Arizona Charities Received More than $40.8 Million to Date

(Phoenix)- The Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust presented $1,496,705 in grants to 22 Arizona agencies Tuesday, November 18. More than 70 guests representing the nonprofit organizations attended the check presentation at Sydney's Community Center, a program facility of Grand Canyon University.

"Our funding helps people in need, protects animals and nature, and enriches community life in Arizona and Indiana, the states Mrs. Pulliam called home," explained Harriet M. Ivey, president and chief executive officer of the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust. "Five of today's grantees are first-time recipients of the Trust's giving. Grants range from $20,000 to $150,000 and represent every area of our program interests," Ivey added.

This is the third of the Trust's three funding rounds for 2003. Since the Trust began making grants in 1998, it has committed $40,835,863 to 254 nonprofit organizations in Arizona.

"As the Trust completes its sixth year of funding, we are most pleased with the long-term impact of our grant dollars and the relationships and programs established with our family of grantees," said Trustee Carol Peden Schatt. "Nina would have been so proud of the work her dollars are supporting today," she added.

"The Trust will be a part of this community for many years to come - during the next 44 years of the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust's 50-year life and, more importantly, through the legacy of your work," Trustee Chairman Frank E. Russell stated to the Arizona organization representatives attending.

Trustee Nancy Russell updated the audience about the Nina Mason Pulliam Legacy Scholars program, which opens doors of higher education for men and women who are often overlooked for traditional college scholarships.

"We are very pleased that many of our Nina Scholars are referred from nonprofit organizations the Trust supports," Russell said.

Beginning in 2001, each year the Trust has sponsored eight new students at Arizona State University and 15 new students at Maricopa Community Colleges. Currently 60 Nina Scholars are enrolled at both schools. The third cohort of 23 Nina Scholars began classes in the fall 2003 semester. The Nina Scholars application process begins in January of each year.

The Trust, which also makes grants in Indiana, had approximately $330 million in assets as of October 31, 2003.

The next deadline for nonprofit organizations to apply for funding is January 15, 2004.

Applications may be obtained by writing to the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust, 2201 E. Camelback Road, Suite 600-B, Phoenix, AZ 85016; or by calling 602-955-3000; or through the Application page on our web site.