Press Release
19 Arizona nonprofits receive $1,468,300 Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust grants
November 15, 2007
(Phoenix) –The Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust awarded $1,468,300 to 19 Arizona nonprofit organizations Thursday, November 15. The presentation
was held at Sojourner Center in Phoenix, 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 $70 million to 328 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.
“This is the final presentation of three grant rounds this year. Today’s grants range from $18,300 to $190,000,” said Harriet M. Ivey, Trust president and CEO.
“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 an 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: Beatitudes Age Link $120,000; Boys & Girls Clubs of the East Valley $190,000; Bridging AZ Furniture Bank, Inc. $30,000; Chicanos Por La Causa, Inc. $50,000; Family Promise-Greater Phoenix $125,000; Girl Scouts – Arizona Cactus-Pine Council, Inc. $30,000; Greater Phoenix Youth at Risk Foundation, Inc. $25,000; Mountain Park Health Center $70,000; National Center for Learning Disabilities $100,000; New Song Center
for Grieving Children & Those Who Love Them $25,000; One Step Beyond $150,000; Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic $150,000; Rehoboth Community Development Corporation $45,000; Valley of the Sun Community Diaper Bank $18,300.
“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: Arizona Association for Environmental Education $45,000; Arizona Wilderness Coalition $75,000; Phoenix Herpetological Society, Inc. $130,000; Sky Island Alliance $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 recipient is: Maricopa Partnership for Arts and Culture $35,000.
Trustee Nancy M. Russell discussed the impact of the Trust’s college scholarship program. She said, “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 167 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 began 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 Monica Castaneda, nina.scholars@domail.maricopa.edu at Maricopa Community Colleges, 480-731-8820.
The Trust, which also makes grants in Indiana, had approximately $410.8 million in assets as of September 30, 2007.
The next preliminary application deadline for nonprofit organizations applying to the Trust for funding is January 8, 2008.
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.