Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority Awards $6.3 Million in Grants

The Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority has awarded a record $6.3 million to 36 organizations that promote youth and amateur sports programs in Maricopa County, bringing its overall total of funding to more than $39 million for more than 700 projects around the region since its inception in 2001.

“AZSTA is proud to partner with these worthy non-profits and schools whose youth and amateur sports programs positively impact the lives of thousands of Arizonans,” AZSTA Board Chair Kim Grace Sabow said. “AZSTA continues to fulfill the promise made to Maricopa County voters when they approved Proposition 302.”

AZSTA received 74 applications for funding, nearly double the previous high of 38 from the previous biennial grant cycle. Grant recipients demonstrated financial need, leveraged funding, community partnerships and a benefit to a local community in Maricopa County, with priority given to youth recreational facilities that are close to public schools or benefit them.

“This money will support the AZSTA Youth and Amateur Sports grant recipients as they carry out their critical missions in our community,” said Dr. Anikar Chhabra, chair of AZSTA’s Youth and Amateur Sports committee. “It is our privilege to partner with these non-profit organizations, schools and municipalities to help make Maricopa County a better place to live.”

Grants were provided to organizations and projects in 12 communities: Avondale, Chandler, Fountain Hills, Gilbert, Goodyear, Mesa, Peoria, Phoenix, Queen Creek, Scottsdale, Surprise and Tempe.