AZCEND Ft. Mcdowell Yavapai Nation Grant Briefing

Tribal Gaming Community Application Briefing:
Non-Profit Submission
Tribal Gaming Community Applying To
Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation
Name of the Non-profit Organization
AZCEND
Does the Non-profit Organization have IRS Tax-Exempt Status?
Yes
Contact Information
Shelley Nelson
grants@azcend.org
(480) 963-1423
Application Priority Areas
Health Care
Title of the Project
NourishPlus Nutritional Program for Seniors and Adults with Disabilities
Amount Intended to Request
$75,000
Purpose of the Grant
Financial support from the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation will ensure that low-income
seniors and adults with disabilities in Chandler have reliable access to nutritious meals,
vital social connections, and healthy food, reducing hunger while supporting health,
independence, and dignity.
AZCENDs NourishPlus program is the only program in Chandler that offers a
comprehensive and flexible array of nutritious food options for low-income seniors and
adults with disabilities. By combining home-delivered and congregate meals,
emergency food boxes, and supplemental groceries, NourishPlus removes common
barriers to food access including limited mobility, fixed incomes, transportation
challenges, and health-related restrictions, while helping participants manage chronic
conditions, maintain their health and independence, and safely age in place. Grant
funds will support vital operating costs such as program materials and supplies, raw
food, and mileage reimbursement for food distribution services. 
Project Summary
AZCEND is a long-standing nonprofit human services agency headquartered in
Chandler and serving southeastern Maricopa County communities. The NourishPlus
senior nutrition program prepares and distributes fresh, nutritious hot and cold meals,

emergency food boxes, and other groceries to vulnerable adults experiencing food
insecurity, chronic health conditions, and mobility limitations. Each day, we provide fresh
meals prepared by our team for hundreds of seniors and adults with disabilities through
Meals on Wheels home delivery and congregate meals at the Chandler Senior Center.
These meals follow a dietician-approved menu and meet 13 of the daily recommended
nutritional intake for a senior diet. In addition, the program distributes food boxes
(including those designed specifically for seniors) and groceries at the senior center site
as well as at our Food Bank. Each food box contains roughly 70 pounds of food
including a balanced mix of perishable and shelf-stable items. Food boxes are also
distributed to remote communities through home-delivery services provided by Lyft and
Uber for individuals with transportation or health challenges. Beyond meeting nutritional
needs, NourishPlus fosters meaningful social connection through friendly interactions at
congregate meal sites and the Food Bank, and regular check-ins during home
deliveries, helping reduce isolation and loneliness among older adults and adults with
disabilities. Each year, NourishPlus provides 3,800 seniors and adults with disabilities
with reliable access to nutritious food including more than 2,000 from Chandler alone--
ensuring those with limited income and mobility receive the nourishment they need to
maintain independence and live with dignity.
Impact on the City of Chandler
As the only program in Chandler offering a flexible continuum of senior nutrition support,
NourishPlus fills a critical gap in the City's safety net. NourishPlus also leverages
AZCENDs long-standing community presence, trusted referral networks, and
operational efficiency to ensure public funds are used effectively and reach residents
most in need. The program also addresses disparities by removing barriers that
disproportionately affect older adults and residents with disabilities, including mobility
limitations, transportation challenges, and fixed incomes.
An investment in AZCENDs NourishPlus program advances key City priorities by
strengthening public health, housing stability, and equitable access to essential services
for vulnerable residents. NourishPlus supports low-income seniors and adults with
disabilities by ensuring consistent access to nutritious food, an essential factor in
preventing health crises, maintaining independence, and supporting community well-
being. By helping participants manage chronic health conditions and safely age in
place, the program reduces reliance on emergency medical services, delays or prevents
premature institutional care, and contributes to long-term cost avoidance for public
systems. These outcomes directly support the Citys goals of promoting healthy aging,
reducing strain on local services, and fostering stable neighborhoods. Investment in
NourishPlus delivers both immediate quality-of-life benefits for residents and lasting
community-level returns aligned with Chandlers vision for a healthy, inclusive, and
resilient city.
Address of Non-profit Organization the City of Chandler will Send the Tribal
Community Grant Payment

AZCEND
P.O. Box 591
Chandler, Arizona. 85244
Contact Name for Receipt of Payment
Trinity Donovan