Many of the most vulnerable individuals in the Valley lack access to locations that provide resources and services critical to their overall health and wellbeing. When someone has no other way to get to housing, healthcare, food, employment or other necessary errands, Elaine‘s Transportation Assistance Program (TAP) is there to help. In addition to providing friendly, compassionate and dependable rides, Elaine’s Community Health Drivers will assist clients in carrying groceries or personal belongings, ensuring clients are checking into appointments on time, helping organize important documentation and more. And none of what we do is possible without the support we receive from the community. Thanks to a recent investment from Thunderbirds Charities, Elaine will be able to provide 1,000 additional rides to those who need them most. From Elaine CEO Eric Barr: “Previous support from Thunderbirds Charities has quite literally helped build the foundation of our TAP program in many ways. Their latest support has been critical in allowing Elaine to provide ongoing services, and has also given us the ability to expand our programming as well. We are now more uniquely positioned to meet the community where some of the greatest needs are, whether that be for shelters, housing programs, […] More

Barrow Neurological Foundation is honored to announce that it has been awarded a $50,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities to support the purchase of a wheelchair-accessible vehicle for the Neuro-Rehabilitation Center at Barrow Neurological Institute. The Barrow neuro-rehabilitation team strives to ensure patients have practice navigating a variety of real-world situations that they will encounter after returning home. Having a wheelchair-accessible vehicle enables Barrow neuro-rehabilitation specialists to take patients to a grocery store, a movie theatre, a restaurant, or even to their own home to practice navigating the environment with their wheelchair. “If we don’t show our patients how to get out there while they are under our care, then they won’t have the confidence to venture out on their own. We want our patients to be able to say, ‘I’ve got this,’ when they leave Barrow because they have already completed tasks with guidance from our therapists,” said Matthias Linke, DO, Director of Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation at Barrow. The Barrow Neuro-Rehabilitation Center offers a complete spectrum of care, including acute, inpatient, and outpatient rehabilitation, work and school re-entry programs, adaptive recreation, and support groups. “Barrow not only is dedicated to saving the lives of patients, but it also is […] More

In 2019, Thunderbirds Charities supported the creation of an Online Resource Guide for Families of Infants and Toddlers, that features support and information for parents who have questions about their children’s development. Since the launch of the online resource guide, Raising Special Kids has already seen large numbers of use and positive reception. It has proven effective for a majority of families who have accessed it. However, there are families in Arizona who cannot use the online tool well, lack access to the internet, or have other difficulties that are preventing the use of the online guide. Raising Special Kids has seen better success with outreach and personal attention from Family Support Specialists. With the renewing support from Thunderbirds Charities, Raising Special Kids will be able to expand their reach to those families in-person and teach them how to use the tool for its full benefit. Raising Special Kids’ vision is to present information to families raising a child with a suspected or diagnosed disability about their rights and responsibilities, services options, community resources, and the process of accessing the Arizona Early Intervention Program, as well as what they can do if their child is ineligible for these services. “We’re […] More

Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Central and Northern Arizona (RMHCCNAZ) is excited to announce it was awarded a $30,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities. These crucial funds will support RMHCCNAZ’s Keeping Families Together Program and will provide a “home-away-from-home” for families who travel to the Valley seeking critical medical care for their children by providing nights of comfort and rest at no charge. RMHCCNAZ operates three Houses in the Phoenix metropolitan area, ensuring that families can remain together and close to the medical resources they need and that are not available in their home communities. Since opening in Phoenix in 1985, Ronald McDonald House has welcomed families for over 57,000 visits. While it costs the organization $107 to provide one night of rest, families are not asked to pay, alleviating the financial stress of being away from home and allowing them to focus solely on caring for their sick or injured child. “When families are facing the stress and uncertainty of their child’s illness while also being far from home, the comfort and hope they find at Ronald McDonald House make a lasting impact,” RMHCCNAZ Chief Executive Officer, Kerry Schulman said. “This grant from Thunderbirds Charities will provide 280 nights of […] More

