Among Arizona’s 33,000 active service members and their families, a larger number than commonly realized are grappling with financial hardships. The combination of low pay and rising inflation poses a significant challenge in meeting basic needs. Military Assistance Mission is at the forefront of providing critical assistance, offering emergency financial support for rent, mortgage, auto insurance, utilities, auto payments, and food. Additionally, MAM extends special support during major life events, holidays, and assists with continuing education. The $25,000grant from Thunderbirds Charities will play a pivotal role in enhancing MAM’s Financial and Morale Programs, aiming to bring stability and hope to over 2,500 military members and their families in 2024. The funding will be specifically allocated to providing emergency financial assistance and underwriting costs for essential initiatives such as holiday donations (toys/gifts), baby showers, and college/university expenses. “We are profoundly grateful to Thunderbirds Charities for their unwavering commitment to supporting the military community,” said Margy Bons, Founder & CEO at Military Assistance Mission. “This grant will enable us to expand our reach and provide critical assistance to those who have dedicated their lives to serving our country. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of military families facing financial challenges.” Military Assistance […] More

SciTech Institute is pleased to announce it has been awarded a significant grant of $10,000 from Thunderbirds Charities to further its mission of promoting diversity in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education in Arizona through its Chief Science Officers (CSO) program.The generous funding provided by Thunderbirds Charities will enable the CSO program to implement strategic initiatives aimed at increasing access and opportunities for underrepresented students in STEM. This grant aligns with our commitment to fostering an inclusive environment that reflects the diversity of our communities throughout the state.“We are thrilled to receive this support from Thunderbirds Charities,” said Dr. Jeremy Babendure, the Executive Director of SciTech Institute. “This funding will be instrumental in creating programs and initiatives that not only encourage underrepresented individuals to pursue STEM careers but also provide the necessary resources and support to help them succeed.”SciTech Institute has a proven track record of developing innovative STEM education programs, and with the support of Thunderbirds Charities, we aim to expand these efforts to provide our CSOs with unique leadership training and the implementation of individual STEM action plans. Through strategic partnerships, community engagement, and targeted outreach, SciTech Institute will work towards breaking down barriers and promoting equal opportunities […] More

The Arizona Humane Society (AHS) announced today that it received a $12,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities to help support its Humane Teens Program. The gift will be an integral part in continuing to create a stronger system of care for homeless pets throughout the state by inspiring the animal welfare leaders of the future. AHS’ Education and Outreach team positively impacts 300,000 pet lovers through community events and programs each year, with a particular focus on teaching children about compassion towards animals, responsible pet ownership and STEM careers in animal welfare. The Arizona Humane Society’s Humane Teens program is a unique youth leadership program for teenagers between the ages of 14 and 17 who are interested in animal welfare. Becoming a Humane Teen is a special commitment to the Arizona Humane Society that requires 24 hours of service within a school semester. Teens that are part of the program receive training in animal handling skills including leading youth programs and presentations, assisting with the daily care of exotic animals and homeless pets, leadership and career discovery experience, and the accrual of service hours. “We are so grateful for this generous Thunderbirds Charities gift and look forward to the lasting impact […] More

Thunderbirds Charities has awarded a $25,000 grant to ALL In Education to support our efforts to ensure that students in Arizona are achieving academic success in their K-12 education. This partnership will provide ALL In Education with the support to expand the impact of the Parent Educator Academy (PEA), a program aimed at addressing the critical communication gap between schools and families, supporting parents and caregivers in navigating the school system, and developing their agency to influence decisions that affect their families and communities. The Parent Educator Academy began in 2020 in response to the sudden need for families to navigate virtual learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. The program garnered strong community interest and participation, especially from multilingual, Latino families. Since 2020, ALL in Education has successfully delivered PEA to five cohorts of over 550 caregivers across various schools in Arizona. The goal of PEA is to equip Latino and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) parents and caregivers with practical, actionable information to create meaningful, sustainable change that ensures ALL students have the opportunity to reach their full potential and thrive. With a demonstrated track record of increasing participants’ self-confidence and self-efficacy, the PEA curriculum guides participants through […] More

PHOENIX – Phoenix Rescue Mission, the nonprofit providing life-transforming solutions to people experiencing hunger, homelessness, addiction, and trauma, is excited to announce it was recently awarded a $30,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities to fund its Rescue-Assess-Place (RAP) Program, which offers short-term residential care to individuals facing life-controlling crises or trauma. The grant is designed to empower and enhance the RAP Program, which serves as the initial step towards lasting transformation for a diverse range of guests, including people experiencing homelessness, those struggling with addiction, and women seeking refuge from domestic violence. The program offers a typical stay ranging from seven to 30 days, providing vital support during this critical period. PRM ensures that individuals in the program have access to essential amenities, including nutritious food, comfortable bedding, clean clothing, and showers. This comprehensive care addresses the basic needs of those seeking assistance, fostering an environment conducive to positive change. The program offers various services during the initial stay in short-term residential care, including support for legal issues, referrals and transportation for medical needs, access to necessary medication, assistance with securing ID and legal documents, and enrollment in food stamps and Medicaid. Additionally, participants attend a classroom component where teachers cover topics such […] More

Family Promise of Greater Phoenix, a nonprofit addressing family homelessness, has secured a $50,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities. This funding aims to combat the escalating rates of family homelessness in the Phoenix Metro area. The grant will primarily support critical services, including case management, facility maintenance, and the upkeep of transportation. These funds play a pivotal role in Family Promise’s objective to shelter 165 families in 2024. Distinguished by its community-based model, Family Promise relies on religious congregations of all faiths to aid unhoused families. The organization employs 15-passenger vans to transport families nightly and provides intensive case management services, stabilizing families within 60 days and guiding them toward independent housing. Ted Taylor, CEO of Family Promise of Greater Phoenix, expressed gratitude, stating, “Over 600 children in 2024 will have a home, who otherwise wouldn’t, because of our community support.” Amid a 23% surge in eviction filings last year, Thunderbirds’ grant alleviates burdens for families during the transition to stable housing. It covers nonrefundable fees, transportation to job interviews, and essential needs, aiding families in regaining stability. Pat Williams, President of Thunderbirds Charities, highlighted the efficacy of Family Promise’s unique approach, stating, “Family Promise is working hard to solve important […] More

Artlink, the non-profit that brought First Fridays to Downtown Phoenix has received a $25,000 donation from Thunderbirds Charities to increase diverse artists access to Arizona’s arts economy and ecosystem. That’s one of the missions of Artlink’s new Artinerary platform, which provides customizable and shareable “Artineraries” complete with maps, and directories of participating artists, arts organizations, and venues. This new platform is a bridge between the arts community and a public eager to experience what they have to offer. It gives artists and businesses an opportunity to register events connecting them with the public in a user-friendly platform. Here is a link. This new digital resource for Arizona’s creative community provides critical tools necessary to drive exploration, appreciation, and support. Thunderbirds Charities, a non-profit organization formed in 1986 to distribute monies raised through the WM Phoenix Open, has contributed more than$190 million to numerous charities over the years. “We have a growing number of talented and diverse artists in Arizona who may lack the technical or financial resources to connect with the public. The Artinerary platform can be a critical resource to bridge that gap, making access to the arts just a click away. Our sincere thanks to Thunderbirds Charities for helping to […] More

PHOENIX, AZ (02/13/2024) – Fresh Start Women’s Foundation, a Phoenix-based non-profit dedicated to empowering women on their journeys to self-sufficiency, has received a grant of $100,000 from Thunderbirds Charities to enhance and expand its critical Family Law Support services. This grant is a testament to Thunderbirds Charities’ commitment to giving back to the community, raising funds through the WM Phoenix Open – an event that has become a catalyst for positive change in our community. In 2020, the Thunderbirds Charities Family Law Support Center at Fresh Start was named in their honor. This generous contribution will help Fresh Start enhance its Family Law Support (FLS) Program, a cornerstone initiative that provides vital assistance to women contending with family law issues such as divorce, custody battles, and child support. The additional funding will support the expansion of FLS staff, ensuring increased accessibility for women seeking assistance in order to advocate for themselves and their children in family court. Since 2006, Thunderbirds Charities has donated over $817,000 to Fresh Start, demonstrating their unwavering support for the 4,000+ women and their children served by the organization each year. “The Thunderbirds Charities Family Law Support Center has been instrumental in providing a safe and […] More

