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

SPOT 127, KJZZ’s Youth Media Center is proud to announce that Thunderbirds Charities has granted the organization $15,000 in funding. These dollars are critical to SPOT 127 as staff continues to give high school students the opportunity to gain advanced digital media skills that can inspire their post-secondary plans and assist them in contributing positively to their communities. During the academic year, students participate in learning and mentorship 2 days per week after school. Teens develop state-of-the-art skills in graphics, video and audio production, digital photography, social media, and more. With the skills gained in SPOT 127’s innovative after-school program, students report increased self-esteem, job opportunities, and internship options. With new skills and increased digital citizenship, teens are equipped to become role models in their communities. Students describe SPOT as a “welcoming environment for learning digital media and leadership skills”. Some students return as production assistants and others have gone on to receive college degrees in digital media and have successfully pursued careers in the field. “It is a pleasure to raise funds for SPOT 127 programs. High school students served by our youth media center tell us how valuable classes have been for their mental health and how the […] More

Detour Company Theatre is thrilled to announce the receipt of a generous $10,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities! Their continued charitable contributions lends support to Detour’s mission of providing unprecedented opportunities for artists with disabilities to share their talents with the greater community, changing divisive narratives around disabilities. Detour artists transform onstage, bringing iconic characters and stories to life. In the 2021/22 season, Mainstage artists tackled Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and Once Upon a Mattress (a comedic revision of The Princess and the Pea). LJ LaVancil, the talented actor who portrayed the title character in Detour’s January 2022 production of Willy Wonka shares, “We want to shine onstage in Arizona. You can’t limit our disabilities, what we want to achieve, what we want to do. History will be changing for all of us in Arizona.” Thanks to the continued contributions of Thunderbirds Charities, Mainstage artists are taking audiences out of this world in 2022/23, tackling classics like Little Shop of Horrors, James and the Giant Peach and The Wiz! See the Detour Company Theatre for more information. Detour Company Theatre This grant is part of the Spring 2022 cycle. View a list of all Recent […] More

Thunderbirds Charities has awarded the Human Services Campus (HSC, Inc.) a $300,000 grant to support, enhance and expand critical client services designed to assist individuals experiencing homelessness to move from street to home. Funding will be used for programs including intake and assessment, post office services, housing and behavioral health navigation, “Respiro” shelter and housing referral. Additionally, the funding helps with diversion, which focuses on reuniting people experiencing homelessness with family or friends to prevent the need to enter the homeless services system.“The important work our team does to move individuals experiencing homelessness from street to home cannot be done without the incredibly generous support of Thunderbirds Charities,” said HSC Executive Director Amy Schwabenlender. “This grant will directly impact the lives of thousands of the men and women who we serve,” Development Director Steve Davis added that “the long-term support of the Thunderbirds makes them true champions. We are deeply grateful.” In Fiscal Year 2021, more than 12,000 unduplicated individuals visited the Human Services Campus, which was operating in full-time COVID mode. During that period, 3,966 individuals underwent assessments to determine their needs and 459 were diverted to friends and family, quickly and affordably helping move from street to home. […] More

Goodwill of Central & Northern Arizona is pleased to announce Thunderbirds Charities has donated $5,000 to help fund My Career Matters, an internal initiative to upskill and eliminate barriers to career advancement for their minimum wage employees, so they can move into new careers that provide higher wages. “We believe acquiring the skills needed in today’s workforce will enable individuals to earn wages that can transition them out of poverty and above the ALICE threshold,” said Bobby Ghisolfo, Vice President of Mission Services, Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona. “My Career Matters is a holistic approach to employment. We’ll provide individuals the tools they need to feel confident, purpose driven and successful. Our plan is to start with retail and management employees, and we hope to reach 500 employees within the first year of implementation.” ALICE households have income above the Federal Poverty Line but not high enough to afford essentials in the communities they live. As a result, they are forced to make tough choices, such as deciding between quality childcare or paying the rent, which have long term consequences not only for ALICE but for all. My Career Matters is a mobile career center that connects individuals to […] More

notMYkid is pleased to announce Thunderbirds Charities has invested $50,000 in support of their growing [i]nspired Peer Program to help teens navigate daily pressures, substance use disorder, and mental health challenges. “notMYkid’s [i]nspired Peer Program is successfully helping teens who desperately need mental health support; resources to build healthy connections, confidence, and resilience; and improve overall safety and well-being,” said Kristen Polin, CEO of notMYkid. “Our program is utilizing trained and certified peer support specialists with lived experience and connects every teen to our [i]nspired technology-assisted care app. This dynamic platform ensures that participants remain connected to a healthy support network and provides immediate access to resources and tools needed to thrive and grow. We are so grateful for the ongoing support provided by Thunderbirds Charities and for recognizing that there is still an urgent need to support teens on the other side of the pandemic.” After an initial intake with notMYkid’s behavioral health team, each participant in the [i]nspired Peer Program is paired with a certified peer support specialist. Peers foster relationships built on trust without judgement. They instill confidence and serve as an ally to struggling teens who need guidance while navigating their path to recovery. This 90-day […] More

The Thunderbirds Charities grant of $50,000 supports Jobs for Arizona’s Graduates’ mission of helping young people stay in school and acquire the academic, personal, leadership and vocational skills they will need to be successful upon graduation. For a second year, JAG is supported by Thunderbirds Charities during a time where middle and high school students are facing challenges that have been worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. This grant will help the organization serve more than 1,000 students and recent graduates in the greater Phoenix and surrounding community areas. With a supportive network of peers and mentors and classroom curriculum centered around project-based learning, trauma-informed care, and employer engagement, JAG students go on to reach their highest potentials beyond graduation with a 99% graduation rate for the Class of 2021 compared to the statewide graduation rate of 75.71%. “In the JAG program, we support students on their individual academic and professional paths through our dedicated program coordinators and opportunities for leadership development,” said Jobs for Arizona’s Graduates President Graciela Garcia Candia. “This generous grant strengthens our program resources and professional development opportunities for our future leaders.” Jobs for Arizona Graduates (JAG) This grant is part of the Spring 2022 cycle. View a […] More

Year Up Arizona is grateful for the investment from Thunderbirds Charities to support our workforce development program and innovative program models, which educate and improve the quality of life for young adults in the Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area. As part of the national Year Up organization, Year Up Arizona opened its doors in 2015 to implement our program and educate young adults across Greater Phoenix. We serve individuals between the ages of 18 and 29 who obtained a high school diploma or GED, have varied educational and employment experiences, and largely identify as people of color.Our programs combine marketable job skills training, work-based experiences with local employers, and wraparound student supports. With support from Thunderbirds Charities in 2022, we aim to serve 240 young adults through our GateWay site, Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) partnership, and new multi-site program model, therefore expanding our regional impact and moving students toward financial security and economic mobility. Despite the barriers they may face, our students and alumni are living proof that talent is equally distributed in this country, and they demonstrate a strong capacity to enter the workforce. In 2021, 90% of our graduates were employed and/or enrolled in school within four months […] More

The Page Coach was selected for funding because of its ability to reach areas traditionally overlooked by many literacy programs, including remote areas where children sometimes live without electricity, running water, or the unfamiliar luxury of books. Kids Need to Read has also partnered with Thunderbirds Charities on occasion to provide books to other grantee programs. “Now, more than ever, it is important for our children to have access to books at home if we want them to be successful. Approximately six out of ten children in low-income families have no access to books outside of school. When schools are closed, or a child must stay home to quarantine this lack of reading resources can be detrimental to their education,” said Kids Need to Read Executive Director Jessica Payne. “The Page Coach makes it possible for our organization to deliver books to children living in areas where the need is greatest. We believe that books can provide children with the ability to dream of a life beyond their current challenges and to follow those dreams. ”Together, Kids Need to Read and Thunderbirds Charities work to help children discover the joy of reading and the power of a literate mind. Kids […] More

It is ‘Back-to-School’ and thanks to the generous financial support of Thunderbirds Charities, the charitable giving arm of the Thunderbirds – hosts of the WM Phoenix Open, hundreds of teachers and students from Title 1 schools in metro Phoenix will benefit with a delivery of essential school supplies from Treasures 4 Teachers – T4T on Wheels. Supporting teachers is critical. “Teaching is the one profession that teaches all others” says Barbara Blalock, Executive Director of Treasures 4 Teachers. “Where would we be if we didn’t have a teacher to educate and inspire us?” With the rising costs of inflation, Teachers need our help more than ever. Barbara expands by saying, “Treasures 4 Teachers has always been available to educators all over the state, but we often hear that they cannot access the essential supplies they need because of time, money or distance.” Back-to-School is the perfect time to take school supplies to the teachers and students who need them the most. Thunderbirds Charities has continued their commitment to assist students and families, help people in need and improve the quality of life in our communities by providing a $50,000 grant to Treasures 4 Teachers for their T4T on Wheels Program. […] More

