Posted: Dec 08, 2021

GLENDALE-The Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority (AZSTA) Board of Directors has voted to award $2.5 million to 16 organizations that promote youth and amateur sports programs in Maricopa County.

The grants will help fund an array of projects countywide, including a new gymnasium and dance center at the Arizona Autism Charter Schools in Phoenix; construction of an off-ice conditioning area at Oceanside Ice Arena in Tempe, home of the Desert Youth Hockey Association, which is promoting the sport's growth in the desert; the construction of an all-abilities recreation center for youth with Down's syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy and other intellectual developmental disabilities at the Civitan Foundation's headquarters in Phoenix; and facility renovation and new equipment for ICAN: Positive Programs for Youth, a Chandler-based nonprofit that provides childcare services for families living in poverty.

Since its inception in 2001, AZSTA has distributed nearly $27 million to help fund more than 500 projects across Maricopa County through its Youth and Amateur Sports grants, fulfilling AZSTA's enabling legislation.

"AZSTA is proud to assist these youth and amateur sports organizations as they recover from the financial challenges caused by COVID-19," AZSTA Board Chair Teddy Eynon said. "By distributing nearly $27 million in grants since 2001, AZSTA continues to fulfill the promise made to Maricopa County voters when they approved Proposition 302."

"We believe that this money will benefit the 2021 AZSTA Youth and Amateur Sports grant recipients as they do their amazing work despite the pandemic," said Scarlett Spring, chair of AZSTA's Youth and Amateur Sports committee. "We are fortunate to have so many worthy non-profits, schools and municipalities that make a difference in the lives of so many Arizonans."

Grant recipients demonstrated financial need, leveraged funding, community partnerships and a benefit to a local community in Maricopa County, with priority given to youth recreational facilities that are close to public schools or benefit them. Grants were provided to organizations based in seven communities - Anthem, Avondale, Buckeye, Chandler, Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tempe.

2021 Biennial Grant Award Recipients

Anthem Preparatory Academy
Archway Classical Academy - Roosevelt
Arizona Autism Charter Schools
Avondale, City of
Buckeye, City of
Civitan Foundation
Desert Youth Hockey Association
Dignity Health Foundation - East Valley
Gigi's Playhouse Phoenix
ICAN: Positive Programs for Youth
Legacy Cares, LLC
Phoenix Children's Hospital Foundation
Phoenix Jewish Community Campus
Scottsdale Preparatory Academy
Tempe Union High School District 213
Valley of Sun Jewish Community Center

Formed as a result of voter approval of Prop. 302 in November 2000, AZSTA is responsible for owning and operating State Farm Stadium; funding tourism promotion in Maricopa County; funding the construction and renovation of Cactus League Spring Training facilities; and funding youth and amateur sports projects and programs. For more information about the Youth & Amateur Sports Grant Program, please contact AZSTA at 623.433.7500 or visit: