About the Flinn Foundation

The Flinn Foundation is a privately endowed, philanthropic grantmaking organization established in 1965 by Dr. Robert S. and Irene P. Flinn to improve the quality of life in Arizona to benefit future generations. During their lifetimes, the Foundation promoted technology-driven medical care programs and recruited top physician specialists to Arizona. Through the Foundation they supported the emergence of Arizona’s medical school and awarded scholarships to help students prepare for careers in the health professions.

Today, the Foundation supports the advancement of the biosciences in Arizona, as well as two other program areas to help build Arizona’s knowledge-driven economy—the Flinn Scholars Program and the arts and culture in Arizona.  In the latter area, the foundation currently is supporting a grants program to enhance audience and donor participation among large arts and culture organizations in Arizona.  In addition, the Foundation supports and administers the Arizona Center for Civic Leadership in partnership with the Thomas R. Brown Foundations. 

In addition, to advance shared goals, the Foundation often convenes leaders in workshops and educational forums. These conferences take place in the two fully equipped meeting rooms in the Flinn Foundation Educational Conference Center. When not being used by the Foundation, these facilities are available at no cost to Arizona's nonprofit organizations serving the fields of the biosciences, healthcare, education, and the arts.