Thunderbirds Charities has awarded a $50,000 grant to First Place–Phoenix for accessibility upgrades at the supportive residential property for adults with autism and/or developmental disabilities. The grant will fund the installation of additional handicap door push buttons on all main doors, including access to the Thunderbirds Charities sports pool, and upgrades to public restrooms to meet or exceed current accessibility standards. First Place–Phoenix, First Place® AZ’s flagship property, is an 81,000-square-foot apartment community for more than 65 residents offering a suite of supports, amenities and community life activities. “First Place AZ is thrilled the generous Thunderbirds Charities grant will enable First Place-Phoenix to be even more accessible and supportive for our residents as they gain independent living skills,” said Denise D. Resnik, First Place AZ founder and president/CEO. “First Place is grateful for the longtime partnership with Thunderbirds Charities. Their enduring commitment improves our community and levels the playing field for everyone.” Thunderbirds Charities is a nonprofit organization formed in 1986 to distribute funds raised through the WM Phoenix Open golf tournament. Thunderbirds Charities has impacted innumerable lives in Arizona and beyond by granting nearly $200 million since its inception. For more information or to get involved, email info@firstplaceaz.org or […] More

A grant from Thunderbirds Charities is providing support to the Music Therapy Rock Band program through Higher Octave Healing. Established in 2013, the Rock Band program provides opportunities for teens and adults with developmental disabilities to learn to play in a band while gaining valueable life skills. The program currently consists of 12 bands and 54 participants, with growth expected later this year. Each week, the bands meet to rehearse, guided by a Board-Certified Music Therapist and skilled volunteers,learning to play guitars, drums, and keyboards and preparing to perform. Each year, every band participates in at least one live public performance and one music video production project to share with their community. Funding supports program staffing, facility expenses, and equipment and supply upgrades. In 2025, Higher Octave Healing transitioned into a new facility. Funding from Thunderbirds Charities was key in helping the organization outfit the new program space with instruments and materials needed to help band members thrive. The new space and support will provide new opportunities for recording and music production for years to come. “Participating in Rock Band is an important opportunity for band members to learn valuable life skills while expressing themselves artistically and connecting with their […] More

Thunderbirds Charities underscored its commitment to education and literacy by awarding $25,000 to the Arizona Educational Foundation (AEF) in support of the Arizona Spelling Bee. This program, which AEF has facilitated since 2001, acts the state qualifier for the Scripps National Spelling Bee. In 2024, 531,990 of Arizona’s students participated in school and district bees around the state. “Spelling Bees are gateways to academic excellence and confidence-building for students,” said AEF’s CEO Kim Graham. “Every child deserves the opportunity to participate, regardless of their school’s financial standing. This generous grant from the Thunderbird Charities ensures Spelling Bees remain a vibrant and inclusive educational tool for years to come.” The funding will allow AEF to help Title I schools cover the Scripps enrollment fees and will help AEF cover the cost of broadcasting the Arizona Spelling Bee finals statewide. It also offsets the costs of sending the top two Arizona winners and their chaperones to Maryland to compete in the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee. This year’s national bee marks the 100th anniversary of this tradition that builds self-confidence and improves oral and written literacy skills. “The Thunderbirds are committed to programs that serve Arizona’s youth,” said George Thimsen, President of […] More

The Agua Fria Food & Clothing Bank is proud to reaffirm our commitment to providing nutritious food to families and individuals in need, through a generous grant from the Thunderbirds Charities. This contribution will directly help strengthen our efforts in combating food insecurity in the southwest valley. As a nonprofit organization, AFFCB has served as a vital resource for individuals and families facing hardship, ensuring that no one goes hungry. With the support of donors like Thunderbirds Charities, we are able to reach more people, and build partnerships that will allow us to address food insecurity with greater efficiency and compassion. “We are incredibly grateful for the continued support from Thunderbirds Charities. Their generosity allows us to continue to provide hope to our southwest valley neighbors by providing for their most fundamental needs.” said Leanne Leonard, Executive Director of the Agua Fria Food & Clothing Bank. “Every contribution makes a tangible difference, and together, we are helping to build a stronger, healthier community.” Donors can continue to support the Agua Fria Food & Clothing Bank through monetary contributions, food drives, and volunteer opportunities. For more information on how to get involved or donate, please visit www.AFFCB.org or contact info@affcb.org or […] More

Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels (AHRA) is proud to announce that it has been awarded a generous $25,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities to support its Comfort and Care program. This grant will provide critical resources to families in Arizona whose children are battling cancer or other life-threatening illnesses. The Comfort and Care program offers a comprehensive range of services, including counseling, mother mentoring, mindfulness sessions, and wellness support, all designed to alleviate the emotional and mental toll of childhood cancer on families. By addressing the unique needs of both children and caregivers, AHRA ensures that families receive the support they need during one of the most difficult times of their lives. “We are deeply grateful to Thunderbirds Charities for their continued support and for recognizing the impact our Comfort and Care program has on families facing childhood cancer,” said Lorraine Tallman, Founder of Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels. “This grant will allow us to expand our reach and provide even more families with the tools they need to heal and cope with the emotional challenges of this journey.” The Comfort and Care program is part of AHRA’s larger mission to provide emotional support to families, which includes services such as free counseling, […] More

Mission of Mercy Arizona (MOM), a Phoenix-based nonprofit dedicated to providing free primary medical services to the uninsured, recently received a $50,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities to support access to healthcare, medication management, and chronic disease education. Through six clinics operating five days weekly across the Valley and a network of more than 100 volunteer doctors, nurses and medical interpreters, MOM’s mobile medical program provides approximately 2,000 patients with free medical care and vital prescription medications each year. According to the latest U.S. Census, 10.7% of Maricopa County residents have no health insurance, meaning 475,000 people in the county cannot afford quality, reliable healthcare. “Thunderbirds Charities has been a vital partner of ours for nearly two decades,” said Paula Carvalho, executive director of Mission of Mercy Arizona. “With their generous support, our clinics fill the gap in healthcare services to vulnerable populations and remove barriers to care, ensuring patients have an equitable, reliable medical home to meet their health needs.” Unlike other free or low-cost clinics, Mission of Mercy Arizona has no cumbersome prequalification process, which can deter people from seeking medical help. MOM’s patients do not qualify for AHCCCS (Medicaid) or cannot afford private health insurance. Additionally, approximately 91% […] More

ALL In Education is proud to announce that Thunderbirds Charities has awarded a $25,000 grant to support our mission of ensuring students across Arizona thrive in their K-12 education. This generous funding will allow us to expand the Parent Educator Academy (PEA)—a program designed to bridge the communication gap between schools and families, empower caregivers with the knowledge to navigate the education system, and amplify their ability to advocate for their children’s success. The Parent Educator Academy was launched in 2020 as a response to the challenges families faced in navigating virtual learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, the program has become a cornerstone of ALL In Education’s efforts, particularly among multilingual Latino families. To date, PEA has served over 716 caregivers through 9 Cohorts, helping them gain confidence, knowledge, and agency in their children’s education. The goal of PEA is to equip Latino and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) parents and caregivers with actionable insights and resources to drive meaningful change. The curriculum covers essential topics such as: PEA alumna and now Parent Facilitator Tatiana Perez shares the program’s impact:“This (PEA) gives parents the guidance to truly get involved, understand how it works, and also be […] More

PHOENIX—U.S.VETS Phoenix, a leading residential and service provider for veterans experiencing homelessness, was recently awarded a grant from Thunderbirds Charities to enhance mental health services for unhoused and at-risk veterans. The grant expands services through clinical assessments, mental health counseling, peer support and life-skills classes for this vulnerable subset of the local veteran population. Although the number of homeless veterans in the county is declining following a national trend, the need for services remains high. U.S.VETS Phoenix estimates that more than half of its clients suffer from mental health issues, and nearly half suffer from substance use disorders.Over the next year, nearly all veterans will be screened for mental health, substance use and other disorders. Services include individual and group counseling, peer support and life skills classes. The goal is for more veterans to find stability and enter permanent homes. “This generous grant allows us to focus on the whole person and trauma-informed care,” said Michelle Jameson, U.S.VETS Phoenix executive director. “Our therapeutic community heals individuals emotionally while supporting life skills, behaviors and overall well-being.” U.S.VETS Phoenix This grant is part of the Fall 2024 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees. More

