Semper Fi & America’s Fund Raises $22 Million for Veterans Through Partnership with The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation and PXG.

For the 14th year, Semper Fi & America’s Fund (The Fund) partnered with The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation (The Foundation) and PXG (Parsons Xtreme Golf) for the Double Down for Veterans Match Campaign. This year’s remarkable campaign surpassed its $15 million donation goal, raising $22 million in just two months to support our Nation’s critically wounded, ill, and injured service members, veterans, and military families.

“We are so grateful to have worked alongside Bob and Renee for another year to raise essential support for our veterans and military families,” said Karen Guenther, President, CEO, and Founder of Semper Fi & America’s Fund. “Their generous matching gift, along with donations raised across the country, will allow us to continue to provide critical assistance when it’s needed most.”

Since 2012, the unwavering generosity of the Parsons has resulted in $116 million in matching gifts to support service members, veterans, and military families across all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. Over 14 years, the Campaign has now raised more than $271 million.

Even with the campaign goal met, the need to support our Nation’s veterans and military families remains as critical as ever. In Fiscal Year 2025, more than 3,800 service members received assistance from Semper Fi & America’s Fund for the first time—the highest number in a single fiscal year since The Fund’s inception—underscoring the continued need for care, years after injury or active combat.

“As long as brave men and women choose to serve, we have a duty to stand with them when they come home,” said Bob Parsons, U.S. Marine Corps Vietnam War veteran. “The Double Down for Veterans Campaign is our way of saying ‘you’re not forgotten, and you don’t walk this road alone’.”

In 2004, when the first wave of injured service members were returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, The Fund was just getting started and was able to assist 300 service members in the first year. Since then, thanks to the incredible generosity of our donors, The Fund has expanded its impact, providing 38,000 service members, veterans and military families with over $500 million in financial grants, programs, and services—showing that long-term, one-on-one care remains crucial to the well-being of our Nation’s heroes.

“Many of our military families face unexpected challenges on their journeys,” said Renee Parsons, Co-founder of The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation. “What makes this Campaign so meaningful every year is knowing that support from each donor, combined with the commitment from The Fund, ensures every veteran and military family receives personalized care to meet their unique needs.”

Donations can be made at www.thefund.org/donate.

About Semper Fi & America’s Fund

Semper Fi & America’s Fund provides urgently needed resources and lifetime support for combat-wounded, critically ill, and injured service members of all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. The Fund delivers comprehensive programs that ensure service members and their families have the support they need during recovery and throughout their lives.

thefund.org

About The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation

The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation inspires hope by providing critical funding at critical times to nonprofit organizations striving to make a difference. The Foundation supports efforts that benefit underserved and marginalized populations and causes close to the Parsons’ hearts, including veterans and first responders, youth and education, health and home and the American dream.

tbrpf.org

About PXG (Parsons Xtreme Golf)

Founded by Bob Parsons, PXG is a global golf equipment company dedicated to developing high-performance golf clubs and apparel. PXG is committed to supporting veterans and military families through philanthropic partnerships and initiatives.PXG.com

The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation Awards $600,000 Grant to Expand Struggle Well Training for First Responders in Maricopa County.

In a powerful demonstration of support for those who protect our communities, The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation has awarded a two-year, $600,000 grant to Boulder Crest Foundation to expand its Struggle Well training program for Arizona first responders serving Maricopa County. The investment will significantly scale a critically needed program that equips law enforcement, firefighters, and other frontline personnel with the skills to turn the weight of daily stress into strength, connection, and growth.

“First responders run toward danger on our worst days, and the weight they carry doesn’t come off when the shift ends,” said Bob Parsons, co-founder of The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation. “Struggle Well gives these men and women the tools to face that weight head-on and turn it into strength. Supporting those who protect our communities isn’t optional, it’s a responsibility we take personally.”

Founded by retired U.S. Navy EOD Master Chief Petty Officer Ken Falke and his wife Julia, Boulder Crest is a pioneering nonprofit organization dedicated to developing Posttraumatic Growth (PTG)-based training solutions for times of struggle including PTSD, anxiety, depression, and suicidality. Since its founding, Boulder Crest has served more than 170,000 individuals nationwide, including over 5,500 veterans and first responders in Arizona.

