Aunt Rita’s Foundation

Aunt Rita’s Foundation, in its current form, has been pursuing since 2005 its mission to end HIV in Arizona but has a rich history dating back to the 1980s in the beginning years of the epidemic. Starting out as a bake-sale fundraiser to provide relief for those living with and dying from AIDS to becoming the leading philanthropy nonprofit organization in Arizona, we deliver funding for critical programs in our at-risk communities and are central in the fight against rising HIV infections in our state. 

With our basic principle of “By the Community and For the Community,” we collaborate with all Arizona HIV service organizations philanthropically supporting our critical services, while forging unique partnerships with state and local governments as well as private corporations. Through our initiatives, we have been providing funding for HIV services and have granted more than $2,250,000 in support of critical HIV education, prevention and treatment programs throughout Arizona.

As the connector of the HIV community in our state, we manage programs that “fill in the gaps” where it comes to HIV-related support. This includes free at-home test kit distribution, advocacy, HIV & Aging programs, a Positive Empowerment Youth Retreat, and a Diversity and Cultural Council to assist minority populations who are newly diagnosed and advise on best practices to lower incidence rates in our highest-risk communities. 

Aunt Rita’s Foundation also provides Arizonans with benefit assistance, linkage to HIV prevention, treatment providers and connections to basic needs such as nutrition support and housing — the social determinants of health that affect individuals’ health outcomes and quality of life. 

Your support of Aunt Rita’s Foundation will ensure we continue to operate these programs critical to ending the HIV epidemic in our great state!

Who We Are

Organization Name: Aunt Rita’s Foundation
Location: 1101 N. Central Ave., Suite 212, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Phone: (602) 882-8675
Website: auntritas.org
Locations in Metro Phoenix: 1
Headquartered: Phoenix
Year Established in Phoenix: 2005
Local Top Exec: Jimmy Thomason
No. of Years with Org.: 1
Type of Services: HIV and AIDS education, prevention, and treatment services; education regarding HIV and AIDS; links in our communities to medical care specific to individuals’ needs to ensure treatment of HIV infections and prevention.
Specialties: HIV and AIDS