(Phoenix) --The Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust awarded $1,937,300 to 23 Arizona nonprofit organizations Thursday, November 17. The announcement and presentation were held at the Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center, 300 N. 18th Street, at 8:30 a.m.

"The Trust has continued to further the causes Nina Pulliam supported much of her life. As trustees, we are pleased to continue her legacy of helping people in need, protecting animals and nature, and enriching community life," said Frank E. Russell, Trustee chairman. "Since the Trust began its grantmaking in 1998, it has awarded more than $55 million to 288 Arizona nonprofit organizations."

"This 2005 third round of grants includes every area of the Trust's interests," said Harriet Ivey, Trust president and CEO (grant list is attached). "Grants range from $18,000 to $250,000, and six of today's recipients are first-time awardees. We welcome Arizona Quest for Kids, Best Buddies Arizona, Chandler Christian Community Center, 1n10, Sky Harbor Interfaith Chaplaincy, Inc. and Sky Island Alliance to the Trust family of grantees."

The Trust recognized 16 organizations helping people in need with grant commitments totaling $1,207,300. "Nina spent a lifetime helping others, and her Trust has evolved into a strong resource for nonprofit groups in her beloved hometown of Phoenix. With a strong emphasis on encouraging self sufficiency, the Trust serves individuals, including the elderly and disabled, women, children and their families," Trustee Carol Schilling said.

"Nina was known for her love of animals and was concerned for their welfare. Throughout her life, she supported efforts to protect animals of all kinds, as well as their habitats and the natural beauty of Arizona," Schilling said. The Trust awarded $225,000 to three organizations protecting animals and nature.

The Trust's commitment to enriching community life in Phoenix includes a $250,000 grant to Childsplay, Inc. to create the Campus for Imagination and Wonder at the former Mitchell elementary school in Tempe to consolidate all of the agency's operations (Childsplay Academy, laboratory theater, rehearsal hall, administrative space and community space) under one roof, allowing it to serve 50,000 additional young people and their families. "Nina was known for supporting programs that brought cultural and educational opportunities to citizens of all ages who otherwise might not have realized such experiences." Schilling explained.

"2005 also is a landmark year for the Nina Mason Pulliam Legacy Scholars program as we celebrate the graduation of 17 Nina Scholars," Trustee Nancy Russell said. "Since the Nina Scholars program began in 2001, it has touched the lives of more than 65 men and women in Arizona pursuing their dream of a college degree. The fifth cohort will begin studies this fall. Nina believed in education's power to transform lives and our Nina Scholars are testament to this."

"Nina came from a family that emphasized the importance of education. Education was the foundation for her great successes. From very humble beginnings, Nina became a recognized leader during her lifetime in the newspaper industry and in her home states of Indiana and Arizona," Russell added.

The Nina Mason Pulliam Legacy Scholars program provides scholarships to Arizona State University and Maricopa Community Colleges for men and women who are often overlooked by traditional college scholarships. Additional information may be obtained from the Trust web site or by calling the Nina Scholar Program Manager offices at ASU, 480-727-6561 or Maricopa Community Colleges, at 480-731-8619.

The Trust, which also makes grants in Indiana, had approximately $360 million in assets as of September 30, 2005.

The next preliminary application deadline for nonprofit organizations applying to the Trust for funding is January 6, 2006.

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