The Thunderbirds
The Thunderbirds is a 501(c)(6) business league organization based in Phoenix, Arizona, established in 1979. The organization was founded when the Phoenix Chamber of Commerce expanded its role to include a special events committee, initially composed of 55 active members. The Thunderbirds are best known as the hosts of the WM Phoenix Open golf tournament, which serves as their primary fundraising vehicle for charitable giving.
Financial Overview
From 2025 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$77.7M
+16.8% YoY
Annual Giving
$12.6M
+0.2% YoY
Grant Count
57
+26.7% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$220K
-20.9% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
The purpose of The Thunderbirds is to publicize the city of Phoenix, Arizona, and the Phoenix metropolitan area by sponsoring athletic events and providing financial assistance to amateur athletes and youth-oriented charities.
Primary funding focus areas include:
- Amateur sports competitions and youth athletics
- Special Olympics
- Youth and family programs
- Education and youth services
- Community health initiatives
- Support for amateur athletes pursuing Olympic competition
Grantmaking
The Thunderbirds distribute millions of dollars annually through grants and direct support to community organizations. Recent grantmaking activity includes:
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Thunderbirds primarily fund organizations in Arizona, with particular emphasis on the Phoenix metropolitan area. Geographic reach also extends to Georgia and Florida based on recent grantmaking patterns.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
Most Recent Financial Data (Fiscal Year Ending May 2024):
- Total revenues: $117,217,368
- Total expenses: $102,916,230
- Total assets: $66,570,797
Prior Year Data (Fiscal Year Ending May 2023):
- Revenue: $110,857,418
- Total assets: $44.4 million
- Total liabilities: $11.7 million
The organization maintains significant financial resources with annual revenues exceeding $110 million, primarily generated through the WM Phoenix Open golf tournament.
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $77,744,819 | $66,570,797 | $44,363,845 |
| Revenue | $123,272,559 | $117,217,368 | $110,857,418 |
| Expenses | $111,955,641 | $102,916,230 | $102,211,158 |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | $2,606,314 | $1,424,385 | $349,230 |
| 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 10 recipients in 2025
Grant Size Distribution
211 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
No grants recorded for .
Leadership & Key People
Officers and directors from IRS filings
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
From 2025 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| GEORGE THIMSEN | BIG CHIEF 2024-25 | 8 | — |
| JASON ADLER | LITTLE CHIEF 2024-25 | 2 | — |
| JOHN DAMIRIS | MEDICINE MAN 2024-25 | 2 | — |
| BRANDON STEIN | MIS CHIEF 2024-25 | 2 | — |
| TOM GRACE | SACHEM 2024-25 | 2 | — |
| MATT MOONEY | ACTIVE (TOURN CHAIRMAN) | 1 | — |
| BULL EARNHARDT | DIRECTOR - ACTIVE MEMBER | 0.5 | — |
| JASON PRITCHETT | DIRECTOR - ACTIVE MEMBER | 0.5 | — |
| TONY PETELIN | DIRECTOR-LIFE MEMBER 24-25 | 1 | — |
| CARLOS SUGICH | DIRECTOR-LIFE MEMBER 24-25 | 1 | — |
| JESSICA PACHECO | NON TBIRD DIRECTOR 5 | 1 | — |
| KELLY MOONEY | NON TBIRD DIRECTOR 3 | 1 | — |
| PAT WILLIAMS | 1ST PAST BIG CHIEF | 1 | — |
| CHANCE COZBY | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | 38 | $665,605 |
| MICHELLE SIMPSON | CFO | 38 | $288,413 |
| JOHN WILLARD GOFF | EVENT BUILD MANAGER | 40 | $149,916 |
| CHERYL C HUSSEY | TOURNAMENT CHAIRMANS EXEC ASSIST | 40 | $160,935 |
| LAURA L MOORE | SALES & MARKETING COORDINATOR | 40 | $170,374 |
| CHERYL R RUGGIERO | THUNDERBIRDS CHARITIES COORDINATOR | 10 | $164,834 |
| JONATHAN JONES | EVENT BUILD MANAGER | 40 | $177,427 |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
The Thunderbirds continue active grantmaking focused on youth development, education, and athletic programs throughout Arizona. Recent initiatives include workforce development grants, college access programs, and arts education support. The organization remains actively engaged in sponsoring the WM Phoenix Open and directing proceeds to community benefit organizations.
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Data last updated April 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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