The foundation was founded in 2012 by a small group of committed and forward-thinking club Members. The Foundation initially focused on providing educational scholarships to Desert Mountain and HOA employees and their families. Since then, DMF has expanded its impact through Helping Hands, an employee hardship fund and Talent 4 Talent, a member-employee mentoring program. Desert Mountain is home to an exceptional staff, and in today’s highly competitive hospitality market, attracting and retaining top talent is essential. The employee benefits provided through the Foundation help Desert Mountain maintain its leadership position in the industry and the community.
Scholarships and Professional Development
A Scholarship Fund was established in the Fall of 2012 to support the educational goals of eligible Club and HOA employees, their spouses, dependent children and grandchildren. Grants are awarded to students attending universities and community colleges, and accredited progressional development programs. The first scholarships were awarded in 2013, and the application process takes place each spring.
Thanks to the continued generosity of our Membership, in spring 2026 we surpassed the $1 million milestone in scholarship grants since inception. During the upcoming fall-spring season, DMF will be exploring new professional development opportunities, as part of our effort to engage and support a wider portion of our employee community.
Helping Hands Hardship Fund
This Fund was created in 2019 after a dedicated Club employee faced a tragic family emergency without the financial means to manage it. A Foundation Board member stepped in, and with seed funding from the Club, HOA, and generous Members, the Helping Hands Employee Hardship Fund was launched. Today, employees can apply confidentially online 24/7/365.
The program is administered by E4E Relief, a 501(c)(3) non-profit that partners with organizations worldwide to deliver timely financial assistance to employees in crisis. With proper documentation, eligible employees receive support when they need it most.
Talent 4 Talent (T4T)
Desert Mountain is home to some of the world’s most accomplished leaders across business, government, and the non-profit sector. Talent for Talent connects these Members – who value collaboration and lifelong learning – with select Club and DMF scholarship recipients seeking career guidance.
Now in its second year, T4T continues to foster meaningful mentoring relationships that help participants clarify goals, build skills, and pursue long-term professional success. For any Desert Mountain Member interested in becoming a mentor, we will be releasing information this fall about the mentor application process. In the meantime, watch the above video to hear from mentors and mentees about what the Talent for Talent program has meant for them.
2026-2027 Fundraising Events
- Online Raffle: October 19-October 30, 2026
- Day of Play: Friday, November 6, 2026
- Raffle Drawing & Donor Appreciation Reception: Wednesday, November 4, 2026
- Pinnacle Aviation Putting Challenge/Pro Am: February 2027
Thank You to Our Membership
Through the generous support of the Club, its Members and corporate sponsors, the Foundation changes lives by investing in our employees and their families. Our successes would not be possible without the commitment of this community. A key component of the Club’s promise is “Desert Mountain Gives Back.” These achievements reflect not only financial generosity but also the dedication of Board members who share their time and expertise, Members who volunteer at fund-raising events, and the unwavering support of the Club. A sincere thank you to everyone who continues to support our Foundation.How You Can Help
Your involvement makes all this possible. You can support DMF by participating in our fundraising events above, or by donating directly to any of our initiatives. For more information and to donate, visit our website at the Arizona Community Foundation.
Donations can be made directly to: Desert Mountain Foundation, 10550 E. Desert Hills Drive, Scottsdale, AZ 85262
Proof of the Foundation’s Impact
Watch the below video to hear from Dr. Michael Urban, Chair of Desert Mountain Foundation, about their mission for the Scholarship Fund, and from past scholarship recipients about what the scholarship has provided for them in their education and career (Note: Scholarship funding total in the video reflects 2025 numbers).
And read below for more “thank you” notes from three of our most recent scholarship recipients.
Mario Ortega Ocampo – Son of Mario Ortega Evangelista, Apache Golf Course Equipment Operator
I am truly honored and deeply moved by the support and generosity you have shown me. Over the past few years, this scholarship has been a powerful reminder that there are compassionate individuals who believe in me and in the dreams, I am working hard to achieve. More than anything, your support affirms that I am not alone on this journey. It gives me strength during difficult times and reminds me that those moments are not a reason to give up, but rather an opportunity to grow more confident in my abilities and more resilient in the face of challenges. This foundation has not only changed my life but also the lives of many other scholars. It truly feels like family.
One of the things I look forward to most is the scholarship interview. It feels less like an evaluation and more like reconnecting with loved ones and catching up on life. I also want to extend a special thank you to my mentor, George H. Juetten, and his wonderful wife, Saundra Juetten. Their guidance has meant so much to me. Their kindness, wisdom, and generosity have left a lasting impression on my heart, and I will carry those lessons with me always. Thank you to the Desert Mountain Foundation for your continued support. I am forever grateful.
Mariana Rascon – Daughter of Dario Saidht Leyva Fimbres, Mechanic Supervisor
I am deeply grateful for this generous scholarship, which opens many opportunities for me as a young adult. It has significantly eased my financial burden, allowing me to focus on my studies and future career goals. This support enables me to pursue advanced studies in the business field and gain the knowledge crucial for my success. I am committed to making the most of this opportunity and making a positive impact. Thank you for investing in my potential and believing in my ability to succeed.
Mark Marando – Renegade Clubhouse Valet Attendant
Thank you very much for your generosity and for helping me fund my educational goals. As someone who is paying for college on my own, this support makes a tremendous difference. I already carry student loan debt and want to avoid taking on more, so receiving this scholarship truly eases that burden. Your generosity not only lightens my financial stress but also motivates me to keep working hard toward my degree and future career. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity and your belief in students like me.