PHOENIX – Phoenix Rescue Mission, a nonprofit providing life-transforming solutions to people experiencing hunger, homelessness, addiction, and trauma, is excited to announce it was recently awarded a $50,0000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities to fund its Rescue-Place-Assess Program, a residential triage initiative designed to support individuals experiencing homelessness or seeking recovery from addiction or other life-controlling problems. “Outside of our street outreach efforts, the RAP program is the most immediate intervention we can provide our unhoused neighbors,” said Ken Brissa, Phoenix Rescue Mission CEO. “This incredibly generous grant will allow us to continue the life saving work our case managers are doing with the mission of helping Valley residents in need end the cycle of homelessness.” 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. The primary aim of RAP is to intervene during crises, provide a safe and supportive environment while guiding individuals towards sustainable goals.RAP receives referrals from various sources, including first responders, the criminal justice system, social service providers, businesses, and churches. Upon admission to RAP, clients receive essential amenities such as a bed, clean clothing, and access to nutritious meals […] More

Duet: Partners In Health & Aging was recently awarded a $30,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities to support the operations and expansion of Duet’s kinship care services into Tempe and Maryvale. The expansion will provide grandfamilies in those cities with access to support groups, educational workshops, outings and more on the journey to overcome trauma and foster resilience. “We are thankful for the support of Thunderbirds Charities,” said Patricia Dominguez, Duet’s director of Kinship Care Services. “Grandparents who are raising their grandchildren face additional challenges such as the need for legal resources and feelings of isolation. For grandfamilies in Tempe and Maryvale, this has been compounded by the loss of grandfamily related services that used to be offered by other nonprofit organizations.” Thunderbirds Charities was formed in 1986 and distributes funds raised through the WM Phoenix Open golf tournament to local organizations that provide assistance for children and families, help individuals in need and strive to improve the quality of life among the residents of the Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area. Duet’s Kinship Care Services provide grandparents with vital resources to assist in raising their grandchildren. Through support groups, known as Grandkin Cafes, recreational outings, and workshops, grandfamilies come together and connect […] More

Generous support from Thunderbirds Charities will help provide critical out-of-school programming to underserved youth in Chandler and Mesa. With over 493,000 youth in Arizona lacking access to afterschool care, ICAN addresses this urgent need by offering free, year-round programming—the only program of its kind in the state. Without access to safe, structured programs, youth are at greater risk of academic struggles, risky behaviors, and limited opportunities for personal development. ICAN bridges this gap by creating a supportive space where youth can thrive.ICAN’s comprehensive programming focuses on life skills development, educational enrichment, and workforce readiness. Youth participate in activities designed to improve literacy, math, and STEAM skills while fostering personal growth. They also benefit from career exploration, enrichment clubs, recreation, homework help, and nutritious meals/snacks. The impact of ICAN’s work is transformative. By providing a secure environment during out-of-school hours, ICAN improves youth safety and ensures they are supported in their academic journeys, helping to close the achievement gap for low-income youth. Additionally, workforce development and career exploration activities fuel students’ hopes and aspirations for the future, while the provision of no-cost, high-quality out-of-school time programming helps improve families’ financial sustainability.This partnership with Thunderbirds Charities ensures ICAN can continue to build […] More

Low-income cancer patients in Maricopa County will have increased access to comprehensive cancer care, including essential mental health support, thanks to a $35,000 grant Thunderbirds Charities awarded to Cancer Support Community Arizona (CSCAZ), a nonprofit that delivers free emotional and social support services to anyone impacted by cancer statewide. The grant will support CSCAZ’s Cancer Resource Navigator Program, created to address cancer disparities and improve health equity for two years. “Unfortunately, disparities in the effectiveness of cancer treatment remain a harsh reality,” said Julie Dunnigan, CEO of CSCAZ. “Underinsured and uninsured cancer patients often struggle to access the care they need, while those with comprehensive insurance typically benefit from early detection and consistent, advanced medical intervention. Barriers to accessing physical and mental health services disproportionately affect low-income individuals, leading to higher fatality rates for treatable cancers directly linked to income and insurance gaps.” CSCAZ’s Cancer Resource Navigator program provides low-income clients with advocacy, resource navigation, and a Direct Assistance Fund to support crucial expenses beyond a family’s financial means. As part of the program, Navigators work closely with two Phoenix hospitals, most often serving this vulnerable population to ensure low-income patients and their families receive the support they need, in […] More

Cultural Coalition is honored to share that they are the recipient of a $5,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities. This generous support will directly benefit the organization’s free After School Arts Program, located at a low-income housing complex in Mesa, Arizona. The After School Arts Program serves over 100 youth ages 6 to 13 annually, providing a safe and enriching environment after school located in the complex where their families reside. This grant funding will directly support the programs activities, which are provided daily along with the Mesa Public School calendar, including: -Free daily meals: Ensuring all participants have access to nutritious food.-Homework assistance: Providing academic support and fostering a love of learning.-Engaging arts experiences: Exploring music, dance, gardening, cooking, and other creative disciplines. “We are incredibly grateful to Thunderbirds Charities for their generous support,” says Carmen Guerrero, Cultural Coalition Executive Director. “This grant will be instrumental in ensuring the continued success of our After School Arts Program, providing free access to vital resources for these deserving young people who are benefiting from the transformative power of the arts.” Since 2015, Cultural Coalition’s After School Arts Program has played a crucial role in the lives of the children who live in […] More

This grant will be used to boost access to nutritious food for at-risk youth and low-income families facing food insecurity throughout the Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area. MFB packages a nutritious, instant-, protein-packed rice and bean meal called “Tender Mercies”. We pledge to distribute an additional 125,000 meals, always without cost, to our partner agencies that serve people of all ages and backgrounds facing food insecurity across Maricopa and Pinal Counties. Specifically, these highly nutritious meals will be distributed to low-income families and at-risk youth that are located in food deserts, meaning they do not have easy access to grocery stores and a variety of healthy foods. The goal is to help people maintain their health through access to nutritious foods. The Tender Mercies meal packet consists of high-grade rice, pre-cooked pinto beans, fortified chicken seasoning, and soy protein. The result is delicious food at the cost of 25 cents per meal. One packet feeds four people with 13 grams of protein, 6 grams of fiber, and 1 gram of fat per serving. “An estimated 1 in 8 Arizonans are food insecure. These people face adverse physical health, poor emotional well-being, and academic setbacks. Our “Tender Mercies” program helps to fill […] More

Sojourner Center proudly announces a generous $50,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities to support its Emergency Shelter and Supportive Services program. This funding will provide approximately 555 safe nights of rest for children of domestic violence, sexual violence, and human trafficking survivors in the next year. Founded in 1977, Sojourner Center is one of the largest domestic violence shelters in the nation. It serves over 2,000 individuals annually through core programs and its 24/7 emergency hotline. In Arizona, a child experiences domestic violence every 44 minutes, and 38% of domestic violence survivors with children face homelessness. Thunderbirds Charities’ support helps ensure that children in Sojourner Center’s Emergency Shelter Program have access to safety, stability, and essential services. The Emergency Shelter Program offers a secure environment where survivors and their children receive trauma-informed care, including safe housing, meals, case management, legal support, and access to Sojourner Center’s on-site Child Development Center. Through this funding, children will receive:× Safe shelter and basic living needs, including food, clothing, and hygiene items× Trauma-informed case management and support groups× High-quality childcare and early intervention programs× Access to recreational spaces, including a shaded playground, basketball court, and game room Sojourner Center This grant is part of the […] More

This grant from Thunderbirds Charities will help A New Leaf continue to provide life-saving shelter, advocacy, counseling, and other support services to survivors of domestic and sexual violence and their children. A New Leaf is the largest provider of domestic and sexual violence support services in the Phoenix Metro area, serving approximately 2,700 survivors each year through eight programs. These programs include Autumn House Domestic Violence Shelter in Mesa, Faith House Crisis & Transitional Shelter in Glendale, Community Alliance Against Family Abuse (Community Alliance) in Apache Junction, emergency overflow shelter program (DVSTOP), court advocacy services, trauma-informed outreach and therapeutic services, transitional housing support, and the REACH Center for Survivors of Sexual Violence and 24-hour Helpline. A New Leaf anticipates continued reductions in government funding for domestic violence and homeless shelter programs. ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funding is coming to an end, and Victims of Crime Act funding for domestic violence programs has been decreasing. “We are extremely thankful to Thunderbirds Charities for their continued support of our Domestic and Sexual Violence Services,” said Michael Hughes, CEO of A New Leaf. “This grant will help us provide critical shelter, advocacy, and comprehensive support services to survivors who are fleeing abuse […] More

