Best Grants for Capital Funding in Arizona

Arizona nonprofits focused on youth, sports, or education capital projects can apply for Fiesta Events’ Touchdown Grant, with awards up to US $50,000. Focused on strengthening community programs, Fiesta Events invites organizations that can demonstrate three months’ capital reserves and provide volunteer support at Fiesta Bowl events to partner with Fiesta Bowl Charities.

The Veterans Donation Fund Large Grant A.R.S. 41-608 supports programs benefiting Arizona's veterans and their families. Established by the Arizona legislature in 1999, the fund is sustained by tax-deductible donations and aims to engage the community in informing veterans about their benefits. Eligible applicants include local governments, non-profits, and academic institutions, focusing on issues like employment, health, and homelessness. This initiative is crucial for enhancing support services for over 600,000 veterans in Arizona.

The Arizona Discovery Boost Grants, in partnership with the American Cancer Society, aim to enhance cancer research in Arizona by funding innovative, high-risk projects. Grants of up to $135,000 per year for two years are available, supporting researchers focused on groundbreaking methodologies and pilot tests. This initiative not only fosters local expertise but also promotes geographic diversity in cancer research, helping to address critical questions in the field.

The Healthy Forest Initiative Grant, funded by the State of Arizona and USDA Forest Service, aims to enhance fire prevention, protect critical infrastructure, and restore forests and watersheds. With approximately $1.5 million available, grants up to $500,000 will support projects on various lands. Eligible applicants include local governments, nonprofits, and educational institutions. Priority will be given to projects aligned with community wildfire protection plans and those that have not received prior treatments.

The Arizona SFY25 AmeriCorps State Formula Grant, managed by the Governor's Office of Youth, Faith and Family, offers between $100,000 and $500,000 to support programs engaging AmeriCorps members in impactful community services. Eligible applicants include local governments, non-profits, and educational institutions. This program addresses critical needs in areas such as disaster services and education, with approximately $4 million available in total funding. Note that the next grant request is expected in Winter 2027.

The Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Fund provides essential financial support for managing off-highway vehicle (OHV) activities in Arizona. Established in 1991, it allocates a portion of motor vehicle fuel taxes to fund projects, with approximately $2 million available annually. The Emergency and Mitigation Grants, offering up to $100,000 per project, assist in addressing urgent trail damages caused by vandalism, fire, and weather, ensuring safe recreational environments for all users.

The Title II Formula Grant (AZ) supports initiatives under the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act by funding programs that address challenges faced by youth within the juvenile justice system. Administered by the Arizona Governor's Office of Youth, Faith and Family, the grant allows eligible Arizona entities, including local governments and non-profits, to apply for funding up to $100,000. This initiative aims to ensure compliance with core juvenile justice requirements while enhancing community support for at-risk youth.

Arbor Rising Grant, established in 2010, is a NYC-based nonprofit providing unrestricted multi-year funding and capacity-building support to nonprofits focused on alleviating poverty. The grant process occurs every three years, with the next round in 2025 being invitation-only. Eligible organizations must demonstrate high potential and effective leadership, typically operating on a modest budget. Arbor Rising prioritizes applicants from the NYC metro area while expanding to cover the lower 48 US states.

The AZ Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) aims to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops grown in the U.S. or its territories. Funded by the USDA, approximately $1.25 million is available for grants, with a maximum request of $100,000 per project. Eligible projects include marketing efforts, research assistance, and addressing challenges faced by specialty crop producers. This program seeks to support innovative initiatives that promote specialty crops in both domestic and global markets.

The Fiesta Sports Foundation Grant aims to support Arizona nonprofit organizations that enhance community success through youth, sports, and education. With a new two-step application process for the 2025-26 cycle, interested organizations must submit an interest form highlighting project impact and budget. The foundation will review submissions based on alignment with its pillars and specific criteria, including project sustainability and community focus, before inviting selected nonprofits to apply formally in April 2025.

