The Cardinals are proud to announce the launch of the Arizona Cardinals Foundation, marking a powerful new chapter in the team's legacy of charitable giving.
Replacing what fans and partners have previously known as Cardinals Charities, this new Foundation will be specifically focused on supporting Arizona's special needs community and will serve as the central hub for all of the organization's charitable giving efforts.
"For decades, Cardinals Charities has made a meaningful difference across Arizona," Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill said. "With the creation of the Arizona Cardinals Foundation, we're building on that legacy and taking our commitment to the next level. This focused approach allows us to deepen our impact and build relationships with organizations serving the special needs community, ensuring that our support can aid in their development of transformational programs that elevate the care and support available for individuals with special needs."
This strategic shift included the hiring of Bob Hamer as the Foundation's executive director earlier this year. Hamer and the Foundation team will focus their efforts on supporting families and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs), including autism, down syndrome, traumatic brain injuries, and cerebral palsy.
"An estimated 1 in 20 people in the U.S. lives with an IDD," Hamer said. "As this community grows and ages, more support will be needed – and we aim to lead that effort. This mission is personal for so many people across our football operations, business front office, and fanbase and we're committed to making a lasting, sustainable impact for the IDD community throughout Arizona."
A centerpiece of the Foundation's launch is the announcement of four cornerstone beneficiaries, each of which will receive a three-year commitment from the Foundation to fund new and innovative programs that expand services, promote inclusion and create equal opportunities for those living with an IDD.
Those four partners are:
- SARRC (Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center)
- Barrow Neurological Foundation
- Special Olympics Arizona
- Treasure House
These partners were selected for their proven track records in the space and visionary ideas. Funding will support bold, innovative programs that bring long-term impact to individuals and families navigating life with special needs.
In addition to these Cornerstone Charitable partners, the Foundation will open its grant application process this fall for other nonprofits in the special needs community. In order to be considered for funding, interested organizations are encouraged to complete the form at *www.AZCardinals.com/foundation*.
The Cardinals are proud to have two founding partners - Dignity Health and Desert Financial Credit Union - supporting the Arizona Cardinals Foundation and the mission. Their longstanding dedication to the Arizona community and shared commitment to improving lives make them invaluable partners in the launch of the Foundation. Dignity Health's leadership in providing world-class healthcare, combined with Desert Financial Credit Union's deep-rooted focus on community empowerment and financial well-being, helps amplify the Foundation's ability to deliver meaningful, lasting impact within the special needs community. In the months ahead, the Foundation will collaborate with both partners on joint initiatives and programs.
Funds raised from the 50/50 raffle at all Cardinals home games this season will now benefit the Arizona Cardinals Foundation, giving fans a direct way to contribute and participate in these efforts.
Stay tuned for additional announcements about ways in which the Cardinals community can support the Foundation including a major inaugural event that will be announced this fall. To learn more and sign up to join this cause, please visit *www.AZCardinals.com/foundation*.
Barrow Neurological Foundation
Barrow Neurological Foundation raises awareness and funds for patient care, medical education, and research offered at Barrow Neurological Institute at Dignity Health St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona. Barrow is an internationally recognized leader in neurology, neurosurgery, and neuroscience research, treating patients with a wide range of conditions, including brain and spinal tumors, neuromuscular diseases, aneurysms, stroke, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, headache disorders, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, concussion, and more.
Special Olympics Arizona
The purpose of Special Olympics Arizona is to empower children and adults with intellectual disabilities to live healthy, fulfilling and meaningful lives. This vision of acceptance and inclusion is realized through health, leadership, and advocacy programs, as well as providing year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-style sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving more opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community. For more information on Special Olympics Arizona visit www.specialolympicsarizona.org.
SARRC (Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center)
Established in 1997, Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC) is an internationally recognized nonprofit that conducts innovative research, provides evidence-based practices, disseminates effective training and builds inclusive communities for individuals with autism and their families. SARRC is dedicated to autism research, education, evidence-based treatment, and community outreach. Additionally, SARRC is one of the only autism organizations in the world that provides a lifetime of services for individuals and their families while also conducting cutting-edge research. Learn more at autismcenter.org.
Treasure House
Founded by former Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner and his wife Brenda, Treasure House is more than a place to live — it's a place to belong.
Located just outside of Phoenix, Treasure House is a supportive living community for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs), designed to empower residents to lead independent, purpose-driven lives. It was founded on the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to grow, connect and thrive. Treasure House provides a safe and vibrant environment where abilities are celebrated, friendships flourish and personal growth is a daily reality. With individualized support, engaging programs and a strong sense of community, residents are given the tools — and the belief in themselves — to live boldly and meaningfully.
