Donations to Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation help fund activities, education, essential needs, and transition support for children and youth in foster care throughout Arizona. For more than 40 years, we have worked to fill critical gaps left by state funding, supporting needs that promote self-esteem, provide quality experiences, advance education, and help young adults move toward independence.
Read on to learn more about how your generosity reaches children and youth across Arizona, where support can make a meaningful difference.
Funding Needs That Make a Difference
Your contributions provide direct financial grants for specific needs rather than funding physical care facilities or housing centers. As a funding and resource agency, we help bridge the gap between state support and the real costs of raising a child. In 2025 alone, that meant 3,129 children and youth served, including 2,671 kids whose activities were funded through our Childhood Activities program. Youth in foster care are one of our community’s most underserved populations, and their needs evolve as they grow.
Funding Joy, Education, and the Transition to Adulthood
We structure our financial support around developmental stages to ensure every young person receives age-appropriate care.
Sports, Music, and Extracurricular Activities
Funding for sports leagues, music lessons, and clubs gives youth opportunities to explore their interests and develop new skills. Participating in these activities can build self-esteem, encourage social connections, and help children feel included alongside their peers.
Summer Camps and Social Opportunities
Summer camps and social clubs can provide valuable opportunities for connection, personal growth, and positive experiences. We fund these quality experiences to help children build relationships, develop confidence, and experience a greater sense of normalcy and belonging.
Safe Sleep and Essential Gear for Babies and Toddlers
Infants and toddlers entering foster care may need immediate access to safe sleep equipment and essential infant gear. We provide direct funding for these practical necessities, helping ensure young children have the basic items they need during a transition into care.
Educational Support and Academic Milestones
We fund tutoring, school supplies, and important academic milestones, including graduation expenses. Our support can also extend into higher education, helping students access the resources they need to pursue their educational goals and prepare for the future.
First-Apartment and Dorm Room Setups
Moving into a college dorm or first apartment can come with significant upfront costs. We fund essentials such as household goods, helping young adults create a functional living space as they take important steps toward greater independence.
Emergency Needs and Support for Youth Aging Out of Foster Care
Young adults aging out of foster care may not have a family safety net to rely on when unexpected financial emergencies arise. We provide emergency assistance for urgent, eligible expenses that could otherwise disrupt their stability. Through our Focus Forward program, we complement this financial support with career guidance, mentorship, and educational resources to help young adults navigate the transition to adulthood with greater confidence and stability.
Help Your Donation Go Further With the Arizona Foster Care Tax Credit
Arizona residents may be able to maximize the impact of their generosity through the Arizona Foster Care Tax Credit. Unlike a tax deduction, which reduces taxable income, a tax credit directly reduces eligible state tax liability. Because tax circumstances vary, consult a qualified tax professional for guidance specific to your situation.
With 76% of your donation going directly to a child, your generosity can help fund activities, education, essential needs, and other support for children and youth in foster care. Donate to Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation today and help provide the resources and quality experiences that can enrich a young person’s life. You can also use our resources to learn more about becoming a foster parent or mentor in Arizona.