activities · 23
what they do
direct service · 19
- Administers grantmaking and funding programs for SUSD initiatives Teacher Mini-Grants for Classroom ProjectsHas awarded over $1,000,000 since 2006 to support programs within the Scottsdale Unified School District, including Quest for Excellence Mini-Grants, National Board Certification for Teachers, All-City Athletic Awards Banquets, and Camp Invention. Directs over 95% of donated funds to programs that impact student performance.
- Administers grantmaking and funding programs for SUSD initiatives Teacher Mini-Grants for Classroom ProjectsHas awarded over $1,000,000 since 2006 to support programs within the Scottsdale Unified School District, including Quest for Excellence Mini-Grants, National Board Certification for Teachers, All-City Athletic Awards Banquets, and Camp Invention.
- Administers the Hall of Excellence recognition and scholarship program Student-Athlete and Educator Recognition ProgramsRecognizes 8 individuals annually through the Hall of Excellence program, including 2 students, 2 teachers, 2 administrators, and 2 alumni, with induction occurring at an annual fundraiser gala. Also awards two annual scholarships to graduating high school seniors—one for a male and one for a female student.
- Crisis Canine Program Facility Dog Placement in Professional SettingsSupports and expands the School Resource Unit Canine Program, deploying trained support canines in schools to provide comfort and care to students, staff, and the community. This program has supported 2,078 individuals, facilitated 15,572 positive interactions, and conducted approximately 1,000 classroom visits.
- Distributes back-to-school essentials to families in need Back-to-School Supply DistributionProvides school supplies and essentials to economically disadvantaged families through the annual Back to School Program.
- Hall of Excellence Program Professional and Organizational Achievement AwardsRecognizes 8 individuals annually through the Hall of Excellence program for their integrity and innovation as students, teachers, or administrators, or for their accomplishments as alumni of Scottsdale schools, inducting 2 alumni and recognizing 2 students, 2 teachers, and 2 administrators at a fundraiser gala.
- Hosts fundraising and community engagement events Charity Sports & Recreation TournamentsOrganizes annual events such as the Quest for Excellence Golf Game Day, a golf tournament featuring sponsorship, networking, lunch, and a raffle, and the Ho Ho Holiday Show. Also raised over $34,000 specifically for the K9 Rocket in the School Resource Unit Canine Program.
- Hosts fundraising events to support district programs Charity Sports & Recreation TournamentsOrganizes annual fundraising events including the Quest for Excellence Golf Game Day and a golf event featuring sponsorships, networking, lunch, and a raffle; raised over $34,000 for the School Resource Unit K9 program and nearly $30,000 through the 2021 Back to School Program.
- Manages back-to-school support initiativesOperated the 2021 Back to School Program, which raised nearly $30,000 and provided back-to-school essentials to families in need.
- Operates dedicated educational facilities for STEM and career-technical education STEM & Robotics Education ProgramsManages a 5,000 square-foot facility on the Saguaro High School campus that houses the Math and Science Academy, championship robotics team, Sisters in STEM program, engineering classes, and Career and Technical Education (CTE) students. The facility was officially opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on November 12, 2020.
- Operates the STEAM Workspace and Innovation Center STEM & Robotics Education ProgramsManages a 5,000 square-foot facility at Saguaro High School equipped with 3D printers, computers, machine shop equipment, and mobile workbenches to support the Math and Science Academy, robotics, engineering classes, CTE students, and the Sisters in STEM program; also supported the launch of The Innovation Center for hands-on technology career exploration.
- Organizes student enrichment and educational programs STEM & Robotics Education ProgramsSupports student participation in Camp Invention through scholarships and operates The Innovation Center and a STEAM Workspace equipped with 3D printers, computers, machine shop equipment, and mobile workbenches. Also organizes Unitown, a 5-day camp for high school students from all five SUSD high schools.
- Organizes youth enrichment and leadership programs Youth Leadership CampsHosts a 5-day Unitown leadership camp for high school students from all five SUSD high schools and organizes the annual Ho Ho Holiday Show.
- Provides scholarships for student participation in educational programs Summer and Program-Specific Camp ScholarshipsOffers scholarships to students from all economic backgrounds to attend Camp Invention, a science and innovation-focused summer camp, and awards two annual scholarships to graduating high school seniors (one male, one female).
