregivers, recognizing that cancer impacts every part of life and everyone walking through it together. This grant helps us expand access to those moments.” Chemo Companions This grant is part of the Fall 2025 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees. More

Hushabye Nursery is proud to announce it has been awarded $150,000 from Thunderbirds Charities to sustain its inpatient care team while implementing a comprehensive Developmental Care Rollout grounded in the evidence-based Newborn Individualized Developmental Care Assessment Program (NIDCAP). NIDCAP is a nationally recognized, family-centered approach to neonatal care that individualizes support based on each infant’s unique behavioral cues. The model reduces environmental stressors such as excessive light, noise, and handling, while promoting skin-to-skin contact and meaningful parental involvement elements proven to be critical for healthy brain development and long-term outcomes. Over the next year, Hushabye Nursery will train all inpatient nurses, patient care associates, AmeriCorps members, and volunteers in NIDCAP principles. This training will equip the care team to better foster optimal neurodevelopment, reduce infant stress responses, and strengthen caregiver–infant bonding—outcomes supported by emerging research (BMJ Pediatrics Open, 2025). “This investment allows us to deepen the quality of care we provide during one of the most vulnerable periods of life,” said Tara Sundem, co-founder and executive director of Hushabye Nursery. “By embedding NIDCAP principles into every layer of our inpatient program, we are ensuring that infants and families receive care that is not only compassionate but also grounded in the […] More

(Phoenix, AZ) – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona (BBBSAZ) is expanding access to evidence-based, professionally supported mentoring relationships for at-risk youth in the West Valley, thanks to the generous support of Thunderbirds Charities. The BBBSAZ mentoring program is designed to help youth achieve positive outcomes in academics and relationships while reducing engagement in risky behaviors. Through one-to-one mentoring, trained volunteer mentors are matched with children and adolescents who benefit from consistent adult support and positive role models. Matches meet regularly throughout West Valley communities, building meaningful relationships that foster resilience, confidence, and long-term success. This support allows BBBSAZ to expand outreach to potential volunteers, businesses, and community partners to better serve West Valley youth through one-to-one mentoring, group mentoring, and Waiting Little events. These events provide positive social experiences, exposure to caring adults, and opportunities to build confidence while youth await a mentor. By increasing services in this region, BBBSAZ is working to ensure more young people have access to the support they need to thrive. “The West Valley is home to many of our Waiting Littles, where the need for volunteers is especially great,” said Debbie Castillo-Smith, President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central […] More

AllThrive 365 is proud to announce that Thunderbirds Charities has awarded a generous $25,000 grant to support transportation services for low-income residents across Greater Metropolitan Phoenix. This investment makes AllThrive 365’s transportation program possible, which provides safe, reliable rides for older adults and individuals with disabilities. Each year, AllThrive 365 delivers more than 100,000 miles of free transportation to help Arizonans access medical appointments, grocery stores, and social services. For many aging adults, AllThrive 365’s transportation is the only way to reach medical appointments, therapy, nutritious food, and other vital resources. It is also the number one resource requested through the organization’s resource navigation help line. This grant will also support residents living in AllThrive 365’s affordable housing communities statewide, helping them stay connected, healthy, and engaged in their communities. Support from Thunderbirds Charities will also ensure more individuals can access the organization’s adult day health centers in Glendale and Tempe. These centers offer adults living with physical or cognitive disabilities a secure and welcoming environment during the day. Participants receive compassionate care, opportunities for social interaction, and support that helps them maintain independence, while caregivers receive essential respite. “Transportation is more than just getting from point A to point […] More