The Centers for Habilitation (TCH) has received a secession grant from Thunderbirds Charities. The grant will be utilized as part of our P.A.S.S. Program (Participation, Accessibility, Socialization, and Sports). Our P.A.S.S. Program promotes independence and celebrates the abilities of our supported individuals. In addition, the program helps the community become more accepting, ensuring individuals with disabilities are woven in to the fabric of society. Funding from this request will provide our supported individuals opportunities to participate in a variety of activities including; museum trips, hiking, day trips around the state, and learning about Native American culture. TCH provides a wide range of activities for all levels of abilities that are designed to increase communication, encourage a range of motion, provide sensory opportunities, increase confidence, provide an outlet for self-expression/creativity and increase independence. Our programs provide opportunities for our supported individuals to be embraced and accepted by their community.  Upwards of 120 supported individuals attend the TCH day program and/or live in a TCH group home.  Creating unique experiences, breaking down barriers to full community participation, increasing skills, and finding activities for all abilities, is critical for achieving goals, increasing independence, and improving quality of life. Through support from Thunderbirds Charities, […] More

On December 10, 2023, Thunderbirds Charities, awarded a grant of $225,000 to Homeward Bound to support families facing homelessness across The Valley. From 2020 to 2022 Arizona’s homelessness population rose by 23%. Funds will directly support Homeward Bound’s Shelter and Community Services Program. This grant will also support Homeward Bound’s housing navigation, which helps families find and secure permanent housing upon leaving the shelter program. Phoenix has seen an 80% increase in rent prices in the past 6 years with only a 22% income increase across the Valley. The housing navigation program is crucial in providing families with the resources and tools to find affordable and stable housing. Thunderbirds Charities have been instrumental in allowing Homeward Bound to meet every family’s unique needs on their journey home since the organization’s beginnings. Homeward Bound’s campus is rightfully named, Thunderbird Family Village, due to their capital gift over 20 years ago. Their ongoing support is a true testament to their dedication to advocating and helping the community. “Thunderbirds Charities drives change in our community,” said Homeward Bound’s CEO Whitney Silence, “We are proud to be a recipient of these impactful funds and know firsthand the difference they make for Homeward Bound and […] More

Bridges Reentry is honored to announce the organization has received a $20,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities. This funding will be used to grow the Beyond the Gates Mentoring program; a one-year, one to one Mentor – Mentee relationship that supports women who have been incarcerated with their dignified reentry to society. Approximately 2,000 women are released each year from Perryville State Prison. When women are released from jail or prison, they are often ill-prepared to reencounter the serious problems they faced prior to incarceration, such as domestic violence, an unstable family life, difficulties in school, limited work experience, financial issues, poverty, substance use disorders, mental health issues, a lack of vocational skills, and parenting difficulties. The critical addition and growth of the Bridges Reentry Beyond the Gates Post-Incarcerated Mentoring Program allows Bridges Reentry to empower more women to achieve a successful reentry with a comprehensive one-year mentoring program. A cornerstone of the program is our unique training and support program for Mentors with no experience and the desire to help. This post-incarcerated mentoring program augments our powerful, and proven, Magdalene House 2-year residential program. “We are thrilled to receive this grant to support more women who deserve a second chance […] More

Desert Voices grant from Thunderbirds Charities has funded two Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) positions. SLPs provide direct instructional services to students. A part-time SLP will be responsible for toddler pull-out and parent coaching. The full-time SLPA gives us flexibility in staffing as they can handle classroom teaching, too. This not only strengthens the school’s ability to work with children individually on their language skills but also provides flexibility in covering for teachers of the deaf when needed and as numbers of students increase during the school year. SLPs provide Listening and Spoken Language (LSL) instruction to support the child’s educational goals and supports them in reaching their goals. The direct instructional services include language, speech, fluency, literacy, and articulation to name a few areas. They also provide educational diagnostic services for their students, support services to parents of toddler and preschool students, and take the lead as case manager for families in Parent Coaching. Executive Director, Scott Smith commented: “We are grateful to Thunderbirds Charities for funding two critical positions. Our students, who are all deaf or hard of hearing, will receive from our LSL professionals the required skills needed to meet age-appropriate language, literacy, and social-emotional milestones. We are […] More

