Thunderbirds Charities, the charitable giving arm of The Thunderbirds and hosts of the Waste Management Phoenix Open Presented by The Ak-Chin Indian Community – awarded more than $4 million in grants to 77 Valley charities.

During its 2019 fall funding cycle, the Thunderbirds Charities awarded grants of $100,000 or more to 12 Valley Charities; including $750,000 to Phoenix Rescue Mission, $250,000 to Brighter Way Institute, $150,000 to New Pathways for Youth, $150,000 to Ryan House and $125,000 to Fresh Start Women’s Foundation.

With the fall funding cycle concluded, Thunderbirds Charities has announced that its 2020 spring funding cycle is open and to apply by 5 p.m., March 1;  information can be found at ThunderbirdsCharities.org, according to a press release.

“Without a doubt, giving back to our communities is the most rewarding thing about what we do as tournament hosts,” said Chance Cozby, president of Thunderbirds Charities, in a prepared statement.

“We’re thrilled and so proud to give these grants to deserving organizations around the Valley. It’s an honor to have such a positive impact for those in need in our community.”

The $750,000 grant to Phoenix Rescue Mission will help build an $11 million, four-story building on the “NEC of 35th Avenue and West Durango Street, allowing Phoenix Rescue Mission to substantially expand their Transformations Program and services to the surrounding community,” the release said.

The $200,000 donation to Brighter Way Institute go towards expanding Brighter Way’s Downtown Dental Center, providing comprehensive oral health care for vulnerable adults, children, veterans, those experiencing homelessness and individuals with special needs.

The $150,000 grant to New Pathways for Youth will fund the Transformative Mentoring Program Expansion Project, which will allow NPFY to double their footprint; increasing the number of youths served annually from 450 to 1000.

A $150,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities will help Ryan House renovate the Sanctuary Room and bolster its Sponsor-A-Stay Program to  provide world-class care and programs for children and families navigating life-limiting or end-of-life journeys through palliative and respite care;  addressing emotional, spiritual and social needs of the family from diagnosis to end-of-life from highly trained staff.

A $125,000 grant to Fresh Start Women’s Foundation will help provide family law education, resources and support for women in conjunction with their mission to positively transform their lives and strengthen the community through wide ranging services, classes and workshops designed to teach self-confidence, life skills and career development.

See for the complete list online of additional grants awarded from the fall 2019 cycle that include $100,000 for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Scottsdale’s makerspaces at BGCS’s Thunderbirds and Lehi branches and $100,000 to the Jewish Family & Children’s Service for JFCS East Valley Healthcare Center Expansion.