Thunderbirds Charities

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $7.86 million (2023); record $18.1 million raised from 2025 WM Phoenix Open
• Success Rate: Approximately 52% (70 of ~135 applications funded in Fall 2024)
• Decision Time: 4 months
• Grant Range: $10,000 - $1,000,000
• Geographic Focus: Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area (Maricopa & Pinal Counties)

Contact Details

Website: https://thunderbirdscharities.org

Phone: (602) 870-0163

Email: grantsinfo@thunderbirdscharities.org

Address: 7226 N. 16th Street, Suite 100, Phoenix, AZ 85020

Online Application Portal: https://thunderbirds.egrant.net

Overview

Thunderbirds Charities is a nonprofit organization formed in 1986 to distribute funds raised through the WM Phoenix Open golf tournament. In its 90-year history (counting the tournament's full history), the organization has contributed more than $226 million to benefit nonprofits across Arizona, including more than $120 million in the past 10 years alone. The 2025 WM Phoenix Open set a record by raising $18.1 million for local charities—the highest single-year total in tournament history. Thunderbirds Charities supports more than 300 organizations across the Valley, ranging from large established nonprofits to smaller community-based organizations. The foundation is rated Four-Star (96%) by Charity Navigator, reflecting its strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Fall Funding Cycle: $10,000 - $1,000,000

• Application Deadline: September 1 at 5:00 PM MST
• Notification: Mid-December
• Recent Example: Fall 2024 awarded $4.8+ million to 70 Valley charities

Spring Funding Cycle: $10,000 - $1,000,000

• Application Deadline: March 1 at 5:00 PM MST
• Notification: Mid-June
• Recent Example: Spring 2024 awarded nearly $3 million to 43 Valley nonprofits

Applications accepted only through online eGrant portal. Organizations may submit one proposal per fiscal year (June 1 - May 31).

Priority Areas

• At-Risk Youth & Families
• Education (Early childhood, K-12, educational resources for underserved students)
• Community Outreach/Quality of Life
• Physical and Mental Disabilities
• Domestic Violence Prevention and Services
• Homelessness Services
• Poverty Elimination
• Health Services (Developmental screening, behavioral health, medical access)

What They Don't Fund

• Organizations with less than 3 years of 501(c)(3) status
• Organizations that discriminate
• Individuals
• Political, labor, fraternal, or service organizations
• Sectarian religious activities
• Organizations outside Greater Phoenix Metro Area
• Organizations using "second party" 501(c)(3) status

Governance and Leadership

The Thunderbirds Charities Board consists of 15 members: 10 Thunderbirds members and 5 community-at-large members. Patrick D. Williams serves as President. Williams states: "Giving back to our wonderful communities and helping people and families in need is easily the best part of being a Thunderbird."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Applications only accepted through online eGrant portal at https://thunderbirds.egrant.net. Paper applications not accepted.

Required Documents:

• IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter
• IRS Form 990/990-EZ (not older than 15 months)
• Financial statements for two most recent fiscal years
• Annual operating budget with comparable columns
• Project budget
• Board of Directors list with affiliations
• List of funds raised to date ($5,000+)
• List of corporate/foundation donors from previous year ($5,000+)

Decision Timeline

• Application to notification: Approximately 4 months
• Fall: September 1 deadline → Mid-December notification
• Spring: March 1 deadline → Mid-June notification

Success Rates

Approximately 52% success rate based on Fall 2024 data (70 grants from ~135 applications)

Reapplication Policy

One application per fiscal year allowed. Previous grant recipients may reapply in subsequent years. No waiting period for unsuccessful applicants.

Application Success Factors

• Clear alignment with mission to assist children, families, and people in need in Greater Phoenix
• Measurable outcomes with concrete metrics and evaluation plans
• Sustainability planning showing impact beyond grant period
• Current documentation - Forms older than 15 months automatically rejected
• Community need clearly articulated with evidence
• Geographic focus on Maricopa and Pinal Counties
• Diverse funding demonstrating broad community support

Recent successful grants include:

• Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley: $1 million
• Phoenix Zoo: $500,000
• Keys to Change: $300,000
• Southwest Human Development: Developmental screening programs
• Fresh Start Women's Foundation: Family law support programs

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Apply early - Organization appreciates submissions before deadline
• One chance per year - Make your single annual application count
• 3-year minimum - Must have established 501(c)(3) status
• Vulnerable populations focus - Prioritizes at-risk youth, homeless, disabled, and those in poverty
• Tournament-dependent funding - Grant amounts vary based on WM Phoenix Open proceeds
• Partial awards possible - Be prepared to adjust project scope if offered less than requested
• Documentation critical - Maintain current financial records; outdated forms mean automatic rejection

References

• Thunderbirds Charities official website: https://thunderbirdscharities.org (Accessed February 2026)
• Thunderbirds Charities Grant Guidelines: https://thunderbirdscharities.org/apply-for-a-grant/ (Accessed February 2026)
• Fall 2024 & Spring 2025 Grant Guidelines PDF: https://thunderbirdscharities.org/wp-content/uploads/Thunderbirds-Charities-FALL-2024-SPRING-2025-Grant-Guidelines-updated-June-2024.pdf (Accessed February 2026)
• Charity Navigator Rating: https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/860560664 (Accessed February 2026)
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/860560664 (Accessed February 2026)
• WM Phoenix Open Press Releases on 2025 record fundraising and Fall 2024 grants (Accessed February 2026)
• Keys to Change $300,000 grant announcement: https://keystochangeaz.org/2024-300k-thunderbirds-charities-grant/ (Accessed February 2026)