Best Grants for Rural Development in Arizona

Rural Arizona local governmental entities and other housing-related organizations can seek funding to improve housing, infrastructure, and community facilities. Arizona Department of Housing’s Community Development Block Grant program supports community revitalization projects that ensure decent housing, a suitable living environment, and economic opportunity in eligible rural cities, towns, and counties that do not receive CDBG funds directly from HUD.

Nonprofit 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 the Carl & Marilynn Thoma Foundation’s art collections. Focused on art and art history, this support may benefit rural institutions advancing cultural life and community development.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting economic and workforce advancement, affordable housing, or community arts and culture in Arizona can seek grants that may benefit rural development projects. US Bank Foundation’s Community Possible program prioritizes high-impact, equity-focused initiatives, especially those led by people of color and addressing multiple pillars of work, home, and play.

Arizona 501(c)(3) nonprofits with innovative approaches to human services and social issues can seek funding to develop or expand their programs. Focused on creative solutions to societal problems, the Creag Foundation invites smaller or evolving organizations to submit letters of inquiry, which may include rural development initiatives that improve quality of life in Arizona communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting youth health, education, development, and welfare can apply for up to US $15,000 from the DanPaul Foundation. Focus areas include child advocacy, homelessness, poverty, clean air and water, refugee enrichment, and early childhood development. Arizona rural development programs serving children and youth may be eligible if their work aligns with these priorities.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

U.S. cultural nonprofits with audited expenses over $2 million can seek more than US $100,000 to support arts and science programming, capital projects, or limited general support that demonstrates lasting impact. William Randolph Hearst Foundation prioritizes arts education, artist development, and STEAM-focused science programs, which may benefit Arizona organizations serving rural communities.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

Arizona rural development and community-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits can access funding through PNC Foundation to support early childhood education and economic development programs in communities where PNC has a significant presence. Eligible projects may include birth-to-five education, affordable housing, small business support, job training, arts and culture, and services for low- and moderate-income residents.

Arizona Department Of Transportation

Mission: We provide highway infrastructure and transportation services.

Rural Transit Assistance Program (RTAP)

The Rural Transit Assistance Program (RTAP) provides funding support to assist in implementation of training and also provide technical assistance to meet the specific needs of section 5311 Rural Transit Program and 5310 Coordinated Mobility Program. RTAP funds may be used to support transit activities in these categories: 

• Training is fundamental to the transit programs. National RTAP is the organization tasked with providing training materials and technical assistance for rural transit grantees. The state RTAP program offers training through a variety of delivery methods. Training opportunities include online and in classroom options, national and local conferences, workshops, webinars, audio conferences and free National RTAP training products.

• Technical Assistance and Research is a comprehensive set of services that are available to help small urban and rural communities create transit options and succeed in addressing rural transit issues. RTAP Technical Assistance may include: operational or management assistance, coordination plans, marketing, strategic planning, training materials, transit conference scholarships, workshops, webinars, reports, studies, surveys, planning, programming and/or funding assistance.

• National RTAP provides many tools for Transit programs. Procurement Pro provides federal procurement language, checklists, and assistance in developing compliant procurement processes. National RTAP also provides assistance in building website and putting your bus stops into Google Maps. We encourage the use of the training materials and technical assistance provided free at www.NationalRTAP.org.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations, including those serving rural Arizona, can apply for Sidney Stern Memorial Trust support to fund programs operated within the U.S. Grants may benefit soundly managed groups whose services significantly impact their target populations and contribute to general welfare, excluding individuals and political or lobbying activities.

Grants from Carl and Marilynn Thoma Foundation help Arizona rural development organizations and other eligible applicants fund arts exhibitions, academic scholarship, and community-focused visual arts projects. Individuals, 501(c)(3)s, fiscally sponsored groups, and university departments may be considered, with a particular interest in rural and non-metro projects in Arizona and other Southwestern states.

Nonprofits, schools, and government entities in Arizona communities can seek funding to expand education, workforce, and small business opportunities for women and girls. Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Foundation supports programs that build college and career readiness, improve income and employment, and strengthen women-owned businesses, with preference for measurable, sustainable efforts in rural areas.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with at least three years of activity can seek funding for humanitarian, poverty relief, education, health, animal welfare, conservation, or family and youth services from the Robinson Foundation. Focused on tangible, meaningful impact in the Southern region, Arizona rural development nonprofits may be eligible if they serve communities below the Mason-Dixon line.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

Nonprofits, tribes, and higher education institutions in Arizona that serve rural microenterprises can access funding to run loan programs and provide training and technical assistance. Grants from USDA help Arizona rural development organizations build and manage microloan revolving funds supporting very small businesses with working capital, equipment, debt refinancing, and real estate improvements.

Grants from Community Foundation for Southern Arizona help Arizona nonprofits and fiscally sponsored groups fund programs benefiting LGBTQ+ people in Southern Arizona, with awards up to US $10,000. Organizations serving rural communities in counties like Graham, Greenlee, Santa Cruz, and Yuma may be eligible for community-building, youth, elder, transgender-focused, or general operating projects.

Nonprofit or fiscally sponsored organizations providing direct medical services in hearing, vision, heart/lung care, or substance use for low-income or underserved Maricopa County residents can apply for Medical Assistance Grants, with awards up to US $375,000. Focused on health equity, these funds can support screenings, surgeries, program development, and client-related equipment, and may benefit rural Arizona communities.

Focused on equitable and affordable housing, Enterprise Community Partners invites Arizona rural development organizations and other eligible entities to propose ready-to-scale housing innovations. U.S.-based nonprofits, mission-oriented for-profits, quasi-governmental housing entities, and tribal housing authorities can compete for US $2,000,000 grants to expand impactful solutions in design and construction, finance, or service delivery and programs.

Rural public entities, nonprofits, tribes, cooperatives, and educational institutions in Arizona can fund technical assistance and infrastructure projects that support small rural businesses, with awards from US $100,000 - US $500,000. With a mission to strengthen rural development, USDA Rural Development provides opportunity and enterprise grants for community and technology-based economic development, business training, incubators, and strategic planning.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.

Nonprofit organizations working on poverty alleviation, human services, disability support, or humanitarian aid in Arizona and other eligible countries can apply for Gupta Family Foundation grants ranging from US $5,000 - US $250,000. Grants from Gupta Family Foundation help smaller, mission-driven groups expand focused interventions that help disadvantaged people become more self-reliant.

Public bodies, community-based nonprofits, and federally recognized Tribes in rural Arizona can use this program to purchase, construct, or improve essential community facilities and related equipment. Grants from USDA Rural Development help rural communities finance health care, public safety, community support, educational, utility, and local food system facilities, with priority for smaller, lower-income areas.

Eligible rural Arizona local governments, nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes can obtain USDA Rural Development grants up to Up to US $1,000,000 to prepare for or recover from emergencies threatening safe drinking water. With a mission to strengthen rural development, USDA: Rural Development (RD) provides support for waterline repairs, extensions, and new water sources or treatment facilities.

Nonprofit organizations serving communities across Arizona can seek funding for programs in education and employment, small business and entrepreneurship, arts and culture, human services, environment, and community development. Grants from Arizona Public Service Company help rural development efforts, with added consideration for initiatives reaching under-resourced populations within APS service territories.