We pursue our mission through grantmaking and programs in four areas:
Bioscience
Building Arizona as a global center for research and commercialization in the biosciences.
Flinn Scholars
Providing world-class undergraduate education in partnership with Arizona’s public universities.
A privately-endowed philanthropic foundation benefiting Arizona.
The Flinn Foundation was established in 1965 by Dr. Robert S. and Irene P. Flinn. Its mission is to improve the quality of life in Arizona to benefit future generations.
To achieve this mission, the Foundation aims to: advance Arizona’s bioscience sector; enhance undergraduate education for high-achieving students at the state’s public universities; elevate the fiscal and creative capacity of the state’s arts and culture organizations; and strengthen civic life and state-level civic leadership in Arizona.
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Providing no-cost meeting space to Arizona nonprofits.
The Flinn Foundation Educational Conference Center features two meeting rooms available to nonprofit member organizations closely aligned with the Foundation’s specific areas of interest in the biosciences, health care, education, civic leadership, and the arts. More about the Conference Center
NEWS AND UPDATES
Flinn Scholars
‘The whole state helped me win’: Graduating Flinn Scholars reflect on growth, purpose, community
When the graduating Flinn Scholars took the stage at this year’s Flinn Scholars Recognition Luncheon, their stories reflected far more than academic success. Again and again, themes of exploration, resilience, and connection emerged—revealing undergraduate journeys shaped not only by achievement, but by moments of challenge, discovery, and transformation. Across disciplines and campuses, graduates described the freedom to pursue […]
Bioscience
Scottsdale’s CND Life Sciences developing skin test to detect neurological disorders
By Kerry Fehr-SnyderSpecial to the Flinn Foundation A Scottsdale-based bioscience company has developed a test that relies on skin-deep anomalies to detect neurological disorders in the brain including Parkinson’s disease and Lewy body dementia. CND Life Sciences’ Syn-One Test is already commercially available, and the company is seeking FDA approval for the test to become the first cleared […]
Flinn Scholars
2026 Flinn Scholars thank Arizona educators for their lasting impact
One by one, the 20 Flinn Scholars from the Class of 2026 approached the stage to honor a special teacher who made a major impact somewhere along the way. The Distinguished Educators selected by the new group of Scholars were recognized Saturday, May 2, during the annual Flinn Scholarship Recognition Luncheon in Scottsdale. These educators […]
Flinn Scholars
20 Arizona high-school seniors selected for 2026 Flinn Scholarship
The Flinn Scholarship, a prestigious merit-based scholarship that provides a full ride to an Arizona public university, has been awarded to 20 excelling high-school seniors following a competitive selection process. The 41st class of Flinn Scholars from 19 Arizona high schools receives a comprehensive package valued at more than $135,000 over four undergraduate years, including […]