Scottsdale Cares is the City of Scottsdale's voluntary utility bill donation program that supports a variety of human service programs.

Initiated in May 1995, Scottsdale Cares has received over $5 million from Scottsdale residents - donated one dollar at a time. Scottsdale Cares is an easy way to help neighbors in need by adding $1.00 to your monthly water bill. Simply pay the grand total and $1.00 will be automatically donated to the program. 100% of your donation goes to our neighbors in need and is completely tax deductible.

Your generous donations assist non-profit agencies who provide programs for thousands of individuals facing tough times in our community. The dollars collected through Scottsdale Cares are granted to non-profit agencies that:

  1. promote the positive development of youth, adults and seniors,
  2. strengthen the capability of families and the self-sufficiency of adults and
  3. assist Scottsdale citizens of all ages in addressing crisis needs.

Some of the programs that your contributions support include services for severely disabled adults, suicide hotlines, emergency crisis support and home delivered meals for the elderly.

The Brown Bag Program

Scottsdale Cares Donations At Work

YearOrganizationAmountTotal
FY 24/25Central Arizona Shelter Services$19,125 
Community Legal Services$15,300 
Family Promise - Greater Phoenix$21,174 
Homeless Youth Connection$8,500 
National Council of Jewish Women Arizona Section$8,000 
Phoenix Rescue Mission$5,413 
Scottsdale Community Partners$19,125 
Southwest Autism Reseach & resource Center$15,300 
Total  $111,937

Prior Years

YearTotal
FY 23/24$160,000
FY 22/23$150,000
FY 21/22$160,000
FY 20/21$160,000
FY 19/20$150,000
FY 18/19$150,000
FY 17/18$180,000
FY 16/17$100,000
FY 15/16$140,000
FY 14/15$140,000
FY 13/14$181,450
FY 12/13$190,000
FY 11/12$200,000
FY 10/11$240,000
FY 09/10$240,000
FY 08/09$240,000
FY 07/08$245,000
FY 06/07$210,000
FY 05/06$220,000
FY 04/05$190,000
FY 03/04$190,000
FY 02/03$219,000
FY 01/02$230,694
FY 00/01$226,400
FY 99/00$215,300
FY 98/99$192,750
FY 97/98$192,050
Total$5,112,644

Agencies Funded for FY 2024/2025

Central Arizona Shelter Services, Inc.
Flexible Financial Assistance (FFA) Program

$19,125

Funding will supply Security deposits, utility deposits, etc. prevent homeless individuals from exiting the shelter and moving into permanent housing.

Community Legal Services, Inc.
Legal Advocacy and Education for Low Income Scottsdale Residents

$15,300

Funding will resolve critical, civil legal problems of low-income Scottsdale residents.

Family Promise Greater Phoenix
Bridges Program

$21,174

Funding will enable supportive services to families beyond the crisis stage of homelessness and additional shelter stay towards self-sufficiency.

Homeless Youth Connection
Empowering Youth for the Future

$8,500

Funding provides youth experiencing homelessness and enrolled in school with basic needs, comprehensive social services, including case management, housing, and other resources so they can stay in school.

National Council of Jewish Women Arizona Section
Supportive Services for Survivors of Sexual Violence

$8,000

Funding will assist Individualized Orientation and Personal Journey Planning, Brain-Body Education, Self-Regulation, and Post-Traumatic Growth, Holistic Wellness, Peer-Based Support.

Phoenix Rescue Mission
Homeless Navigation & Diversion Tool Kit

$5,413

Funding will facilitate Navigation (Housing vouchers, ID assistance, Housing Applications and Search, and other steps necessary to get into permanent housing), Benefits Assistance (Enrollment in SNAP, AHCCCS, SSI/SSDI, etc.), assist clients in other areas of need (food/clothing, shelter, physical/mental health, employment, SUD recovery, etc.)

Scottsdale Community Partners
Emergency Mortgage and Rent Assistance

$19,125

Funding will supply financial assistance for housing stabilization to those at risk of eviction or foreclosure due to financial crisis.

Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center
ABA and Early Childhood for Autism

$15,300

Funding will provide pre-school program providing ABA programming to children for children with autism.

Scottsdale Cares FAQ

How can I participate in Scottsdale Cares automatically each month?

A voluntary donation option has been added to Scottsdale's monthly utility bill. Simply pay the "Grand Total" and $1.00 will be automatically donated to the program. SurePay customers can call Customer Service at 480-312-2461 to sign up.

If you don't want to participate in Scottsdale Cares via the voluntary donation on your monthly utility bill, then please pay the sum on your bill noted as "Utility Amount Due."

If you want to donate more than $1.00 per month to Scottsdale Cares you can either:

  • Submit a check, in any amount, and make it out to "Scottsdale Cares" and mail it to Housing and Community Assistance at 6535 E. Osborn Road, Bldg. #8, Attention: Grants Accountant.
  • If you pay your bill online it gives you an additional line item to add any denomination.
Will any of my contributions be used to pay for the administration of Scottsdale Cares?

No, all donated funds will be allocated for social services programs.

If you choose to donate through ActiveNet, please be aware that ActiveNet collects a fee per transaction, approximately 4.25%.

Are my donations to Scottsdale Cares tax deductible?

Yes, contributors will receive a year-end total of their donations on their January utility bill that will serve as records for tax purposes.

What human service agencies are assisted by Scottsdale Cares?
Non-profit agencies that provide essential services to Scottsdale citizens are eligible to receive funding.
Why doesn’t the City fund these programs?
The City of Scottsdale funded $150,000 (FY 2018/19) to local human service agencies, but the need is far greater than what the City can provide.
Can individuals apply for assistance through Scottsdale Cares?
No, only nonprofit organizations that serve Scottsdale residents may apply. However, the agencies funded provide a wide range of valuable services to youth, families, adults, and senior citizens.
Who decides how Scottsdale Cares' proceeds will be spent?
Scottsdale's Human Services Commission reviews all applications with recommendations forwarded to the City Council for final approval.
Scottsdale Cares logo - Image of a blue hand holding a red heart.
If you want to donate more than $1.00 per month to Scottsdale Cares, and you are unable to donate through ActiveNet, you can: Submit a check, in any amount, and make it out to City of Scottsdale and mail it to:

Housing & Community Assistance
6535 E. Osborn Road
Bldg. #8
Scottsdale AZ, 85251
Attention: Grants Accountant
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Mary Witkofski
Community Assistance Manager
Housing