SCOTTSDALE, AZ – Building on its foundation of charitable giving, including a record $3 million during the 2019-20 season, Fiesta Bowl Charities has officially opened the 2020-21 grant cycle application period.

Fiesta Bowl Charities has donated more than $10 million in the last four years and $15.5 million in the last nine years.

Arizona nonprofits can submit applications immediately through the May 26 deadline at 5 p.m. Recipients will be honored at the Arizona Bank & Trust Fiesta Bowl Kickoff Luncheon on August 25.

"Charitable giving is at the Fiesta Bowl Organization's core and it's inspiring to see how the nonprofits utilize the grant funds they receive," said Fiesta Bowl Chairman of Board of Directors Patrick Barkley. "From creating a mobile science center to developing anti-bullying programs, we take great pride in our giving and serving our state through youth, sports and education."

To help the nonprofit recipient make the most impact possible, Fiesta Bowl Charities offers funding in three levels: Spirit of the Fiesta Bowl Grant at $100,000, Touchdown Grant at $50,000 and the Field Goal Grant at $25,000. All proposals must provide services within the Fiesta Bowl's core pillars of youth, sports and education and all applicants must be an Arizona 501©(3) organization. Additionally, 100 percent of the organization's project must serve residents within the Arizona geographic boundaries.

"We've increased our giving every year, which ties back to our mission to enhancing the lives of Arizonans," said Mike Nealy, Fiesta Bowl Executive Director. "Since our inception in 1971, the Fiesta Bowl has always been about community impact, in addition to football. We're proud to support nonprofits that have developed projects and services to make Arizona a better place every day."

After the application period is closed on May 26, a 32-person group of Yellow Jacket Committee Members, Board of Directors, Ambassadors and Staff will begin the selection process. Grant guidelines, information, applications and frequently asked questions can be found at FiestaBowl.org/community.

On March 30, 2020, Fiesta Bowl Charities donated $1 million in COVID-19 emergency relief funding to 18 Arizona nonprofits with immediate needs in food service or youth programming. This emergency relief is separate than, and in addition to, the $3 million donated throughout the 2019-20 season.

In addition to the organizations that receive funding, the Fiesta Bowl Wishes for Teachers program will once again give $5,000 grants each to 200 teachers during its annual Draft Day. Over the program's first four years, a total of $3.2 million has been given to 640 teachers throughout the state. Applications for the 2020-21 program are set to open in mid-September.

ABOUT FIESTA BOWL

Since 1971, the Fiesta Bowl is a world-class community organization that executes innovative experiences, drives economic growth and champions charitable causes, inspiring pride in all Arizonans during and outside of college football bowl season. As a nonprofit organization, it is driven by its vision for the importance of community outreach and service. Through the PlayStation® Fiesta Bowl, Cactus Bowl, Fiesta Bowl Parade presented by Cheez-It®, corporate partnerships and numerous community events throughout the year, the organization provides charitable giving to enhance Arizona nonprofit organizations that serve communities through youth, sports and education.

On the Web: www.FiestaBowl.org
Social Media: @Fiesta_Bowl

Media Contacts: Scott Leightman (sleightman@fiestabowl.org; 480.517.6291); Alex Nash (anash@fiestabowl.org; 480.350.0925)