WHISPERING HOPE RANCH FOUNDATION_SRPMIC_APPLICATION.PDF

Grant Request Respectfully
Submitted to
Salt River Pima-Maricopa
Indian Community

August 30, 2019
Mr. Gary Bohnee
Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs
c/o 12% Gaming Grant Program
Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community
10005 East Osborn Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85256
Dear Gary:
We appreciate your invitation to submit a request for support for consideration by Salt River Pima-Maricopa
Indian Community. If awarded, the SRP-MIC grant would be transformational in continuing to provide the only
camp and retreat facility in Arizona designed and built from the ground up specifically for the underserved
population of children with special needs in our state, and profoundly impact children with special needs, giving
them tools to cope with everyday stress, improve their quality of life, and help them develop “can do” attitudes.
Prior to 2005, there was no camp facility in Arizona for children with special needs to come together and reap the
benefits of that sense of connection and community that their typical peers experienced at camp. Returning to
school in the fall often further intensified feelings of isolation already experienced due to their illness or other
challenges, as they could not join in the conversation with their typical peers when they shared of their camp
adventures.
The completion of Phase I construction of the Ranch meant the end to that isolation for children in Arizona with
special needs, and the start of their building memories that not only sustain them until their next visit, but are
cherished for a lifetime. Children with special needs can now begin the school year sharing news of their own
camp adventures: of friendships they forged at camp; of horseback riding; frolicking in the splash pad; kissing
Tony Llama; of ghost stories, song and S’mores around the campfire; of gazing at the moons around Jupiter; and
spying elk grazing near the cabin while playing charades on the porch in the moonlight.
Although we can’t offer a cure to those with special needs who we serve at Whispering Hope Ranch, we can ease
their journey. Rachel Naomi Remen, M.D. once said of physicians—“We can only cure a small amount of human
suffering. The rest of it needs to be healed.”1 Testimonials from our guests and their caregivers reflect these
assertions; they often describe their healing experiences at the Ranch or those of loved ones as ‘magical’ or
‘amazing’.
Sometimes that healing takes place as a result of interactions between humans, such as when Nathan befriended
Jake, who was dealing with the same heart condition, and realized he isn’t alone; other children (and animals as
well) are managing and dealing with issues similar to his own. Sometimes healing takes place as a result of
1 "Listening Generously." Rachel Naomi Remen, M.D., UCSF School of Medicine Professor On Being with Krista Tibbett. Podcast. 29 July 2010.
Radio.
PO Box 54070  Phoenix AZ 85078  P 602 266 2216  F 602 266 2219  www.whisperinghoperanch.org  whrf@whisperinghoperanch.org

interactions between a human and one of our animal residents. Every time these magical moments occur we’re
reminded of the importance of our work. These amazing moments inspire and invigorate us to do everything in
our power to make sure Whispering Hope Ranch Foundation continues to be here for every child and family who
needs us.
Thank you again for the opportunity to submit the request for support that follows. There is a vital need in Arizona
for the beautiful mountain sanctuary known as Whispering Hope Ranch and of the healing that takes place here.
Together and with a transformational investment by Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, we have an
opportunity to make a tremendous impact on people and animals with special needs.
With gratitude and warmest regards,
Mary Clark
Executive Director
PO Box 54070  Phoenix AZ 85078  P 602 266 2216  F 602 266 2219  www.whisperinghoperanch.org  whrf@whisperinghoperanch.org

SALT RIVER PIMA-MARICOPA
INDIAN COMMUNITY
10005 E. Osborn Road, Scottsdale, Arizona 85256 / Phone 480-362-7520 / Fax 480-362-7593
12% Gaming Grant Program Application
Calendar Year 2020
About the Grant Program Application:
The Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community 12% Gaming Grant Program (“Program”) application
will serve to provide a comprehensive review of the programming requests for Arizona cities, towns,
counties, non-municipal public service organizations, and non-profit organizations selected to apply for
grant funding. It is not the intent of the Program to award grants that would benefit individuals, be used
as sponsorships, be used for religious activities, primarily fund the indirect or administrative costs of a
program/organization, or be used for the direct benefit of the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian
Community.
Date of Application: August 29, 2019
Organization Name: The Whispering Hope Ranch Foundation
Organization/Municipal Government Mailing Address:
The Whispering Hope Ranch Foundation
PO Box 54070
Phoenix, AZ 85078
Organization History:
(Provide a brief summary of the origins of the organizations and any notable milestones and/or
significant audit findings)
There are more than 280,000 children in Arizona with special health care needs and only one camp
facility designed in collaboration with organizations that serve them, and built from the ground up to
accommodate their diverse needs: Whispering Hope Ranch.
Since 1999, Whispering Hope Ranch Foundation has partnered with more than 50 non-profit
organizations to provide transformational experiences for children, adults and families living with any
type of physical, medical, emotional or intellectual challenge including abuse and neglect, autism,
bereavement trauma, brain injury, cancer, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, heart conditions, kidney
disease, muscular dystrophy and visual impairment.
The Foundation supports the health and well-being of children and youth with disabilities by providing
camps and retreats with a difference—loving interactions between special-needs campers and animals
that live at the ranch, most of whom have physical anomalies or have suffered illness, injury, abuse or
abandonment.
Our founding vision was to bring people with special needs together with animals with special needs for
healing. In 1998 WHR began welcoming individuals with myriad challenges—physical, medical,

