Best Grants for New Nonprofits in Arizona

Arizona 501(c)(3) nonprofits and schools working in health and human services, hunger, youth and education, veterans, disability inclusion, or DEI can seek program support, typically US $1,000 - US $5,000. The Albertsons Companies Foundation funds organizations serving communities near its stores, which can include newer nonprofits building local impact.

Arizona health-related 501(c)(3) nonprofits and eligible public entities can seek funding for programs improving health and quality of life for children, families, and vulnerable residents. Arizona organizations, including new nonprofits, can access funding through BHHS Legacy Foundation for projects that increase healthcare access, improve community health, expand the healthcare workforce, or strengthen communities in its service areas.

BOK Charitable Contributions aims to enhance community life and economic wellbeing across several states, focusing on four key pillars: United Way, economic development, education, and basic needs. The foundation supports organizations that address poverty, education, and community health. Their strategic approach ensures impactful contributions, and they welcome grant applications year-round. BOK Financial's commitment is evident in its partnerships with local nonprofits, fostering sustainable growth and development in the regions they serve.

New and established 501(c)(3) organizations, fiscally sponsored groups, and university departments in Arizona can seek funding for exhibitions, convenings, academic research, and catalog projects tied to specific art collection areas. Focused on art and art history, the Carl and Marilynn Thoma Foundation invites proposals that highlight artists in its collections and, especially, rural or nonmetro institutions.

The JFLA Mini Grant for Japanese Arts & Culture Program supports projects aimed at enhancing the understanding of Japanese arts and culture. Grants of up to $5,000 are available for qualifying nonprofit organizations. Eligible projects must occur in the 13 states west of the Rocky Mountains and focus on fostering U.S.-Japan collaborations through various artistic mediums. Notably, applicants must be designated 501(c)(3) organizations and adhere to specific funding guidelines.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Arizona’s East Valley can seek one-time funding for education, community service, fine arts, health services, and small capital projects. With a mission to improve lives, Otto & Edna Neely Foundation provides Arizona nonprofits with support for programs ranging from food banks and clinics to museums, camps, and youth leadership initiatives.

The Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust focuses on enhancing health and well-being in Maricopa County, Arizona, through strategic grantmaking in six key areas: arts and culture, children, education, healthcare, older adults, and religious organizations. By collaborating with local nonprofits, the Trust aims to strengthen community support and leadership, ensuring that marginalized populations have access to vital services and opportunities that foster inclusion and development.

Arizona arts and education nonprofits, fiscally sponsored projects, university departments, and eligible individuals can seek funding for exhibitions, convenings, and academic research tied to the foundation’s art collection areas. Grants from Carl and Marilynn Thoma Foundation help new and established organizations, especially in rural Arizona, advance visual arts, art history, and community-building education initiatives.

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

Arizona nonprofit organizations running oral health, dental care, nutrition, or food insecurity programs for underserved communities can seek funding to expand services and pilot innovative approaches. Delta Dental of Arizona Foundation supports projects that integrate oral and overall health, increase access to care, and improve food security and nutrition, which may benefit newer nonprofits building community health programs.

Arizona 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, and government entities supporting women and girls with education, workforce skills, or small-business development can apply for Freeport-McMoRan Foundation’s Women’s Development Grants. Programs must serve communities where the company operates in Arizona and show measurable outcomes like improved income, employment, business growth, or post-secondary attainment.

The Local News Initiative of Southern Arizona, launched in November 2023 by civic leaders and CFSA, aims to counteract the decline in local news by funding the hiring of more journalists. This initiative supports diverse news formats and organizations, focusing on nonpartisan, independent reporting that serves Southern Arizona communities. With grants ranging from $25,000 to $75,000, the initiative seeks to enhance local journalism and ensure that vital information reaches the public.

Arizona-based nonprofit organizations leading partnerships to change health-related policies, practices, or systems can apply for Vitalyst Health Foundation’s Systems Change Grants, with awards up to US $175,000 over three years. Collaborative projects that improve community health outcomes and address health equity through sustainable, long-term systems change may be especially relevant for newer nonprofits in Arizona.

Arizona public agencies, tribal governments, and nonprofits preserving historic places connected to Route 66 can apply for grants of US $2,500 - US $10,000 to support bricks-and-mortar and related projects. Grants from the National Trust for Historic Preservation help fund restoration, rehabilitation, planning, education, and acquisition efforts along the Route 66 corridor, including eligible Arizona counties.

