The Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust awarded $6 million in surprise grants to six major Arizona colleges and universities, each receiving $1 million, to support their missions in Maricopa County. Recipients include Arizona State University, Creighton University, Grand Canyon University, Maricopa Community Colleges, Northern Arizona University, and the University of Arizona.
These grants, largely unrestricted, aim to further programs in healthcare, workforce development, and education. Each institution is recognized for its contributions: ASU for innovation and degree completion; Creighton’s Phoenix campus for training health professionals; GCU for graduating students in key workforce fields; Maricopa Community Colleges for serving 140,000 students annually; NAU for workforce-aligned programs and partnerships; and the University of Arizona for physician and nurse training.
Piper Trust’s longstanding support includes funding significant health, education, and community service initiatives at these institutions, reflecting its commitment to higher education and Arizona’s future.
KEY QUOTES:
“The grants are an expression of Piper Trust’s ardent belief in the vital role that colleges and universities play in the health and strength of our communities and residents. Beyond their influence on the lives of students, our higher education institutions drive economic growth and workforce development, produce breakthroughs in research and technological innovation, and enhance civic and cultural life.”
“Investing in the promise of people, discovery, and innovation was key to Virginia Piper’s philanthropy. She recognized the vital, long-game role that higher education institutions play, as Piper Trust does today.”
Steve Zabilski, president and CEO of Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust
