Phoenix, Arizona, January 5, 2026
The Thunderbirds, through the WM Phoenix Open, raised a record-breaking $18.1 million for Arizona charities in their latest tournament. This substantial amount highlights the event’s ongoing commitment to philanthropy and community support, further extending the organization’s total contributions to over $226 million since its inception. The Thunderbirds focus on improving the lives of people in need and addressing essential community issues, making a lasting difference in the Greater Phoenix area.
Phoenix, Arizona – Recent community updates have underscored the significant philanthropic impact of The Thunderbirds through the WM Phoenix Open, with the 2025 tournament alone generating a record-breaking $18.1 million for various Arizona charities. This reaffirms the event’s ongoing and substantial role in benefiting the local community.
Driving Community Benefit Through Golf
The substantial $18.1 million raised in 2025 marks the highest single-year total in the tournament’s history and represents the eighth time the event has surpassed the $10 million mark in charitable giving. This impressive sum contributes to a long history of giving, as Thunderbirds Charities, established in 1986 as the philanthropic arm of the Phoenix Open, has facilitated over $226 million in total charitable contributions throughout the tournament’s 90-year history. Since Waste Management (WM) became the title sponsor in 2010, the tournament has contributed over $160 million to local and regional nonprofits.
The Thunderbirds, a nonprofit organization, leverage the WM Phoenix Open as their primary means to distribute funds back into the community. Their mission is to support organizations that assist children and families, help people in need, and improve the quality of life in the Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area. The organization’s giving is specifically directed toward entities based in or with a significant presence in Arizona.
Ongoing Commitment to Arizona Charities
The WM Phoenix Open is recognized for its continuous commitment to giving back to charities every year. This dedication extends beyond the tournament week, with community engagement initiatives occurring year-round. The types of organizations supported cover a wide range of critical community needs, including at-risk youth and families, community outreach, education, services for individuals with physical and mental challenges, and efforts to eliminate domestic violence, homelessness, and poverty. For instance, Thunderbirds Charities has donated more than $2.1 million to Child Crisis Arizona, supporting facilities and providing thousands of meals annually. The event also has a significant economic impact, estimated at over $400 million, further benefiting the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the primary purpose of The Thunderbirds?
- The primary purpose of The Thunderbirds, through its philanthropic arm Thunderbirds Charities, is to distribute monies raised through the WM Phoenix Open golf tournament to support organizations that assist children and families, help people in need, and improve the quality of life in the Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area.
- How much money did the 2025 WM Phoenix Open raise for charity?
- The 2025 WM Phoenix Open raised a record-breaking $18.1 million for charity.
- What is the total amount raised by Thunderbirds Charities throughout the tournament’s history?
- Thunderbirds Charities has facilitated over $226 million in total charitable contributions throughout the tournament’s 90-year history.
- How do The Thunderbirds give back to the community?
- The Thunderbirds utilize the WM Phoenix Open golf tournament as their primary vehicle for fundraising and distribute the collected funds to various Arizona charities.
- Which charities benefit from The Thunderbirds’ efforts?
- The Thunderbirds’ efforts benefit nonprofit organizations based in or with a significant presence in Arizona, focusing on areas such as at-risk youth and families, community outreach, education, services for individuals with physical and mental challenges, and addressing domestic violence, homelessness, and poverty.
Key Features of The Thunderbirds’ Community Impact
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Organization | The Thunderbirds |
| Primary Event | WM Phoenix Open |
| 2025 Charity Raised | $18.1 Million (record-breaking single-year total) |
| Total Charity Raised (History) | Over $226 Million (throughout 90-year tournament history) |
| Beneficiaries | Arizona Charities (State-level focus on Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area and statewide presence) |
| Mission Focus Areas | Children and families, people in need, quality of life, at-risk youth, education, physically and mentally challenged, domestic violence, homelessness, poverty. |
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Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