The Harvest Compassion Center (HCC) is pleased to announce it has received a $40,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities. These funds will support the mission of the Harvest Compassion Center at their West Phoenix location of providing free grocery items such as: fresh vegetables and fruits, dairy, meat, and nonperishable food product as well as clothing, hygiene items, and baby items to all who live in Arizona. HCC’s ‘Food Banking Reimagined’ concept has completely changed the look, feel and product of a typical food bank while feeding over 105,000 kids! Our program is free for clients, with zero qualifications and/or restrictions as each client’s diversity, story and hardship is valued. HCC outreach centers offer client choice mini marts complete with personal shoppers, upscale clothing boutiques with on-site kids play corners all rolled into one, creating a normal yet elevated, shopping experience where we would all love to shop. HCC first opened its’ doors 14 years ago to the public in memory of a young 23-year-old brother and son, Mitch Swaback. Through one family’s loss, the desire and mission to serve the underserved in Phoenix was born. “As the fallout from the pandemic continues to impact so many local families our services […] More

STEP College Prep, an Arizona nonprofit whose mission is to educate and empower low-income Arizona students to achieve their dreams of a college degree, is the recipient of a $25,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities. The grant was awarded in support of STEP’s College-Prep Program, which equips low-income students and families in the greater Phoenix area with the resources to navigate every aspect of the college preparation and application process. At STEP, students receive focused guidance to prepare for and apply to top colleges, secure scholarships, navigate the transition from high school to college to career, and advocate for themselves in college and life. “The impact of the Thunderbirds Charities grant will be far-reaching and will help to change the lives of low-income Maricopa county students and their families,” said STEP Founder and President Tracy Baynes. “The programming that STEP College Prep provides to Arizona high school students is crucial to the success of underserved students reaching their goal of graduating college,” said Michael Golding, President of Thunderbirds Charities. “We are proud to support this organization because they make the process of applying to college a seamless process for students and their families.” STEP College Prep This grant is part of the […] More

Family Promise of Greater Phoenix, a nonprofit organization that serves families with children who are currently homeless or at risk of experiencing homelessness, has been granted $100,000 from Thunderbirds Charities to support families at risk of homelessness. The funds will pillar Family Promise’s “A Journey Home” campaign – which aims to secure a sustainable and financially sound future for families experiencing homelessness. “A Journey Home” provides for the expansion of prevention, shelter, and graduate services with Family Promise. This significant investment from Thunderbirds Charities allows Family Promise to develop the infrastructure and support necessary to increase the organization’s efforts and impact the lives of more children and families in poverty or homelessness. “The Valley has seen a sharp increase in families looking for support in eviction prevention over the past few years. This grant from Thunderbirds Charities will enable us to prevent more children and their families from losing their home. It will also help us at Family Promise provide loving shelter — in greater capacity — for those who still need it. Our community-based shelter model is focused specifically on families who are living without a roof over their heads,” said Ted Taylor, Chief Executive Officer at Family Promise […] More

Generous support from Thunderbirds Charities will support the continued expansion of ICAN’s out-of-school, year-round program for youth in grades K through 12. With five established sites across Chandler and Mesa, ICAN is more than childcare, as daily lessons are carefully crafted to incorporate the 5 C’s of positive youth development with a focus on science, technology, engineering, art, and math. Additionally, youth receive daily snacks and meals, homework help, and recreation time to ensure they are being properly supported while at ICAN. With over 493,000 youth living in Arizona communities where quality afterschool programs are not accessible, the need for ICAN’s expansion is vast. The $100,000 grant received from Thunderbirds Charities will play a crucial role in being able to offer the program at no cost to more families in areas where the need is the greatest. Founded by the community, for the community, ICAN is unique because they believe that every family should have access to programs that promote wellbeing for youth and economic opportunity for parents. “We are thrilled to be partnering with Thunderbirds Charities to transform the social, emotional and educational wellbeing of youth in underserved communities,” shares ICAN CEO Shelby Pedersen. “There are thousands of students […] More

