October 30, 2025 PHOENIX, Ariz.— In a surprise announcement timed for the holiday season, 47 Maricopa County arts and culture organizations are receiving a total of $350,000 in unexpected “Arts and Culture Experience” grants from Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust (Piper Trust) and Stardust Foundation. The two foundations collaborated to identify and award the grants, which arrived as a surprise to the recipient organizations via a joint notification. 

“Arts and culture experiences are much more than entertainment,” said Steve Zabilski, president and CEO of Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust. “These experiences also educate, inspire, and build community. Every performance, every museum visit, every concert has the potential to open minds and change lives.”

“With the holidays approaching, these grants are especially timely,” said Jerry Bisgrove, founder of Stardust Foundation. “Increasing opportunities for more children and families to experience the joy of the arts this season is a gift that is very meaningful to me.”