Struggle Well is based on the science of PTG – the positive psychological transformation that can happen in the aftermath of trauma. It demonstrates that our struggles can become a catalyst for profound change.

This work comes at a pivotal moment. First responders, whose jobs demand constant exposure to human suffering and high-stress situations, face staggering mental health challenges. Studies show that more first responders die by suicide than in the line of duty, underscoring the profound need for proactive support. Struggle Well ensures these brave professionals have the skills, training, and community to navigate that stress and grow from it.

“This extraordinary investment from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation allows us to expand hope at a scale that matches the need,” said Josh Goldberg, CEO, Boulder Crest Foundation. “Together, we are helping first responders reframe struggle — not as something to hide from, but as a powerful opportunity for growth, connection, and leadership.”

While traditional wellness programs focus primarily on crisis intervention or post-trauma recovery, Struggle Well is proactive, preventative, and transformational. The program equips first responders with practical, evidence-based skills to metabolize stress and trauma as it occurs, rather than allowing it to compound. Boulder Crest partners directly with departments, leadership teams, and professional associations to shift culture at every level, normalizing struggle, strengthening trust, and creating environments where seeking support is viewed as a sign of strength, not weakness.

“Behind every badge and uniform is a human being who deserves support, understanding, and hope,” said Renee Parsons, co-founder of The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation. “By investing in Struggle Well, we are helping ensure that first responders and their families have access to training that honors their service, strengthens their resilience, and reminds them they are never alone in their struggles.”

Today, Boulder Crest partners with 27 departments and organizations across Maricopa County. Major regional collaborators include the Arizona Peace Officers Standards & Training Board, Gilbert Police & Fire, Glendale Police & Fire, Mesa Police & Fire, the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, Scottsdale Police, and the Arizona Department of Corrections (program in development). Additional participating agencies include the Arizona Department of Public Safety, ASU Police, and police and fire departments in Avondale, Buckeye, Chandler, Goodyear, Peoria, Surprise, Tempe, and Queen Creek.

About Boulder Crest Foundation

Boulder Crest Foundation is a national leader in Posttraumatic Growth, serving first responders, veterans, service members, and their families through world-class, immersive programs that transform struggle into strength. Through programs including Struggle Well, Boulder Crest helps individuals and communities emerge from adversity with purpose, connection, and growth. Boulder Crest operates retreat and training campuses in Bluemont, Virginia, Sonoita, Arizona and Italy, Texas.

About The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation offers support to nonprofit organizations successfully working to empower, educate, nurture and nourish people during what is often the darkest time of their lives. Founded in 2012 by philanthropists and business leaders Bob and Renee Parsons to provide hope and life-changing assistance to the country’s most vulnerable populations, The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation offers critical funding at critical times to those in need. The Foundation’s giving is driven by the core belief that all people – regardless of race, religion, roots, economic status, sexual orientation or gender identity – deserve access to quality healthcare, education and a safe place to call home. Follow @WeDealInHope on social media or visit TBRPF.org to learn more about partner organizations and the important work being done in the community.

$1.5 Million Grant from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation Boosts UMOM’s Work to Support Families Facing Homelessness.

Three-year investment will expand critical programs that help parents and children achieve stability and rebuild their lives

UMOM New Day Centers has received a $1.5 million grant from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation. Awarded over three years, the unrestricted funding will support UMOM’s mission to end family homelessness by restoring hope and rebuilding lives through safe shelter, supportive services, and pathways to long-term stability.

“We are deeply grateful to The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation for standing with the families we serve,” said Monique Lopez, CEO of UMOM New Day Centers. “This unrestricted grant gives us the ability to break down barriers, stabilize families in crisis, and open the door to long-term opportunity for thousands.”

In Phoenix, the unsheltered population surged to a record high this past winter. About 3,760 people were recorded living on city streets, marking a nearly 40% increase from 2024 to 2025. With HUD funding shrinking and a lack of affordable housing throughout Arizona, this grant is coming at a crucial time.

