UPDATE: The Arizona Daily Star Sportsmen’s Fund urgently calls for donations to ensure that children from low-income households can attend summer camps this year. With 1,076 donations totaling $272,576.43 last year, the Fund is gearing up to send even more kids to camp in 2025.
DONATE NOW: Your contribution not only changes lives but can also save you on your Arizona taxes. Funds raised will provide scholarships for local children to attend camps such as YMCA and Scouting America, as well as specialized programs for school-age children with special needs at Camp Tatiyee. New scholarships for Flowing Wells students to attend the overnight Sky School camp on Mt. Lemmon were introduced last year, demonstrating a commitment to expanding access to these invaluable experiences.
This year, the Fund aims to build on its success by partnering with the University of Arizona Sky School to create a new science camp for middle and high school students from Title 1 schools. The four-day, three-night camp will immerse students in hands-on learning at the Steward Observatory, enhancing educational opportunities for those in need.
Since its inception in 1947, the Sportsmen’s Fund has helped send over 44,814 children to camp, boasting an impressive 97 cents of every dollar raised going directly to scholarships. This efficiency sets the Fund apart as one of Arizona’s oldest and most effective 501(c)(3) charities.
IMPORTANT TAX BENEFITS: Donations are eligible for the Arizona tax credit, allowing joint Arizona filers to contribute up to $987 for 2025 taxes and $1,009 for 2026 taxes. Individual filers can donate up to $495 for 2025 taxes and $506 for 2026 taxes. Contributions made until April 15, 2026, can be claimed on your 2025 Arizona income tax return. Use code 20450 when donating.
For those aged 70½ or older, consider donating directly from your IRA, potentially allowing you to deduct it as a Qualifying Charitable Distribution. This is a valuable opportunity to maximize your tax benefits while making a meaningful difference.
Donations are welcome year-round, and recent contributions include generous gifts in memory of loved ones, with amounts ranging from $25 to $2,500. Every donation counts and helps create unforgettable summer experiences for children in Southern Arizona.
To contribute, visit azsendakidtocamp.org or send checks payable to Sportsmen’s Fund at P.O. Box 16141, Tucson, AZ 85732-6141. For inquiries, reach out to Debbie Kornmiller at 520-954-3139 or email [email protected].
ACT NOW: Make a difference in a child’s life today and help send them to camp this summer! Your donation has the power to change lives and create lasting memories for children in need.