Thunderbirds Charities is providing generous support for Upward’s Inclusive Early Education/Child Care program at The Thunderbirds Charities Child Care Center. This unique center provides child care/early education for children with and without disabilities, including children with severe disabilities who are medically fragile. These children, especially those from low-income families or with severe disabilities, have far fewer options for quality care as most centers are not equipped to meet their needs. We are grateful for this award since the demand for child care/early education, such as that provided by Upward, is reaching crisis levels. “Our Inclusive Child Care Program serves children with and without disabilities in the same setting,” said CEO Doug Carter. “We are grateful for this grant as well as all of the past support we have received from Thunderbirds Charities.” Upward Foundation This grant is part of the Fall 2022 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees. More

The Thunderbirds Charities MakerSpace will allow The Opportunity Tree (TOT) to train 50 youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) annually at our Avondale training center. This accessible space will incorporate technological tools, including an embroidery machine, a sewing machine, 3-D printer, screen printer, laser engraver, heat press, supplies, and materials. With this equipment, TOT members can create items such as textured water bottle sleeves, clamps for communication devices, or other necessary items to facilitate their daily activities. Learning to make their own equipment enables our members to acquire marketable skills in design and technology, while also increasing their confidence as they solve problems for themselves and their community. The Opportunity Tree This grant is part of the Fall 2022 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees. More

Act One, a local nonprofit organization that provides access to the arts for Arizona’s students and families, is pleased to announce it has received a $25,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities. This impactful gift will help support Act One’s in-person and virtual reality field trip programs in the Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area. “We appreciate the generosity of Thunderbirds Charities” says Bernadette Carroll, executive director of Act One. “Through both in-person and virtual reality field trips, this grant will facilitate the creation of new arts and cultural experiences for Arizona’s Title I students.” Act One provides meaningful arts experiences that enhance the academic and creative potential of children and families. The nonprofit makes the arts accessible to thousands of children and families in Arizona each year through its in-person and VR field trips for pre-K-12th grade students from Title I schools. “We are honored to partner with Act One on behalf of Arizona’s students,” says Michael Golding, President of Thunderbirds Charities. “The opportunity to ensure that all students have equal access to arts education, both in-person and through virtual reality technology, is vitally important.” The $25,000 Thunderbirds Charities grant will enable Act One to develop season two of the VR arts program […] More

Grant funds will support military members and families serving, training, and traveling through the Greater Phoenix area USO Arizona, the nonprofit leader committed to strengthening America’s military service members by keeping them connected to family, home and country, is the recipient of a $100,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities. The grant was awarded in support of USO operations and program delivery serving military members and families who are serving, training, or traveling through the Greater Phoenix area, whether active-duty, National Guard, or reserves. “Thunderbirds Charities has been especially generous to USO Arizona and our team is incredibly grateful. With this grant, the USO Arizona team will be able to continue to provide resiliency-building and morale-boosting programs and services to military members and families in the Greater Phoenix area, whether they are stationed here, attending training, or just traveling through,” said USO Arizona Executive Director Kelly Nastos. “These funds will directly improve the lives of over 150,000 of those brave men, women, and children making so many sacrifices in defense of our nation.” In addition to its USO centers at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Phoenix MEPS, U.S. Army Fort Huachuca, and Yuma Army Proving Ground, USO Arizona is committed to providing […] More

