West Valley foundation highlights grief support nonprofit

West Valley Mavericks Foundation, a nonprofit credited with donating millions to local causes is preparing to open its next round of grants while spotlighting a grief support center for children and families as one of its beneficiaries.

At the West Valley Mavericks Foundation, September's beneficiary spotlight is Billy’s Place, a grief support nonprofit serving children and families coping with the loss of a loved one. Founded in 2012, Billy’s Place began as a small group meeting in a living room and has grown into a hub for grieving families across the West Valley.

The organization now serves more than 350 children and caregivers each year through peer support groups and outreach programs. It also provides school-based bereavement programs that reach hundreds of educators and thousands of students annually.

Families describe Billy’s Place as a safe, welcoming environment where grief is processed together.  Its free grief support programs are designed to help children process loss, connect with others who understand, and heal at their own pace.

Over the past year, Billy’s Place has expanded its reach. Its annual Hike for Hope event, offered free to the community, welcomed hundreds of families for a day of remembrance, connection and support. The organization is also renovating a new program space two streets from its current location. Once complete, the new site will double its capacity, adding dedicated areas for healing, play and community connection.

Billy’s Place leaders say support from the West Valley Mavericks has been instrumental in that growth, funding peer support groups and helping with the renovation. The Mavericks have partnered with the organization since 2016.

The West Valley Mavericks Foundation reports more than $4.2 million in charitable contributions since its founding, including $3.4 million directly to West Valley charities. The group also cites an estimated $11.3 million in direct economic impact and events drawing more than 170,000 attendees across the region.

Applications for 2026 grants will open this fall. To qualify for funding greater than $1,000, organizations must hold 501(c)(3) nonprofit status for at least three years. The Mavericks do not fund political or religious organizations, individuals, medical research, schools, or projects outside Maricopa County unless they primarily serve county residents, according to the foundation’s criteria.

Visit westvalleymavericksfoundation.org for more information about the West Valley Mavericks Foundation, including grant guidelines and more recipient information.