The Vitalyst Health: Systems Change Grants aim to support sustainable policy and practice changes within Arizona's healthcare systems. By fostering collaboration among Arizona-based nonprofits, these grants address complex community health challenges, aiming to enhance health equity and improve specific health outcomes. With awards of up to $175,000 over three years, the initiative seeks innovative solutions that outlast grant funding and promote systemic change for better health opportunities across the state.

The Fiesta Events: Spirit of the Fiesta Bowl Grant aims to support nonprofits that align with the mission of promoting youth, sports, and education. Fiesta Bowl Charities seeks partnerships to enhance community success through its bowl games and various events. Eligible organizations must meet specific criteria, including volunteer commitments and branding requirements to foster collaboration and visibility for funded initiatives.

Arizona nonprofits working on youth, sports, or education capital projects can apply for Fiesta Events’ Fiesta Bowl Charities Field Goal Grant, with awards of US $25,000. Grants from Fiesta Events help organizations enhance community impact while fulfilling volunteer hours at Fiesta Bowl events and recognizing Fiesta Bowl Charities in program marketing and on funded facilities or equipment.

The Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants in Arizona provide vital support to eligible communities facing emergencies that threaten safe drinking water availability. This program is designed for state and local governments, nonprofit organizations, and federally recognized tribes in rural areas. Funding can be used for water transmission line repairs, construction of water sources, and related infrastructure improvements. These efforts aim to restore access to clean water and enhance resilience against future disasters.

Arizona nonprofits, tribes, and higher education institutions supporting rural microentrepreneurs can access funding for microloan capital and technical assistance, including up to US $500,000 in loans. Grants from USDA help Arizona organizations build Rural Microloan Revolving Funds and provide training for small rural businesses needing working capital, equipment, debt refinancing, or real estate improvements.

The Connecting Joy Grant, provided by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, aims to enhance the hospital experience for children battling illness through engaging gaming programs. This initiative supports children's hospitals and nonprofits by funding equipment, staffing, and connectivity, ensuring children can enjoy gaming at their bedside. With grants ranging from $25,000 to $150,000, the program focuses on offering joy and distraction, helping young patients cope with their hospital stays while facilitating connections with peers.

The Freeport-McMoRan Foundation's Native American Partnership Fund Grant supports community-wide initiatives focusing on education, health, cultural preservation, and economic development in collaboration with nearby Tribal Nations. The foundation prioritizes projects that demonstrate sustainability beyond the funding period and require tribal support through resolutions or letters. Eligible applicants include specific tribes and nonprofits working with them, while projects must address defined social impacts to qualify for funding.

The Sabbatical Research and Education Grant, offered by Western SARE, enables faculty worldwide to collaborate with farmers and researchers in the Western U.S. This program focuses on conducting innovative research and educational outreach in underserved regions, with an emphasis on unexplored topics. Grants up to $75,000 are available for projects spanning one year, promoting agricultural sustainability and community involvement.

The Slave 2 Nothing Foundation supports 501(c)(3) organizations addressing human trafficking and substance abuse in states with In-N-Out Burger locations. Their mission is to empower individuals to overcome enslavement by providing essential resources and support. The foundation follows a rigorous vetting process for grant applications, emphasizing the importance of impactful solutions and community engagement. They encourage eligible nonprofits to apply annually, promoting sustainable support for vital services aimed at healing and freedom.

The Phoenix Suns/Phoenix Mercury Foundation General Grant supports basketball-inspired programs that benefit children and youth in Arizona. Established in 1988, the foundation annually distributes over $3 million to local communities, impacting over 400,000 children. Organizations must be a 501(c)(3) for at least three years and demonstrate fiscal responsibility. Grant amounts typically range from $10,000 to $100,000, with a preference for smaller requests. The foundation prioritizes programs addressing community needs and access for underserved populations.

Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Victims Assistance - DPS VOCA Administration Unit

Overview/Mission Statement:

Every victim of crime is entitled to safety, healing, justice and restitution. The mission of the Arizona Department of Public Safety's VOCA Administration Unit is to effectively administer VOCA Assistance funds by ensuring appropriate and accessible services are available to crime victims, enhancing the delivery of those services through technical assistance, training opportunities, and promoting a continuum of care for every victim in every community.