- Recognizes excellence in education through the Hall of Excellence Professional and Organizational Achievement AwardsAnnually recognizes 8 individuals—including 2 students, 2 teachers, 2 administrators, and 2 alumni—for integrity, innovation, and contributions to education, inducted during a fundraising gala.
- Runs the Crisis Canine Program Facility Dog Placement in Professional SettingsOperates a school-based support canine program that deploys trained dogs to provide emotional and mental health support; expanded to four canines (Rocket, Captain, Copper, Farley) between 2021 and 2025, supporting 2,078 individuals, facilitating 15,572 positive interactions, and conducting approximately 1,000 classroom visits.
- Runs the Crisis Canine Program for student and staff emotional support Facility Dog Placement in Professional SettingsSupports a School Resource Unit Canine Program that deploys trained crisis canines in schools to provide comfort during emotional or mental health challenges. The program has expanded to four canines (Rocket, Captain, Copper, Farley), supported 2,078 individuals, facilitated 15,572 positive interactions, and conducted approximately 1,000 classroom visits.
- STEAM Workspace and Innovation Center Operation STEM & Robotics Education ProgramsOperates a 5,000 square-foot STEAM Workspace and Innovation Center on the Saguaro High School campus, equipped with 3D printers, computers, and machine shop equipment, serving SUSD’s Math and Science Academy, robotics teams, engineering classes, and Career and Technical Education students.
- Student Support ProgramsOrganizes a 5-day Unitown camp for high school students, provides back-to-school essentials to families in need through the Back to School Program, and awards scholarships to students for Camp Invention and to graduating high school seniors.
capacity building · 4
- Financial Support for Scottsdale Unified School District Programs Teacher Mini-Grants for Classroom ProjectsAwards over $1,000,000 to the Scottsdale Unified School District for various programs and grants, including Quest for Excellence Mini-Grants, National Board Certification for Teachers, All-City Athletic Awards Banquets, and Camp Invention, directing over 95% of donated funds to programs impacting student performance.
- Supports National Board Certification for teachers Teacher National Board Certification SupportProvides financial assistance to SUSD teachers pursuing National Board Certification, having awarded $33,492.50 in support since 2011.
- Supports teacher professional development through certification funding Teacher National Board Certification SupportProvides financial assistance to teachers pursuing National Board Certification (NBC), having awarded $33,492.50 in support since 2011.
- Teacher National Board Certification Financial Assistance Teacher National Board Certification SupportProvides financial assistance to teachers pursuing National Board Certification (NBC), having awarded $33,492.50 since 2011.
strategies · 15
how they think
Theories of action extracted from this org's own source material. Click any to see the full field of orgs running the same approach.
- Canine-Assisted Social-Emotional Support canine_assisted_therapyThe organization utilizes trained support canines in schools to provide comfort, connection, and care to students, staff, and the community during moments of stress or crisis, and to build community relationships, thereby supporting social-emotional learning.
- Canine-assisted social and emotional support canine-assisted supportDeploys trained support canines in schools to provide comfort during stressful or traumatic events, enhancing emotional well-being for students and staff while strengthening school-community relationships.
- Canine-assisted social and emotional support in schools social/emotional learning through canine supportTrained support canines are deployed in schools to provide comfort during crises, reduce stress, and strengthen community relationships, serving as a therapeutic tool for students and staff alike.
- Community and cross-sector partnership development partnership developmentBuilds strategic partnerships with city, school, nonprofit, civic, and faith-based organizations to expand program reach and resource capacity, particularly in initiatives like the Back to School Program.
- Community and partnership-based program development partnership developmentThe foundation builds broad coalitions with city, school, nonprofit, civic, and faith organizations to expand program reach and effectiveness, particularly in initiatives like the Back to School Program, enhancing community engagement and resource distribution.
- District-wide student support through inclusive programs and partnerships district-wide student supportThe foundation implements district-wide initiatives that address the academic, social, and emotional needs of all students by fostering inclusive environments, facilitating diversity-focused programming, and leveraging cross-sector partnerships to ensure equitable support across schools.