“It’s sad that more and more families are falling into homelessness,” said Renee Parsons, Co-Founder of The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation. “UMOM is the gold standard in Arizona when it comes to helping parents and their children regain stability. From nutritious meals and healthcare services to job readiness and childcare – their programs don’t just shelter families, they transform futures.”

For more than 60 years, UMOM has helped families rebuild their lives through emergency shelter, transitional housing, workforce development, wraparound support, and a range of other services that promote stability and independence. This investment will strengthen UMOM’s capacity to meet rising community needs, reduce waitlists, and expand programs that help parents and children move toward secure housing and lasting opportunity.

“It hits me hard to think about children sleeping in cars or on the streets,” said Bob Parsons, Co-Founder of The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation. “UMOM embraces families at one of the toughest times of their lives, giving them the dignity, stability and the support they need to move forward.”

The unrestricted funding from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation allows UMOM to invest in priority needs across the organization and respond quickly as the needs of families evolve. The grant will help UMOM sustain and grow mission-critical services while continuing its work to restore hope and rebuild lives.

About UMOM New Day Centers

Founded in 1964, UMOM New Day Centers is located in Phoenix, Arizona, and serves the community of Maricopa County. UMOM’s unique approach is empathetic, connection-focused and individualized to every person. Every night, the organization provides safe shelter and supportive services for nearly 800 individuals experiencing homelessness – 155 families and 80 single women. We believe every person deserves the dignity of a safe, stable place to call home. Rooted in trust and proactive support, UMOM offers over 1,000 units of affordable housing across the Valley – all in service of our mission to restore hope, rebuild lives and end homelessness. Learn more at umom.org.

About The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation

The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation offers support to nonprofit organizations successfully working to empower, educate, nurture and nourish people during what is often the darkest time of their lives. Founded in 2012 by philanthropists and business leaders Bob and Renee Parsons to provide hope and life-changing assistance to the country’s most vulnerable populations, The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation offers critical funding at critical times to those in need. The Foundation’s giving is driven by the core belief that all people – regardless of race, religion, roots, economic status, sexual orientation or gender identity – deserve access to quality healthcare, education and a safe place to call home. Follow @WeDealInHope on social media or visit TBRPF.org, to learn more about partner organizations and the important work being done in the community.

Arizona Animal Shelters Announce Major Donation from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation to Expand Lifesaving Community Programs.

A coalition of Arizona animal shelters is celebrating a significant donation from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation to advance animal welfare and community well-being. The funds will strengthen critical programs that keep pets healthy, safe, and with the families who love them.

The surprise $1.3 million donation will support multiple shelters across the state, including two organizations whose community-based services have become essential lifelines for pet owners facing hardship: the Arizona Animal Welfare League (AAWL) will receive $500,000, and Lost Our Home Pet Rescue (LOH) will receive $250,000.

“Pets are family. We all know the comfort a pet can bring during difficult times,” said Bob Parsons, Co-Founder of The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation. “These organizations make sure families don’t have to choose between stability and the dogs and cats who mean so much to them.”

AAWL will use the funding to expand its low-cost, community-based vet care services in East Maryvale, which is considered a veterinary desert. For pet families in Maryvale, accessible and affordable vet care is nearly impossible to find, and families are often just one unexpected veterinary bill away from heartbreak. To respond to these needs, AAWL launched mobile vaccine clinics in schools and community centers and transitioned to a preventative wellness model at their on-site community vet clinic to be able to keep pet families together.

Over the last three years, AAWL has prioritized supporting Latino pet families in East Maryvale and Central City Phoenix, guided by a survey of more than 700 primarily Spanish-speaking pet owners who said they struggled to find veterinary care sensitive to their language and culture.

This year alone, AAWL provided nearly 4,000 pets from those underserved communities with much needed vaccines and wellness care. This transformative donation will allow AAWL to reach even more pet families by increasing the number of mobile wellness/preventative clinics and other vital services in Maryvale, improving health outcomes for pets, and helping prevent more animals from entering the shelter system

“Every family deserves the joy a pet brings, regardless of their financial circumstances,” said Alessandra Navidad, president and CEO of the Arizona Animal Welfare League. “The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation’s investment into our community protects the human-animal bond and families won’t have to choose between meeting their basic needs and keeping their beloved pets.”

