$4.8 Million Grant from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation Expands Support for Veterans and Students at UBalt.

Award from celebrated alum renews support for The Bob Parsons Veterans Center and Veterans Advocacy Clinic with funding for new programs and dedicated staff plus providing general support for UBalt students

University of Baltimore alumnus Bob Parsons, B.S. ’75, D.H.L. ’08, founder of GoDaddy and PXG, and his wife, Renee, recently increased their support for his alma mater with a $4.8 million multiyear grant from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation. The award provides $3.8 million in funding for The Bob Parsons Veterans Center (BPVC) and The Bob Parsons Veterans Advocacy Clinic (BPVAC) over five years. It also includes $1 million in general support for UBalt’s Fund for Excellence, giving the University flexibility to meet the most immediate needs at a time when traditional student funding remains uncertain.

Parsons, a Marine Corps Vietnam War veteran, founded The Bob Parsons Institute at UBalt, comprised of the Veterans Center and Veterans Advocacy Clinic, in 2013. For a decade, they have been the pillars of the University’s commitment to providing members of the military with a transformative education, as well as transitional support for veterans in both the student body and in the community. Recently, these programs played a pivotal role in securing UBalt recognition as one of the Top Ten Small Public Institutions for Veterans in the nation for the 2026-27 Military Friendly School rankings.

“I know what it’s like to return home from war and have to figure out your next step,” said Bob Parsons, Co-Founder of The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation. “The University of Baltimore gave me that step. Renee and I want to make sure every veteran that walks through those doors gets the same shot, and the support to see it through.”

The Bob Parsons Veterans Center connects military-affiliated students—including veterans, active duty, reservists and National Guard members—with academic and support resources in a military-friendly atmosphere. The Center has experienced year-over-year growth since its inception. In the most recent academic year, the student population they served increased by 10 percent from the previous year, while the number of graduates went up by 25 percent.

Josiah Guthland, director of the BPVC, appreciates The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation’s commitment to responsive support, as the need for services and service providers continues to grow at The University of Baltimore. (The Foundation previously increased funding for the BPVC and BPVAC when it renewed its support in 2021 with a four-year grant for $2.4 million awarded the following year.)

“This new commitment from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation will significantly expand our capacity to serve a growing population of veteran and military-affiliated students in the coming years,” said Guthland. “An investment of this size will directly support the addition of a new staff position dedicated to strengthening individualized support, streamlining access to resources and enhancing student engagement at the Center. In turn, this will allow us to ensure continuity of service in vital areas like recruitment and certification for VA education benefits for our veteran student population as it grows.”

The Bob Parsons Veterans Advocacy Clinic provides law students at the University with the opportunity to engage with veterans and to learn about the legal difficulties they often encounter after leaving the military and it too has been flourishing.

Last year, the kind of work being done in the BPVAC helped to propel the University of Baltimore’s Clinical Law Program to the #4 spot on U.S. News & World Report’s national ranking and secure the Maryland State Bar Association’s Brigadier Philip Sherman Award for Outstanding Service to Veterans for the director of the Clinic, Professor Hugh McClean.

While the size of the Veteran’s Clinic’s constituency has grown significantly in recent years, the number of School of Law students enrolled in the BPVAC has remained consistent. So, like the Veterans Center, the Clinic plans to put some of their funding toward hiring a new staff member to support their growing needs, freeing up student attorneys for more client-centric work, including trial advocacy, participation in mock hearings and moots, and increasing the number of pro bono hours they spend with their clients.

“Since 2014, 177 student attorneys have been sworn in under Maryland Rule 19-220 to champion the rights of veteran clients in the courtroom,” said Clinic director Hugh McClean. “In addition to that, we have educated upwards of 2000 attorneys and legal professionals on the importance of providing pro-bono legal services to the veteran community through our advocacy work at numerous conferences and other meetings of legal professionals. The generosity of the Parsons Foundation is profound, it’s real, and it’s lasting. It changes lives on campus and in the community every day.”

University president, Kurt L. Schmoke praised Parsons’ forward-thinking generosity, acknowledging: “We are incredibly grateful that The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation shares in our view that meeting the financial needs of our students is a top priority for the University. Having that connection—between the student who is on the verge of finishing their degree but for a few bills, and an alumnus who has seen the world from that point of view—is deeply meaningful to us. What a great partner we have in Mr. Parsons. He simply cares about this community.”

That is reflected in the $1 million award made by the Parsons Foundation to the University’s Fund for Excellence, which provides special funding to support the expansion of existing academic programs or the creation of new and innovative academic programs and initiatives or special one-time projects. When opportunities arise, the Fund for Excellence allows the University to meet the moment by focusing on how to get an initiative off the ground rather than worrying about where the money will come from to pay for it.

Parsons and his wife Renee are two of the most steadfast supporters of the University of Baltimore—and its students—having contributed more than $14.6 million since 2013. Their most recent gift is the second largest in the University’s history, following right behind $5 million given in 2020 to establish an endowment for The Bob Parsons Scholarship Fund.

That scholarship helps close the gap between federal aid and tuition costs for transferring Maryland community-college graduates and military-affiliated students looking to complete their undergraduate degrees at UBalt. At the close of the 2024-25 academic year, over 400 Parsons Scholars have been awarded more than $2.8 million in scholarship dollars since the fall of 2020.

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.

About UBalt
The University of Baltimore is a member of the University System of Maryland and comprises the College of Public Affairs, the Merrick School of Business, The University of Baltimore School of Law and the Yale Gordon College of Arts and Sciences.

UBalt Given Top 10 National Ranking for Small Public Institutions in Recognition of Its Support of Students with Military Connections.

The University of Baltimore has been recognized as one of the Top Ten Small Public Institutions for Veterans in the nation for the 2026–27 Military Friendly School rankings. The designation highlights institutions from across the country that demonstrate exceptional commitment to military-connected students.

This recognition reflects the University’s intentional, student-centered approach to supporting veterans and military-affiliated learners, an approach grounded in innovation, community, and sustained institutional investment.

“I am incredibly proud and grateful to see The University of Baltimore recognized for the work we are doing to support our military-connected students,” said Josiah Guthland, director of Veteran and Military Student Services. “This achievement is truly a reflection of a campus-wide commitment. We have reached this level of success thanks to the support of our faculty, staff, and institutional leadership, who are dedicated to creating an environment where our veterans can thrive.”

Military Friendly ratings are based on extensive data analysis using public data sources and institutional reporting, evaluating areas such as student retention, graduation rates, job placement, and policies supporting military-connected students.

Guthland noted that UBalt continues to expand its veteran-centered initiatives, this recognition affirms its role as a national leader in creating inclusive, effective, and scalable models of support for those who have served.

At the core of this success is The University of Baltimore’s Hub-and-Spoke model of veteran student support, an integrated framework designed to meet the diverse needs of student veterans. The Bob Parsons Veteran Center serves as the central “hub,” offering a dedicated space for connection, resources, and community. Expanding out from this hub, a coordinated network of campus and community partners, the spokes extend support across academic advising, career development, mental health services, financial aid, and peer engagement. This model ensures that veteran students experience a seamless and comprehensive support system across the institution.

Complementing this structure is the University’s four-pillar approach to veteran student programming, which focuses on:

Social engagement – building community, connection, and a sense of belonging among military-connected students;
Academic support – providing tailored guidance and resources to support persistence and achievement;
Career development – preparing students for meaningful post-graduate employment and professional success;
Service – fostering continued service and leadership opportunities within the campus and broader community.

Together, these pillars create a holistic framework that supports the full student experience, inside and outside the classroom.

The University’s veteran-friendly culture extends well beyond The Bob Parsons Veteran Center. A significant number of faculty and staff have completed Green Zone training, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to better understand and support military-connected students. This widespread institutional commitment ensures that veteran support is embedded across campus, creating an inclusive and responsive environment at every touchpoint.

“Veterans have already proven they know how to work hard, lead under pressure, and stay committed to the mission. What they need from a university is tailored support and a clear path to succeed,” said Bob Parsons, Co-Founder of The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation. “The University of Baltimore is doing that, and this recognition shows it.”

The University’s continued recognition is also made possible through the transformational support of The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation, whose investment has enabled the expansion of programming, staffing, and dedicated space of The Bob Parsons Veteran Center. This partnership has strengthened the University’s ability to deliver high-impact services and scale innovative practices that directly contribute to student success.

Learn more about The Bob Parsons Veterans Center at The University of Baltimore.

Armed Services YMCA Camp Pendleton Receives $300,000 Grant from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation to Support Active-Duty Military Families.

Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) Camp Pendleton announced today a $300,000 grant from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation to strengthen the well-being of active-duty military personnel and families stationed at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. The funding will help sustain and expand access to on-base programs and services keeping families steady through the demands of military life, enabling Marines to stay focused on the mission, knowing their loved ones have trusted support at home.

“Behind every Marine is a family carrying the weight of service,” said Samantha Holt, Executive Director, ASYMCA Camp Pendleton. “Families navigate constant change and pressure most people never see. For many stationed at Camp Pendleton, our programs are a lifeline. When we strengthen families, we strengthen readiness. We’re deeply grateful to The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation for investing in the stability that helps service members stay mission focused.”

This grant helps ASYMCA Camp Pendleton continue providing practical assistance and consistent community every season of service—from arrival and transition, to deployments, intensive training cycles, and beyond. Through youth enrichment programs, family support, food and essential needs assistance, and community-building initiatives, ASYMCA helps reduce everyday stressors that impact family stability and readiness. For many families, these services mean the difference between feeling isolated and feeling anchored.

