For over 20 years, the Leo Foundation, formerly known as GCU Scholarship Foundation, has connected over 4,500 youth to over $6M in scholarships and a variety of educational and athletic opportunities that promote higher-learning academic achievement.

MAKING DREAMS REALITY

We serve students attending universities throughout Arizona.

~ Matthew ~

Matthew became a Christian at 18 years old despite his upbringing in a religiously unaffiliated home. Since that time, he has pursued pastoral ministry whole-heartedly. He has served at Christian youth camps and is currently working on his bachelor’s degree in Christian studies. This summer, Matthew will lead and serve youth as the Assistant Director at Hume Lake Christian Camp.

>> More About Hume Lake Christian Camp

“Without the help from LEO Foundation, I wouldn’t be here and wouldn’t have the opportunity to pursue my dream.”

Our Mission

LEO Foundation’s mission is to invest in future generations by supporting student leadership and educational opportunities through scholarships, mentoring, and athletic programs.

Every scholarship, mentorship, and program are investments in future leaders that strengthen our communities and contribute to a cycle of success.

Core Values

The LEO Foundation is committed to delivering EXCELLENCE with intentional focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion.

In COLLABORATION with community philanthropic leaders who share our vision to invest in future generations, we EMPOWER student success.

~ Natalie ~

Thanks to the LEO Foundation Scholarship, Natalie graduated with honors from an accelerated Bachelors of Science in Nursing. She knew from an early age that this profession was her calling. The academic and book scholarship award allowed her to focus on schoolwork and studying.

>> Discover LEO Scholarship Opportunities

Natalie is a registered nurse employed at Phoenix Children’s Hospital.

~ Joshua ~

Through the support of the LEO Foundation and dedication to his goal, Joshua is in his second year of an accelerated three-year undergraduate program to become a pastor in Christian ministry. He realized his calling from God during his junior year of high school and continues to pursue God’s plan for his life.  After graduation, Joshua will pursue a Master of Divinity with plans for a life of ministry as a teaching pastor and serving in various capacities for which he is called and equipped.  Joshua’s journey has included ministering to youth in the community through his church and summer camps.

“I am incredibly thankful for the scholarship funding from the LEO Foundation. It makes all of this possible.  After finishing my undergraduate degree at GCU, I will now be attending classes August 2024 pursuing a Masters of Divinity in Theological and Biblical Studies at Phoenix Seminary.

Our Impact

The LEO Foundation’s real impact is made through community involvement. We invest in various activities that benefit our community and non-profits through financial assistance and in-kind donations while partnering in numerous events and activities throughout the year. We support organizations such as the Arizona Basketball Coaches Association, Inc. and Title 1 youth eliminating the inner-city gap through scholarships and mentorship programs.

Community Focus

LEO Foundation participates in the Section 7 Event at the State Farm Stadium that supports student-athletes with results of over $14M offered in higher education scholarships by universities throughout the nation.

>> More About the Section 7 Event

~ Jacob ~

I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the LEO Foundation for awarding me the BHHS Legacy Nursing and Health-Related Scholarship. This generous support has been instrumental in allowing me to complete my bachelor’s degree in biology with an emphasis in pre-medicine.

With this academic foundation, I am now enrolled in an MBS master’s program, which serves as a direct pathway to medical school.

“This opportunity would not have been possible without the kindness and generosity of the LEO Foundation. Thank you for helping me pursue my dreams.”

Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.

Nelson Mandela

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.

Martin Luther King, Jr

God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing.

C.S. Lewis

Leadership

At LEO Foundation, we believe leadership support directly impacts future careers and success. Our programs empower the next generation of leaders by helping students develop essential skills such as analyzing their own strengths and weaknesses, setting goals, and having the confidence, motivation, and ability to carry them out. Graduates are challenged to become individuals whose skills, integrity and sense of purpose distinguish them in the workplace and in the world.

Education

Through our scholarship programs, higher-educational experiences are more accessible to students who might not otherwise have the opportunity to pursue their academic and career goals. In addition, with financial support through scholarships, students have a greater academic focus and an increased chance of staying in school and successfully graduating. The real measure of LEO Foundation’s success lies in the outcome of our students.

Opportunity

LEO Foundation has a long history of connecting students to a wide variety of growth opportunities, such as educational and athletic programming and leadership and mentorship development. Linking today’s leaders with the leaders of tomorrow is a future investment that builds strong communities, transforms individuals, while developing next generations of philanthropists.

Inspiring Tomorrows Leaders

The Future Belongs To Those Who See Possibilities Today

LEO Foundation welcomes you to become a part of a growing, Christ-centered group of learners whose lives are making a perpetual effect on the world.