Lost Our Home (LOH) will use the funding for its crisis-response programs. The love of a pet can keep someone from going to a shelter, hospital or other if pets are not allowed, forcing them to surrender or place their pet in danger. Over 45 percent of domestic violence survivors delay escaping for this reason. LOH’s Temporary Care Program (TCP) removes that barrier by providing up to 4 months of safe shelter and medical care for pets, at no cost, giving people a path to safety and stability while protecting the pets they love.

LOH’s Pet Food Bank is also a lifeline for families struggling to afford the basics. Many people skip meals, stretch medications, or sacrifice their own needs so their pets won’t go hungry. Some feel the only option is to surrender their beloved pet. LOH’s Pet Food Bank prevents these heartbreaking outcomes and helps families stay together.

LOH is a no-kill shelter which has provided 155,000 safe days through the TCP, and—with its 24/7 First Responder Program—reunited 2,200 pets with their families. LOH also provided 1.27 million Food Bank meals and adopted 12,300 homeless pets into families.

“Our programs keep families together during their most difficult moments,” said Jodi Polanski, founder of LOH. “We are incredibly grateful for this generous gift, which comes at a critical time. Rising needs for our services along with increasing costs of supplies and care keep outpacing our resources. Together, The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation, along with much needed community support, will help us continue serving the families and pets that depend on us, strengthening families, pets, and the community.”

The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation donation comes at a crucial time as shelters statewide face increased surrender requests and economic pressures affecting pet-owning households. By investing in prevention-focused programs, The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation is helping reduce shelter overcrowding and strengthening the human-animal bond across Arizona communities.

“Some of the most meaningful work in our community happens quietly,” said Renee Parsons, Co-Founder of The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation. “These small organizations don’t just save pets, they support the people who love them.”

The remaining funds will be split between the following animal welfare organizations, ranging in gifts from $10,000 to $150,000.

Alliance for Companion Animals– Fix.Adopt.Save.

Almost There Rescue

Altered Tails Barnhart Clinics

Arizona Pet Project

Arizona Poodle Rescue

Arizona Shih Tzu & Small Breed Rescue

AZ Husky Rescue

Foothills Animal Rescue

Forever Loved Pet Sanctuary

HALO Animal Rescue

HARTT

Heidi’s Village

Love Them All Sanctuary & Rescue

Phoenix Animal Care Coalition

About Arizona Animal Welfare League

The Arizona Animal Welfare League is the oldest and largest no-kill shelter in the state. Founded in 1971, AAWL has saved the lives of over 100,000 cats and dogs by providing a full range of services for animals and pet owners, including adoptions, behavior training and low-cost medical care. These life-saving programs are only possible because of the dedicated AAWL community, who support the shelter through volunteering, adopting, fostering, and donating. For more information, visit aawl.org.

About Lost Our Home Pet Rescue

Lost Our Home is a no-kill shelter that was founded in 2008 in response to the thousands of pets in need due to the Phoenix-area foreclosure crisis. Having helped 38,500 pets and 25,000 people, they are the first shelter in Maricopa County dedicated to rescuing pets abandoned or at risk of homelessness due to pet parents’ life crises: eviction, domestic violence, job loss, financial hardship, and illness. Lost Our Home Pet Rescue specializes in helping domestic violence victims with their pets. They have valued partnerships with Maricopa domestic violence shelters to serve victims and their pets. To learn more about Lost Our Home Pet Rescue, visit LostOurHome.org, or call (602) 445-7387 (PETS).

About The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation:

The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation offers support to nonprofit organizations successfully working to empower, educate, nurture, and nourish people during what is often the darkest time of their lives. Founded in 2012 by philanthropists and business leaders Bob and Renee Parsons to provide hope and life-changing assistance to the country’s most vulnerable populations, The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation offers critical funding at critical times to those in need. The Foundation’s giving is driven by the core belief that all people – regardless of race, religion, roots, economic status, sexual orientation or gender identity – deserve access to quality healthcare, education and a safe place to call home. Follow @WeDealInHope on social media or visit TBRPF.org to learn more about partner organizations and the important work being done in the community.

