Phoenix Suns Charities

Mission:

Since 1968, the Phoenix Suns have been an important part of our community. From hospital visits by players, to sponsorship of a multitude of community programs, to basketball court renovations, our pledge has always been: The community owes us nothing. It’s up to us to go out and earn their respect.

Phoenix Suns Charities was the vision of Phoenix Suns Chairman and CEO Jerry Colangelo. Upon his purchase of the team in 1987, he began to assemble a board of community leaders to oversee the formation and operation of a charitable effort that would reflect the Suns mission to be a constant leader in improving the quality of life in our community.

The foundation was incorporated in 1989 with the mission to benefit organizations that assist the needs of children in Arizona. Due to the generosity of fans and sponsors, and underwriting by the team, Phoenix Suns Charities has experienced steady growth and now distributes more than half a million dollars annually to dozens of local charities. Since its inception, Phoenix Suns Charities and the Phoenix Suns have donated more than $4.5 million to worthy Arizona organizations.

Funds are raised throughout the NBA season through special events such as the Suns Gala, Rock the Rim 3-on-3 tournament, the Suns Scramble golf tourney, and the Suns Alumni Golf Classic; through scoreboard messages presented at Suns home games; through online auctions; and through special projects such as Home of Miracles. Finally, many generous fans and community organizations designate Phoenix Suns Charities the recipient of their giving.

Grantmaking Objectives:

Grants requests are accepted throughout the basketball season beginning November 1st and ending April 1st. A committee of Phoenix Suns Charities board members carefully reviews each request and makes the final decision on funding in June. The foundation’s largest grant, the $100,000 Playmaker Award, was presented to the Foundation for Blind Children in 2000, Phoenix Children’s Hospital in 2001, Chrysalis Shelter in 2002, and the Assistance League of Phoenix in 2003. The 2005 Playmaker Award went to Aid to Adoption of Special Children (AASK) and the 2006 award was presented to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Phoenix. In 2007, the United Food Bank received the Playmaker Grant for their Kids' L.I.F.E. Program.

Geographic Areas Served:	Arizona (statewide)
Revenues:	$900,834
Grants Disbursed:	$611,030
Net Assets:	$695,385

Phoenix Suns Charities Website

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