“Music transcends cultures and language barriers. It unites generations and communities. Our mariachi program combines history and culture into one powerful musical experience. There is a spot for everyone with five levels and six ensembles, ” said Desert Sounds’ Executive Director Jennifer Crews. The program gives children a window into a rich heritage and a means to learn about a culture through music. For parents, learning mariachi music is an opportunity to help their child connect to the community while maintaining a connection to their culture. The highlight for each child is performing for friends, family, and the community. Perhaps you have seen and heard our mariachis performing at the Herberger Arts Festival, Masks Alive Festivals, or at a wedding or Quinceanera. Andres, a violinist in the Virtuosos ensemble, is beginning his eighth year in the program. To him, mariachi is much more than music and performing. “I think it (mariachi) helps me connect to my heritage.” Sixteen-year-old Andres continues, “Before (mariachi), the only connection I had with my heritage was like speaking the language and eating and making the food. I feel like I get a deeper and more meaningful connection, including the musical aspect.” Desert Sounds’ mariachi program […] More

The situation at A New Leaf’s Faith House Crisis Shelter in Glendale was dire. Water was raining down from the ceilings and into the walls, the laundry room flooded when more than one washing machine was being used, and the plumbing could not support the 20-unit shelter at even half capacity. Faith House is the oldest operating domestic violence shelter in Arizona and has served as a safe haven for women and children in crisis at its current location since 1989. But, as costly plumbing issues mounted, the ability for the shelter to continue operating was threatened. A $250,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities changed all that, allowing A New Leaf to complete extensive plumbing repair work to get the shelter back to full capacity and operating safely. A New Leaf was also able to leverage the grant to jumpstart a match campaign to raise additional donations to complete more renovations needed at Faith House. More than $35,000 has been raised so far. “Faith House is a vital resource for our community,” said Laura Bode, Director of Community Engagement at A New Leaf. “A New Leaf maintains multiple government grant contracts to support program operations, but we rely on contributions from […] More

Educare’s Extended Day program maximizes learning and kindergarten preparation time by operating year-round from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. It also provides working parents, many of whom are more stressed than ever due to the economic and social impact of the pandemic, with the confidence that their child is spending their day in a safe, high quality preschool program. “For years, Educare Arizona has operated this nationally recognized, evidence-based early childhood program for young children and their families,” said Karen Ramos, Board President of Educare Arizona. “We are grateful to Thunderbirds Charities for this grant and their support of our efforts to expand the impact of our extended day program.” Science has documented that the earliest days, weeks, months and years of life are a period of unparalleled growth when trillions of brain cell connections are made. The health and development of children is directly influenced by the quality of care and experiences with parents and other adults. How children are held, talked to and cared for teaches them about who they are and how they are valued. This profoundly shapes who children will become. The investments made today in young children provide an important foundation for human development, with […] More

Thunderbirds Charities has awarded a $44,000 grant to MentorKids USA in support of their innovative youth leadership program, iLEAD. MentorKids has been the recipient of Thunderbirds Charities generosity for multiple years, but this is the largest grant awarded by Thunderbirds Charities to MentorKids to date. “We are so grateful to Thunderbirds Charities for their investment in MentorKids over the years, and are tremendously thankful for this recent grant,” said Aaron Parrot, Executive Director of MentorKids USA. “Through this award, Thunderbirds Charities will fund the employment of seven iLEADers for an entire year, allowing these high-school students to develop leadership skills and job experience while serving their community and preparing for their post-secondary life.” The mission of MentorKids USA is to equip and empower youth to be transformative leaders in their lives, their families, and their communities. This is accomplished through free year-round programming for K-12 students in their three Promise Neighborhoods in South Phoenix, North Phoenix, and South Scottsdale. “The Promise Neighborhood model lays the groundwork for MentorKids to make long-term investments in our kids, their families, and their communities,” said Parrott. “iLEADers are the embodiment of our mission. They use the skills learned at MentorKids to mentor, coach, encourage, […] More

Cancer patients will have increased access to comprehensive cancer care, including essential psychosocial support, thanks to a $25,000 grant Thunderbirds Charities awarded to Cancer Support Community Arizona (CSCAZ), a Phoenix-based nonprofit that delivers free support services, programming, and resources to cancer patients, their families, and caregivers across the state. The grant supports CSCAZ’s Cancer Resource Navigator, a program created to address cancer disparities and improve health equity.While cancer is the second leading cause of death for Arizonans as a whole, it is the leading cause of death for Hispanic, American Indian, and Asian residents. This is in large part because barriers to crucial care are devastatingly high for low-income, uninsured, and under-insured patients, most of whom are people of color. As aresult, the outcomes for treatable cancers are often fatal. “It is not uncommon for an inability to pay or lack of reliable transportation to keep low-income cancer patients from completing life-saving treatment,” said Debbie DiCarlo, Chief Executive Officer of CSCAZ. “This innovative program reduces barriers to accessing comprehensive cancer care that improves physical and mental health outcomes and reduces healthcare inequities.” CSCAZ’s Cancer Resource Navigator program provides low-income clients with advocacy, resource navigation, and even a Direct Assistance Fund […] More

Through Thunderbirds Charities of Phoenix Thunderbirds, Oakwood Creative Care has been awarded a $25,000 grant. The grant will help to renovate the floors in the Oakwood Creative Care downtown Mesa location and improve the lives of the physically and mentally challenged. The Mesa “Day Clubs” are an affordable community-based solution that supports seniors with cognitive and physical impairments, such as Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s, and stroke. Oakwood’s “Day Clubs” offer art workshops, as well as fitness, history, storytelling, music, dance, and community engagement opportunity classes for these seniors and their families. The current state of the existing floor puts the safety and self-sufficiency of OCC’s members at risk. As it is not durable and has excessive gashes, the floor does not meet the standards needed by a population using walkers and wheelchairs. “We expect to increase quality of life, which is demonstrated by 80% of our club members scoring a 0-9 on the Geriatric Depression Survey,” said Oakwood CEO Sherri Friend. “Additionally, there will be no clients who suffer from a fall because of a non-conducive floor. With the recent proclamation of OCC’s partnership with the City of Mesa to become “Dementia Friendly,” OCC’s strategic goal continues to be an all-inclusive […] More

A Phoenix-based 501(c)(3), Read Better Be Better (RBBB), was awarded a $31,500 grant from Thunderbirds Charities for its after-school reading comprehension program in the Creighton Elementary School District. According to 2021 AzM2 English Language Arts (ELA) assessments, 65% of 3rd graders in Arizona do not read at grade level and are often unable to make the necessary transition from “learning to read” to “reading to learn” by 4th grade. Literacy is a crucial skill for success and students are four times less likely to graduate high school when not reading at grade level by the end of 3rd grade. RBBB connects young readers and youth leaders to inspire a love of literacy and learning. Through twice-weekly afterschool sessions, middle school “Leaders” develop stronger leadership skills while assisting their elementary-aged “Readers” in developing stronger literacy skills. On average, RBBB Readers improve 20% more than nonparticipating students on standardized reading comprehension tests. “I like Read Better Be Better because I am growing a strong friendship bond with my third graders and helping them improve their reading,” shared one middle-school Leader from Kennedy at Loma Linda in the Creighton Elementary School District during the Fall 2021 semester. The funding from Thunderbirds Charities will […] More

Rebuilding Together Valley of the Sun is honored to be a recipient of a $40,000 grant award from our community partner Thunderbirds Charities. This partnership continues to provide critical resources that help support Phoenix area low-income veterans, seniors, and disabled individuals.Kelly Watson, executive director of the Mesa-based non-profit shared. “During the pandemic in 2021, Rebuilding Together Valley of the Sun continued our efforts, yet at a reduced capacity. We are focused on resuming our Safe at Home Program to pre-pandemic outreach for 2022 and this partnership will ensure that success.” Our goal in this new normal is to utilize approximately 700 volunteers who contribute close to 6,000 volunteer hours, and service over 100 residents creating safe and healthy homes. The Thunderbirds Charities’ continued generosity means even more now to us and the community.” For more information about the organization, visit RTVOS.org. Rebuilding Together Valley of the Sun This grant is part of the Fall 2021 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees. More

