Arizona Cardinals Foundation
The Arizona Cardinals Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity based in Tempe, Arizona. Formerly known as Cardinals Charities, the organization was established in 1990 and serves as the central hub for the Arizona Cardinals' charitable giving efforts. The Foundation is committed to transforming the lives of individuals with special needs and intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) in Arizona through community partnerships, impactful programs, and inclusive initiatives.
Financial Overview
From 2025 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$4.7M
+5.2% YoY
Revenue
$1.7M
-21.5% YoY
Net Investment Income
—
-100.0% YoY
Expenses
$1.1M
-54.4% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
Mission: The Arizona Cardinals Foundation is committed to transforming the lives of individuals with special needs and IDDs in Arizona. Through community partnerships, impactful programs and inclusive initiatives, the Foundation is dedicated to supporting individuals living with IDDs through cornerstone beneficiaries' programs.
Primary Focus: The Foundation's mission centers on supporting Arizona's special needs community, with particular emphasis on individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and traumatic brain injuries. Approximately 4% of the U.S. population has an IDD, and the Foundation aims to lead efforts in supporting this growing community as it ages.
Program Areas: The distribution of grants furthers the organization's exempt purpose by assisting other exempt organizations which promote education, civic engagement, health care, and alleviate poverty.
Grantmaking
The Foundation distributes grants to qualified 501(c)(3) organizations. Recent grant activity includes:
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Foundation operates in Arizona, with a specific focus on serving Arizona's special needs community.
Grant Distribution by State
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
2024 Financial Summary:
- Total Revenue: $2,134,687
- Total Expenses: $2,399,013
- Total Assets: $4,471,921
- Total Liabilities: $1,610,000
- Number of Employees: 0
The organization has been tax-exempt since August 1991.
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $4,702,718 | $4,471,921 | $4,232,673 |
| Revenue | $1,674,770 | $2,134,687 | $1,789,256 |
| Expenses | $1,093,856 | $2,399,013 | $1,401,744 |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | — | $11,034 | $3,756 |
| Distributable Amount | — | — | — |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 0 recipients in 2025
Grant Size Distribution
104 grants across all recorded years
Open Grants
1 open opportunity from Arizona Cardinals Foundation
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
No grants recorded for 2025.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Executive Director: Bob Hamer was hired as the Foundation's Executive Director earlier in 2025. His team's primary focus is supporting those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Owner: Michael Bidwill, Arizona Cardinals owner, oversees the Foundation's strategic direction.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
From 2025 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| GREGORY T LEE END MAY 2024 | TREASURER/ASST. SEC. | 3 | — |
| MICHAEL J BIDWILL | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| STEFANIE MEADE BEG APRIL 2024 | CHIEF FINANICAL OFFICER | 2 | — |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
In July 2025, the Arizona Cardinals announced the launch of the Arizona Cardinals Foundation, marking a significant evolution from its predecessor, Cardinals Charities. This strategic shift represents a focused commitment to Arizona's special needs community.
Cardinals Launch New Foundation Focused On Supporting Special ...**Founding Partners:** The Foundation launched with support from two founding partners: Dignity Health and Desert Financial Credit Union.
Cardinals Launch New Foundation Focused On Supporting Special ...**Cornerstone Beneficiaries:** The Foundation has established partnerships with four cornerstone beneficiaries to support its mission of serving the special needs community.
Cardinals Launch New Foundation Focused On Supporting Special ...**Leadership Appointment:** Bob Hamer was hired as Executive Director earlier in 2025 to lead the Foundation's efforts in supporting families and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Arizona Cardinals Foundation fund?
**Mission:** The Arizona Cardinals Foundation is committed to transforming the lives of individuals with special needs and IDDs in Arizona. Through community partnerships, impactful programs and inclusive initiatives, the Foundation is dedicated to supporting individuals living with IDDs through cornerstone beneficiaries' programs. **Primary Focus:** The Foundation's mission centers on supporting Arizona's special needs community, with particular emphasis on individuals with intellectual and de…
How do I apply for a grant from Arizona Cardinals Foundation?
The Foundation distributes grants to qualified 501(c)(3) organizations. Recent grant activity includes: | Grantee | Grant Description | Year | Amount | |---------|-------------------|------|--------| | Valley of the Sun YMCA | Special Project | 2024 | $56,500 | | Barrow Neurological Foundation | Special Project | 2024 | $20,000 | | Chicanos Por La Causa (CPLC) | Special Project | 2024 | $13,000 | The Foundation has made additional grants beyond those listed above. Grant distributions support or…
Where does Arizona Cardinals Foundation make grants?
The Foundation operates in Arizona, with a specific focus on serving Arizona's special needs community.
What is Arizona Cardinals Foundation's EIN?
Arizona Cardinals Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 86-0653587. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Arizona Cardinals Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
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Data last updated June 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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