emotional and developmental—for day visits. In 1999, the Foundation partnered with Southwest Autism
Research and Resource Center to host weekend camps for children with autism and their families.
Participating in a variety of therapeutic programs at the Ranch during the day, families then traveled 25+
miles to lodging in the towns of Payson and Heber, returning the following day for additional programs.
The Foundation continued to grow its family of partner organizations and through those relationships
learned that there was no camp facility in Arizona built specifically for children with special needs.
Organizations struggled for years to provide their special needs clients with safe, accessible, satisfying
camp experiences. While some organizations were able to ‘make do’ and serve their constituency at
facilities within the state, others traveled to accessible facilities in other states. The high cost of the
available options deterred some organizations from providing camp or put it out of reach for many
families. Economically, it made sense for the organizations to come together to create one facility that
met the needs of all their clients.
In 2001, 12 organizations that serve children with special needs came together in a collaborative
partnership with the Foundation to provide input for the design of a camp facility that would
accommodate the needs unique to the children served by each. Facilitated by Arizona State University’s
College of Architecture and Environmental Design, the Foundation began holding bi-weekly design
meetings with the partner organizations. Together, and incredibly, a plan was created for a camp that
accommodates the highly diverse needs of all clients, while meeting and exceeding ADA standards.
With the completion of Phase I construction of the facility in September 2005, Whispering Hope Ranch,
in collaboration with our partner organizations, began hosting week-long summer camps for children
with special needs and three-to-four day retreats in the spring and fall for individuals with special needs
of all ages.
The essence of the Whispering Hope Ranch experience is:
• the connection that happens between a child and an animal, both of whom have special needs;
• the feeling of belonging when friendships are formed with others who face similar challenges;
• and the sense of community forged among children with special needs and a multitude of
medical personnel, caregivers and volunteers, which extends well beyond our borders, enriching
and improving the health and vitality of our community at large.
At Whispering Hope Ranch, campers experience an environment where they:
• feel independent and expand their physical boundaries, gain a sense of normalcy by not being
“the different one”;
• gain coping skills that sustain them through difficult times;
• and experience respect and dignity, in a place of security for campers of all levels of ability.
The addition of a 34-bed fully accessible bunkhouse in 2017 brought our facility capacity to 164
individuals with special needs, their caregivers and medical personnel per night. Facilities include 10
camper cabins with special features such as wheelchair charging stations and drains for dialysis; a
Wellness Center where medical personnel provide care to the children they accompany to camp; an
enclosed horseback riding arena; a dining/activity ramada; sports areas; a splash pad for cooling off on
hot summer days; and, importantly, a Center for Human-Animal Interaction—all completely accessible
to children in wheelchairs.

Each dollar of investment in Whispering Hope Ranch Foundation has a tangible, impactful, direct
multiplier effect on meeting the needs of the partner organizations collaborating with us today. These
partners recruit the camp and retreat participants from among their own clients and arrange for
specialized caregivers to accompany them to camp as needed. The highly experienced Foundation staff
works closely with each organization to create a camp program that safely meets the unique needs of
their clients, providing transformational experiences for children, adults and families faced with myriad
challenges.
This collaborative approach is a cost-effective way to leverage and widen the impact of charitable
contributions. The Foundation has met with great success in continuing to provide transformational
experiences and exceptional service to our existing partners as well as forging relationships with new
organizations to expand our impact in the community.
Organization Structure:
(Provide a list of current board members and key staff members)
BOARD OF DIRECTORS KEY STAFF
William Benda, M.D. Adam Mays Mary Clark, Executive Director
Paul Dykstra Mark Prygocki Shelley Huber, Director of Administration
Lyrit Edmunds Seth Rodner Paul Griffith, Ranch Manager
Marni Heintz, CPA Byron Sarhangian
Christina Howard Steven Stralser, Ph.D.
John Keane Joanna Zucker
Robert Mayfield
Do any conflicts of interest exist within the organization structure?
(I.e. family, professional or personal conflicts, SRPMIC representatives on board, etc.)
While we do not believe it to be a conflict, we note that one of our board members, Adam Mays, does
business with SRP-MIC through A.R. Mays Construction.
Contact Person and Project Manager if different from Contact Person: Mary Clark
Title: Executive Director
Address: PO Box 54070, Phoenix, AZ 85078
Phone: 602-266-2216 (Valley Office Main Number) 602-753-3383 (Direct Line)
Fax: 602-266-2219
Email Address: mclark@whisperinghoperanch.org
Project Name: Hope & Healing for Children with Special Needs
Provide a brief description of the project being submitted to the 12% SRPMIC Grant program. In the
description provide a summary of the relevant experience, administrative activity, and program
development related to the grant request.
Whispering Hope Ranch Foundation would be honored to partner with SRP-MIC to bring hope and
healing to children with special needs. Funding of $390,000 will allow the Foundation to:

1. Provide 300 children with special needs access to the unique programming that makes
Whispering Hope Ranch more than just a camp, but a place where they feel they belong and can
focus on their abilities—not their disabilities ($240,000). The Executive Director will oversee
and, with the Foundation’s Bookkeeper, track the utilization of the Hope and Healing Fund.
2. Add adapted recreational equipment for children with special needs ($150,000). Our master-site
plan developed in the early 2000’s in collaboration with organizations that serve children with
special needs included adapted recreational equipment such as an adapted rock wall, zip line,
ropes course and more. As the only fully accessible camp facility in Arizona designed and built
especially for them, our special campers accomplish things they never thought possible and gain
renewed hope for the future. Together with SRP-MIC, we will provide opportunities for our
special campers to change their narrative from “I can’t” to “I can!” As camper Jordan, who,
along with his twin brother has muscular dystrophy, wrote, “Camp has prepared me to face the
world…and has truly given me the two things the disease hates the most; life and
independence.”
The Facilities Committee of our board has initiated research into new adapted recreational equipment,
and our insurance carrier consulted as to manufacturing and installation requirements. The company
that is ultimately selected by our board for challenge course amenities will be certified by the
Association for Challenge Course Technology and must meet standards for acceptability. Annual
inspections and training will be established and required.
The Facilities Committee will oversee all phases of the project from pre-design to selection of the
amenity design firm and, ultimately, construction. Training and annual inspections will also fall under
the purview of the Facilities Committee, including the Executive Director.
What percentage of the grant request are Direct Costs of the programming and Indirect Costs,
respectively?
For the Hope & Healing Fund ($240,000 for programming for 300 children), approximately 83% are Direct
Costs and 17% Indirect.
For the projected costs of the Capital Project (adapted recreational equipment for children with special
needs – requested amount $150,000) the approximate percentage of Direct Costs is 96% and Indirect
Costs of 4%.
Define the Project Category and/or relevant sub-category:
(i.e. Education, Public Safety, Transportation, Economic Development, Health Care, Social Services, or
Cultural and Environment)
WHRF achieves exceptionally broad impact in the areas of support identified as priorities by SRP-MIC of
Health Care and Social Services, because it operates on a partnership model. Since 1999, WHRF has
partnered with more than 50 organizations that serve those with special needs to provide
transformational experiences for children living with any type of physical, medical, emotional or
intellectual challenge including abuse, autism, brain and spinal cord injury, cancer, cerebral palsy, Down
syndrome, heart disease, kidney disease, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida and visual impairment.

Beginning Date of Project: November 1, 2019 End Date of Project: October 31, 2020
Geographic Area to be served:
WHRF serves children with special needs throughout the state of Arizona, predominantly those residing
in Maricopa; however, children from various areas throughout the state are commonly represented at
each camp.
** Attach Detailed Budget**
Amount of Total Project: $1,501,402 Amount of 12% Request: $390,000
(No Multi-Year Request will be accepted)
If the amount of funding received is less than the amount needed for the project, do you have other
funds to complete the project? (Please Explain):
Whispering Hope Ranch Foundation raises funds primarily through one-to-one visits with donors as well
as through grant writing. Funds for FYE August 31, 2020 Budget of $1,201,401:
Cash on hand from various donors $ 190,787
Gumpert Foundation (Due in Mar) $ 90,000
Dorrance Family Foundation (Rcvd) $ 15,000
Anonymous Donor $ 50,000
Projected from Annual Donors Based on Historical Gifts (Dec-Jul) $ 144,000
Board Members $ 30,000
Total $ 519,787
At a meeting of the Foundation’s Board of Director on Aug 28, 2019, the Facilities Committee was given
approval to proceed with the Capital Project with an aim to begin construction in October 2020, after
camps end for the year. The Committee is moving ahead with plans and materials which will be utilized
for meetings with donors.
Whispering Hope Ranch Foundation would maximize the impact of a total investment of $390,000 by
SRP-MIC by leveraging this gift to the greatest extent to transform the lives of children and adults with
special needs.
If you receive SRPMIC 12 % funding, will it be spent (Check One):
√ Monthly
Quarterly
Lump Sum
List any SRPMIC 12% funds you have received in the past. If the organization has received funding
through the SRPMIC 12% Gaming Grant Program for five consecutive years, they will be required to
submit a comprehensive report of grant funding toward the stated program objectives and mission of
the organization. In addition, you will be asked to provide a formal presentation to the 12% Gaming
Grant Committee prior to the awarding of any additional funding.

