2025 Arizona Benefits Fund Grant
By Harrison J. Bahe
On August 28, 2025, the Arizona Benefits Fund Grant ceremony was held in the Atrium of the We-Ko-Pa Casino and Resort. The Arizona Benefits Fund, created through Proposition 202, designates a portion of tribal gaming revenue to support education, healthcare, and community programs across the state.
This year’s recipients included: the American Indian Veterans Memorial Organization, Hunkapi Programs Inc., Phoenix Children’s Foundation, Fountain Hills Unified School District, Golden Eagle Education Foundation, Rosie’s House, Gabriel’s Angels, City of Chandler – Housing Youth Program, the Town of Guadalupe, and the Town of Star Valley.
American Indian Veterans Memorial Organization
The American Indian Veterans Memorial Organization was established to honor Native veterans who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces and to provide a place for families and communities to gather in remembrance. The memorial will be built at Steele Indian School Park in Phoenix, west of the hummingbird-shaped pond, symbolizing peace, healing, and enduring honor. The organization received $5,000.
Hunkapi Programs Inc.
Hunkapi is a therapeutic farm that uses land and animals to foster connection, healing, and resilience. Grounded in the Lakota word Hunkapi, meaning “we are all related,” the program embodies the belief that interdependence and compassion strengthen well-being. Their approach creates transformative experiences for participants through equine therapy and agricultural work. Hunkapi received $10,000.
Phoenix Children’s Foundation
For more than 40 years, Phoenix Children’s has grown from a single hospital into a nationally recognized pediatric health system, offering care in over 75 subspecialties across more than 40 locations statewide. With support from the Arizona community, the hospital continues to advance research, innovation, and life-saving treatments for children. Phoenix Children’s Foundation received $5,000.
Fountain Hills Unified School District (FHUSD)
Serving approximately 1,100 students from Fountain Hills, the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, Scottsdale, and surrounding areas, FHUSD provides a safe and enriching academic environment. Known for strong academics, extracurriculars, and dedicated staff, the district continues to invest in opportunities for both students and teachers. FHUSD received $15,000.
Golden Eagle Education Foundation (GEEF)
Founded in 1992, GEEF began as a scholarship fund for Fountain Hills High School seniors. Today, it supports students from Fountain Hills, Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, and the Verde River communities through scholarships, mentoring, and educational enrichment programs. The Golden Eagle Education Foundation received $10,000.
Rosie’s House
Rosie’s House provides free after-school music education to children, addressing gaps caused by limited resources and financial barriers. Their programs foster creativity, confidence, teamwork, and academic success, empowering youth through the arts. Rosie’s House received $5,000.
Gabriel’s Angels
Founded in 2000, Gabriel’s Angels uses the power of pet therapy to help at-risk children build trust, learn empathy, and develop social skills. Their volunteer therapy teams provide free services at schools, shelters, and youth organizations across Arizona. Gabriel’s Angels received $5,000.
City of Chandler – Housing Youth Program
This program provides children and teens (ages 6–18) living in Chandler’s public housing communities with after-school activities, homework assistance, arts and crafts, recreation, and summer programming. The program fosters learning, growth, and community engagement. The City of Chandler’s Housing Youth Program received $12,582.00.
Town of Guadalupe
Home to about 5,300 residents within just 8 square miles, Guadalupe sits between Phoenix and Tempe. The town will use its grant to purchase public safety radios. The Town of Guadalupe received $5,000.
Town of Star Valley
Located four miles east of Payson, Star Valley is a community of 3,000 residents. Its grant will support the town’s water department, funding generators to ensure water access during power outages, which are common during wildfire season. The Town of Star Valley received $10,000.