Crime Victims Fund

The Department of Justice, Crime Victims Fund was established by the Federal Victims of Crime Act of 1984 (VOCA) and serves as a major funding source for victim services throughout the country. Each year, millions of dollars are deposited into this fund from criminal fines, forfeited bail bonds, penalty fees and special assessments collected by the US Attorney’s Offices, US Courts and the Bureau of Prisons. These dollars all come from offenders convicted of federal crimes.

In 1985, the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) was designated as the administrator of the state’s VOCA Assistance Program. The purpose of this program is to provide funding for governmental and non-profit agencies that provide direct services to crime victims. These funds are not awarded to private individuals.

The purpose of the VOCA funding is to promote efforts that:

• Respond to the emotional, psychological or physical needs of crime victims;
• Assist victims to stabilize their lives after victimization;
• Assist victims to understand and participate in the criminal justice system; or
• Restore a measure of security and safety for the victim.

Thurston Family Foundation

Thurston Family Foundation leads as an innovative operating family foundation that accelerates the mission of nonprofit organizations in the following areas: social services and healthcare.

Vision: To lead as an innovative operating family foundation, introducing a new philanthropic model that accelerates the mission of nonprofits. Mission: Strengthening nonprofits through strategic systems, partners and funding that delivers lasting impact.

Our Values: Significance (via accountability to high standards and disciplined follow-through, we strive for meaningful impact), Sustainability (we support solutions that endure), Win Together (we inspire collaboration and shared success).

Thurston Family Foundation Grant

The foundation's funding priorities are:

• Organizations serving underserved or vulnerable populations
• Organizations demonstrating strong leadership and sound financial practices
• Programs with clear, measurable outcomes
• Innovative or scalable models addressing root causes
• Collaborative initiatives or cross-sector partnerships

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) Recycling Program was established through the Arizona Solid Waste Recycling Act of 1990 (A.R.S. §49-831 et seq.). The Recycling Program is responsible for providing public education to encourage participation in recycling and source reduction, and for providing the public with information about proper solid waste disposal. Waste Reduction Assistance (WRA) grants

The objective of the WRA program is to provide recycling opportunities to all Arizonans, and to provide funding assistance to projects that divert significant amounts of materials from the solid waste stream or are a component of a comprehensive program designed to achieve high diversion levels. WRA projects may include a small public awareness component, but must have a component that diverts material from the waste stream. Funds initiatives like curbside recycling and household hazardous waste collections to majorly curb the solid waste stream.

CommonSpirit Health offers the Community Health Improvement Grant to enhance health equity and service systems for underserved populations. Through collaborative efforts with 501(c)(3) organizations, this initiative provides financial support for essential health projects. Grant amounts range from $19,500 for small grants to $150,000 for standard grants, varying by hospital. Participating hospitals include those under Catholic Health Initiatives and Dignity Health, aimed at addressing significant community health needs.

The Conservation Partners Grant Program, funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, supports private landowners in implementing regenerative agriculture and conservation practices. By awarding competitive grants, the program facilitates technical assistance for developing management plans and best practices, enabling landowners to maximize the ecological benefits of their lands. This initiative is crucial for enhancing fish and wildlife habitats, addressing pressing conservation issues, and promoting sustainable land stewardship across the United States.

The Arizona Child Abuse Prevention License Plate Donation Grant, issued by Governor Katie Hobbs’ Office of Youth, Faith and Family, aims to fund local and statewide programs that effectively promote trauma-informed primary prevention to combat child abuse and neglect. Eligible applicants include academic institutions, non-profits, and schools located in Arizona. This grant supports vital advocacy efforts while fostering community collaboration to strengthen families and protect children across the state.

The Season for Sharing Grant supports non-profit organizations in Arizona, focusing on children, families, arts, education, and older adults. With funding ranging from $7,500 to $50,000, this initiative aims to address critical needs such as child protection, food access, emergency shelter, and educational support. Eligible applicants must be based in Maricopa or Pinal counties, ensuring that assistance directly benefits local communities. This collaborative effort highlights the importance of charitable contributions during the holiday season.