Whispering Hope Ranch Foundation has not received any SRPMIC 12% funds in the past.
List any other 12 % grant funds your organization may be seeking from other Tribal Governments in
2019-2020.
WHRF submitted an application for consideration to the Ak-Chin Indian Community for the 2020 funding
cycle.
List any other funds you have received from the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community
(Enterprises Included) and identify the amount and the source: N/A
Has your organization ever applied for and received any local, state or federal grants? If so, please
detail.
No, Whispering Hope Ranch Foundation has not applied for or received any local, state or federal grants.
Funding for project/programs may be based on available funding. As such, if funding were not
available for the full the amount of request how would you prioritize funding.
1. Because the Whispering Hope Ranch experience makes such a tremendous impact, improving
the lives of children with special needs, our top priority is providing the opportunity for them to
come to camp. Therefore, our top priority is the Hope and Healing Fund – a grant of $240,000.
2. Our second priority is the capital project, adding additional accessible recreation equipment
($150,000).
Which municipal governmental entity will serve as your pass through agency to accept 12% gaming
grant on your behalf? Maricopa County 301 W Jefferson, Suite 960 Phoenix, AZ 85003
By execution of the 12% Gaming Contribution Grant Application the undersigned agrees that the
information contained in the Application is true to the best of the Applicants knowledge. The
Applicant shall notify the SRPMIC if any information in this Application changes.
08/30/2019
Signature for the Applicant Date
Mary Clark, Executive Director
Name and Title
The Application shall be signed by the senior elected official of the local government, or in the case of
a non-profit entity, the Chief Executive Officer authorizes to commit the non-profit entity to apply for,
accept, and implement an award from the SRPMIC utilizing 12% Gaming Contributions.

WHISPERING HOPE RANCH FOUNDATION
Projected Project Budget
WHISPERING HOPE RANCH FOUNDATION
Projected Project Budget
Hope & Healing Fund
Per
Budget Item FYE 2020
Camper Project Budget
Program Design; Activity Scheduling; Food Service Planning; Animal Care & Programs;
Maintenance & Preparation. Includes all Full-Time, Part-Time, Seasonal Program & Facility $ 645,555 $ 430 $ 129,111
Staff.
Animal Feed, Bedding, Hoof Care, Grooming, Medications, Shelter, Shoeing, Veterinary $ 25,838 $ 17 $ 5,168
Ranch & Program Supplies $ 29,470 $ 20 $ 5,894
Insurance, Licenses $ 35,640 $ 24 $ 7,128
Printing, Reproduction, Office Supplies $ 8,263 $ 6 $ 1,653
Utilities (Including Gas, Electricity, Internet, Water Treatment, Telephone, Waste) $ 83,520 $ 56 $ 16,704
Infrastructure, Occupancy, Equipment, Repairs, Maintenance - ensuring the 45-acre Fully
Accessible Mountain Sanctuary is well maintained and prepared to accommodate the $ 331,919 $ 221 $ 66,384
unique needs of each person that we serve.
Total Estimated Fixed Operating Costs $ 1,160,206 $ 773
Administration & Fundraising $ 142,321 $ 95 $ 28,464
Professional Services (Audit/Tax Return) $ 25,875 $ 17 $ 5,175
Total Estimated Expense $ 1,328,402 $ 886 $ 265,680
Less: Estimated Fee Revenue Contribution to Fixed Costs (Partner Org Fee Paid Less Food
Service) (Food service is customized by groups & individuals based on the special dietary $ (127,000) $ (85) $ (25,400)
needs & food & additive allergies of each participant)
Gap to Fund $ 1,201,402 $ 800 $ 240,280
Grant Respectfully Requested from SRP-MIC: 300 campers x $800 per camper $240,000
Note: This budget represents the best estimates of staff and management.

Whispering Hope Ranch Foundation
Capital Project Budget - Estimated Cost
Add Adapted Recreational Equipment for Children with Special Needs - Current Cost Projection
$300,000
During Design Concept Phase
Portion of Cost Requested from SRP-MIC $150,000
Costs to Include:
Engineering, design, installation $ 44,400
Specialized Equipment - Adapted ramps, lines, cables, anchors and safety Systems $ 100,000
Operations Training $ 5,600
$ 150,000