Thunderbirds Charities, the charitable giving arm of The Thunderbirds – hosts of the WM Phoenix Open – awarded more than $2.5 million in grants to 57 Valley charities during its 2021 Fall funding cycle. Some of the largest grants awarded were $300,000 to UMOM New Day Centers, $250,000 to A New Leaf, and $150,000 to St. Joseph the Worker. Other notable grants were awarded to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona ($100,000), YWCA Metro Phoenix ($80,000), and Ryan House ($75,000).

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona has a new permanent home in the heart of Central Phoenix and the $100,000 grant will be used to create the Thunderbirds Charities Community Room that will be used by staff, Big/Little matches activities, and other community events.

The recent $80,000 grant to YWCA will provide Senior Meals on Wheels in the West Valley and fund financial education programs to YWCA clients and those working with other like-minded charities.

Thunderbirds Charities’ grant of $75,000 to Ryan House will bolster their Sponsor-a-Stay program which offers short-term overnight respite care for parents and families of children who are medically fragile.

“Giving back to our local communities is by far the most rewarding thing we do as Thunderbirds,” said Scott Jenkins, Big Chief of The Thunderbirds. “The past two years have been extremely hard on nonprofit organizations and the people they serve. Now, more than ever, it’s

crucial to support these pivotal organizations and the vital work they conduct in our communities. We are grateful to be able to help in any way we can.”

Thunderbirds Charities has now opened its 2022 Spring funding cycle. Information on how to apply for a grant can be found at www.thunderbirdscharities.org.

Click here to see all Fall 2021 Thunderbirds Charities Grantees

ABOUT THE THUNDERBIRDS/THUNDERBIRDS CHARITIES

Established in 1986, Thunderbirds Charities is the charitable arm of The Thunderbirds, whose purpose is to grant the funds generated by the WM Phoenix Open. Thirty-four years later, the mission of Thunderbirds Charities remains the same; to assist children and families, help people in need and improve the quality of life in Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area. Each year Thunderbirds Charities accepts grant proposals that support at-risk youth & families, community outreach/quality of life, education, improving the lives of the physically and mentally challenged and working to eliminate domestic violence, homelessness, and poverty. The Thunderbirds were founded in 1937 with the mission of promoting the Valley of the Sun through sports. The Thunderbirds consist of 55 “active” members and more than 280 “life” members. For more information on the Thunderbirds or Thunderbirds Charities, visit www.thunderbirdscharities.org.

ABOUT WM PHOENIX OPEN

The 2022 WM Phoenix Open will take place Feb. 7-13 at TPC Scottsdale. “The People’s Open” has been named the Tournament of the Year by the PGA TOUR four times in the past eight years (2014, 2015, 2018, 2019) to acknowledge the tournament’s legendary status as one the most unique events in golf. The 2022 edition will mark the 87th playing of the event (one of the five oldest events on the PGA TOUR) and the 13th with WM as title sponsor.