Homeless Youth Connection (HYC) has received a $50,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities. The funding will directly support the organization’s Empowering Youth For The Future (EYFTF) Program, a comprehensive social services initiative that provides homeless youth, ages 13 to 21, with the basic resources to stay in school, complete their education and plan for post-secondary success.  Statistically, more than 87 percent of homeless youth drop out of high school. These students are at a significantly higher risk of experiencing poverty, unemployment, chronic homelessness and poor health. One of HYC’s top preventative measures, the EYFTF Program, works to intervene before homeless youth drop out by providing assistance with academics, healthcare, housing, hygiene, employment and independent living to enable success.  “We are incredibly grateful to Thunderbirds Charities for their continued generosity and support of HYC youth. This funding will provide youth experiencing homelessness with the resources and the support to stay in school, graduate and create lasting solutions for a sustainable future,” said HYC Co-Chief Executive Officer Dawn Bogart. Through the EYFTF program, each student is connected with an HYC Youth Coach to identify their strengths and goals and establish a personalized action plan to attain those goals. The comprehensive program allows Youth […] More

Treasure House respectfully accepts a grant of $20,000 from Thunderbirds Charities to help support their Job/Employment Training Program for young adults with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities (IDD), ages 18-45. According to the CDC, every year 111,600 intellectually and developmentally disabled age out of school-based services. Treasure House created a solution that offers a welcome environment with educational and social resources for individuals with IDD. “We are honored, appreciative, and very excited to be the recipient of a $20,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities for the second year in a row. This donation will allow us to assist the growth of the program which helps relieve the isolation, anxiety, depression, and high unemployment rate among young adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities by enabling and empowering them to be active, productive members of their community — and revealing the “treasure” of each individual” said Lauri Tanner, Treasure House CEO. Upon joining Treasure House, Life Coaches will work directly with each resident one-on-one, daily, to build an individual life plan with goals for education and employment tailored to their unique abilities. Through the program, they can gain the knowledge and skills that allow them to achieve their full potential through employment and/or volunteer […] More

PHOENIX (July 2022) – Thunderbirds Charities has awarded a $5,000 grant to Swift Youth Foundation to fund its YouthEnrichment program for children from low-income families. Swift’s Youth Enrichment program offers a fun and enriching after-school/out-of-school curriculum for children from underresourced backgrounds. The program promotes academic achievement, independence, healthy social interactions, team spiritand camaraderie, opportunities for leadership, self-respect, and respect for others. “We have tremendous gratitude for the Thunderbirds Charities’ investment in the children served by our after-school and outof-school programs. We work with youth ages 8-12 from Phoenix Title I schools and youth who are experiencing homelessness.The support we receive from Thunderbirds Charities will help us continue to provide this critical service,” said Kristi Henry,Executive Director of Programs and Development. Swift Youth Foundation This grant is part of the Spring 2022 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees. More

Native American Connections (NAC) is the grateful recipient of a $250,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities for the expansion of our Homeless Youth Services.  The funds will support the continuing operations and programs at HomeBase (rescue housing) and Saguaro Ki (transitional supportive housing) for youth ages 18-26 in Central Phoenix, as well as support for the launch of identical rescue service programs at our new, second HomeBase site in Surprise, which will open in the Fall of 2022.   NAC’s Homeless Youth Services include not only the rescue of homeless youth ages 18-26, but also health assessments, support for education, employment, life skills and personal finance management. Thunderbirds Charities was formed in 1986 to distribute monies raised through the WM Phoenix Open.   The mission of Thunderbirds Charities is to support organizations that assist children and families, help people in need and improve the quality of life in the Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area.  NAC deeply appreciates the Thunderbirds past and present generous support for its facilities and program services to rescue homeless youth. Native American Connections This grant is part of the Spring 2022 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees. More

KIDS IN FOCUS (KIF) is honored to announce the receipt of a generous $20,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities to help fund photography mentoring programs for underprivileged children in Maricopa County. Through the healing powers of photography and one-on-one time with mentors, kids gain self-confidence, build trusting relationships, and develop critical life skills. “Thanks to the Thunderbirds Charities award, we can expand our unique programs to serve more at-risk youth, helping them reconnect with the world and overcome hardship and trauma. We are deeply grateful for their continued support,” said Karen Shell, Founder and Executive Director of Kids in Focus. The Thunderbirds Charities grant will support the After-School Photography Mentoring program and the year-round Grads in Focus alumni program. During the intensive after-school program, experienced photographers mentor children on a journey of self-discovery. Using the camera as a powerful tool, the kids learn to explore their environment with a new lens, create compelling imagery, and reestablish trust and self-confidence. The program culminates with an exhibit celebration where the kids, their families, and over 500 guests gather to applaud their achievements. After the nine-week program ends, the kids join the year-round Grads in Focus program, providing a critical continuum of care. This […] More

