Posted: Jul 01, 2025

GLENDALE–The Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority (AZSTA) Board of Directors has voted to award a record $6.3 million to 36 organizations that promote youth and amateur sports programs in Maricopa County.

The grants will help fund an array of projects countywide, including a safe play space for kids and families experiencing grief at Billy’s Place in Peoria; equipment for a state-of-the-art fitness zone for older adults living with cognitive and physical challenges at Oakwood Creative Care in Chandler; renovation of four locker rooms and a beach volleyball venue and installation of a gymnasium video board at Mountain View High School in Mesa; installation of high-quality LED lighting on athletic fields at Sonoran Heights Middle School in Surprise; and upgrading equipment for an Athletic Trainer program provided by Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Foundation for four high schools and three middle schools in the Dysart Unified School District in the Northwest Valley.

Since its inception in 2001, AZSTA has awarded more than $39 million to help fund more than 700 projects across Maricopa County through its Youth and Amateur Sports grants, fulfilling AZSTA’s enabling legislation.

“AZSTA is proud to partner with these worthy non-profits and schools whose youth and amateur sports programs positively impact the lives of thousands of Arizonans,” AZSTA Board Chair Kim Grace Sabow said. “With more than $39 million in grants awarded since 2001, AZSTA continues to fulfill the promise made to Maricopa County voters when they approved Proposition 302.”

AZSTA received 74 applications for funding – nearly double the previous high of 38 from the previous biennial grant cycle. The awards will be distributed during AZSTA’s Fiscal Year 2026, which begins July 1.

“This money will support the AZSTA Youth and Amateur Sports grant recipients as they carry out their critical missions in our community,” said Dr. Anikar Chhabra, chair of AZSTA’s Youth and Amateur Sports committee. “It is our privilege to partner with these non-profit organizations, schools and municipalities to help make Maricopa County a better place to live.”

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 and projects in 12 communities – Avondale, Chandler, Fountain Hills, Gilbert, Goodyear, Mesa, Peoria, Phoenix, Queen Creek, Scottsdale, Surprise and Tempe.

2025 Biennial Grant Award Recipients
Ability360
Arizona College Preparatory
Arizona Recreation Center for the Handicapped
Basha High School
Benjamin Franklin Charter School
Billy’s Place
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley, Inc.
Casteel High School
Chandler High School
Corona del Sol High School
Desert Vista High School
Dysart Unified School District #89
Empower College Prep
Town of Fountain Hills
Gilbert High School
Gilbert Youth Athletics
City of Goodyear
Great Hearts Archway Classical Academy Arete
Great Hearts Archway Classical Academy Chandler
Great Hearts Archway Classical Academy Trivium
Great Hearts Archway Classical Academy Veritas
Hamilton High School Highland High School
Highland Prep
Highland Prep West
HonorHealth
Madison Highland Prep
Mesquite High School
Mountain View High School
Notre Dame Preparatory High School
Oakwood Creative Care
Perry High School
St. Joseph’s Foundation
Tempe Preparatory Academy
Valley of the Sun YMCA

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: