Arizona Students Recycling Used Technology (AZ StRUT) is honored to announce to have been awarded a $25,000 grant by Thunderbirds Charities to support our Techie Labs and Camps. With this generous grant, 300 Arizona students will engage in our hands-on computer training in Maricopa and Pinal counties, spreading digital opportunities and equity. Tom Mehlert, AZ StRUT Executive Director adds, “We have seen the impact of our Techie Labs and Camps. Learners earn a refurbished computer, often their first personally owned device, sparking curiosity about learning more.“ Techie Labs and Techie Camps were started to facilitate hardware learning and distribute refurbished computers to Title I students in an engaging, hands-on approach. Students participate in a unique opportunity to disassemble and reassemble hardware, as well as configure operating systems. AZ StRUT creates an inclusive, safe learning environment for students in collaboration with partner schools and organizations. Camps are a four-hour introduction to computer hardware technology, providing 10-15 participants with STEM enrichment. Learners take home a refurbished computer, expanding digital inclusion throughout our state. Techie Labs started in 1998 in partnership with local schools and colleges, with a priority focus on serving Title I schools. We now partner with 43 schools and colleges, […] More

Best Buddies International, a nonprofit founded in 1989 by Anthony K. Shriver to establish a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, and inclusive living for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), is excited to announce a generous grant from Thunderbirds Charities of $36,000 to further our mission of inclusion and support the Arizona School Friendship Program. Best Buddies is built upon four key mission pillars: one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, and inclusive living. With the grant provided by Thunderbirds Charities, Best Buddies will focus on furthering our mission of inclusion through improving the education of and quality of life of our participants with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities. Currently, Arizona has Best Buddies programs at 58 schools. Each chapter is supported by a Faculty Advisor and/or Special Education Advisor plus a Chapter President, in addition to the Program Manager. The grant provided by Thunderbirds Charities will make it possible to serve more individuals with IDD through our Friendship Program in elementary, middle and high schools in the Greater Phoenix Metropolitan area. For more information about Best Buddies in Arizona, please contact State Director, Lisa Cleary at lisacleary@bestbuddies.org, or 602-253-6463. Best […] More

Neighborhood Ministries is thrilled to have been awarded a grant for its Katy’s Kids Preschool program. The generous grant, provided by Thunderbirds Charities, will greatly support and advance our efforts to equip inner-city Phoenix children with the academic, social, emotional, problem-solving, language, and literacy skills needed to succeed in kindergarten and beyond. Since 2004, Katy’s Kids (which recently earned a five-star rating from First Things First) has helped address the community need for affordable, high quality preschool options, providing no-cost, comprehensive early intervention and child development services to 30 preschoolers annually. “We are deeply grateful to Thunderbirds Charities for recognizing the importance of our Katy’s Kids Preschool. We are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and the positive outcomes we can achieve together.” This $25,000 grant will provide vital funding for crucial teacher salaries. Katy’s Kids teachers are skilled at developing strong social-emotional and academic foundations as well as relationships with each child and family that lasts well beyond preschool. Neighborhood Ministries This grant is part of the Spring 2023 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees. More

Sober Apartment Living (SAL) is thrilled to announce that Thunderbirds Charities has generously contributed $25,000 to support the organization’s ongoing efforts to provide a nurturing environment for addiction recovery and independent living. The funds will be utilized for improvements and repairs at SAL’s sober apartments in Scottsdale, benefiting individuals seeking a productive life of sobriety and contentment. Serving the greater Phoenix area, SAL is focused on fostering a tight-knit, supportive community where residents not only survive – but thrive – in their recovery journey. Thunderbirds Charities’ contribution will enable SAL to create a more welcoming and comfortable environment, promoting personal growth and strong connections among residents. “We are immensely grateful to Thunderbirds Charities for their generous support,” said Craig Zoellner, Chairman and Co-Founder of Sober Apartment Living. “This donation directly impacts the lives of our residents, allowing them to build a solid foundation for a brighter future. We are honored to have Thunderbirds Charities as a partner in our mission.” Thunderbirds Charities, with a long-standing commitment to charitable causes, has donated over $175 million to support at-risk individuals in the Phoenix area since 1986. Using the financial resources from the yearly PGA Tour’s WM Phoenix Open, they have been dedicated to […] More

Down Syndrome Network Arizona (DSNetwork) is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a generous grant from Thunderbirds Charities to further its mission of educating, supporting, and advocating for individuals and families in the Down syndrome community. From the initial diagnosis through school-aged years and beyond, individuals with Down syndrome and their families face a wide range of challenges and find themselves immersed in an ever-changing, often complicated journey to learn how to best support and nurture their loved ones. Down Syndrome Network helps every step of the way thanks to charitable support. There are an estimated 9,000 people here in Arizona with Down syndrome, which is a naturally occurring chromosomal arrangement that has always been a part of the human condition and usually causes varying degrees of learning and developmental delays and associated medical issues. Many of the health conditions are now treatable, so most people with Down syndrome lead a healthy life. Life expectancy for people with Down syndrome has increased dramatically – from 25 years in 1983 to 60 years today. DSNetwork has been a vital resource for the Arizona Down syndrome community for over 20 years, providing valuable information, resources, programs, and events that enhance […] More

The Foundation for Blind Children is pleased to announce it has received a $61,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities These funds will support FBC’s Teen to Work program and serve approximately 18 visually impaired teens, ages 15-19. The Teen to Work program is a six-week residential program on the campus of ASU that prepares students for their first experience in the job market. Students will gain real life experience in working and living on their own. “Thunderbirds Charities have been a part of blind students’ lives every step of the way: to the top of mountains, across canyons and into college,” said Marc Ashton, CEO Foundation for Blind Children. “Only 30% of blind adults in the U.S. work. We know our adults can work. Our graduates are engineers, judges, attorneys, teachers, business owners and even doctors.” Foundation for Blind Children This grant is part of the Spring 2023 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees. More

Thunderbirds Charities has announced it will grant $5,000 to support Rosie’s House, one of the largest free afterschool music programs in the United States. Located on 9th St. and Jefferson in downtown Phoenix, Rosie’s House provides free music lessons to underserved youth, ages 4 – 18. Programs include group and private instruction for a wide array of music including piano, strings, brass and winds, mariachi, choir, guitar, digital music and percussion. Rosie’s House also has a new early childhood music program or ages 4 – 6, which have proven to develop critical learning skills leading to success in kindergarten. Funding from Thunderbirds Charities will support enrollment and sustainment of additional students and will help expand the benefits of Rosie’s House afterschool program to underserved youth in the Phoenix metro-area. In the fall of 2022, Rosie’s House opened its new campus a 15,000 square-foot facility which features the Divine Performance Hall, the Burton Digital Creativity Center, 8 classrooms, private studios for one-on-one instruction, and administrative offices. Currently enrolling over 500 students, the facility also includes the Youth and Family Center Café, serving over 4,000 meals each year to students through a partnership with St. Mary’s Food Bank. “We are so grateful […] More

BLOOM365, a national youth-centered violence prevention organization headquartered in Phoenix, Ariz., recently received a $12,500 grant from Thunderbirds Charities to further its Youth Violence Intervention and Prevention Project (Y-VIPP.) Y-VIPP is an initiative that addresses the individual, relationship, community and societal risk factors associated with youth interpersonal violence perpetration. “We are grateful to Thunderbirds Charities for not only recognizing our mission at BLOOM365, but helping support intervention programs like Y-VIPP, designed to prevent and respond to the perpetration of violence, specifically in Valley youth, teens and young adults ages 11-24,” said BLOOM365 CEO, Donna Bartos. “Thanks in part to these funds, we can continue to implement a comprehensive menu of Y-VIPP services, including the facilitation of BLOOM365’s violence prevention education curriculum in schools and the delivery of behavioral health interventions in schools and counseling services in the community to reduce the risk of Gen Z youth harming others or themselves,” Bartos added. BLOOM365’s Y-VIPP program addresses the individual, relationship, community, and societal risk factors associated with youth interpersonal violence perpetration. It includes a team of licensed counselors, intervention specialists and youth mentors who provide services and programming to support the social, emotional and behavioral health needs of Valley youth. While […] More

Thunderbirds Charities generously awarded $25,000 to Childsplay to support its In-school Performance Program. The program forms the core of Childsplay’s operations, bringing professional theatre productions to schools across the state. More than half of Childsplay’s school audiences live at or below the poverty level. “Our goal is to provide access to theatre and arts education, to all Arizona children, by removing financial and geographical barriers. This is possible because of the continuous support of Thunderbirds Charites” said Ernesto Ortiz, Director of Development at Childsplay. It is estimated that one in five Arizona K-6 students will see a Childsplay production at their school. All performances are specifically tied to both academic curriculum and the experience of being a child today. During Childsplay’s 2022-2023 season, more than 20,000 children in over 50 schools experienced live theatre through an in-school performance of ‘TOMAS AND THE LIBRARY LADY.’ The play revolves around the son of migrant farm workers, who meets a librarian who introduces him to the wonderful world of books. This is the inspiring true story of Tomás Rivera, who grew up in a migrant worker family, befriended a librarian in Iowa, and learned to love books and the places they took him. […] More

House of Refuge Sunnyslope, Inc. (HRS) is pleased to announce that it received a generous grant from Thunderbirds Charities to fund the renovation of six apartments at their new Mountain View property. The $50,000 grant provided remodeling of six apartments, including updates to lighting, kitchens, and bathrooms – creating, safe, clean homes for women and children to rebuild their lives and move out of homelessness. The project addressed a desperate need, the Maricopa County 2023 Point-In-Time Count counted 9,642 homeless people in Maricopa County. This was an increase of 7% from the previous year. Of these, 51% are unsheltered. The top reason cited for being unsheltered was the lack of available housing units or shelter space. HRS responded to this escalating need by purchasing nine parcels containing 22 apartments that will provide more housing for women and children. “Partners like Thunderbirds Charities have enabled us to quickly respond to the growing homeless crisis, resulting in a 45% increase in our capacity to provide safe, clean housing.” Julie Supplee, HRS CEO. House of Refuge Sunnyslope This grant is part of the Fall 2022 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees. More

Billy’s Place is a free Children’s Grief Support Center in the West Valley. There are very few programs that cater to children when it comes to grief and loss. Billy’s Place is serving that need by offering ongoing support/education groups each month which include the loss of a parent, loss of a sibling, YA Grief (Young Adult), Teen Chill, TLG (Traumatic Loss Group which includes losses of suicide, homicide, and overdose) as well as a kicking back night for children only. The children participate in activities that are designed to help them discuss death through play, art, storytelling, music, and talking. With assistance from Thunderbirds Charities, Billy’s Place can expand its programs and expects to serve over 6,500 individuals benefiting from increased access to support/resources throughout their grief journey that will positively impact their mental and physical well-being. Funding from the Thunderbirds Charities will support program expansion across all programs, school-based training, and community outreach. “We are so thankful to the Thunderbirds Charities and their commitment to children and grief in Maricopa County”, stated Kris Friedman, Executive Director. “I always say it is so bittersweet as our numbers are growing dramatically with families coming to Billy’s Place. The reason behind […] More

Thunderbirds Charities recently awarded Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona with a $12,500 grant to support programs for children who have experienced the trauma of abuse, homelessness, or neglect.  Funds from the grant will be used to support a variety of programs, including the Professional Art Series which gives children an opportunity to learn art from a professional teaching artist while building confidence in their skills, the Camp Series where children attend week-long day camps to explore their personal stories, and Free Arts Days that bring children from different social service agencies come together at an arts and culture venue for a day of intentional art activities with adult volunteer mentors. The Weekly Mentor Program, Alumni Program, Free Arts Family Program, and Bravery Bags will also benefit from the grant, helping children build trusting relationships, develop practical and academic skills, and receive pre-packaged activities for those with limited access to our programs. “We are delighted to continue supporting Free Arts mission,” said Michael Golding, President of Thunderbirds Charities. “They are providing important and therapeutic work to children in our community. Each year, they positively impact children with their programs and provide them with a way to express themselves and […] More

Save the Family is honored to be the recipient of $100,000 for their Homeless Families Intervention Project which encompasses their housing, case management, and supportive services that provide critical support for families facing homelessness. This funding comes at a time when our community is facing an affordable housing crisis—with just 21 units of affordable housing for every 100 families in need. For far too many, the skyrocketing inflation, cost of housing, childcare, and household expenses in the current economy is making it difficult, if not impossible, to remain stably housed or improve economic mobility. The majority of families served by Save the Family are headed by a single mother with 2-3 children under the age of 6 years old. As the leading and oldest family homeless provider serving the East Valley communities of Maricopa County, Save the Family is committed to meeting the needs of struggling and vulnerable families. This grant from Thunderbirds Charities directly supports over 550 families, including nearly 900 children, who are experiencing homelessness and poverty in our community. Save the Family is grateful for the continued commitment and this investment from the Thunderbird Charities that builds a community free from family homelessness, where every person has […] More

Hushabye Nursery is excited to announce a $100,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities help us care for the tiniest victims of the opioid crisis – babies born withdrawing from opioids they were exposed to in the womb (NAS) – and their parents who are struggling with opioid use disorder. “With the on-going support of Thunderbird Charities, we can provide a light at the end of the tunnel for substance exposed babies and families that need our help,” says Tara Sundem, Hushabye Nursery Co-Founder, Executive Director and Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, “and for that we are extremely grateful.” According to the Arizona Department of Health Services (AZDHS), more than 2,400 newborns were diagnosed between 2017-2020 with NAS, the excruciatingly painful withdrawal from opioids they were exposed to in the womb. Even with that number, AZDHS affirms NAS is underreported. “It is horrific to watch. Once you see one baby withdrawing, you will never, ever forget it,” says Tara.In the nursery, Hushabye uses the “Eat/Sleep/Console” (ESC) assessment tool and care model. This proven soothing technique requires 24/7, one-on-one attention to each baby with NAS. This includes immediate reaction to her ear-piercing cry of physical agony; continually holding her as she trembles uncontrollably; and putting […] More

Mesa Arts Center is excited to announce a $10,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities supporting MABEL, the Mobile Art-Based Engagement Lab, providing access to arts in underserved communities. This grant enables MABEL to offer free hands-on art experiences and activities to create connections, spark creativity, catalyze change and prompt discussion. MABEL is a colorful 12-foot modular trailer offering the flexibility to provide an ideal space for any artistic experience. Intended to be an extension of the Mesa Arts Center campus, MABEL serves as an easy access point for anyone to engage with the arts. “Community-building engagement is at the core of our mission,” said Danica Marlin, community engagement specialist at Mesa Arts Center. “Thunderbirds have been our biggest champion in this effort affording us the resources and support to continually create experiences to be out in the community with one another.” Mesa Arts Center This grant is part of the Fall 2022 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees. More

A generous donation of $133,000 from Thunderbirds Charities will support the transformation of Central Arizona Shelter Services’ Family Shelter Welcome Center. CASS has provided safe shelter for families experiencing homelessness since its founding and the program evolved through the years into a separate shelter location in Sunnyslope that is tailored specifically to the needs of families and their children. Founded in 1984, CASS is Arizona’s largest, longest-serving, and most experienced emergency shelter provider, annually serving thousands of adults and families with shelter, a four-tiered trauma-informed case management program, and a full array of housing services. As the second largest family emergency shelter in the Phoenix Metropolitan area, CASS’s Family Shelter is a 30-unit converted apartment complex that provides families experiencing homelessness with emergency and transitional shelter, case management, and supportive services. Up to 36 families, or 120 to 150 individuals, stay at this apartment shelter each night, the majority of whom are children. Over 30% of the families served are fleeing domestic violence and 18% were staying in places not meant for habitation, such as in their cars or on the streets, before coming to the shelter. Families from a variety of backgrounds can access shelter quickly and begin participating […] More

The Arizona Burn Foundation is grateful to receive a $50,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities to support our Helping Others Promoting Empowerment (HOPE) Services. Funding will be used to support HOPE services which begins the moment a burn survivor is admitted to the Burn Unit at Banner University Medical Center Tucson and the Arizona Burn Center at Valleywise. In the initial crisis, short-term emergency needs are offered, including: lodging, transportation, financial assistance, meal vouchers, and emotional support to families. Upon hospital discharge, long-term transitional services, focused on helping burn survivors not just survive their injuries but thrive in their post-injury life. Chloe’s story is a fitting example of this. Chloe was injured at an early age when boiling water spilled onto her lap. Her mother, like many in the same situation, was uncertain about how to move forward. Thanks to the partnership with the Arizona Burn Center, the Arizona Burn Foundation contacted Chloe and her family to provide her emergency needs and emotional support. Since receiving the Thunderbird Charities grant, the Arizona Burn Foundation has impacted burn survivors and their families such as Chloe’s. Nick is a parent of a child survivor that attended Camp Nurture earlier this year: a camp […] More

For 10 years, Almost Famous Theatre Company members have performed their way across the valley’s stages creating deep personal bonds with their fellow actors while entertaining their audiences. At the heart of this company is the youth program where talent and passion is developed and nurtured in a supportive learning environment.  A generous grant of $5,000 from Thunderbirds Charities allows the transformative experiences and opportunities offered by the Almost Famous Theatre Company youth program to reach more children eager to hone their craft and be a part of a collaborative whole. Thunderbirds Charities support will have an immediate impact as the youth program kicks off the new year with a horde of spunky, revolting children in the musical adaptation of Roald Dahl’s beloved Matilda. What better place for young aspiring actors to build their confidence than by portraying empowered, courageous children in a live theatre environment! The caliber of Almost Famous Theatre Company’s productions have continued to rise to AriZoni award-winning levels. With this grant, the potential for growth is endless as these children have increasing opportunities to express themselves, connect with their audiences and each other, and make memorable pieces of impactful art that bring joy to the community. Almost […] More

Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) & Thunderbirds Charities have joined forces once again in 2022-23 to collaborate on the “Creating A Positive Sports & Youth Development Legacy For All Kids”. Through Thunderbirds Charities and its generous support of PCA with a $50,000 grant, PCA will have the opportunity to expand its work with underfunded schools and Youth Sports Organizations to teach valuable leadership and life skills/ lessons that can be taught through sports. “The tremendous impact that Thunderbirds Charities has had on amplifying the mission of PCA over the years has been a big reason why we are so successful here in Arizona, said Rich Tomey, PCA Regional Director. “Without this critical 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.” Some of the lessons learned will be: Leadership Training: sets the table for success by aligning School Administrators, Staff and Coaches to achieve […] More

A recent grant awarded to Veterans Heritage Project (VHP) from Thunderbirds Charities will support the organization’s character and civic education program which Connects Students with Veterans.TM Grant funds are supporting critical program elements such as technology licenses; training and appreciation activities for the volunteer teachers; and community book reception expenses. The after-school program is conducted through school chapters (clubs.) Middle and high school students learn about history, citizenship, service, and leadership by interviewing veterans, and documenting their service stories, the significance and impact on their lives and careers, and life lessons. They write each veteran’s story, learn Adobe software to layout and publish the stories in the student publication, Since You Asked,TM and preserve the oral history video in the Library of Congress. Students become published authors. At the end of each school year students honor veterans at free community book-signing events. On May 28, 2023 at Chateau Luxe event venue, local school partners and their honored veterans will gather for this memorable event. The public is welcome and will have the opportunity to meet veterans during a book signing. As a result of Thunderbirds Charities support, academics are enriched and students develop character and 21st century skills. Veterans feel […] More

Thunderbirds Charities generously granted $25,000 to Live & Learn’s transformative Economic Empowerment for Women program. This program supports women who are experiencing poverty, homelessness, and domestic violence. In the two-year, intense program, women complete their education, begin a good-wage career, and end their reliance on government assistance. They build a brighter future for themselves, their children, and the community. The funding provided by the Thunderbirds Charities will support direct financial assistance for 200 women in 2023, as they work their way through Live & Learn’s program. This financial assistance can help with costs that would otherwise prevent a woman from moving forward with her education and career. Often, these costs include bus passes, job-required uniforms, internet access, eyeglasses, and similar necessities. As Executive Director Kristin Chatsworth explains, “We see women who are absolutely determined to earn their certifications and start a great career. Thunderbirds Charities is making sure that nothing stands in their way, and we are so grateful.” The demand for Live & Learn’s Economic Empowerment for Women program has grown dramatically in the past three years, since the beginning of the Covid-19 Pandemic. Thanks to generous donations and funding from groups like the Thunderbirds Charities, Live & Learn […] More

Feeding Matters, the first organization in the world dedicated to advancing the system of care for pediatric feeding disorder (PFD), is pleased to announce it has received a $40,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities. This impactful gift, which is a part of the Fall 2022 grantee cycle, will support the organization’s Arizona Grassroots Outreach, Education and Support Initiative, which aims to spread awareness and screenings for PFD improving thousands of children’s ability to receive proper nutrition, promoting their healthy development, and increasing their access to quality medical care in Greater Phoenix. The limited diversity in the current demographic being reached by Feeding Matters’ programs highlights the importance of expanding the accessibility of our resources to reach vulnerable families in underserved communities. As a result, grant funding will be used towards the following: Meeting with organizations in the early childhood development space, with high-risk populations for comorbidities, and with government entities to share important information and resources on PFD. It will also support families that contact Feeding Matters by matching them with a parent coach/mentor. Additionally, it will allow the organization to provide more grassroots outreach by partnering with others, translating resource materials, and identifying additional areas in the local community that need […] More

Future for KIDS is grateful to receive a $15,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities to support STEM Outreach. Our dedicated team travels throughout the community inspiring thousands of kids to explore Science-Technology-Engineering-Math through activities that are fun and engaging. Our fully equipped STEM van can be seen all over the Valley meeting kids and their families and sharing the importance of STEM learning. STEM education gives kids skills that make them more employable and ready to meet the current labor demand. It encompasses the whole range of experiences and skills. Each STEM component brings a valuable contribution to a well-rounded education. Science gives learners an in-depth understanding of the world around us. Future for KIDS is proud to be a Thunderbirds Charities grant recipient because their support is the engine that drives our important work with kids. Future for KIDS This grant is part of the Fall 2022 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees. More

As part of its commitment to assist children and families in the Valley, Thunderbirds Charities has awarded Fresh Start Women’s Foundation $100,000 to benefit its Family Law Support (FLS) Program. Contending with family law issues such as divorce, custody, and child support can be daunting and challenging, especially for vulnerable women, including those experiencing domestic violence, who often face this journey alone. Fresh Start’s FLS Program gives these women the tools and resources they need to effectively advocate for themselves and their children in family court. Fresh Start, a 30-year-old Phoenix-based nonprofit serving more than 3,000 women each year, provides access and resources that help women overcome obstacles and empowers them to achieve self- sufficiency and success. Establishing a safe and stable household is often the first step to creating a better life and future. “At Fresh Start, our mission is to provide access and resources that help women achieve self-sufficiency and use their strength to thrive. The majority of the women we serve are single moms earning less than $25,000 per year who need access to resources that will allow them to build a brighter future for themselves and their children,” said Kim McWaters, President and CEO of Fresh […] More

Ryan House announced the receipt of a generous $50,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities to replace the fountain in the nonprofit’s memorial garden as well as to fund its Support-A-Stay Program, which offers short-term, overnight respite care stays that help families take a break from the stress of the constant home care needs of their children with complex medical conditions. All care provided at Ryan House is delivered by an interdisciplinary team that includes a registered nurse, certified nurse assistant, and child life specialist. The care team provides comprehensive child and family-centric care, helping to meet needs such as symptom management and caregiver breakdown. “There is currently no insurance reimbursement for the respite and palliative care provided by Ryan House,” said Ryan House Executive Director Tracy Leonard-Warner. “Thanks to the continued generous support of Thunderbirds Charities, not only will we be able to replace the fountain in our memorial garden where so many of our families find peace and serenity, but we will also be able to provide over 25 sponsored, free-of-charge 24-hour respite stays for children with life-threatening or terminal conditions.” When a child stays at Ryan House for end-of-life care, the organization’s goal is to ensure that their family […] More

The Hope Box Essentials Project supports a wholistic approach to breast cancer treatment and recovery. A personalized box can consist of Breast Prosthesis, Lumpectomy Enhancer Fill Pads, Compression Bras/ Garments, Head Wraps, Wigs, Hats, Radiation Supplies, Compression Sleeves and Mastectomy Bras. These costly products are frequently not covered by insurance and often there is a lack of emotional support services. We are honored to be a recipient of a $10,000 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 was founded to empower all women fighting breast cancer, we believe no woman should battle this disease alone,” said Elizabeth Ayers-Cluff, Founder of Impact One Breast Cancer Foundation. Impact One Breast Cancer Foundation This grant is part of the Fall 2022 cycle. View a list […] More

