The Salvation Army
Ray and Joan Kroc
corps community center
Phoenix South Mountain

Late in 2003, Joan Kroc, the widow of Ray Kroc (founder of McDonald’s Corporation), gave The Salvation Army an estate gift of $1.8 billion. This was the largest estate gift made by an individual in the history of charitable giving.

The purpose of this gift is to create grants to build state-of-the-art Youth and Recreation facilities across the United States. The Kroc Grant is awarded equally for capital improvements as well as endowment needs which will be used to offset operating costs.

In the spring of 2005, nineteen communities in the Western United States applied to receive a Kroc Center. The field was narrowed to eight cities in the fall of 2005 and Phoenix was one that was invited to submit a final application. On May 1, 2006 Phoenix was notified that it was one of six cities in the Western United States selected to receive a Kroc grant.

The Kroc Grant for Phoenix is $64 million: $32 million for capital improvements, and $32 million for endowment. A requirement for Phoenix to receive the Kroc Grant is that an additional $15 million in local contribution must be raised with $10 million being applied towards capital improvements and $5 million going towards endowment.

Our Mission

Unlike other centers, the Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center in Phoenix will enlarge and enhance existing programs currently being offered by The Salvation Army. The current facility, known as Phoenix South Mountain Corps and Community Center opened in 1968. The existing community center is located at Broadway and 14th Street in the heart of South Mountain on 12 acres of property and is approximately 43,000 square feet in size. The Center has been consistently serving the community for the past 40 years, mainly the youth population, with spiritual, athletic, and educational programs.

The proposed new Kroc Center will be approximately 147,000 square feet of building with additional sports utility fields and will concentrate on the following key areas as outlined in Mrs. Kroc's vision:

• Arts
• Education
• Recreation
• Spiritual Guidance
• Wellness

It is the intention of The Salvation Army to be able to expand existing programs as well as introduce many new programs for all age groups, from young toddlers to senior citizens, and catering to entire families. Being located in a predominantly low to moderate income neighborhood in Phoenix, the Kroc Center will allow The Salvation Army to implement Mrs. Kroc’s vision by providing at-risk individuals opportunities they would not otherwise have.

Based on the proposed design of the new Kroc Center, The Salvation Army will be able to continue with all of the current programs during the two year construction period for the new facility.

Our Programs

The Kroc Center strives to bring the highest quality programs, activities and service to every member of the community. Whether you're interested in the arts, or the many areas of sports and fitness, you'll find unlimited opportunity within the walls of this unique center. When we open our doors, our programs will include:

• 3 Multipurpose Sport Fields
• Fitness Classes & Scheduled Sports
• Full size football/soccer field
• Library
• Full Indoor Swimming Pool with Lazy River & Full Water Slide
• Computer Labs
• Outdoor Splash Pad & Amphitheater
• ASU led After School Tutoring
• 3 NBA size Basketball Courts
• Wellness Center
• Cafe & Dining Area
• 2 Practice Boxing Rings
• Banquet Facilities
• 9 Volleyball Courts
• Performing Arts Center
• .6 Mile Indoor Walking/Running Track
• Chapel
• ...and MORE!

Get Involved

If you are interested in additional information regarding this world-class facility, or to schedule a tour or make a donation, click the "DONATE" button to the left, or contact:

Current Job Opportunities

• Assistant to Center Director
• Building Maintenance Technician
• Marketing and Events Assistant
• Welcome Desk Associates

You can see all the listings here: Our listings.

We sincerely appreciate your continued support of The Salvation Army.