Cox Charities celebrates 30th anniversary with $700,000 total grant distribution for Phoenix community nonprofits
Record-setting giving from Cox Charities bolsters K-12 STEM Education, Food & Housing Insecurity, and Conservation & Sustainability
PHOENIX (March 16, 2026) – Cox employees across the Valley came together this year to raise a landmark $700,000 for seven nonprofits serving the communities where they live and work. The grants will strengthen the work of Valley nonprofits, each receiving grants of $100,000 to advance their essential community programs.
“We came to Cox Charities today to learn about the grant application process and the timeline, but then they said, ‘You don’t need to worry about any of that because your organization is walking away with $100,000!’” said Lisa Notaro, chief development officer, St. Mary’s Food Bank. She added, “We were just blown away. It was such a surprise! This donation of $100,000 from Cox Charities is going to put food on the table for 500,000 people who are struggling right now. They will have a healthy, nutritious meal thanks to Cox Charities.”
Lisa Notaro, St. Mary’s Food Bank chief development officer, realizes that her organization just received a $100,000 surprise grant from Cox Charities. Photo is courtesy of Cox.
Marking 30 years of Cox employees supporting local organizations through Cox Charities, this milestone celebrates three decades of helping nonprofits deliver vital services—from meeting basic needs to offering programs that strengthen families.
Since 1996, Cox employees have raised nearly 12 million statewide, awarding more than 2000 grants to help local nonprofits continue their missions and make a tangible difference in the lives of residents across Arizona. Photo is courtesy of Cox.
“This year, celebrating our 30th anniversary makes this moment especially meaningful, as it reflects the unwavering commitment our employees have to the communities we serve. Cox Charities is proud to provide $700,000 in total grants, the largest annual award in our history. These funds will support nonprofits aligned with our core giving pillars: K-12 STEM, conservation and sustainability and food and housing insecurity,” said Susan Anable, Cox Phoenix Market Vice President.
The record-level giving comes at a time when nonprofits’ needs are rising nationwide. According to the Fundraising Effectiveness Project, the number of individual donors declined by 4.5% last year, and donor retention fell another 2.6%, even as nonprofits report increased need for food assistance, housing support, and educational resources (National Council of Nonprofits).
Against this challenging backdrop, Cox employees continue to step up for local organizations. Their year‑round giving and volunteerism make it possible for Cox Charities to deliver landmark support during their 30th anniversary year—ensuring local organizations have the resources they need to continue serving the neighbors who rely on them.
Since its founding in 1996, Cox Charities in the West Region has invested more than $25 million in our local communities through grants to nonprofit organizations, scholarships, and support for initiatives that enhance the quality of life within our service areas. Funded by the generous contributions of Cox employees, 100% of every dollar is directly reinvested into the communities we serve.
This year’s recipients include seven nonprofits receiving grants totaling $700,000
| Nonprofit | Grant |
| AZStRUT | $100,000 |
| Central Arizona Shelter Services | $100,000 |
| Gabriel’s Angels | $100,000 |
| New Pathways for Youth | $100,000 |
| Save the Family | $100,000 |
| St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance | $100,000 |
| The Society of St. Vincent de Paul | $100,000 |
About Cox Communications:
Cox Communications is committed to creating meaningful moments of human connection through technology. As the largest private broadband company in America, we own network infrastructure that reaches more than 30 states. Our fiber-powered wireline and wireless connections are available to more than 12 million homes and businesses and support advanced cloud and managed IT services nationwide. We’re the largest division of Cox Enterprises, a family-owned business founded in 1898 by Governor James M. Cox that is dedicated to empowering others to build a better future for the next generation.