The Thunderbirds Charities grant of $50,000 supports Jobs for Arizona’s Graduates (JAG) in their mission to help young people stay in school and acquire the academic, personal, leadership and vocational skills they will need to be successful upon graduation. JAG serves more than 1,800 young people at secondary schools and within communities. With this support, JAG will grow their reach in secondary school programs in Maricopa and Pinal Counties and continue meeting needs of young people facing barriers as they work to obtain their diploma and achieve their career goals. Through the program’s for-credit elective course curriculum and co-curricular club, program participants engage in more than 130 hours of career planning, college readiness, job attainment and retention, skill development, employer engagement, and academic remediation. JAG program participants go on to reach their highest potential beyond graduation with a 99.7% graduation rate for the Class of 2022 compared to the statewide graduation rate of 77%. “Arizona’s youth are the key to the future of this state, and it starts with providing them support to realize their potential for careers and post-secondary education that otherwise would’ve been out of reach. No matter their circumstances, JAG supports young people in overcoming those barriers […] More

Thunderbirds Charities is enriching academics and developing 21st century skills in students through a recent grant awarded to Veterans Heritage Project (VHP).Grant funds are supporting the organization’s after-school civic and character education program. Middle school 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 resulting life lessons. They write and publishing each veteran’s story in the student publication, Since You Asked,TM and preserve the oral history video in the Library of Congress. The book includes war and peacetime service stories from veterans of all eras or service branches, in addition to a selected theme for the year. The theme for the 20th Anniversary is Since You Asked XX: A Salute to Gold Star Families. A Gold Star Family is defined by legislation as a “parent, spouse, sibling or child of members of the Armed Forces who died as a result of their service during a period of war.” The legacies of 28 Gold Star experiences are among the 244 veterans’ stories preserved this year.Students will honor the interviewed veterans and Gold Star Families at a free community event on April […] More

Paz de Cristo Community Center has been a recipient of the Thunderbirds Charities Fall 2023 grant award to support relief services for individuals experiencing homelessness. With the expansion of services and programs, the organization plans to serve over 300,000 meals to 12,000 people. Executive Director, Jackie Shelley, states, “We are so grateful for the support the Thunderbirds Charities have given to Paz de Cristo Community Center over the years. They are truly making a difference in the lives of those struggling with hunger, poverty, and homelessness, and we appreciate their partnership in our mission to feed, clothe, and empower our neighbors in need.” Thunderbirds Charities have contributed over $104,000 to Paz de Cristo since 2011. With the continued support of Thunderbirds Charities, Paz de Cristo hopes to help eliminate barriers for those who are struggling to provide healthy and nourishing meals for themselves and their families. Signature programs include food box distributions that provide healthy foods to those who are struggling to afford food or other necessities. This year, the organization plans to focus on removing the barrier of food insecurity by creating a program for those whose finances do not allow them to qualify for SNAP and other government […] More

Feeding Matters, an Arizona based nonprofit pioneering advancements in the system of care for pediatric feeding disorder (PFD), proudly announces the reception of a $40,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities in their Fall 2023 Grant Award Cycle. This significant contribution will specifically support a new initiative for the organization, “Toward Healing: A Transformational Trauma-Informed Model to Support Families Experiencing the Impacts of PFD.” The organization plans to utilize the funding for trauma-informed initiatives, equipping families with essential resources and raising awareness within high-risk populations.PFD affects more than 1 in 37 children under the age of 5 in the US annually, leading to agonizing feeding experiences, refusal to eat, malnutrition and developmental delays. Feeding Matters’ ongoing work has revealed a significant lack of public awareness about the disorder and the intense emotional impact it can have on families, often producing trauma that takes years to unravel. The proposed trauma-informed model addresses this critical gap by integrating medical education and emotional support, transforming the experience of families to enable and empower them as they seek the best care for their children. The grant will elevate Feeding Matters’ existing suite of family support programming by significantly transforming these areas with a trauma-informed lens.Jaclyn Pederson, […] More

