Arizona First Responders Foundation receives $15K grant

The Arizona First Responders Foundation has been awarded a $15,000 grant from Arizona Financial Foundation’s Local Causes Visa debit card program, supporting the foundation’s mission to promote the well-being of first responders through activity, awareness and action.

Founded by retired Scottsdale firefighter Adam Shuckhart, the foundation was created to eliminate the stigma around mental health in the fire and police community and to provide access to critical education, treatment and training resources for those who serve, according to a press release.

The organization was among 18 nonprofits statewide selected through Arizona Financial Foundation’s Local Causes grant cycle, which has now distributed more than $800,000 in grants to nearly 100 nonprofits since launching in 2020.

The foundation’s approach to connection and healing is rooted in camaraderie and movement. What began as casual backyard pickleball games among Shuckhart’s colleagues has grown into pickleball tournaments that bring together first responders and community supporters for friendly competition and shared understanding.

In addition to the tournaments, the foundation continues to build momentum through smaller “friendraiser” events, continuing its mission of using recreation and community engagement to build morale and fund support programs for first responders.

Proceeds from these events, combined with the Local Causes grant, will help expand mental health training and crisis intervention programs delivered through emergency responder crisis solutions for Scottsdale Fire and Police Departments.