NAMI Valley of the Sun (NAMI VOS) is thrilled to announce that Thunderbirds Charities has generously awarded a $10,000 grant to support our mission of expanding mental health services for youth and families in the Greater Phoenix area. This funding will enable NAMI VOS to implement critical programs, including youth-focused support groups, family support groups, and educational classes such as NAMI Family-to-Family and NAMI Basics. These initiatives aim to reduce feelings of isolation and despair, increase hope, and promote understanding for individuals and families impacted by mental health conditions. “With one person dying by suicide every eleven minutes in this country and a rising need for services among youth, Thunderbirds Charities’ support will help us make a significant difference,” said Kristina Sabetta, Executive Director of NAMI VOS. “Their generosity strengthens our ability to serve more than 13,000 individuals through education, support, and outreach.” The funding will also allow NAMI VOS to train new facilitators, ensuring that our programs continue to meet the growing needs of the community. NAMI VOS expresses its heartfelt gratitude to Thunderbirds Charities for their commitment to mental health awareness and support. For more information about NAMI VOS and its programs, visit namivalleyofthesun.org. NAMI Valley of the […] More

Phoenix, AZ —Rosie’s House is thrilled to announce it has been awarded a generous $10,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities. This funding will support the Free Afterschool Music and Leadership Program, providing under-resourced youth in the Phoenix metro area with access to life-changing music education and leadership development opportunities. With this grant, Rosie’s House will enroll more than 650 students during the 2024-2025 program year, a remarkable 50% increase from just five years ago. The funding from Thunderbirds Charities will help cover the costs of: “We are deeply grateful to Thunderbirds Charities for their investment in our students and their futures. This funding will directly support the learning experiences of our young musicians and help us meet the growing demand for our program,” said Becky Bell Ballard, CEO of Rosie’s House. “Music education is a powerful tool for fostering creativity, discipline, and confidence, and thanks to this grant, we can continue to make a meaningful impact on the lives of under-served students.” Rosie’s House is committed to providing tuition-free music education programs that break down financial barriers and empower students to achieve their full potential. The Free Afterschool Music and Leadership Program combines music instruction with leadership development, giving students the […] More

We are honored to be a recipient of a $20,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities. This donation will allow Impact One to continue assisting women diagnosed with breast cancer, alleviating some of the financial and emotional stress during treatment and the recovery journey. The Foundation is currently working with low income, underserved areas of Phoenix metro and outlying communities in Arizona. Outreach efforts within the Latino and African American communities are crucial as both groups currently hold the highest percentage of breast cancer incidences within women of color as reported by the American Cancer Society. Impact One This grant is part of the Fall 2024 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees. More

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

PHOENIX, AZ – Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) & Thunderbirds Charities have joined forces once again in 2025 to collaborate on a series of workshops focusing on the Mental Health & Leadership Development for PCA Youth, Sports & Education Initiatives in Arizona. Through Thunderbirds Charities and its generous support of PCA with a $25,000 grant, PCA will have the opportunity to expand its work with underfunded schools and Youth Sports Organizations to teach the valuable leadership and life skills/ lessons that can be taught through sport. “We are so grateful for the continued support from Thunderbirds Charities”, said Rich Tomey, PCA Regional Director. “Without their support, PCA would be limited in providing much-needed resources for Arizona’s underserved schools and youth organizations that see the value in PCA programming. Involvement in sports has been a tremendous predictor for success in school, life and in the business world later in life… this grant will allow us to conduct a wide range of workshops that teach valuable life lessons for coaches, athletes and parents.” Mental Health training, along with Empathy training will help accomplish:Building social connections, improving mental health, Increasing the capacity to learn, Improved performance, building a sense of community, Reducing the damaging […] More

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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