The Arizona Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ (AzAAP) has received a $30,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities to serve additional children through its long-standing Medical Services Project (MSP) program. Since 1993, the Medical Services Project has connected thousands of Arizona’s uninsured and underinsured children, whose families earn below 400% of the Federal Poverty Level, with acute and episodic medical care. The program serves children experiencing a lapse in coverage and those who do not qualify for AHCCCS or KidsCare but cannot afford private insurance premiums. Without regular access to adequate health care, children may be unable to participate in class and are at risk for increased school absences. This can lead to poor academic performance and ultimately affect a child’s ability to succeed in school. Furthermore, untreated health conditions can become serious long-term issues. MSP works with health professionals, such as school nurses and community health providers, who refer these children to primary and specialty care practices and services in the program network, including mental and behavioral health, vision, ENT, and more, to receive care they may not receive otherwise. The program offers low-cost medical care via a network of generous program providers who donate their time or drastically […] More

During this critical ‘Back-to-School’ season and throughout the year the generous financial support of Thunderbirds Charities, enables 1,250 teachers and 37,500 students from Title 1 schools in metro Phoenix to benefit from the delivery of essential school supplies. The colorful T4T on Wheels van carries education resources to educators and kids who continue to have a growing need for education basics. Supporting teachers is critical because they are the most front-line impact drivers for our community’s growing students. “Teaching is the one profession that teaches all others,” says Barbara Blalock, Executive Director of Treasures 4 Teachers. “Where would we be if we didn’t have a teacher to educate and inspire us?” Thunderbirds Charities helps to honor educators who are dealing with rising costs and an increasing student opportunity gap. Treasures 4 Teachers has always been available to educators all over the state, but we often hear that they cannot access the essential supplies they need because of time, money, or distance. This year each truckload of free school supplies will be delivered directly to Title 1 schools, serving an average of 50 teachers and 1,500 students in one trip. Most students in Title 1 designated schools live in low-income households […] More

Thunderbirds Charities has awarded Arizona Association for Foster and Adoptive Parents (AZAFAP) with a generous contribution of $15,000 to assist in funding local programs. These funds directly impact the lives of Arizona children from foster care. Below are our programming initiatives describing how we support families in our community. The mission of Arizona Association for Foster and Adoptive Parents: With the goal of increasing the stability, well-being, and connection of Arizona’s foster, kinship, and adoptive families and their children, our purpose is to strengthen and encourage those families through education, financial and emotional support, relationships, and providing opportunity for a voice throughout their journey. AZAFAP’s Embracing Foster, Kinship and Adoptive Families programming includes: Family Connections: One of AZAFAP’s strengths is in providing families the opportunity to socialize and interact to build relationships and to share resources and experiences with other families who are facing similar situations. The Family Connections program activities include: picnics, family camps, staycations, family day out, and many more. Family Support Services: In order for foster, kinship, and adoptive placements to remain stable, it is essential to provide ongoing education and support to the families who commit to care for these children. Our Family Support Services include: […] More

Treasure House, a supportive living residence for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs), is pleased to announce that it has received a $20,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities in support of its Employment and Life Skills Training Program, where in-house Life Coaches work one-on-one with 29 residents to identify and build upon their unique skills. Residents set customized and achievable goals for employment, volunteer engagements, education, and more. The nonprofit’s unique Employment & Life Skills Training Model actively challenges stigmas and stereotypes. Currently, 72% of Treasure House residents are fully or partially employed at 18 local establishments, a contrast to the national average for adults with disabilities. In 2022, 21.3% of persons with disabilities were employed, with 30% in part-time roles, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Through employment opportunities, a substantial number of residents contribute to their monthly expenses, underlining their independence and reduced dependency on social security support. At Treasure House, residents develop a range of life skills, which often include crafting resumes, mastering interviews, refining organizational abilities, and receiving dedicated job coaching. “The experience of gainful employment is a universal right – an inclusive opportunity that should be available to all,” said Lauri Tanner, CEO […] More

Valleywise Health Foundation is delighted to announce a $500,000 contribution from Thunderbirds Charities towards the Thunderbirds Charities Pediatric Burn Unit located inside the Diane and Bruce Halle Arizona Burn Center opening in early 2024. The new 75,000 square-foot Halle Arizona Burn Center was designed from both the patient’s and clinician’s perspective, bringing the functions and features of burn care excellence into one location. The design philosophy and physical layout will foster a sense of safety, openness, collaboration and peer support in recovery and responsiveness – which are key in addressing the trauma associated with burns – as well as a patient’s long-term recovery. “Recovery from a burn injury, both physically and mentally, is a lifelong journey and pediatric patients will be our patients for life,” said Dr. Kevin Foster, Director of the Arizona Burn Center – Valleywise Health. “The new Thunderbirds Charities Pediatric Burn Unit was designed to be a safe space for children to heal, work through the trauma associated with their injuries, and get back to being a kid. This truly meaningful gift will help children and families for generations to come.” The Thunderbirds Charities Pediatric Burn Unit will be a secured wing with private patient rooms, as […] More

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale (BGCS) is thrilled to announce a grant in the amount of $100,000 from Thunderbirds Charities to enhance the organization’s art programs and infuse them with a technology piece to provide programming across multiple Clubhouses. The funding will empower the Clubs to provide an enriched creative learning experience for all members ages five to 18, fostering artistic expression and technological innovation. The funding from Thunderbirds Charities will be instrumental in implementing a series of transformative initiatives and use of technology to bring specialized art programming and feature local working artists at all Club locations: “Thunderbirds Charities commitment to the community’s youth is quite simply put, unwavering,” said Ivan Gilreath, BGCS CEO. “This collaboration will leave a lasting impact on the lives of countless children across all of our 9 branch locations, nurturing their creativity and enriching their personal and artistic development.” Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale (BGCS) This grant is part of the Spring 2023 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees. More

Thunderbirds Charities, the charitable giving arm of the Thunderbirds, hosts of the WM Phoenix Open, awarded $25,000 to Aster Aging, Inc. (Aster). This generous award supports the Aster Neighbors Program. Through this program, volunteers are matched with homebound seniors in the East Valley, providing assistance with essential daily activities such as transportation to medical appointments, prescription pick-up, help with grocery shopping, and friendly visits and phone calls. Through these activities, the Neighbors program reduces isolation, increases access to essential medical and basic need resources, and promotes independence via improved nutrition, physical health, 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 local homebound residents 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 excited to support such a great mission,” said Pat Williams, President of Thunderbirds Charities. Aster Aging, Inc. (Aster) This grant is part of the Spring 2023 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees. More

Stand for Children Arizona is overjoyed to disclose a notable grant of $25,000, generously given by Thunderbirds Charities to our Growing Readers Program. This meaningful investment is a shining endorsement of our combined resolve to conquer literacy challenges among young learners, particularly those from Spanish-speaking families. The Growing Readers Program, a direct expansion of our successful Every Child Reads initiative, serves as a testament to Thunderbirds Charities’ deep-rooted commitment to bettering the lives of children and families. With their support, we’re bridging the gap between schools and homes, extending our reach by offering dynamic, flexible workshops to Spanish-speaking families. Our commitment, in tandem with Thunderbirds Charities, is to deliver both print and digital books to families in need, and orchestrating family workshops in English and Spanish, remains resolute. Arizona’s pressing issue of low reading rates poses a significant challenge to the economic prosperity of our children’s future. Yet, Thunderbirds Charities’ support reinvigorates our mission. For over a decade, Stand for Children Arizona, backed by this collaborative spirit, has been equipping parents with vital tools and resources to enrich their children’s educational experience and bolster literacy rates across the state. Together, we stand firm in our belief that with the correct […] More