Phoenix, AZ – one·n·ten, a leading non-profit dedicated to empowering LGBTQ+ youth, announced today that it has received a generous grant from Thunderbirds Charities. This renewed support will continue funding essential programs and services at its Downtown Phoenix Youth Center, ensuring LGBTQ+ youth and young adults have access to safe, affirming, and inclusive spaces. With the support of Thunderbirds Charities, one·n·ten will sustain the vital services provided at its youth center year-round, programs such as 2gether N Color, a culturally grounded group by and for LGBTQ+ Black, Indigenous, and youth of color that offers a brave, affirming space for youth to explore identity, build authentic connections, and grow as leaders; The Wellness Collaborative, which promotes holistic well-being and incorporates Sources of Strength, an evidence-based suicide prevention program; Art Club, a creative space where youth can explore self-expression through various art forms; and Friends Ending Stigma Together (FEST) & Developmental & Age-Appropriate Sexual Health (DAASH), offering age-appropriate, medically accurate, LGBTQ+ inclusive, sexual health education. “These programs give LGBTQ+ young folks a safe space to access resources that are too often out of reach or not affirming of their identities,” said Abby Eshelman, Senior Youth Center Operations Manager. at one·n·ten. “Thunderbirds Charities’ […] More

Glendale, AZ (September 23, 2025) – EyeCare4Kids™―a multi-state non-profit organization that provides professional eye care services to low-income, visually impaired children and underserved families in Arizona through its vision clinic at Barcelona Elementary School (Alhambra Elementary School District) ―today announced that Thunderbirds Charities has awarded $25,000 in grant funding for the 2025 Sight 4 Success AZ Vision Program. This charitable contribution will support the delivery of over1,000 vision care services, including visual acuity screenings, eye exams, and prescription eyeglasses for local students during the 2025-26 school year. “We thank Thunderbirds Charities for recognizing EyeCare4Kids and the vital vision services we provide to students and their families in the greater Phoenix area,” said Maggie Cline, chief executive officer, EyeCare4Kids. “We anticipate that this grant will help us expand our services by more than 25 percent compared to last year, when we provided over 3,200 vision care services to help students see clearly. Ensuring the delivery of vision screenings and eye exams is crucial to fostering health equity in this community and to support children’s success in school.” The much-needed vision services that Thunderbirds Charities is supporting will be provided to uninsured, under-insured or AHCCCS (Arizona Medicaid) patients at no-cost at EyeCare4Kids’ […] More

Thunderbirds Charities Awards $10,000 Grant to Televerde Foundation to Expand Workforce Programs for Incarcerated WomenTeleverde Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides personal and professional development opportunities for incarcerated women, has been awarded a $10,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities to support its PATHS Workforce Development Program. The funding will be used to provide essential supplies and materials that enhance program delivery and deepen impact. “We believe every woman deserves a second chance and the tools to build a better life,” said Michelle Cirocco, executive director of Televerde Foundation. “Thanks to this grant from Thunderbirds Charities, we can give women what they need to take real steps forward—things like workbooks, coaching, and job training. It’s not just about getting a job; it’s about helping them believe in themselves again and create a future they’re proud of. Support like this really does change lives.”The grant will directly support Televerde Foundation’s Arizona-based PATHS (Prepare, Achieve, and Transform for Healthy Success) Workforce Development Program, which serves women at the Arizona State Prison Complex – Perryville during and after incarceration. PATHS provides postsecondary education, industry-recognized certifications, job readiness training, mentorship, and reentry support. With this funding, the program will reach more than 125 women this year, […] More

United Sound is honored to announce it has received a $12,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities in support of its mission to ensure that students with disabilities have equal access to meaningful music-making experiences. Too often, middle and high school students with disabilities are left out of traditional instrumental music programs because teachers face large class sizes and limited resources to adapt curriculum. United Sound bridges this gap through its innovative peer mentoring model, pairing students with disabilities with their band, orchestra, and guitar peers. With the support of music educators and special education teachers, these students are welcomed into ensembles and given the tools to succeed through specialized curriculum, training, and adaptive resources. This year, 14 schools across the greater Phoenix area will participate, reaching more than 600 students. The funding from Thunderbirds Charities will help United Sound strengthen its programs and provide additional opportunities for growth in the 2025–26 school year. “United Sound is not just about teaching music, it’s about creating a culture of inclusion, respect, and belonging,” said Julie Duty, Founder and Executive Director. “Thanks to Thunderbirds Charities, we can continue to expand this important work and empower even more students.” United Sound This grant is part […] More

Phoenix, AZ – August 23, 2025 – The Phoenix Conservatory of Music (PCM) proudly celebrates the extraordinary accomplishments of College Prep students Sebastien Swensen and Patrick Cassidy, who both earned full-ride scholarships to the prestigious Berklee College of Music. Their journeys from uncertainty to achievement were made possible by PCM’s nationally recognized programs, supported in part by Thunderbirds Charities. Sebastien, who once felt lost and without a support system, found direction and purpose through PCM. “What donors provide quite literally makes dreams come true,” he reflected. “Without this support, I wouldn’t be able to pursue my dream at Berklee. This opportunity gave me hope. It changed my life by giving it purpose.” Patrick echoed a similar transformation. Music began as an escape, but through PCM, it became a discipline, a passion, and now a future. “My PCM teachers, my private lesson teachers, they weren’t just musicians—they were life mentors,” Patrick said. “Without scholarship support, I don’t know where I’d be. This place has changed my life, and I’ve watched it transform many others.” Both students emphasized that PCM’s environment—where teaching artists serve as mentors and peers provide unwavering encouragement—was just as impactful as the rigorous training. “Being on stage with […] More

Thunderbirds Charities has awarded a $30,000 grant to BLOOM365 to support its Root It Out program, a critical violence intervention initiative for students in Ombudsman Charter Schools. This funding will help BLOOM365 continue to provide essential healthy relationship education, behavioral health support, and counseling to young people at risk of perpetrating violence. The Root It Out program addresses the root causes of violence through several key strategies: in-class curriculum, individual support, counseling, and peer-to-peer programs that promote empathy and respect. “This grant is a powerful investment in the future of our community,” said Donna Bartos, CEO of BLOOM365. “It allows us to empower students with the tools to build healthier relationships and lives. The impact is clear in the voices of the students and their families.” A parent of a teen who participated in the program shared her gratitude: “I’ve seen my daughter improve so much. She has been great in communicating her needs without arguing. She has also gone from no days in school to five days. She has a smile on her face now, and it makes me happy.” During the 2024-2025 school year, the program delivered over 1,700 sessions to 90 students. Data shows significant positive outcomes: […] More

Valley Bloom is much closer to its goal of dressing nearly 6,000 students for school, thanks to the Thunderbirds. Thunderbirds Charities announced an award of $35,000 to Valley Bloom, formerly Assistance League of East Valley, for its signature program, Valley Bloom Students. The funds are to be used over the next two years. Through the Valley Bloom Students Program, Valley Bloom provides new school clothing and hygiene kits to elementary school children in need in Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Tempe and Kyrene School Districts. This year, our goal is to dress 6,000 students in uniform schools. Each student will receive bottoms, tops, a warm sweatshirt, and the schools’ choice of hygiene items or underwear. Nearly a thousand students in non-uniform schools will receive a shopping trip to Target. The children are recommended by school resource officers. Ibis Valles, President, Valley Bloom: “Throughout the years, donations from Thunderbirds Charities go to the core of what we are all about: helping kids achieve their goals and dreams; and providingthe clothing necessary to feel proud of how they look as they enter the school year. The kids and families are grateful for your continued support, and so are we at Valley Bloom. Thank you. […] More

Saving Amy, a Phoenix-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2015, is proud to announce new funding to support and expand all five of its core programs designed to end the cycle of homelessness. With a mission of Creating Community, Transforming Lives, and Resolving Homelessness, Saving Amy empowers families and veterans across all races, religions, genders, and backgrounds to achieve lasting stability and self-sufficiency. This transformative funding will directly support the organization’s comprehensive programs: “Every family has a mentor. Every child has a tutor. With wraparound support and a strong community, our families heal from trauma, maintain stable housing, and truly thrive. As we proudly celebrate 10 years as a nonprofit, we honor a 100% success rate; every single family we’ve served remains housed and has become a contributing member of society.” — Jennifer Kiernan At a time when homelessness is surging, more than 9,734 individuals were counted as homeless in Maricopa County in 2025. Saving Amy’s proven model creates a lasting impact by helping families build futures filled with dignity, stability, and hope. Saving Amy This grant is part of the Spring 2025 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees. More

Family Promise of Greater Phoenix, a nonprofit organization innovating to break the cycle of homelessness for families, announces a $100,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities to support its Emergency Shelter Program. The funds will strengthen Family Promise’s ability to provide shelter, case management, and support services to families experiencing homelessness throughout the Phoenix metropolitan area. This significant funding arrives as family homelessness rates continue to climb across Maricopa County. The $100,000 grant will strengthen Family Promise’s comprehensive support system, which includes comfortable shelter spaces, reliable transportation and personalized case management. Through this integrated approach, families receive employment assistance, resource connections and financial coaching that creates a path to stable housing within 60 days. “Support from Thunderbirds Charities aligns with our shared mission to protect children from the devastating effects of homelessness, which no child should ever experience. This year, hundreds of children will have a safe place to call home because of community partners who recognize the urgency of this issue,” said Ted Taylor, CEO of Family Promise of Greater Phoenix. “This generous grant allows us to provide comprehensive support to families in crisis, giving them not just shelter, but a clear pathway to stability and independence.” Family Promise’s unique model […] More

15 years ago, ARCH developed a STEPS to Health & Well Program to promote healthy lifestyles, nutrition, fitness and preventive screenings for children and adults with special needs. Currently, ARCH partners with students from nursing, dental and occupational therapy schools from 8 universities year-round to complement their need to do rotations and/or internships with diverse populations. Due to the expansion of these programs and the increase in the number of kids and adults we currently serve, it was apparent more designated spaces were needed for these health and wellness activities and our other therapeutic activities and educational programs. As a result, in 2024, we launched the Horizon of Hope, Building Wellness Together campaign. This capital project consists of the construction of an 8,000 sq/ft, two-story Health & Wellness Center on the ARCH 5-acre campus. Our overall campaign goal is $3.5 million. ARCH’s Executive Director, Kip Murray, said “Improving health & well-being through prevention, education, and awareness is one of the main goals of our organization. Adults and kids with special needs have unique health challenges that need unique responses. With this new building, we will be able to expand our services and also nurture our partnerships with local health related […] More

Thunderbirds Charities’ generous $100,000 grant will support Homeless ID Project in our mission to end homelessness by providing the first critical step: identification. We aim to serve 17,000 clients who are homeless or at risk of experiencing homelessness in 2025. This funding will allow us to scale, improve access through mobile units, and ensure each client has the documents they need to access shelter, employment, healthcare, education, and more.This funding supports service delivery, document costs, and mobile unit operations-bringing services to individuals who would otherwise not be able to obtain documents due to mobility, transportation, or safety barriers. This funding will also apply to staff capacity to meet the ever-growing demand and expansion of partnerships with shelters, youth programs, and reentry services across Maricopa County.For one experiencing homelessness, something as simple as a lost ID can be a major barrier. With this funding, we can meet people where they are, both literally and figuratively, to help them take the first step towards self-sufficiency and stability.“Thunderbirds Charities’ investment is transformational,” Said Rick Mitchell, Executive Director of Homeless ID Project. “This gift enables us to ay ‘yes’ to more people, removing a critical barrier. We’re deeply grateful for their partnership in helping […] More

Treasures 4 Teachers is proud to announce it has been awarded a $55,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities to support and expand its T4T on Wheels program—an initiative that delivers free classroom supplies directly to Title I schools in underserved communities across Maricopa County. This significant funding allows Treasures 4 Teachers (T4T) to reach more educators and students than ever before. With the support of Thunderbirds Charities, T4T on Wheels will serve over 3,750 teachers and more than 100,000 students in the upcoming school year. Each school visit brings urgently needed materials, like paper, pencils, crayons, and learning tools, into the hands of educators working with students who often lack even the most basic classroom essentials. “We’re incredibly grateful to Thunderbirds Charities for their continued belief in our mission,” said Joy Klein, Executive Director of Treasures 4 Teachers. “This support fuels our ability to reach schools where the need is greatest and ensure that teachers and students have what they need to succeed.” In addition to core supplies, this year’s expanded program will include investments in creative classroom tools to support social-emotional learning and student self-regulation, such as fidget toys, play-dough, “feelings” activities, and classroom incentives, responding to growing demand from […] More

Aster Aging was honored to receive a generous grant of $25,000 from Thunderbirds Charities for its Neighbors Program. This support will help over 200 homebound seniors in the East Valley remain independent. The Neighbors Program screens, trains, and matches compassionate volunteers with homebound older adults, to provide companionship visits and phone calls, respite, and assisted transportation to medical appointments, pharmacies, and grocery shopping. The program reduces isolation, increases access to essential medical and basic need resources, and helps maintain independence by fostering improved health, nutrition, and emotional well-being. “We are very grateful to Thunderbirds Charities for their support,” said Deborah Schaus, Chief Executive Officer of Aster. “Our Neighbors program enables isolated seniors to remain independent in their own homes for as long as possible, empowering these individuals and strengthening our community.” “Aster Aging has such a positive impact on so many homebound seniors in our East Valley community and we are excited to support such a great mission,” said Matt Mooney, President of Thunderbirds Charities. Aster Aging This grant is part of the Spring 2025 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees. More

Scottsdale, Ariz. (July 2025)— Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale (BGCS) is proud to announce a generous $100,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities to support financial assistance and vital youth programming at its Thunderbirds Branch. The grant—awarded as part of the “Great Futures Start at the Thunderbirds Boys & Girls Club” initiative—will provide critical support to ensure all youth, regardless of financial background, have access to enriching programs focused on academic success, health and wellness, leadership development, and workforce readiness. In 2025, BGCS anticipates providing $85,000 in program assistance to eligible youth at the Thunderbirds Branch, especially during its summer camp programming when nearly 20 percent of members require aid. “This investment from Thunderbirds Charities will directly impact the lives of hundreds of youth and families,” said Ivan Gilreath, BGCS President & CEO. “Their ongoing support helps us deliver on our mission to serve those who need us most—offering a safe place when school is out where all kids can learn, lead, and grow into the engaged citizens and future workforce our community needs.” Located in the Grayhawk community, the Thunderbirds Branch has served as a cornerstone for youth development since its opening in 2001. Though it sits in a […] More

“Homelessness is on the rise in Maricopa County, and we need meaningful, long-term strategies to address the complex issues that contribute to this trend,” says Keys to Change CEO Amy Schwabenlender. “At the same time, we need to continue to meet the needs of our neighbors experiencing homelessness right now, today. Keys to Change does both.” “We provide immediate emergency relief in a compassionate setting at Key Campus, while also crucially addressing the structural issues that brought us to this point. Last year, we connected 18,000 individuals (about the seating capacity of PHX Arena) with emergency shelter, food, clothing, housing navigation, and mental, physical, and dental healthcare.” “Grant funding from the Thunderbirds Charities goes directly to the maintenance and expansion of these life-saving service connections. Their support for the day-to-day work of Keys to Change allows us to set our sights on a brighter, more equitable future for all. Our mission is to end homelessness in Maricopa County – with support from partners like the Thunderbirds, we’re one step closer to reaching that goal.” Keys to Change This grant is part of the Spring 2025 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees. More

The grant from Thunderbirds Charities will bolster our Classroom Support Team (CST) program. This high-impact initiative, which places trained interns and volunteers directly into classrooms, operates from September to March each school year. Over the past cycle, eleven interns contributed over 1,100 service hours across the Madrid Neighborhood School and Wilson School District, reaching more than 400 students. This effort resulted in 60% of teachers reporting that they gained at least two hours per week for individual planning. With this new funding, the program will be able to recruit and train more interns, strengthen instructional support, and broaden its reach to additional classrooms and grade levels. These funds will directly enhance teacher capacity by reducing clerical and supervisory duties. Additionally, CST interns play a vital role in academic and emotional interventions, small group instruction, and classroom management, leading to a significant improvement in student behavior and academic engagement. Ultimately, this investment will enable more students to receive the individual attention they need to thrive, allowing more teachers to focus on meaningful instruction, and providing more future educators with real-world classroom experience. This ripple effect of impact throughout the community is a testament to the CST program’s value and its contribution […] More