Arizona Outdoor Adventures (AOA) has been serving males and females, ages 8-14, for the past 25 years in the state of Arizona through outdoor youth tent camps. The youth at these camps are primarily underserved, underprivileged, and often at-risk youth from Maricopa County. Arizona Outdoor Adventures has adopted the mission “To enrich and positively impact children’s lives through fun outdoor activities in the peace and quiet of nature.” AOA partners with various local organizations who provide these youth the opportunities to attend AOA’s outdoor tent camps. Each camp hosts 8-10 youth for a 3-5-day outing in the breathtaking White Mountains in Arizona. Camp participants receive many benefits such as:• Bond with other children and with adults who care about them and want to assist them to reach their potential.• Learn new activities like fishing, hiking, horseback riding, cooking outdoors, etc.• See wildlife in their natural habitat and learn about them.• Physical exercise and lack of technology for a few days.• Much more . . . As a recognized 501(c)3 organization, AOA relies solely on donations and support from individuals, companies, and grants and foundations to provide financial support for its program. One such donor is Thunderbirds Charities of Phoenix who […] More

The Arizona Educational Foundation (AEF®) is the recipient of a $25,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities to support the Arizona State Spelling Bee. Arizona has one of the largest Spelling Bee participation rates in the nation, with 484,122 students competing this year from public, private, parochial and homeschools statewide. For the two students who place first and second place in the State Spelling Bee, AEF supports travel for the students and their chaperones to represent Arizona as official champions in the Scripps National Spelling Bee in National Harbor, Maryland. The Arizona State Spelling is scheduled for Saturday, March 18th, 2023 at the Madison Center for the Arts in Phoenix. The Bee will be open to the public and is free to attend. For more information, visit here. “Having Thunderbirds Charities serve as the presenting sponsor of the Arizona Spelling Bee is incredible,” says Kim Graham, AEF Executive Director. “They do so much to support education in Maricopa county and we are truly honored that they have chosen to support this vital academic opportunity for students.” Arizona Educational Foundation This grant is part of the Fall 2022 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees. More

Every family deserves a home. Since 1996, House of Refuge, Inc. has provided families in crisis a proven path out of homelessness through transitional housing. Professional staff work with residents to help them regain dignity, improve income, work toward self-reliance, and successfully graduate into permanent housing in the community. House of Refuge is pleased to announce that Thunderbirds Charities has “adopted” one of the 88 two-bedroom single-family homes utilized by their transitional housing program. The grant award is sufficient to fund housing and essential social services for a low-income homeless family for an entire year – including utilities, property repairs, household goods, case management, employment assistance, adult education, and youth enrichment programming. “We are honored to receive the continued support of Thunderbirds Charities,” says Kayla Kolar, president and CEO of House of Refuge. “This grant will fund our life-changing work with families in 2023 – and as we strive to break the cycles of multi-generational poverty and homelessness, we hope its full effects will continue to be felt for many years to come.” House of Refuge This grant is part of the Fall 2022 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees. More

The funds will be used to support Esperança’s Children’s Oral Health Education Program, teaching under-resourced Latino children (pre-school – Grade 8) living in Maricopa County, about the importance of good oral health, the need for routine dental visits, and proper daily oral hygiene practices. Esperança will provide 4,000 children, who are at risk of poor oral health (and other health issues as a result), with the education needed to improve their daily oral hygiene practices. “Thanks to the generosity of The Thunderbirds and Thunderbirds Charities, Esperança’s bilingual and bicultural educators will conduct oral health education programs at Title I schools located in predominantly Latino communities throughout the Valley,” says Jeri Royce, President & CEO of Esperança. “This is just one example of how this generous support from Thunderbirds Charities will help us continue our mission to combat poor oral health, obesity and diabetes through our bilingual health education programs.” Esperança’s bilingual and bicultural educators’ partner with Title I schools such as Tolleson, Roosevelt, Wilson, Osborn, Creighton, and Murphy School Districts and will demonstrate how to properly brush and floss, and after the presentation, every program participant will receive a Smile Bag that includes an age-appropriate toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss. […] More