Semper Fi & America’s Fund Launches 14th Annual Double Down for Veterans Match Campaign with Goal of Raising $15 Million.

For the 14th consecutive year, Semper Fi & America’s Fund (The Fund) is proud to announce the launch of its annual Double Down for Veterans Match Campaign, in partnership with The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation (The Foundation) and PXG (Parsons Xtreme Golf). This year’s campaign aims to raise $15 million to support critically wounded, ill, and injured service members, veterans, and military families.

Since the campaign’s inception in 2012, nearly $250 million has been raised for The Fund’s mission thanks to $108 million in matching gifts from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation and thousands of generous donors who made a lasting impact.

Now through December 31, 2025, every donation made to The Fund will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $7.5 million by The Foundation and PXG.

“Supporting our Nation’s service members, veterans, and military families is truly an honor,” said Karen Guenther, President, CEO, and Founder of Semper Fi & America’s Fund. “We are profoundly thankful to Bob and Renee Parsons for their unwavering commitment. Their extraordinary generosity continues to make a lasting difference for countless individuals in need of critical care and assistance.”

In Fiscal Year 2025 alone, The Fund provided direct financial assistance to nearly 16,000 individuals — a 13% increase over the previous year and double the number served five years ago. Our mission is to ensure that every veteran we serve achieves the highest possible quality of life. Veterans who have received support from The Fund for three or more years are 80% less likely to struggle with substance abuse, 75% less likely to experience housing insecurity, suicidal ideation, and anxiety, and 70% less likely to face incarceration and negative job outcomes.

Since 2004, The Fund has delivered more than $500 million in grants, support, and services. By the end of Fiscal Year 2026, The Fund will have supported 38,000 service members and veterans, and 100,000 military family members, connecting with nearly 600 heroes every day.

“Serving as a U.S. Marine taught me that the mission doesn’t end when you come home,” said Bob Parsons, U.S. Marine Corps Vietnam War veteran. “Veterans and their families face ongoing battles — some visible, many hidden. The Fund provides critical support in those moments, helping them rebuild and succeed.”

“Bob and I are honored to continue our partnership with The Fund in support of our Nation’s heroes,” said Renee Parsons, Co-founder of The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation and Chief Marketing Officer of PXG. “We are committed to helping our veterans and military families thrive. The Fund plays a vital role in this mission by providing essential resources, meaningful connections, and lifelong care.”

As the Nation celebrates 250 years of the U.S. Military, Semper Fi & America’s Fund remains steadfast in its commitment: as long as service members step forward to serve, The Fund will stand beside them and their families in times of injury, illness, and need.

Online donations can be made at www.thefund.org/donate.

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About Semper Fi & America’s Fund

Thefund.org

About The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation

tbrpf.org

About PXG (Parsons Xtreme Golf)

PXG.com

Jobs for Arizona’s Graduates Secures $300,000 from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation to Provide Career Readiness Programs to Arizona Students Over Next Three Years.

Jobs for Arizona’s Graduates (JAG), a proven program that helps young people across the state successfully transition from high school to college and careers, is proud to announce it has secured $300,000 in general operating support over the next three years from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation to provide career readiness, mentorship, and job placement programs to high school students across Arizona.

The funding comes at a critical time as many Arizona communities face challenges related to high school dropout rates, unemployment, and a lack of workforce development opportunities for youth. In 2023, only 77% of low-income students graduated from Arizona high schools.

In contrast, JAG’s proven track record includes a 99% graduation rate for participants, with 80% of graduates successfully securing employment or enrolling in post-secondary education.

“We are thrilled to receive this funding because it will allow us to reach more young people across Arizona over the next three years,” said Majorie DeRubeis, President & CEO of Jobs for Arizona’s Graduates. “Every student deserves the opportunity to gain the skills, knowledge, and experience they need to succeed after graduation. This grant will help us make that a reality for students by creating new pathways to post-secondary education and career success.”

Since its inception, JAG has been committed to reducing dropout rates and improving employment outcomes for Arizona’s youth. The program focuses on providing mentoring, life skills training, career exploration, job readiness, leadership skills development, and direct job placement assistance to high school students. Through one-on-one mentorship and community partnerships, JAG equips students with the tools and opportunities they need to succeed, whether they pursue higher education, enter the workforce, or start their own businesses. The program aims to reach 1,800 students annually, with long-term goals to increase student engagement, local employment rates, and community involvement.

“JAG’s programs prove that students can make it successfully to graduation with the proper support,” said Renee Parsons, Co-Founder of The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation. “The valuable mentorship, skills training, and meaningful exposure to employment opportunities that JAG provides gets these kids that much closer to their educational and career dreams.”

According to recent data from the Arizona Department of Education, students in rural and underserved communities often face barriers to education and career development that their peers in urban areas do not. JAG helps bridge these gaps, offering students the support and resources necessary to overcome obstacles and build sustainable futures.

“If we want a strong workforce and a strong state, we must invest in our youth,” said Bob Parsons, Co-Founder of The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation. “JAG is showing what is possible when you give students the tools to build a future on their own terms. Once a student believes they can succeed, there’s no limit to what they will do.”

One example of JAG’s work is with Gila Bend High School. The program was implemented in 2023 and students gained access to mentorship, career exploration, and hands-on learning experiences that prepared them for post-secondary education and workforce opportunities. The outcomes were incredible. The school received an A grade in just one year. In 2023-24, every Gila Bend JAG senior successfully graduated, 72% of JAG students improved their GPA last year, and 89% of JAG students earned all credits attempted, ensuring they remain on pace to graduate.

“JAG has completely shifted our school’s culture,” said Superintendent Dr. Varner, Gila Bend Unified School District. “Our kids now look you in the eyes, shake your hand properly, and come prepared with resumes. Employers are taking notice. Today, we’re a nationally recognized JAG program, our graduation rate is 100%, and our students are securing careers in high-demand fields across the state. JAG has been a game-changer for us.”

Hushabye Nursery Receives $300,000 from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation to Support Infants Suffering from Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome.

Hushabye Nursery is pleased to announce The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation has donated $300,000 to support inpatient detox and recovery for infants experiencing Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS).

In the U.S., a baby is born every 15 minutes with NAS because of prenatal opioid exposure, which results in a complex and painful detoxification process in the days following birth. Hushabye Nursery provides a therapeutic environment, short-term medical care and social services for infants suffering from NAS, along with outpatient services and resources for families experiencing opioid use disorder (OUD).

“Hushabye Nursery has a proven model that is working to help babies detox safely and more effectively than the current hospital standard,” said Renee Parsons, Co-Founder of The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation. “They are also reducing the stigma surrounding substance use while providing a loving environment to keep families intact and help them get well.”

Hushabye Nursery is one of the first organizations in the United States to provide a private, quiet room with dim lighting for babies to receive constant, specialized care as they go through withdrawal. Moms can be with their babies during this process and have access to resources and support services while they are staying at Hushabye Nursery.

“Hushabye Nursery creates a safe place for moms and babies to feel comfortable and supported during one of the toughest times of their lives,” said Bob Parsons, Co-Founder of The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation. “The counseling, medical care and parenting skills these families are gaining will change the course of their lives forever and give their babies a fighting chance.”

Founded by neonatal nurse practitioners, Hushabye Nursery is the only NAS-focused nursery in the country to integrate health care and social services while prioritizing both keeping infants safe and having families directly involved in their care and recovery. They were recognized as one of 10 organizations across the country for the first-ever Behavioral Health Recovery Innovation Challenge by the Department of Health and Human Services through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

“The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation continues to step forward when we need them most,” said Tara Sundem, Hushabye Nursery Executive Director and Founder. “Their donation is so impactful because the funds are unrestricted and we can allocate resources where they are needed most, ensuring that every individual receives the highest level of care.”

$350,000 Grant Powers LGBTQ+ Student Safety Efforts During Mental Health Awareness Month.

Education Action Alliance, a leading advocate for LGBTQ+ students, has received a $350,000 grant from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation to expand training and outreach programs across Arizona. The new funding arrives during Mental Health Awareness Month, a time when student well-being is top of mind. The grant will help Education Action Alliance equip more schools with the tools to build safer, more inclusive environments for LGBTQ+ youth, who disproportionately face discrimination and mental health challenges.

The need for this work remains urgent. Nearly two-thirds of LGBTQ+ students in Arizona report experiencing discrimination at school, often due to exclusionary policies, bullying, or lack of representation. This grant will allow Education Action Alliance to grow its training and outreach efforts–particularly in school communities that have lacked access to affirming resources.

“The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation is helping us lay the groundwork for lasting change, starting at the community level,” said Carol Tappenden, Executive Director of Education Action Alliance. “This funding enables us to broaden our programs, develop locally relevant tools and training materials, and extend our reach to more schools and communities across Arizona. With their continued support, we are empowered to further our mission of advocating for inclusive schools and making a meaningful difference in the lives of Arizona’s LGBTQ+ youth.”

As part of its core programming, Education Action Alliance delivers training sessions that help students and educators understand the real-world impact of identity, bias, and belonging. In a recent session, one student shared: “This presentation expanded my perspective on LGBTQ+ youth and opened my eyes to the different struggles they might face.” Another said, “It helped me think of how experiences can be perceived through the eyes of someone completely different from myself.” These are the kinds of conversations Education Action Alliance fosters–ones that build empathy and create safer, more inclusive learning environments.

“Belonging in our schools should be the rule, not the exception,” said Renee Parsons, Co-Founder of The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation. “Education Action Alliance is leading the way toward a future where every young person is respected, supported, and feels they belong.”

This announcement coincides with Mental Health Awareness Month, highlighting the strong connection between student well-being and a safe school environment. LGBTQ+ youth face higher risks of anxiety, depression, and suicide–challenges that are intensified by discrimination and lack of support. Research shows that when students feel seen, respected and affirmed, they thrive academically and emotionally. Education Action Alliance remains committed to ensuring all students have access to school environments that support both their mental and physical health.

“No one should be harassed for who they are,” said Bob Parsons, Co-Founder of The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation. “No student should have to choose between safety or acceptance. Education Action Alliance is helping youth to build confidence and thrive without fear.”

Education Action Alliance’s work also extends beyond the classroom to help transform the entire school community. The organization helps mobilize students, families, and educators to build stronger, more supportive school communities–and to become effective advocates through civic engagement to create the schools they want to attend, work in, and send their children to. From resource fairs to community listening sessions to storytelling workshops, Education Action Alliance equips stakeholders with the tools to engage constructively with school leaders and advocate for policies and practices that meet the needs of diverse LGBTQ+ youth.

This new grant arrives at a pivotal moment, supporting Education Action Alliance’s transition into a fully independent nonprofit after more than two decades of service as the GLSEN Arizona Chapter. With this investment, Education Action Alliance is positioned to deepen its statewide impact, ensuring that every student—regardless of identity, background, or location–has the opportunity to feel safe, supported, and empowered in school.

Earn to Learn Receives $250,000 from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation.

Funds to Help Low-Income Students Obtain College Degrees with Little to No Student Loan Debt

As part of Financial Literacy Month, Earn to Learn, an Arizona nonprofit dedicated to promoting post-secondary educational attainment along with the skills to achieve financial independence, is proud to announce a $250,000 grant from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation.

This grant will strengthen the organization’s capacity to serve an additional 1,350 students, while expanding Earn to Learn’s signature wrap-around program. Enhancements include increasing financial wellness education by providing Financial Counselors for personalized, one-on-one support and refining the current success coach model to better meet the unique needs of students across Arizona.

“Too many college students are buried in debt before they even get a shot at success,” said Bob Parsons, Co-Founder of The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation. “Earn to Learn is providing a smarter path forward with tools and support students need to graduate with confidence and with little to no debt.”

Earn to Learn is a groundbreaking Arizona-based program that partners with students to provide financial literacy education, financial coaching, and matched-savings scholarships to cover unmet needs in higher education. Since its inception, the program has supported thousands of Arizona students in earning college degrees, with 95 percent graduating debt-free or with minimal debt (less than $10,000).

Eligible students and their families deposit $500 into a savings account each year, then receive an 8-to-1 match through combined university support and other public and philanthropic funding. This results in a total of $4,500 per academic year to assist with tuition, room and board, childcare, and other approved educational expenses.

“When students understand how to manage money, they’re better equipped to make informed decisions in every part of life,” said Renee Parsons, Co-Founder of The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation. “Earn to Learn’s financial literacy tools, coaching, and incentive to save are a winning combination that prepares young people for a lifetime of success.”

Gabriella, an Earn to Learn alumna, exemplifies the program’s impact. She graduated from the University of Arizona in 2022, having utilized the Earn to Learn program for four years, and is currently employed by Raytheon in Tucson. She participated in the mentoring program with Raytheon during her post-secondary journey and was hired full-time upon graduation. Now she’s paying it forward as a mentor to a student, sharing her experiences and insights.

“As we continue to navigate the financial challenges of higher education, we are proud to stand alongside students, families, and educators in the ongoing effort to promote financial literacy,” said Kate Hoffman, Founder and CEO of Earn to Learn. “Here in Arizona, more than 43 percent of students with student loan debt did not even obtain a college degree. Our goal is to minimize or eliminate those financial burdens. We know that financial literacy is foundational to the success of our future leaders, and we’re deeply appreciative of The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation’s support.”

Applications for the 2025-2026 school year are being accepted now through May 1, 2025. Students interested in learning more about Earn to Learn can visit: www.earntolearn.org.

First Place AZ Awarded Multi-Year $600,000 Grant from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation to Advance Housing, Research and Leadership Initiatives.

First Place AZ is proud to announce a transformative $600,000 grant over three years from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation during national Autism Acceptance Month. The generous $200,000 annual commitment will fuel innovative research, housing initiatives and leadership development programs aimed at fostering greater inclusion where people with autism and/or developmental disabilities live, learn, work and benefit from supportive communities.

“This grant is supporting new residents at the First Place–Phoenix apartment property, while fueling a marketplace of options through the First Place Global Leadership Institute. We are committed to developing inclusive communities that open doors for more people living with autism and/or developmental disabilities who too often are underrepresented in data and underestimated in their abilities,” said Denise D. Resnik, First Place AZ founder and president/CEO.

Founded in 2012, First Place AZ is an internationally recognized thought leader in housing innovation and systems change for the autism and disability community. Through its First Place–Phoenix Apartments, Transition Academy and Global Leadership Institute, the organization fosters research, training and partnerships that drive national and international progress in housing, employment, and healthcare solutions.

“Renee and I look for organizations that move the needle,” said Bob Parsons, Co-Founder of The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation. “First Place AZ is doing more than talking about change—they are building it, one apartment, one leader, and one breakthrough at a time.”

In its first year, the funding will advance:

Supportive Housing Research & Expansion of Accessible Offerings, in collaboration with Arizona State University’s (ASU) College of Health Solutions
National Housing Market Analysis, representing First Place-facilitated studies across eight U.S. markets, providing critical data that informs development and future policies
Building the Next Generation of Leaders, involving ASU student internships

The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation has long been a champion for organizations that serve people and communities overlooked or underserved. This investment in First Place AZ underscores the importance of sustainable, innovative solutions in housing and workforce development for individuals with autism and/or developmental disabilities.

“We know it’s challenging to find quality housing and employment opportunities for people with developmental disabilities,” said Renee Parsons, Co-Founder of The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation. “First Place AZ provides not only housing to address their needs, but programs that promote more productive, connected, and joyful lives.”

The funding also aligns with First Place AZ’s broader mission of fostering a supportive community where people with autism and/or developmental disabilities can thrive. The organization will leverage the grant by advancing practices in Greater Phoenix and sharing findings through the annual First Place Global Symposium that engages leaders from across the U.S. and around the world focused on models and systemic change. Learn more about the Oct. 15-17, 2025, symposium and register here. For more information or to get involved, email [email protected] or visit firstplaceaz.org or firstplaceglobal.org.