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 supporting children, education, or health and human services can seek monetary program funding that may benefit rural communities. Costco Foundation supports these child- and family-focused services by prioritizing evidenced-based programs with measurable outcomes, clear community need, collaboration, and a broad base of financial support in areas where Costco operates.

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.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Insperity's Corporate Contributions program emphasizes community involvement and corporate citizenship, providing philanthropic grants and event sponsorships to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Eligible organizations must engage Insperity employees or contribute to the communities where they operate. The program aims to support nonprofits in achieving their service goals and enhancing community welfare. Applications must be submitted 90 days prior to events, and funding requests can be made once a year.

Arizona nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations seeking support for community services, environmental conservation, or peacebuilding projects can access funding through the Dudley T Dougherty Foundation. This national funder’s broad mission to respect life, people, and the environment may benefit rural development efforts and quality-of-life initiatives in Arizona communities.

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 Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

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.

O’Reilly Automotive Foundation provides Arizona nonprofits focused on rural development and community services with project, general operating, or capital support. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations near O’Reilly Auto Parts locations that address economic stability, workforce development, health and social services, or disaster relief may be eligible to strengthen quality of life for underserved residents.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving youth and families with education, housing, food security, or environmental programs in Arizona and beyond can apply for the True Inspiration Awards, offering US $30,000 - US $350,000 for impactful projects. Chick Fil A Foundation supports initiatives that strengthen communities and may benefit rural development efforts.

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.