notMYkid is proud to announce a transformative $500,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities, that will significantly expand the organization’s prevention, early intervention, and recovery support services for 100 schools in Maricopa County. The grant will help ensure that teens and families have access to life-changing support without financial barriers. In the last year alone, notMYkid reached more than 130,000 individuals and served more than 300 schools in Arizona. “For 25 years, notMYkid has been a trusted source of prevention and mental health services for Arizona youth,” said Kristen Genovese, CEO. “With Thunderbirds Charities as a vital partner, we are expanding to reach more teens, empower more parents, and support more schools.” This funding will allow for continued growth and innovation, including expansion of school-based education, individualized early intervention, and peer-led recovery programs. notMYkid This grant is part of the Spring 2025 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees. More

OCJ (Opportunity, Community, and Justice for Foster) Kids was honored is receive a generous grant of $30,000 from Thunderbirds Charities for its Healing and Restoration for Abused Foster Girls Program. This funding will help at least 300 foster girls ages 8-18 cope with past abuse and prepare for a brighter future. The program addresses the negative impacts abuse has on girls. These include flashbacks, difficulty sleeping, panic attacks, and/or social anxiety. The program goal is to restore the dignity, hope, and self-confidence that were stolen from foster girls due to abuse. OCJ Kids teaches girls how to heal from past abuse, engages them in life skills development activities to build their self-confidence, and helps them increase their resilience and self-esteem. The program also teaches girls to measure themselves for a bra and gives them free undergarments and monthly cycle items. OCJ Kids’ caring female staff teach them about body care and physical changes to expect during puberty. The program is primarily conducted in our Thunderbirds Charities Restoring Dignity Room – the only one of its kind in Arizona. “We are so grateful to Thunderbirds Charities for its generous support of this program,” said Gary Webb, OCJ Kids’ President and Founder. […] More

Today, Stand for Children Arizona announced they have been awarded a $15,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities. With this grant, Stand for Children Arizona will continue to expand 9th Grade On Track programming designed to support Arizona students during their crucial ninth grade year, setting them up to graduate high school on time and improve Arizona’s graduation rate. Ninth grade has been described as one of the most important years for a student’s education. Research has found students finishing it on pace for graduation are “3.5 times more likely to graduate from high school in four years”. 9th Grade On Track programming increases graduation and on-track rates, reduces absenteeism, and increases career preparedness. 9th Grade On Track programs have been implemented at schools in the Phoenix Union, Mingus Union, and Tolleson Union school districts in Arizona. At Camelback High School, on-track rates have nearly doubled since the program was implemented in 2019. “We are so honored to have been selected as one of the beneficiaries of Thunderbirds Charities,” said Stand for Children Arizona Executive Director Rebecca Gau. “Arizona’s students need strong partners for their success, and that’s what Stand for Children Arizona does. We will continue to lead the effort to […] More

Xico, Inc., a leading nonprofit dedicated to promoting Latino and Indigenous art and culture, is proud to announce it has received a $10,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities. The grant will support Xico’s innovative mobile art program, Say Yes to the Press (SYP), which brings high-quality, accessible art education to underserved communities across the Valley. Many youth and families in underserved areas lack access to quality art education, limiting opportunities for creative and cognitive development that are vital for personal and academic growth. With the support of Thunderbirds Charities, Xico’s SYP program will continue to address these inequities by offering free art workshops directly in the communities that need them most. About Say Yes to the Press (SYP) SYP is designed to connect communities with the rich traditions of Latino and Indigenous art and culture. Through partnerships with Title I schools, community centers, and local festivals, SYP provides free workshops in printmaking and opportunities for youth and families to explore art as a means of self-expression and cultural appreciation. By making art accessible and engaging, SYP inspires a new generation to discover their creative potential and develop a deeper appreciation for cultural heritage. “We are deeply grateful to Thunderbirds Charities for […] More