Arizona Helping Hands is the state’s largest provider of essential needs to children in foster care. Thanks to a generous $50,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities, the organization will be well positioned to continue providing support to thousands of foster families.   The grant will fund the Essential Needs Program which supplies children with the basics they need to thrive during their foster care journey. The program focuses on providing a safe place to sleep by distributing twin beds, cribs and linens. Every foster infant or toddler who comes through the Arizona Helping Hands warehouse receives a convertible bed that will grow with them. Older children receive a twin bed kit with a pillow and bedding set. Bedding is not the only essential provided by Arizona Helping Hands. The warehouse also serves as a shopping center where foster families can select items for the foster children in their care once a month, including clothing, diapers, wipes, educational activities, personal hygiene kits and backpacks all free of charge. This program recently expanded through the first-ever Mobile Unit Delivery Program which significantly increases access to back-to-school and basic essentials to foster children across the state by visiting remote areas and distributing essential items. […] 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 designing clothing from recycled materials, painting skateboards, decorating gourds, acrylic painting, drum making, rain sticks, and kaleidoscopes. 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 opportunities for artistic exploration. The funds raised […] 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 $25,000 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 to have Thunderbirds Charities’ support for our ARCHKids program! Their contribution means we can continue to provide quality care and enrichment activities for children in our community, in our ARCHKids Summer Day Camps and ARCHKids After-School programs.” ARCH’s Executive Director, Kip Murray, said “We are thrilled to be endorsed once again this year by Thunderbirds Charities. They are […] More

Homeless I.D. Project received a grant in the amount of $100,000 from Thunderbirds Charities in support of the “ID Empowers Our Community” Program. Funding will provide what for many is the critical first step of identification replacement services needed to end and prevent homelessness.  “We are very grateful for this vital grant from Thunderbirds Charities,” said Executive Director Rick Mitchell. “An ID provides tangible help for individuals working toward ending their homelessness. It also infuses value to the community as newly empowered individuals are able to engage, to support themselves and their families, and to contribute to the community by reducing resources spent on homelessness.” Homeless I.D. Project’s Director of Programs, Eric Ortega, added that, “an ID is not the first thing we think about when considering the state of homelessness, but without an ID, people are stuck. There is no opportunity to get a job, housing, or even basic services. There is no way out.” During 2022, Homeless I.D. Project provided 12,143 documents, including 8,000 state-issued IDs and 4,000 replacement copies of birth certificates from all 50 states from their office in the Brian Garcia Welcome Center on the Human Services Campus in Downtown Phoenix and in outreach programs […] More

Thunderbirds Charities provided a generous grant of $75,000 to improve the academic success of low-income, at-risk youth who are failing in school, lack positive role models, experience daily stressors (i.e., gang influences, difficult home lives, etc.), feel they have no future, and are considering dropping out of school. Since 2009, Elevate Phoenix has helped thousands of these youth remain in school, graduate, and move on to college and a career. The Thunderbirds Charities grant will support Elevate Phoenix’s fourth pipeline, which is comprised of one high school and one feeder elementary/middle school. The grant will enable Elevate Phoenix to serve up to 2,500 more low-income, at-risk youth each year. “We are tremendously grateful to Thunderbirds Charities for this very generous grant,” said Dalila Gamper, Executive Director. “The funding will help thousands more at-risk youth stay in school, advance to college and a career, and ultimately break the cycle of poverty. Our unique, relationship-based model is very successful. For 14 years, Elevate Phoenix has kept thousands of at-risk youth in school and helped them succeed and advance to college and a career. Its one-of-a-kind relationship-based approach makes youth WANT to come to school, where they feel cared about, are greeted warmly every morning, […] More

Special Olympics Arizona received a $130,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities, the charitable giving arm of The Thunderbirds – hosts of the WM Phoenix Open – during the 2023 Spring Funding Cycle.  The funds will be used to support SOAZ’s 2023-2024 athletic season that will include area and regional competitions, as well as its four major statewide competitions in the Fall of 2023 and Spring/Summer of 2024 that will feature more than 1,000 athletes from all across the state of Arizona participating in each state competition. “We have had an outstanding partnership with Thunderbirds Charities, and we can’t thank them enough once again for such a generous grant,” Heckerman said.  “Their continued support goes a long way to helping Special Olympics Arizona serve our more than 14,000 athletes all across the state of Arizona, with specialized programming and more importantly, with our statewide competitions.  We are excited for the upcoming 2023-24 competition season.” With this grant from Thunderbirds Charities, SOAZ athletes will have more opportunities to demonstrate excellence, improve their physical fitness, and create relationships through sports. “Special Olympics Arizona holds a special place in the heart of The Thunderbirds, and witnessing the remarkable growth and success of this organization over […] More

