On December 2nd, the PICOR Charitable Foundation volunteer grant committee sat down to read through the grant applications for this year’s charity Pancake Breakfast.
We read through their mission statements and learned about the work each organization does from basic needs to enrichment opportunities. We were moved by the incredible difference each one makes for young people in our community. As the holiday season approaches and we reflect on what truly matters, we were reminded that an ethic of giving back is at the heart of who we are at Cushman & Wakefield | PICOR.
To every donor, volunteer, sponsor, and community partner who made this record-setting year possible: thank you. Your generosity translates into books in children’s hands, safe spaces after school, healing for families in crisis, and opportunities for young people who simply need a chance.
Since 1994, the PICOR Charitable Foundation has raised a total of $1.85 million for at-risk youth programs in Southern Arizona through the Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser. This year marked another record-setting achievement, with $191,330 raised, and every dollar goes directly to the nonprofits listed below, as Cushman & Wakefield | PICOR covers all out-of-pocket expenses with corporate funds. At this year’s breakfast, we served around 1,500 community members, including military families from the Desert Thunder Squadron.
This impact would not be possible without the Burton Family Foundation‘s partnership and commitment. Their dollar-for-dollar matching program doubles our gifts, and without their support, we simply could not reach as many children as we do each year.
During our December 2nd meeting, we thoughtfully reviewed each application and allocated funds to a diverse range of organizations addressing critical needs—from basic essentials and mental health support to literacy, arts, and enrichment opportunities that help young people thrive. The following organizations were selected to receive grants of up to $5,000 this year:
2025 Grant Recipients
Amistades, Inc. – Culturally responsive programs supporting Latino youth and families through prevention, education, and advocacy.
Amphi Foundation – Helps remove barriers to learning by providing essentials and program support for students in Amphitheater Public Schools.
Angel Heart Pajama Project – Provides new pajamas and books to children in need or in crisis, offering comfort and dignity.
Arizona Diaper Bank – Supplies diapers and hygiene products to families so that children can meet basic health and comfort needs.
Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation – Enriches the lives of kids in foster care through activities, experiences, and support that help them thrive.
Arizona Theatre Company – Opens doors to live theatre for students through educational matinees and youth-focused programming.
Ballet Tucson – Delivers youth dance education and performance access, helping young people experience and participate in the arts.
Beyond Foundation – Promotes healthy, active lifestyles for youth through outdoor recreation, movement, and wellness programming.
Books for Classrooms – Provides diverse, engaging books to local schools to build literacy and representation for young readers.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Tucson – Offers safe, supportive after-school and summer programs that help kids learn, grow, and lead.
Caleb’s Assist – Supports youth participation in sports and enrichment by providing financial assistance to families.
Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Southern Arizona – Supports children with cancer and their families through programs, special events, and practical assistance.
Children’s Museum Tucson – Creates accessible, play-based learning experiences that spark curiosity and exploration for children.
Community Gardens of Tucson – Engages youth in gardening, nutrition, and environmental education through hands-on garden programs.
Educational Enrichment Foundation – Provides basic needs, classroom resources, and support to help TUSD students succeed.
El Grupo Youth Cycling – Builds confidence, health, and community for youth through competitive and recreational cycling.
El Rio Health Center Foundation – Supports programs like Reach Out and Read that promote early literacy and family health.
Gabriel’s Angels – Uses pet therapy teams to help at-risk youth develop empathy, confidence, and social-emotional skills.
Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona – Ensures girls of all backgrounds can access leadership, life skills, and outdoor adventures.
Greater Tucson Leadership – Builds youth leadership and civic awareness through experiential programming.
Integrative Touch – Provides healing-centered camps and programs for children and families facing serious health challenges.
Interfaith Community Services – Offers youth enrichment, tutoring, and support services to help kids and teens reach their potential.
Kol Ami Synagogue – Expands access to early childhood education through need-based scholarships for young learners.
Literacy Connects – Advances literacy for children and families through reading, tutoring, and story-based learning programs.
Make Way for Books – Prepares young children for school success through early literacy and family engagement in high-need communities.
Marana Unified School District – Provides culturally responsive support for Native American students through its Native American Education Program.
Old Pueblo Community Services – Helps families stabilize through housing assistance and supportive services.
Our Family Services, Inc. – Supports youth experiencing or at risk of homelessness through outreach and wraparound services.
Project Linus – Tucson Chapter – Provides handmade blankets to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or in need of comfort.
Rialto Theatre Foundation – Engages youth in theatre arts, production, and educational programming at a historic community venue.
Saavi Services for the Blind – Connects blind and low-vision youth with mentorship, skills training, and independence-building programs.
Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation (SAAF) – Offers affirming spaces, resources, and programs (including Eon Youth Lounge) for LGBTQ+ and allied youth.
STEP: Student Expedition Program – Supports first-generation and underserved students with college preparation, mentoring, and enrichment.
Tu Nidito Children & Family Services – Provides grief and illness support for children and families experiencing serious loss or diagnosis.
Tucson Festival of Books – Inspires a love of reading and learning through youth-focused literary and creative programming.
Tucson Girls Chorus – Builds confidence, leadership, and connection for girls through choral music and performance.
UA Foundation – Cooper Center for Environmental Learning – Delivers hands-on environmental education experiences to local students.
Viva Pima! – Supports youth health, wellness, and community engagement efforts across Pima County.
Welcome to America Project – Helps refugee families, including children, feel welcomed and supported as they rebuild their lives.
YMCA of Southern Arizona – Develops teen leadership, character, and community through teen and youth development programs.
Youth on Their Own – Supports local students experiencing housing insecurity so they can stay in school and graduate.
2025 Ken Nickel STEM Grant Recipients
In addition to traditional grants, the committee once again awarded the Ken Nickel STEM Grant, a special award established in 2013 to honor Ken Nickel (1924–2013). Nickel was Cushman & Wakefield | PICOR’s founding office manager, a dedicated Kiwanian, and one of the Pancake Breakfast’s earliest and most committed volunteers. Each year, this grant is paired with a matching corporate contribution, extending the reach of STEM-focused programs serving local youth.
For 2025, the Ken Nickel STEM Grant was awarded to two organizations:
Educational Enrichment Foundation – Supporting STEM Classroom Grants that give TUSD teachers hands-on tools and materials to bring science, technology, engineering, and math to life for their students.
Junior Achievement of Arizona – Southern District – Expanding Financial & Career Readiness programming that helps students build real-world skills in economics, personal finance, and career pathways, grounded in STEM-related learning.
These STEM-focused awards continue Nickel’s legacy by opening doors for young people to explore science, technology, engineering, and related disciplines in ways that can shape their futures.
As we look ahead to 2026, we’re excited to gather together once more—to flip pancakes and continue making a real difference for Southern Arizona’s youth!
***Please note that grant disbursement checks are scheduled to be mailed on Monday, December 15, 2025, and organizations can expect to receive their funds in the following weeks.