Phoenix ToolBank was generously awarded $10,000 from Thunderbirds Charities in support of their new 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 will provide emergency portable Air Conditioning (and evaporative cooler) units to low-income individuals and families awaiting repairs through nonprofits and government entities in the Valley. 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. ToolBank will also be working with Heat Relief Stations to provide free PPE and other consumable summer support items. “The Heat Re-Leaf program will provide critical support services to those in need during the hot summer months”, said Michael Golding, President of Thunderbirds Charities. “We are happy to support the work of the Phoenix ToolBank and all that they do for our community.” During the spring and fall months, ToolBank will provide tools and equipment to organizations throughout the Valley to plant trees to help decrease temperatures in high heat […] More

Thunderbirds Charities has generously granted $50,000 to Junior Achievement Arizona (JA) to support their JA BizTown program for the 2022-23 school year. The additional funds will allow over 500 low-income students to visit JA BizTown and take part in hands-on learning designed to empower them to own their future economic success. JA has been thrilled to welcome Arizona students back to JA BizTown,” said Katherine Cecala, president of Junior Achievement of Arizona. “By focusing on the critical skills students need today to set them up for future success, JA is cultivating a generation of contributing members to society who are aimed at creating a thriving community for Arizona. JA BizTown is an important step in that mission. JA BizTown and JA Finance Park re-opened to Arizona schools in the 2021-2022 school year and welcomed over 17,000 students. Next year, they plan to exceed that. The JA BizTown experience encompasses both in-classroom preparatory lessons, focusing on career research, budgeting, business tax and loan knowledge, economics, resume writing and interviewing, as well as the in-person simulation at their Tempe facility. Students are able to apply the knowledge they learned in the classroom to the 4.5-hour simulation in a child-sized economy built just […] More

Homeless ID 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 is for many, the critical first step of identification replacement services needed to end, and in some cases prevent, homelessness. “We are most grateful for this generous grant from Thunderbirds Charities” said Executive Director Rick Mitchell. “An ID provides real, direct help for the individual seeking an end to homelessness. It also provides a measurable 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 ID Project Program Manager 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 2021, Homeless ID Project provided 8,276 documents, including State IDs and 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 […] More

Every year, thousands of school children visit the Arizona Museum of Natural History (AZMNH) and Mesa Grande Cultural Park (MGCP) on in-person and virtual field trips. To introduce as many opportunities to learn as possible during these field trips, our educators create and regularly update curricula that meet Arizona State Standards to be used in conjunction with compelling museum exhibits, artifacts and hands-on activities. Thunderbirds Charities has awarded AZMNH and MGCP a generous grant supporting educational programming. The grant award will be used to enhance in-person and virtual tours, buy technology, update curricula, improve the science and social science education programs available to students such as Mesa Grande Archaeology Adventures, Prehistoric Preschool, Dino Discovery and special educational events, and marketing to help make the public aware these programs are available. Arizona Museum of Natural History This grant is part of the Spring 2022 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees. More

Thunderbirds Charities has awarded a $5,000 grant to help children served in the Gen Justice Children’s Law Clinic. All funds will be used to provide emergency legal services to abandoned and abused children. “We are so appreciative of Thunderbirds Charities for helping more children in our community have the opportunity to grow up in loving homes,” said Darcy Olsen, CEO of Gen Justice. The Gen Justice Children’s Law Clinic provides abandoned and abused children with pro bono representation, helping siblings stay together and facilitating safe families for children. This summer, the Clinic is expanding its services to provide older youth in care with pro bono counsel, including helping them with their dependency cases, education needs, and family. If you would like to serve pro bono in the Children’s Law Clinic, please contact Kileen Lindgren at kileen@genjustice.org. Gen Justice will celebrate five years of service to the community in 2023. Gen Justice Children’s Law Clinic This grant is part of the Spring 2022 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees. More

Thunderbirds Charities has awarded Women’s Health Innovations of Arizona (WHI) $30,000 to expand mental health services for entire families during pregnancy, postpartum, and parenthood, under their program Strong Families. Women’s Health Innovations of Arizona was launched in 2015 by a group of individuals in the healthcare industry who saw the gap in women’s mental health care – specifically during pregnancy, postpartum and parenting. At the time, the focus of medical professionals was almost exclusively on the health of the baby, infant or child, while women who needed support were usually silent or at a loss of where to turn. From this realization, WHI of Arizona began, creating an accessible channel to provide maternal mental health services. “The core mission of WHI is to ensure that all families have access to specialized care, regardless of socioeconomic status.” said Michelle Lacy, Executive Director of Women’s Health Innovations of Arizona. Today, Women’s Health Innovations of Arizona remains the only licensed outpatient mental health clinic specializing in pregnancy, postpartum and parenthood. As WHI has grown, the organization has recognized the need to provide services to family members in addition to the mother during her perinatal journey. In an effort to build capacity to support […] More

Thunderbird Charities recently awarded $5,000 to All Sports Foundation Inc., DBA Prostate On-Site Project. The funding will help provide free and low-cost prostate cancer screenings to men who are uninsured and underinsured on their POP mobile medical units. These screenings provide peace of mind to men and their families through early detection of prostate cancer. POP is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is “To improve the quality of life for men and their families through education and early detection of prostate cancer”. “We are so appreciative of Thunderbirds Charities support to POP for providing this funding for this silent killing disease. This funding allows more men the opportunity to get screened. With 1 in 7 men being diagnosed with prostate cancer in lifetime, 15 minutes could save a man’s life” said Marla Zimmerman, CEO of Prostate On-Site Project. Prostate-on-Site Project This grant is part of the Spring 2022 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees. More

Thunderbirds Charities has awarded $50,000 to the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute for American Democracy in support of civics education for youth. The gift benefits three of the Institute’s programs: the Camp O’Connor summer civics program in Phoenix, O’Connor Civics Challenge online civics video competition for middle school students, and O’Connor Ambassadors Civics & Debate Club extracurricular civics program for high school students. Camp O’Connor is a free, merit-based, week-long summer program providing experiential civics education and leadership development for 7th and 8th graders. The camp works to educate, inspire, and encourage the next generation of leaders to develop a deeper understanding of and appreciation for our democracy and their important role as citizens. Campers develop leadership skills and greater knowledge of our nation’s democracy, and they experience civics in action, enhanced by field trips to witness the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government. The O’Connor Civics Challenge was created to allow students to participate in an online civics video competition during the pandemic. Geared to 6th through 8th graders, the program yielded participation from students across Arizona. Participants competed for laptops and other electronic educational tools. As a result of the response, the Institute has continued the O’Connor Civics […] More

Midwest Food Bank Arizona is grateful for the support of Thunderbirds Charities for our Backpack Program (called “Hope Packs”). These Hope Packs are provided to students who typically receive free breakfast and lunch at school, yet are faced with little to no food over the weekend. Hope Packs include five core items: an individual warm meal (ravioli, mac-n-cheese), a breakfast meal, fruit, a granola bar, and a snack (fruit snacks, cookie). Midwest Food Bank will leverage donated food that is child-friendly and shelf-stable, and will use the funding to purchase food items, as needed. “An estimated 1 in 4 children in Arizona are food insecure. These children face adverse physical health, poor emotional well-being, and academic setbacks. These Hope Packs help to overcome those challenges by providing children with nutritious food to eat over the weekend,” says Merilee Baptiste, Executive Director of Midwest Food Bank – Arizona Division. Midwest Food Bank Arizona This grant is part of the Spring 2022 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees. More