Girl Scouts Arizona Cactus-Pine Council (GSACPC) has been awarded a $50,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities. The funds will be used to support the organization’s GS Impact program, which provides year-round leadership training, extracurricular activities, and after school programming to girls across Maricopa County who may otherwise face a lack of access to Girl Scouting. “Thanks to the generous support from The Thunderbirds and Thunderbirds Charities, we will be able to continue to eliminate financial barriers for families in Maricopa County and introduce 500 girls to our impactful life skills, leadership, outdoor activities, and STEM programming,” said Mary Mitchell, co-CEO of GSACPC. “As girls and their families navigate difficult circumstances due to the effects of the pandemic and rising costs of rent, groceries and basic needs, Thunderbirds Charities is helping us create an environment where every girl can find a sisterhood and themselves.” With 85 percent of GSACPC membership located in Maricopa County, the inclusive contribution from Thunderbirds Charities supports GSACPC’s commitment to serving girls from every economic, racial, ethnic, and religious background, and girls of all abilities through immersive and fun experiences like A Taste of Summer Camp, which is slated for spring 2024 at The Bob & Renee Parsons […] More

Funding for Educare’s Extended Day program will maximize learning and kindergarten preparation time as it operates year-round from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. It also provides working parents, many of whom are more stressed than ever due to the economic and social impact of the pandemic, with the confidence that their child is spending their day in a safe, high quality preschool program. “For years, Educare Arizona has operated this nationally recognized, evidence-based early childhood program for young children and their families,” said Karen Ramos, Board President of Educare Arizona. “We are grateful to Thunderbirds Charities for this grant and their support of our efforts to expand the impact of our extended day program.” The investments made today in young children provide an important foundation for human development, with critical in-the-long-run links to economic earnings and opportunity later in life. More and more evidence suggests that there are aspects of early skills – achievement, behavior, and mental health—that if improved early in life can improve children’s life chances. Educare Arizona This grant is part of the Spring 2023 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees. More

Southwest Human Development receives $25,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities! Children are best supported when parents, caregivers and professionals have access to information and resources that meet their individual needs and circumstances. Since 2005, the Helpline has been a trusted resource in our community, providing free access to evidence-based information, unhurried and thorough support focused on allowing caregivers to feel effective and empowered regarding their parenting capacities, and vetted community resources and referrals matched to the individual needs of participants. “The Birth to Five Helpline would not be possible without the financial support we receive from Thunderbirds Charities,” said Jake Adams, Chief Development Officer of Southwest Human Development. “Because of their support, Arizonans across our state have access to early childhood experts to help them through challenging behaviors and assistance to better understand their young child.” The Helpline stands as a crucial primary prevention and early intervention tool that is unique in our state and exceedingly rare in the country. The support of Thunderbirds Charities is vital to maintaining this valuable resource in Arizona. Southwest Human Development This grant is part of the Spring 2023 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees. More

Benevilla was recently awarded a $17,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities to adopt a new technology software program called Memory Lane Games, to further improve the quality of life of their Life Enrichment Day program members. A personalized “reminiscence” platform, it enhances cognitive stimulation and provides an entertaining and therapeutic experience to individuals living with dementia. This new software improves family connections, creating engagements which are meaningful and joyful for everyone and provides personalized family reporting. Caregivers like the system as it calms and distracts agitated individuals so therapeutic or medical care can be provided. “They love the questions, photos and ease of use. The layout and text are colorful yet simple. Each quiz is short and has no time limits which is perfect for them” stated the caregiver of a loved one with dementia. The generous grant from Thunderbirds Charities will provide application access for 40 program members across the 3 Benevilla Life Enrichment programs. Specifically, the grant support will pay for monthly memberships, the purchase of iPads for the programs, and the application training for staff and family members. A simple, yet sophisticated user interface, the application can be used on a dedicated iPad to upload personal photos or […] More