Press Release
$2.7 million awarded to 29 Arizona organizations
November 17, 2011
29 CHARITIES RECEIVE $2,715,880 IN GRANTS
(Phoenix) –The Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust awarded $2,715,880 to 29 Arizona nonprofit organizations Thursday, November 17. Grant recipients gathered at the Foundation for Senior Living, 1201 E. Thomas Road at 3:00 p.m. for a reception with the Trust’s Trustees, staff and representatives from grantee organizations.
“During her lifetime, Nina Mason Pulliam dedicated her assets and business expertise to organizations helping people in need, protecting animals and nature, and enriching community life in her hometown of Phoenix,” said Frank E. Russell, Trustee chairman.
“The Trust is pleased to continue to build on its legacy of community grantmaking through the wonderful work of the Trust family of grantees,” said Harriet M. Ivey, Trust president and CEO. “And, of the 29 organizations receiving funding today, three are first-time Trust grant recipients,” Ivey added.
“Nina spent a lifetime helping others, and her Trust has evolved into a strong resource for nonprofit groups in 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 P. Schilling said. The Trust recognized 20 organizations helping people in need with grant commitments of $2,064,880.
“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,” said Trustee Nancy M. Russell. The Trust awarded $521,000 to seven organizations protecting animals and nature.
“During her life, Nina supported programs that brought cultural and educational opportunities to children and adults who otherwise might not have realized such experiences,” Russell explained. The Trust awarded $130,000 to two organizations enriching community life.
These are extraordinary times. And, our grantees are doing an exceptional job of serving their communities and furthering Nina Pulliam’s legacy through their daily work and ongoing commitments to their life-changing missions,” said Edmund H. Portnoy, Ph.D., Arizona grants programs director for the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust.
Since the Trust began its grantmaking in 1998, it has awarded more than $96 million to 415 Arizona nonprofit organizations.
The Trust also makes grants in Indianapolis and as of September 30, 2011, had assets of approximately $325.6 million. Visit www.ninapulliamtrust.org for more information about the Trust and its programs.