Arizona 501(c)(3) nonprofits and certain government entities focused on population health and community wellness in Southeast Arizona can apply for the Legacy Foundation of Southeast Arizona’s Fast Pitch Grants, awarding up to US $2,500 for organizational development. Funding supports staff, board, and volunteer training plus technology and software to build internal capacity in Cochise and eastern Santa Cruz Counties.

Arizona public agencies and 501(c)(3) or other nonprofit organizations preserving traditional Southwest cultures can receive US $2,500 - US $10,000 for planning, capacity building, and emergency interventions at historic and archaeological sites. National Trust for Historic Preservation supports consultant fees, staff time, legal and communications work, and educational workshops, with a required one-to-one match.

Arizona nonprofit organizations running youth, sports, or education programs can apply for Fiesta Sports Foundation grants of US $15,000 - US $50,000 to expand community impact. Grants from Fiesta Sports Foundation help Arizona groups fund projects such as after-school programs, physical fitness, STEM/STEAM education, and life skills training through a new two-step interest form and application process.

Arizona health nonprofits and eligible public entities offering cancer or cardiovascular disease education, awareness, or support services can access funding through Bayer Fund’s Health & Wellness Grant Program. Established 501(c)(3)s and qualifying schools or government units near Bayer sites may be eligible, including programs supporting African American communities and providing access-to-care services like housing for traveling patients and families.

With a mission to mobilize enduring philanthropy, Arizona Community Foundation provides Arizona nonprofits with US $1,000 - US $10,000 to support arts and culture, community development, education, environment, and human services in the west valley. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, faith-based groups, tribal entities, and government agencies with at least three years of continuous operation.

Arizona 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving children and youth affected by abuse or neglect can apply for In-N-Out Burgers Foundation grants of US $10,000 - US $50,000 to support programs or general operations. Organizations must operate in eligible Arizona counties, have at least a $100,000 budget, and a two-year service history with child welfare-focused work.

Nonprofits, mission-oriented for-profits, and eligible housing entities with proven, ready-to-scale affordable housing innovations can apply for US $2,000,000 grants from Enterprise Community Partners through the National Housing Innovation Grant competition. Focused on design and construction, finance, or service delivery, Arizona organizations and new nonprofits may be especially competitive if serving priority communities and income-eligible residents.

With a mission to strengthen nonprofits, Community Foundation for Southern Arizona provides Arizona new and small 501(c)(3) organizations with up to US $600,000 in fully underwritten consulting and coaching support. Southern Arizona nonprofits with budgets under $600,000, especially those in transition, growth, or early startup stages, can access up to 20 hours of expert guidance through the TeamUp program.

Public agencies and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Arizona preserving battlefields, viewsheds, and related historic structures can use these grants for planning and public education efforts. Grants from the National Trust for Historic Preservation help launch or strengthen initiatives like preservation planning, feasibility studies, community forums, and innovative outreach to engage new audiences in battlefield preservation, with awards of US $2,500 - US $10,000.

Rural public entities and nonprofit organizations in Arizona can use these grants to provide technical assistance, training, and infrastructure support for small rural businesses. With a mission to strengthen rural economies, USDA Rural Development offers US $100,000 - US $500,000 for projects like business counseling, community and technology-based economic development, and rural business incubators.

Arizona 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, and government entities can access funding for education, workforce development, economic opportunity, housing, health, and community leadership projects in Graham County, Globe-Miami, and Green Valley–Sahuarita. The Freeport-McMoRan Foundation’s Community Investment Fund offers up to US $80,000 to build local capacity, strengthen communities, and support long-term sustainability.

Arizona 501(c)(3) presenters, government units, colleges, and tribal governments can receive US $2,000 - US $3,000 to bring touring performers and literary artists to their communities. Focused on performing arts access in the West, Creative West invites organizations—especially rural and smaller-budget groups—to fund artist fees, travel, facilities, outreach, and related touring program costs.

New and existing nonprofits, government agencies, schools, entrepreneurs, local businesses, and tribal nations in Arizona can seek funding for projects that advance a circular economy and reduce landfill waste. With a mission to foster an equitable circular economy, Circular Arizona provides members up to US $5,000 for innovative, measurable recycling and waste-diversion initiatives.