“Few people appreciate the hardships and burdens shouldered by military families,” said Bob Parsons, Co-Founder of The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation. “When one person serves, in many ways the entire family serves. ASYMCA delivers support to families on base when and where they need it, day in and day out.”

In 2025, this support delivered measurable results for military families on base. ASYMCA Camp Pendleton’s subsidized childcare programs provided affordable quality care for 104 military children, marking a 25% YOY increase in children served. Just as important, 92% of participating families, in post-program feedback, shared that the subsidy strengthened household finances by relieving pressure and helping families remain stable and mission ready.

The ASYMCA enhances the lives of military members and their families in spirit, mind, and body through programs tailored to the unique challenges of military life. With this donation, the organization has the opportunity to support more families across ASYMCA’s childcare programs, and support services like Pendleton Pantry and Neighborhood Exchange.

“Military life is full of constant change, and families need a support system they can rely on,” said Renee Parsons, Co-Founder of The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation. “ASYMCA Camp Pendleton offers that steady presence, meeting families with care and community through every stage of service.”

The grant will support all ASYMCA’s programs offering quality childcare, early education programs, and support services easing the burden on military parents and spouses. These programs address the unique needs of military families, strengthen the local community, and provide essential resources helping children and families thrive.

For more information about the ASYMCA Camp Pendleton and how to support the mission, please visit https://camppendleton.asymca.org.

About The Armed Services YMCA Camp Pendleton:

The ASYMCA Camp Pendleton is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of military members and their families through programs that strengthen them in spirit, mind, and body. Our mission is to strengthen military families, and we provide a wide range of support services tailored to the unique challenges faced by military families.

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 @WeDealInhHope on social media or visit TBRPF.org to learn more about partner organizations and the important work being done in the community.

The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation Awards $500,000 to Support one·n·ten Camp OUTdoors and Statewide Satellite Locations.

LGBTQ+ youth across Arizona continue to face barriers to safe, affirming spaces and essential services, particularly outside major metropolitan areas. To help address that need, The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation has awarded a $500,000 grant over two years to one·n·ten, supporting one session of Camp OUTdoors each year as well as the organization’s statewide satellite locations.

“When young people feel supported and encouraged, it changes how they see themselves and their future,” said Renee Parsons, Co-Founder of The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation. “one·n·ten offers that consistency and care for LGBTQ+ youth who may not find it elsewhere.”

Grant funding will directly support one session of Camp OUTdoors each year, the nation’s largest LGBTQ+ overnight summer camp. Designed to foster self-acceptance, resilience, and leadership, Camp OUTdoors offers participants a wide range of activities, including outdoor recreation, arts programming, and workshops focused on self-expression, advocacy, and personal growth – all within a safe and affirming environment.

“Support from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation strengthens our ability to meet LGBTQ+ young people where they are, whether that’s through the affirming experience of Camp OUTdoors or the day-to-day stability provided by our satellite centers,” said Nate Rhoton, CEO, one·n·ten. “This investment helps ensure that young people across Arizona communities continue to have access to safe, consistent, and life-affirming support.”

In addition to Camp OUTdoors, funding will support one·n·ten’s statewide satellite locations, which provide reliable, accessible services in communities throughout Arizona. These sites ensure LGBTQ+ young people can access affirming support close to home, particularly in areas where such resources may otherwise be limited.

“Too many young people struggle to find acceptance,” said Bob Parsons, Co-Founder of The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation. “one·n·ten gives LGBTQ youth a place where they can be themselves, forge real friendships, and build confidence. That kind of support matters.”

About one·n·ten

one·n·ten is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to serving and uplifting LGBTQ+ youth and young adults, ages 11–24. With a mission to enhance lives through empowering social and service programs, one·n·ten promotes self-expression, self-acceptance, leadership development, and healthy life choices. The organization provides safe, inclusive environments across Arizona — including a central Youth Center in Phoenix and statewide satellite sites — where young people can connect, explore their identities, build confidence, access vital resources, and thrive. one·n·ten’s programs span social support, wellness initiatives, workforce development, housing assistance, identity-specific groups, and community events, all designed to foster belonging and resilience among LGBTQ+ youth.

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.

Maggie’s Place Receives $500,000 Grant from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation to Support Homeless and Pregnant Women throughout the Valley for the Next Three Years .

Maggie’s Place, a Phoenix-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting homeless pregnant women and their children, today announced that it has been awarded a $500,000 grant from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation to support general operating expenses, including capacity building efforts and support for current programs over the next three years.

