Today, the Hilton Family Holocaust Education Center announced a $250,000 gift from Thunderbirds Charities to advance the final stretch of its capital campaign. Opening in 2027, the new 30,000-square-foot community space will serve as Arizona’s premier flagship resource for Holocaust history, equipping future generations to combat antisemitism, hate, and bigotry.

Support from Thunderbirds Charities will directly support the physical development of the Center, bringing to life a state-of-the-art educational hub designed to welcome more than 50,000 students, educators, and visitors annually.

“This generous gift from Thunderbirds Charities sends a powerful message about the necessity of remembrance and what it means to preserve testimony for future generations,” said Talli Dippold, President and CEO of the Hilton Family Holocaust Education Center. “The Center will serve as a permanent anchor for truth, honoring memory, and ensuring that our community has a space to learn about Jewish life before, during, and after the Holocaust.”

As the largest metropolitan area in the U.S. without a dedicated Holocaust museum, Phoenix is home to approximately 60 living Holocaust survivors and hundreds of their descendants. By weaving local survivor testimony into interactive, immersive exhibits, the Center will connect global history to the Arizona community in a deeply personal way. The Center will also feature a unique space dedicated to combatting antisemitism and hate in today’s digital world, equipping visitors with interactive exercises and tools to counter misinformation and bigotry.

Thunderbirds Charities is dedicated to improving the quality of life for children and families across the Valley. By supporting this landmark project at this phase, Thunderbirds Charities is directly investing in the development of the Hilton Family Holocaust Education Center’s student experience, as well as supporting educators in meeting Arizona’s Holocaust education requirements through field trips, lesson plans, and interactive classroom resources.

Once open, the Hilton Family Holocaust Education Center will serve as an enduring asset for Phoenix, the State of Arizona, and the broader Southwest region, inspiring thousands each year to act as memory keepers and stewards against antisemitism and hate. Learn more about the Center at www.hfhecaz.org.

Hilton Family Holocaust Education Center

This grant is part of the Spring 2026 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees.