A History of Service, a Legacy of Philanthropy
By Veronica Shorr, Regional Director, ACF of Yuma
For more than two decades, the Sturges Charitable Trust has been a key funder of the Arizona Community Foundation of Yuma’s annual competitive grant cycle. Established through the vision and generosity of Stephen H. and Rose P. Sturges of Yuma, the trust created a series of field-of-interest funds that continue to provide for the needs of Yuma County’s nonprofits year after year.
Since 2000, the Sturges Charitable Trust has contributed more than $1 million to ACF of Yuma’s supporting organizations, which strengthen the community through programs in health, arts and culture, youth activities, and community enrichment.
Today, under the thoughtful stewardship of Trust Administrator Amy Gill and the current trustees, the trust continues its partnership with ACF of Yuma to ensure grants are distributed locally, where they are most needed.
ACF plays a pivotal role by administering the annual grant process by conducting site visits, evaluating community needs, and collecting impact data from nonprofit partners. Through this collaboration, ACF helps uphold the Sturges family’s legacy of thoughtful, accountable philanthropy that adapts to meet Yuma’s evolving needs.
The Legacy of Stephen and Rose Sturges
Stephen H. Sturges was one of 10 children born to William W. and Hattie Sturges. In 1907, the family moved from Missouri to Yuma. From these humble beginnings working on the family’s 40-acre farm, Stephen became President of Sturges Farms, cultivating thousands of acres and pioneering new agricultural techniques across the region. His ventures included alfalfa, cotton, lettuce, and cantaloupe production, as well as real estate and land development.
Sturges went on to serve in the U.S. Navy during World War I. That tradition of service continued locally when he joined the Yuma County Water Users Association Board of Governors, playing a key role in securing local control of irrigation projects from the Bureau of Reclamation, which shaped the future of agriculture in Yuma County, a key source for produce across the United States.
Stephen’s wife, Rose Poos Sturges, was a beloved teacher at Fourth Avenue Grammar in Yuma and a lifelong community advocate. Known for her award-winning gardens and civic involvement, she was inducted into the Yuma County Educational Hall of Fame in 1991.
Together, the couple embodied hard work, humility, and generosity. Through the Stephen H. and Rose P. Sturges Charitable Trust, their legacy continues to support the causes they cared for most in Yuma.
The Next Generation of Leaders
Since 1985, the Sturges Charitable Trust has also awarded scholarships to more than 340 Yuma County students, ensuring the next generation can continue the tradition of service and leadership demonstrated by Stephen and Rose. Each year, 12 to 15 students receive renewable scholarships of up to $10,000 to help them achieve their higher education goals and build brighter futures despite financial challenges.
The partnership between the Sturges Charitable Trust and ACF ensures the Sturges’ legacy is strategically invested, transparently managed, and continually measured for impact.
A powerful testament to the power of generosity, and a reminder that through thoughtful philanthropy, Stephen and Rose have demonstrated how together, we make more possible.
If you would like more information on how ACF can help ensure your legacy benefits the community, contact your local philanthropic experts by visiting our website.