The Thunderbirds Charities grant of $25,000 will be used to equip low-income Phoenix area high schoolers with the knowledge, confidence, and self-advocacy skills needed to enroll in and graduate from college. Students and their families will participate in monthly workshops, benefit from 1:1 advising, and receive the resources they need to navigate every step of the college preparation, application, and enrollment process, including financial aid guidance. The STEP College-Prep Program works to increase students’ self-advocacy, initiative, and discipline. Students develop the skills needed to advocate for themselves, fostering the ability navigate all future life challenges. “Thunderbirds Charities funding will enable STEP to provide low-income Arizona students with the support they need to access the educational opportunities they deserve,” said STEP Founder and President Tracy Baynes. STEP: Student Expedition Program, Inc. This grant is part of the Fall 2021 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees. More

Thunderbirds Charities recently awarded the Assistance League® of Phoenix a $50,000 grant to support their Operation School Bell program, which provides over 8,500 children living in poverty with new school clothing and shoes each year. The program is delivered through its mobile dressing centers, the Delivering Dream buses. “We’re so thankful to Thunderbirds Charities,” said Aimee Runyon, Chief Executive Officer, Assistance League® of Phoenix. “They have continued to support our work and it means everything to the children and families we serve. Thunderbirds Charities is making such a difference in our community and we are so grateful for their partnership and support.” The Assistance League of Phoenix has three Delivering Dreams Buses sponsored by the Arizona Diamondbacks, Rotary 100/BHHS Legacy Foundation and Fiesta Bowl Charities/BHHS Legacy Foundation. The donation from Thunderbirds Charities will help purchase clothing and shoes to fill these buses. Assistance League of Phoenix partners with more than 100 Title I schools throughout the year. Each school can select up to 100 children who qualify for the program (students on the free or reduced lunch program). Once on board the Delivering Dream Bus, students work with volunteers to select items and try clothing on in the dressing rooms. […] More

We are thrilled to announce New Pathways for Youth (NPFY) has secured a $20,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities. This funding enables NPFY to provide our transformational holistic development program to more Phoenix students over the next several years – growth that will enhance New Pathways’ organizational impact. NPFY provides a research-based holistic development program and 1:1 mentoring within community groups to Phoenix youth who experience poverty and four times the adversity of their peers. Each one receives individualized action planning, connections to critical resources for personal well-being, and daily necessities that support the youth’s entire family, ranging from housing assistance to food security to emergency relief, providing essential stability. “As we look to expand into even more communities, having the support of an enduring organization like Thunderbirds Charities makes all the difference,” Karen D. Johnson, Ph.D., President and CEO of New Pathways for Youth said. “This means more youth can be welcomed into our program and build the skills for a thriving adulthood.” New Pathways for Youth (NPFY) This grant is part of the Fall 2021 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees. More

The Thunderbirds – hosts of the WM Phoenix Open – have been long-time supporters of Special Olympics Arizona (SOAZ) and were on site this week to celebrate the official grand opening of SOAZ’s new state office and distribution center in Goodyear. The project was made possible thanks to The Thunderbirds who awarded SOAZ a $1 million donation for the project, the largest single gift handed out by Thunderbirds Charities since its inception in 1937. Additionally, Arizona Governor Doug Ducey was on hand to announce a $1 million grant from the State of Arizona which will be gifted to SOAZ to continue to develop its inclusive health and wellness programs which are crucial for the more than 21,000 SOAZ athletes in Arizona. Specifically, that $1 million can help in the following ways: Ensure vital health screening for an additional 1,000 athletes throughout Arizona Provide health education to another 1,500 students Provide hands-on provider training and experience opportunities for 300 healthcare students and professionals Expand critical mental health provider access, screenings and education for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) The office and distribution center will provide statewide support for programs and events that are not just for Special Olympic athletes […] More

Thunderbirds Charities recently awarded $40,000 to UPWARD for Children and Families in support of the Integrated Childcare Program for kids with and without special needs in an integrated setting. Upward focuses on services in three areas: 1) special education for children in grades Pre-K through 12 who have severe disabilities and are medically fragile, 2) inclusive child care for infants and children with and without disabilities, and 3) outpatient therapies for children with mild to severe disabilities. “The support of Thunderbirds Charities has been critical for UPWARD over the years,” said CEO Doug Carter. “They have been very generous to us. The Pandemic has been difficult on families. One parent who is a healthcare provider at a local hospital said, ‘UPWARD has been a savior for our family because my wife and I both have to work during the pandemic.’ ” UPWARD for Children and Families This grant is part of the Fall 2021 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees. More