Mission Statement

The Phoenix Thunderbirds have been an integral part of the Valley of the Sun since 1937. Although, better known as the host organization for the FBR Open we are equally proud of our contribution to charity.

In 1986 Thunderbirds Charities, a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation was established for the purpose of distributing money to charitable causes.

Funds are raised through the FBR Open and direct gifts to Thunderbirds Charities. The tremendous support of our community allows us to achieve our charitable goals.

The mission of Thunderbirds Charities is to assist children and families, help people in need and improve the quality of life in our communities. Our charitable giving will be directed toward organizations based or with a significant presence in Arizona.

Click on the links below to view or download our charity mission statement.

Charity Mission

Thunderbirds Charities 2009/2010 Grant Application will be available early August 2009.

Thunderbirds Charities Funding Deadlines:

Thunderbirds Charities fiscal year runs June 1^st through May 31^st and has two funding cycles, fall and spring.  The fall funding cycle is as follows; deadline for submitting funding application is September 1, 2009 (application must be in office not post marked) with notification to occur in December 2009.  The spring funding cycle is as follows; deadline for submitting funding application is March 1, 2010 (application must be in office not post marked) with notification to occur in June 2010. (A charitable organization may only apply once within the fiscal year).

To be eligible, a charity must hold a 501 (c) (3) non-profit status and be based in Arizona.  The mission of Thunderbirds Charities is to assist children and families, help people in need and improve the quality of life in our communities.  Thunderbirds Charities grants range in the amounts of $5,000 to $200,000 and will be awarded annually.   Funding amounts will change annually.

Thunderbirds Charities Funding Guidelines:

As stated above, the mission of Thunderbirds Charities is to assist families, children, and others in need and to improve the quality of life in  Arizona communities through donations to Arizona based organizations.  Thunderbirds Charities reserves the right to accept or reject any application and to approve or disapprove any proposal for funding.  Thunderbirds Charities also reserves the right to change the application criteria at any time.  Please refer to the list below for funding guidelines.  Other guidelines may apply and will be evaluated on an individual basis. 

Thunderbirds Charities does not intend to provide funding to:

• A nonprofit organization whose 501 (c) (3) status has been in operation for less than three years.
• Organizations that discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, marital status, age, disability or veteran status.
• Individuals.
• Political, labor or fraternal organizations.
• Advocacy or lobbying activities for issue related topics.
• Medical or scientific research.
• Endowments, Fellowships or Scholarships (for college purposes).
• Religious organizations or churches or programs, that are purely denominational in purpose.
• Foundations or organizations, which are themselves, grant-making entities.
• Individual schools and their support organizations (including Booster Clubs, PTA/PTO’s, athletic teams, bands, performing arts groups, alumni associations or reunions) .
• Debt reduction campaigns.
• General operating needs or ongoing support.
• Project’s / Program’s outside of  Maricopa County, unless the project / program serves primarily Maricopa County residents.