“At a time when fear and uncertainty can feel overwhelming, Maggie’s Place offers hope, safety, and unwavering support,” said Renee Parsons, Co-Founder of The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation. “Their commitment to caring for pregnant women and their babies ensures that no mother has to face her journey alone — and that every child has the chance to begin life surrounded by love.”

This funding will directly strengthen the organization’s ability to provide safe housing, nurturing community support, and comprehensive services for expectant mothers experiencing homelessness in Maricopa County. Maggie’s Place empowers moms to thrive by offering shelter, individualized case management, parenting education, workforce development, health & wellness programming, and ongoing support designed to foster long-term stability and self-sufficiency.

“We are deeply grateful for this investment in our mission,” said Laura Magruder, CEO of Maggie’s Place. “General operating support allows us to sustain and strengthen the heart of our programs from maternity home operations to family success services, ensuring that every mom and baby we serve has access to compassionate care, a supportive community, and the tools they need to build a brighter future.”

Maggie’s Place currently operates multiple residential maternity homes in the Phoenix area, where pregnant women can live with their babies until their child reaches one year of age. While in residence, moms receive tailored support from stability specialists and AmeriCorps members, focusing on goals that range from employment and education to reunification with older children.

“Maggie’s Place does more than provide shelter,” said Bob Parsons, Co-Founder of The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation. “They offer a safe home, hands-on help, and stability when it’s needed most. That kind of support gives both mother and child a stronger start.”

Across the country, pregnant women experiencing homelessness face overwhelming barriers to stability and care. Maggie’s Place has learned that lasting change takes more than a roof — it takes community. By pairing safe housing with ongoing services like therapy, recovery from addiction, childcare, and job assistance, Maggie’s Place helps mothers build stability for themselves and their babies. In 2025 alone, Maggie’s Place supported 228 families through its Family Success Center, welcomed 38 newborns, and provided stable housing to 82 mothers — helping families move forward with confidence and care.

About Maggie’s Place
Maggie’s Place welcomes homeless pregnant and parenting women and their children into a safe and loving community, providing life-changing programs and ongoing services to help them become self-sufficient. Upon leaving a Maggie’s Place home, women and their children are provided with ongoing support, including parenting education, child development and enrichment programs, employment assistance, social events and programs for improving family relations. To learn more, visit https://www.maggiesplace.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.

CMU Announces $350,000 Grant from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation to Expand Mentorship and Leadership Opportunities for Female Student-Athletes.

Funds will be used to launch EmpowHER Leadership program

Female student-athletes at Central Michigan University will now have more opportunities to grow personally and professionally thanks to a generous grant from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation, founded by alumna Renee LaBelle Parsons, ’91, and her husband, Bob Parsons.

The $350,000 grant enables CMU Athletics to launch EmpowHER Leadership, a women’s student-athlete program designed to cultivate confidence, resilience, and career readiness through mentorship, experiential learning, and community impact. The donation was announced on Feb. 1 at CMU’s National Girls and Women in Sports Brunch. The brunch was hosted by CMU First Lady Leanne MacKinnon and Zyzelewski Family Vice President/Director of Athletics Amy Folan and attended by female student-athletes and community leaders.

“As a CMU alumna, this is especially meaningful to me,” said Renee Parsons, co-founder of The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation. “I believe deeply in helping young women see their own strength, find their voice, and build futures they’re proud of, both on and off the field.”

Travis Downing, CMU’s associate athletic director for student-athlete development and administration, proposed the EmpowHER initiative and modeled it after similar programs at other institutions. Downing said the program will launch this fall with 10 student-athletes and grow to serve 30 by the fifth year.

“We’re incredibly grateful to The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation for equipping our female student-athletes with the skills, networks, and opportunities necessary to thrive in their academic, professional, and community roles,” said Folan. “This gift will have a profound and lasting effect on the young women in our program and their success well beyond their time at CMU.”

EmpowHER participants will engage in workshops on topics such as communication, emotional intelligence, public speaking, and decision-making. They will also be paired with women leaders in business, education, government and nonprofit sectors, who will serve as mentors.

Participants will take part in an annual retreat and attend special events such as public forums, women’s leadership summits, and networking events.

“As an alumna, Renee Parsons understands that leadership is foundational to the student experience at Central Michigan University. Renee and Bob’s generosity will amplify our efforts to prepare student-athletes for success in personal and professional endeavors by engaging CMU alumni and partners as mentors,” said Jennifer Cotter, vice president for Advancement.

Renee Parsons is a Mount Pleasant native who studied hospitality and business at Central Michigan University. Her career blends business leadership, design, and philanthropy. In addition to co-founding The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation, she serves on the Board of Directors of PXG, an award-winning golf equipment and apparel company recognized for innovation, and leads hospitality and design at Scottsdale National Golf Club, shaping guest experiences at one of the country’s premier private clubs.

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 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.