- District-wide student support through inclusive programs and services district-wide student supportThe organization implements district-wide initiatives that address the diverse academic, social, and emotional needs of all students, ensuring equitable support across schools to enable every child to excel.
- Diverse and comprehensive educational funding model diverse and inclusive fundingThe foundation employs a broad funding strategy that supports K-12 education across disciplines and special needs, funding otherwise unfunded opportunities, educator development, and hands-on learning experiences to enhance overall educational quality.
- Diverse and inclusive funding model diverse and inclusive fundingEmploys a comprehensive funding strategy that supports K-12 education across disciplines and special needs, ensuring equitable access to resources for all student populations.
- Holistic Student Support district_wide_student_supportThe organization focuses on supporting the diverse needs of students across all schools in the district to help every child excel, ensuring that educational opportunities are available and enhanced, and addressing social-emotional well-being through various programs.
- Inclusive platform for student expression and community dialogue inclusive platformProvides safe, structured environments where students can engage in open discussions about diversity, stereotypes, prejudice, and privilege, fostering empathy and driving school-based action planning to build more inclusive communities.
- Promoting Diversity, Empathy, and Inclusion through Dialogue and Action diversity_and_inclusion_action_planningThe organization provides inclusive platforms and facilitates open discussions on issues like stereotypes, prejudice, and privilege, supporting schools in developing and implementing action plans to promote diversity, empathy, acceptance, and knowledge within their communities, including through leadership development camps.
- Volunteer-Driven Operational Efficiency volunteer_driven_operationsThe organization operates with a fully volunteer staff and Board to minimize overhead costs and maximize the amount of funding directly allocated to programs and initiatives that support students and educators.
- Volunteer-driven operations to maximize funding impact volunteer-driven operationsBy operating with a fully volunteer staff and Board, the foundation minimizes overhead costs, ensuring that a greater proportion of funds raised directly supports student and educator programs within the district.
- Volunteer-driven operations to maximize funding impact volunteer-driven operationsBy operating with a fully volunteer staff and Board, the foundation minimizes administrative overhead, allowing a greater proportion of resources to be directed toward student and educational support programs.
named programs · 9
what they call their work
All-City Athletic Awards
Banquets designed to honor outstanding athletes from the five SUSD high schools across various sports, with the Foundation providing financial support for these events.
Back to School Program
Raises funds to provide back-to-school essentials for families in need.
Camp Invention
Awards scholarships for students entering first through sixth grades to participate in a weeklong summer science camp focused on innovation, science, math, history, and arts.
Crisis Canine Program
Supports the School Resource Unit Canine Program, which brings trained support canines into schools to provide comfort, de-escalate high-stress situations, and build positive connections for students and staff.
Hall of Excellence
Recognizes 8 individuals annually (alumni, students, teachers, administrators) who have demonstrated integrity and innovation, celebrating their accomplishments and inspiring current and future students.
Innovation Center
Supported the launch of a hands-on workspace for SUSD students to explore technology careers, featuring a STEAM workspace with 3D printers, computers, and machine shop equipment.
National Board Certification
Provides financial assistance to teachers pursuing National Board Certification, recognizing high standards in the teaching profession.
Student Scholarships
Provides two scholarships annually, one for a male student and one for a female student, to graduating seniors.
Unitown
A 5-day leadership camp for high school students from all five SUSD high schools, focusing on diversity activities, empathy, and understanding through open discussions on stereotypes, prejudice, and privilege.
relationships · 9
who they work with
- Chaparral High School Association of Parents and Teachers (CHAPTS) Partner — Partnered to raise over $34,000 to launch the Crisis Canine Program.
- Chaparral High School Association of Parents and Teachers (CHAPTS) Partner — Provided initial funding for the Canine Program
- Farley Family Charitable Trust Funder — Provides continued support, allowing the Crisis Canine Program to expand.
- Honor Health Partner — Partnering on a bioscience initiative
- Innovation Center Partner — Partnering on an entrepreneurship initiative
- InventNow Partner — Camp Invention program provider
- Scottsdale Police Department (SPD) Partner — Supports their School Resource Unit canine program
- Scottsdale Police Department School Resource Unit Partner — Partners in the Crisis Canine Program, with canines assigned to School Resource Officers.
- The National Inventors Hall of Fame Partner — Camp Invention program provider