Since 2000, BHHS Legacy Foundation has invested more than $110 million to enhance the quality of life and health of those we serve in the Greater Phoenix and Tri-State regions. The Foundation is pleased to announce $5.4 million in grant funding in 2020. More than $1.2 million of the total giving went to support nonprofit organizations and programs impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID relief funding went to help nonprofits that serve essential needs such as emergency housing, rental and utility assistance, food, emergency dental, and healthcare. Many of these organizations are facing increased demand for services at the same time they are seeing decreased funding due to canceled in-person fundraising events.
COVID relief funding also helped with increased costs related to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for frontline workers and the extra cleaning required to help mitigate the spread of the COVID virus.
In the Tri-State region, BHHS Legacy Foundation’s support of COVID-related programs positively impacted more than 5,000 people. One project affecting thousands was funding for touchless water bottle-filling stations to ensure local students have access to safe, clean water. Funding was also provided to nonprofits for crisis intervention and assistance to people in need, including rent, utilities, AC and auto repairs, and more. BHHS Legacy Foundation also funded programs to help children in foster care acquire technology for virtual learning.
As BHHS Legacy Foundation looks forward to the end of the pandemic, it also looks to care for groups affected in other, unintended ways. For example, the CDC recently released grim statistics about the steady uptick in overdose deaths coinciding with COVID-19. To help families fighting addiction, BHHS Legacy Foundation provided grant funding to PAL, an organization that provides education, support and hope to parents of addicted loved ones.
The total $5.4 million in community grant funding was awarded in four strategic priority areas: programs and projects that improve access to healthcare ($876,997); improve community health ($511,500); expand Arizona’s healthcare workforce ($340,200); and strengthen and support health-related community efforts ($3,751,602).Click here to see a comprehensive list of the Foundation and its affiliates grant-giving.
Centerpiece Playground Opens
In December, we celebrated the grand opening of “Fiesta Bowl PLAY” at Margaret T. Hance Park in downtown Phoenix.
The new 20,000-square-foot play area was made possible thanks to a $2 million legacy gift from the Fiesta Bowl and supporting partners, Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority, BHHS Legacy Foundation, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona. Click here to watch a video of the opening celebration for this mega playground for millions to enjoy in the years ahead.
Celebrating Milestones
In February, we partnered with Frontdoors Magazine to honor organizations celebrating milestone years. This special issue featured Legacy Connection’s Backpack Buddies project, as well as organizations that BHHS Legacy Foundation funds, including Ronald McDonald House Charities, Parents of Addicted Loved Ones, Fiesta Bowl Charities, and more. Click here to read the issue.
Also be sure to check out the special Tax Credit Giving Guides we partnered with Frontdoors on to learn how your tax credit donation can help nonprofits while giving you a break on state income taxes. Click here for info as well as a list of eligible organizations in Maricopa County and the Bullhead City area.
