Phoenix Suns/Phoenix Mercury Foundation General Grant

The Phoenix Suns/Phoenix Mercury Foundation General Grant supports basketball-inspired programs that benefit children and youth in Arizona. Established in 1988, the foundation annually distributes over $3 million to local communities, impacting over 400,000 children. Organizations must be a 501(c)(3) for at least three years and demonstrate fiscal responsibility. Grant amounts typically range from $10,000 to $100,000, with a preference for smaller requests. The foundation prioritizes programs addressing community needs and access for underserved populations.

NOTE: Application Process:
Step One – Eligibility Verification Step Two – Basketball Initiative OverviewStep Three – Internal Review  ( Organization will be notified of approval to continue to step four )Step Four – Grant Video & Application Submission  ( Approval or denial may take up to six months )
Our Mission, Our History
Phoenix Suns/Phoenix Mercury Foundation was founded in 1988 with the mission to use the platform of basketball to provide meaningful resources and support to strengthen and bring together the diverse communities we serve across Arizona. Due to the generosity of fans and partners, and underwriting by the team, the Phoenix Suns/Phoenix Mercury Foundation distributes more than $3M annually to hundreds of local diverse communities impacting more than 400,000 children annually. Since its inception, Phoenix Suns/Phoenix Mercury Foundation has donated more than $45M to worthy Arizona organizations focusing on programs that are basketball inspired.
Grantmaking
An internal committee of Suns/Mercury team members score videos based on using basketball inspired programming to better the lives of children.
In addition, the committee assesses:
reach & access (how many kids have access to the programming), need (what is the community need applicant organization is fulfilling), demographics (are underserved diverse communities being reached)
"Basketball inspired programs" can be playing basketball. The committee also loves programs that teach math and science skills through basketball analytics, the teaching of media/technology journalism through the sport of basketball and keeping kids healthy through activity!
Funding Amounts
Grants are dedicated to basketball-inspired programming and typically range from $10,000 to $100,000. When planning your grant proposal, please keep in mind that requests for $10,000 or $15,000 are more commonly awarded.

Eligibility

Organization has been an established Arizona 501(c)(3) for at least 3 years.Organization must operate with fiscal accountability and responsibility.Organization can provide a recent form 990, audited financial statements, a valid IRS determination letter and current W9 form.Organization must serve children/youth 18 years of age and under or families.Organization must serve only residents within the Arizona geographic boundaries.Organization must demonstrate a non-discrimination policy regarding staff, employment, governing board and service based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability or national origin, and provide evidence of the policy.Organization must use the platform of basketball to provide meaningful resources and support to strengthen and bring together the diverse communities we serve across Arizona.

Ineligibility

We do NOT fund grants:That discriminate in the delivery of programs and services based on race, religion, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, or disability.That are national organizations without local chapters in Arizona.That influence legislation and/or elections, for political candidates, political campaigns.That focus on social or political issues outside the United States.That are for individuals, summer camps, animal welfare, or consumer interest.That submit more than one general grant request from July through June per 501c3 organization.