Press Release
22 Arizona Nonprofits Receive $2,713,000 Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust Grants
July 12, 2007
(Phoenix)
–The Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust awarded $2,713,000 to 22 Arizona nonprofit organizations Thursday, July 12. The presentation was held at The Heard Museum, 2301 N. Central Avenue at 3:30 p.m. Recipients began arriving at 3 p.m. for refreshments and an informal “mixer” with the Trust’s Trustees, staff and representatives from other grantee organizations.
“The Trust has continued to further the causes Nina Pulliam supported during her life. Since the Trust began its grantmaking in 1998, it has awarded more than $68 million to 320 Arizona nonprofit organizations. 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.
“Nina Pulliam believed we all have a responsibility to give back to our community. Nina called Indianapolis and Phoenix home, which is the reason her Trust focuses its grants to organizations in these cities,” Russell added.
“The Trust presents grants three times a year. This is the second grant award this year, and the organizations receiving funding today represent every area of the Trust’s mission,” said Harriet M. Ivey, Trust president and CEO. Today’s grants range from $10,000 to $750,000.
“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 P. Schilling said.
Helping People in Need grant recipients are: A & A Cottages $50,000; Arizonans For Children $45,000; Be A Leader Foundation
$150,000; Chrysallis Shelter for Victims of Domestic Violence $750,000; Community Outreach & Advocacy for Refugees $60,000; Girls For A Change – Phoenix $60,000; Interfaith Community Care $200,000; Justice For Children – Arizona Chapter $100,000; Mission of Mercy – Arizona Mobile Clinic $75,000; A New Leaf $180,000; Phoenix Birthing Project $75,000; Phoenix Indian Center $100,000; St. Joseph the Worker $30,000; Teach For America $100,000; Timber Trails Children’s Project $10,000; United Food Bank $30,000; Valle del Sol $200,000; Valley of the Sun United Way $50,000.
“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.
Protecting Animals and Nature grant recipients are: National Wildlife Federation $68,000; Wild At Heart $55,000.
“During her life, Nina supported programs that brought cultural and educational opportunities to children and adults who otherwise might not have realized such experiences,” Schilling explained.
Enriching Community Life grant recipients are: Children’s Museum of Phoenix $250,000; Youth Re:Action Corps $75,000.
Trustee Nancy M. Russell discussed the impact of the Trust’s college scholarship program. “The Nina Mason Pulliam Legacy Scholars program continues to bring the dream of a college education to those who are overlooked by traditional scholarship programs. Since the
Nina Scholars program began in 2001, it has touched the lives of more than 161 men and women in Arizona.
In 2006, the Trust extended the Nina Scholars program through 2010, committing $7.8 million over the next four years to scholarships for 168 nontraditional college students in Arizona and Indiana. The program extension also includes an annual $2,750 living allowance for Scholars, books, fees and the program’s administrative costs. The Nina Scholars program now accounts for 10 percent of the Trust’s annual grantmaking.
Nina Scholars are 25 years or older with dependents, college-age students and adults with physical disabilities, or college-age youth who were raised in the foster care system and are self-supporting. The seventh cohort of 23 Arizona students will begin their studies this fall at Arizona State University and Maricopa Community Colleges.
“Nina believed in education’s power to transform lives, and our Nina Scholars are testimony to this,” Russell added.
To receive additional Nina Scholars program information visit the Trust Scholars page or contact: Cory Gonzales, nina.scholars@asu.edu at ASU, 480-727-6561; or Susan Taffer, nina.scholars@domail.maricopa.edu at Maricopa Community Colleges, 480-731-8820.
The Trust, which also makes grants in Indiana, had approximately $410 million in assets as of May 31, 2007.
The next preliminary application deadline for nonprofit organizations applying to the Trust for funding is September 4, 2007.
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.