Thunderbirds Charities, the charitable giving arm of The Thunderbirds – hosts of the WM Phoenix Open – awarded more than $4.8 million in grants to 70 Valley charities during its 2024 Fall funding cycle. Some of the largest grants include $1 million to Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley, $500,000 to The Phoenix Zoo, $200,000 to Barrow Neurological Foundation, and $200,000 to A New Leaf.  Additionally, eight grants of more than $100,000 were awarded during this cycle and went to United Cerebral Palsy Association of Central Arizona ($200,000), UMOM New Day Centers ($200,000), St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance ($170,000), Valleywise Health Foundation ($125,000), Zion Institute ($100,000), Tempe Community Action Agency (TCAA) ($100,000), ICAN: Positive Programs for Youth and Brighter Way Institute ($100,000).

With the 2024 Fall funding cycle complete, Thunderbirds Charities has now opened its 2025 Spring funding cycle. Information about the Spring funding cycle can be found at www.ThunderbirdsCharities.org.

“We are beyond thrilled and deeply proud to have contributed over $4.8 million to local Valley charities during this funding cycle,” said George Thimsen, Big Chief of The Thunderbirds. “Supporting our communities and neighborhoods is central to The Thunderbirds’ mission, and we are truly honored to make a difference in such a meaningful way.”

The $1 million grant to Boys & Girls Club of the Valley will be directed to its Thunderbirds Charities Leadership Academy. The Thunderbirds Charities Leadership Academy is a three-day camp for low-income, high-risk middle school boys to help them develop personal life skills.  This was highlighted during a special check presentation ceremony during last night’s Concert in the Coliseum with Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ur4ZBz7AzAw&feature=youtu.be.

The $500,000 grant to The Phoenix Zoo will provide funding and aid to building a new Veterinary Medical Center Laboratory.

Barrow Neurological Foundation will use the $200,000 grant to go towards its Barrow Neuro-Robotics Rehabilitation Program. New technologies are harnessing the power of neuroplasticity and enabling people to get more out of their rehabilitation. People with neurological injuries are reaching a level of function and independence they never thought possible.

A New Leaf was awarded $200,000 from Thunderbirds Charities to support their highly impactful Domestic and Sexual Violence Services. Through shelter, legal advocacy, and comprehensive support services, A New Leaf works to provide any survivor of domestic violence with the choice and ability to safely leave.

70 Awards Granted During 2024 Fall Funding Cycle