About The Holland Center
The Holland Center is the only non-profit community center of its kind serving all generations in the northeast part of the valley (Desert Foothills) – home to three Signature Programs that reflect the diversity of the region, and the area’s only hub of lifelong enrichment opportunities in art, theater, leadership, desert awareness, history, personal development, cultural awareness, community service, social gatherings, special events, and more – all under one roof.
- Located at 60th St. & Carefree Hwy on the Black Mountain Campus along with the Desert Foothills YMCA and Paradise Valley Community College buildings.
- Membership not required; no membership fees or residency requirements.
- Lectures, workshops, world-class speakers, art gallery, social events, volunteer opportunities.
> Click here to see our calendar. - Signature Programs exclusively offered at The Holland Center: Desert Foothills Leadership Academy, Desert Foothills Theater, and Desert Awareness Committee.
> Click here for more info. - One-of-a-kind Special Events held annually offered exclusively at The Holland Center.
> Click here for more info. - Modern facility with five well-equipped rooms available to rent for meetings and events.
> Click here for more info. - On-site bakery serving breakfast, lunch, and beverages.
> Click here for more info. - 100% funded by the generosity of donors. Tax ID number is 86-0537424.
> Click here for more info.
Mission
To spark curiosity, inspire connection, and build a thriving community.
Vision
We envision thriving communities because everyone has the resources they need for lifelong well-being. People make us a regular one-stop for improving their quality of life with creative arts, continuing education, social connections, and volunteer service. And the community reveres our life-enriching opportunities for how they cultivate healthy-minded and informed citizens, consumers, and leaders of all ages who are positively impacting local economic development, the preservation of natural resources, creative economies, and social relationships for generations to come.
Values
Inception and History
The Holland Center has embodied – and amplified – the definition of COMMUNITY for many decades – starting with two organizations that had a vision for community growth, and several other now-prominent local nonprofits that were given wings to flourish on their own during the early years.
1986
The Foothills Future Committee and the Carefree Improvement Association merged to form Foothills Community Foundation (FCF) – a non-profit organization that provided funding and support for community enrichment programs and other charitable organizations. This included a speaker series, a water study, and the Holiday Project – which later became Foothills Food Bank.
1996
FCF assisted in developing Desert Foothills Land Trust – a regional non-profit organization dedicated to conserving our area’s open spaces -and- incorporated The Holland Center’s non-profit community theater program Desert Foothills Theater.
2000
By 2000, Arizona Musicfest, Foothills Food Bank, and Foothills Caring Corps had spun off from FCF’s community programming and became their own non-profit organizations.
2008
An extensive community survey revealed the need for a multi-generational center. FCF took on the project which included bringing in Valley of the Sun YMCA and Paradise Valley Community College as partners, as well as the support of many generous donors from the community, to begin construction on a six-acre area called Black Mountain Campus which would house three separate facilities offering programs & services for all ages.
2009
Black Mountain Campus construction was completed, and YMCA – Black Mountain, Paradise Valley Community College – Black Mountain, and FCF Holland Community Center opened their doors.
2020
FCF Holland Community Center was renamed The Holland Center as a tribute to Carefree residents George & Patricia Holland for their $1 million donation to the Black Mountain Campus project. The Holland Center’s mission also shifted from a foundation that gives funding & support to other charitable organizations to now working alongside these organizations through strategic collaborations, and primarily focusing on enrichment programming.
Today
The Holland Center excels at providing high-quality programming that cultivates healthy-minded people who contribute to prosperous communities.
- We received the 2023 Spirit of Scottsdale Award for our commitment to strengthening neighborhoods in the City of Scottsdale.
- Our Executive Director was recognized with the 2023 Ruby Award from the local Soroptimist International chapter for improving the lives of women in the community.
- Our track record of building up local charitable organizations to thrive – coupled with our partnerships with exceptional businesses, civic leaders, creators, and educators – have positioned us as a strong independent resource for ensuring community prosperity.
The Future
We know the future is knocking on our doors: an aging population, demographic shifts, persistent cuts to youth extra-curriculars and arts, threats to our desert surroundings, civic disengagement, and an increasing need for charitable services. As the area’s only hub for all things community, The Holland Center is here to fill those gaps with life-enriching opportunities that ensure thriving communities for generations to come.
