The Arizona Hellenic Foundation was established in 2004 as a 501(c)3 corporation in the state of Arizona.Its mission is to provide scholarships for college students of Hellenic descent and to promote Hellenic culture in the state of Arizona. In 2024 the Foundation celebrates its 20th anniversary. During the past 20 years the Foundation has awarded tens of thousands of dollars in scholarships to deserving students. In addition, the Arizona Hellenic Foundation as part of its efforts to promote Hellenic culture, has provided financial support to dance groups from the Greek Orthodox Churches in the Phoenix Metropolitan area. The Foundation has also sponsored events featuring Greek entertainers, has sponsored visits by the represenatives of the Hellenic Republic and from the Republic of Cyprus, and hosted dinner/dances celebrating Hellenic traditions and holidays. Education has always been very important to Greeks. From the days of Socrates to now the Greek families have always placed emphasis on learning. It is the mission of the Arizona Hellenic Foundation, by providing financial support, to help students broaden their education. To help them enroll in universities and encourage them to complete their studies. It is also the mission of the Arizona Hellenic Foundation to make the public aware of Hellenic culture. Hellenic culture is not just eating Gyro, drinking ouzo and yelling OPA. It is a way of life that goes back 4000 years. Its pillars are family, friendship, honor, hospitality, individualism,knowledge,*filotimo ( *the word that cannot be translated). The Arizona Hellenic Foundation, as a non profit corporation, is governed by a Board of Directors. All directors give of their time on a volunteer basis. There are no paid positions within the organization. Funds are raised through fundraising events and donations. The funds are invested and the income from the investments is used for scholarships and cultural promotions (75%). Thee other 25% is added to the principal. This way the principal increases every year and the amount of funds available for the Foundation’s programs also increases.Long term plans for the Board are that in the not too far future there will be enough funds available for more scholarships and to establish a library/museum that exhibits Hellenic art and literature written by the many Greek Nobel prize winners and nominees. If you agree with our mission and want to help please go to Azhellenic.org and click on Donations. All donations are tax deductible. * A $20000 donation will establish a $1000 permanent scholarship in the donor’s name or in the name of another person or organization of the donor’s choice.