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

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

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

The Hope Box Essentials Project supports a wholistic approach to breast cancer treatment and recovery. A personalized box can consist of Breast Prosthesis, Lumpectomy Enhancer Fill Pads, Compression Bras/ Garments, Head Wraps, Wigs, Hats, Radiation Supplies, Compression Sleeves and Mastectomy Bras. These costly products are frequently not covered by insurance and often there is a lack of emotional support services. We are honored to be a recipient of a $10,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities. This donation will allow Impact One to continue assisting women diagnosed with breast cancer, alleviating some of the financial and emotional stress during treatment and the recovery journey. The Foundation is currently working with low income, underserved areas of Phoenix metro and outlying communities in Arizona. Outreach efforts within the Latino and African American communities are crucial as both groups currently hold the highest percentage of breast cancer incidences within women of color as reported by the American Cancer Society. “Impact One was founded to empower all women fighting breast cancer, we believe no woman should battle this disease alone,” said Elizabeth Ayers-Cluff, Founder of Impact One Breast Cancer Foundation. Impact One Breast Cancer Foundation This grant is part of the Fall 2022 cycle. View a list […] More

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

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

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

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

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