Best Grants for Small Nonprofits in Arizona

The Community Facilities Grant Program in Arizona provides crucial funding to develop essential services in rural areas. This program supports public bodies, non-profits, and federally-recognized tribes to purchase, construct, or improve facilities such as healthcare centers, educational institutions, and public safety services. Grants are available for projects that meet specific eligibility criteria, particularly in smaller communities with lower median incomes, ensuring that vital resources are accessible to those who need them most.

The Western SARE Graduate Student Research and Education Grant Program supports innovative research and educational outreach in sustainable agriculture. Funded by the USDA, it aims to enhance environmental quality, improve profitability for producers, and uplift rural communities. Projects must involve both research and education components, with proposals authored by graduate students collaborating with their advisors. This initiative fosters communication of results to agricultural professionals, ensuring practical applications for sustainable practices in the Western U.S.

The Region 4 Technology Improvement Projects Award Year 5 aims to enhance access to health information resources through technology improvement projects. It encourages innovative solutions to improve health literacy in underserved communities, aligning with the NNLM mission and the NLM 2017-2027 Strategic Plan. Project ideas include creating community networks for digital resource access, improving Wi-Fi availability in low-income areas, and providing health information workstations to address the digital divide and promote health equity.

The Western SARE Professional + Producer Grant Program fosters collaboration between Agricultural Technical Advisors and Producers to promote sustainable agriculture through research and outreach. This initiative aims to improve environmental quality, enhance profitability for farmers, and ensure community well-being. By supporting demonstrations, educational activities, and practical applications, the program seeks to communicate effective sustainable practices to agricultural professionals, ultimately benefiting rural economies and ecosystems.

The Western SARE Professional Development Program Grant supports education and outreach for agricultural professionals. Aimed at enhancing knowledge in sustainable agriculture, it provides funding for projects that train educators and farmers through workshops, conferences, and digital media. With a focus on the environmental, economic, and social aspects of agriculture, projects can last up to three years and receive up to $100,000 in funding. This initiative fosters a 'train the trainer' approach to improve agricultural practices.

The Livestock Operator Fire and Flood Assistance Program (LOFFAP) Grant aims to support livestock operators affected by wildfires and flooding. With a funding pool of $9.5 million, it provides aid for infrastructure repairs up to $250,000 per incident. Eligible applicants must own over forty animals and have experienced damage due to these disasters. This initiative ensures that affected farmers can rebuild and sustain their operations, contributing to the resilience of the agricultural sector in Arizona.

The Andrews Family Foundation offers Board Grants to public, non-profit organizations with 501(c)(3) status. Focused on enhancing communities through education, humanitarian work, and the arts, the foundation aims to foster individual growth. Established in 1993 in Chicago, it continues a legacy of community commitment. Grant proposals are reviewed quarterly, with final awards decided by the Board. Eligible organizations must have a budget between $1M and $4M and provide opportunities for board member involvement.

The Wilburforce Foundation Conservation Grants aim to enhance the conservation of vital lands, waters, and wildlife in Western North America. By 2025, their vision is to ensure native wildlife thrives across connected landscapes. The foundation supports organizations dedicated to strategic conservation efforts, focusing on habitat security and wildlife linkages. Grants are available to eligible 501(c)(3) organizations and similar entities, fostering initiatives that protect critical wildlife habitats and promote ecological integrity.

The Nationwide Fishing Trap Removal, Assessment, and Prevention (TRAP) Program aims to eliminate derelict fishing traps nationwide. Focused on collaboration, it emphasizes standardized data collection, quantifying impacts, and comprehensive data sharing. With an annual budget of up to $1,475,000, the program supports 6 to 15 projects, providing grants ranging from $50,000 to $200,000 for 18-month initiatives. This effort significantly enhances marine resource conservation by reducing bycatch mortality and removing abandoned traps.

The Small Business Transportation Technical Assistance Center (Region 5) aims to empower small businesses through comprehensive support from the U.S. Department of Transportation. By providing financial and technical assistance, business training, and outreach, the initiative helps small businesses enhance their competitiveness for DOT-funded contracts. This program is vital for fostering economic growth and ensuring small firms are well-prepared to engage in transportation-related projects at various governmental levels.

The APS Community Impact Grants aim to address diverse community needs across Arizona through support for education, small business, arts, human services, environment, and community development. By focusing on under-resourced populations, these grants foster inclusivity and resilience. Nonprofits can apply annually for funding, with additional consideration for projects that enhance community engagement and quality of life. This initiative highlights APS's commitment to empowering local organizations to create a positive impact in their communities.

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 AZ Heritage K-12 Small Grant Program, funded by the Arizona Game and Fish Department, aims to provide up to $3000 to Arizona teachers for enhancing wildlife education in their classrooms. Applications received after the deadline may qualify for an additional scoring round if funds remain available. This initiative seeks to enrich educational experiences and promote environmental awareness among students.

The Arizona Grain Research and Promotion Council Grant aims to support local grain producers by funding research and projects that enhance economic sustainability. Priority areas include reducing fresh water usage, developing new grain varieties, and improving production methods. The grant program ensures that findings are accessible to all Arizona grain producers, fostering innovation and growth in the agricultural sector. This initiative aligns with the state's commitment to advancing agricultural practices for better resource management.

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 Arizona Iceberg Lettuce Research Council (AILRC) Grant supports Arizona iceberg lettuce producers by providing funding for research that identifies solutions to production issues. With approximately $63,000 available for this grant cycle, the AILRC aims to make research findings accessible to producers. Funding primarily comes from assessments on packed iceberg lettuce, ensuring that the grants are sustainable and beneficial for the industry over multiple years.

The Peter E. Palmquist Memorial Fund Grant provides vital support for research into under-researched women photographers and Western American photographers from the Great Depression era. Open to both individual researchers and nonprofit institutions, this grant emphasizes the importance of quality proposals and the ability to execute projects efficiently. Recipients will contribute their findings to the Humboldt Area Foundation, thus enriching the Peter Palmquist Archive and promoting the legacy of photography history.

The First Baptist Church of Phoenix Foundation Grant aims to support the establishment of new churches and the training of pastors, with funding ranging from $1,000 to $60,000. Eligible applicants must be recognized churches or 501(c)(3) organizations in the U.S. Proposals for mission projects and support for new churches are also encouraged, ensuring applicants demonstrate financial commitment from other sources.

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.

The STOP Violence Against Women Grant (AZ) empowers Arizona entities to combat violence against women through funding and support for law enforcement, prosecution, and victim services. With approximately $3.3 million available annually, the grant prioritizes programs that enhance victim safety and hold offenders accountable, while requiring a 25% non-federal match. Eligible applicants include non-profits, tribal entities, and government agencies, ensuring a broad coalition to address these critical issues.

A Community Partner

Pima Federal believes strongly in being a community partner and that our success is deeply tied to the success of our neighbors. Over the years, we have demonstrated extraordinary efforts in our community through the amount of volunteerism, educational support, and community giving/fundraising that we provide. Through our Community Stewardship Program employees are provided with volunteer opportunities and are encouraged to donate their own time to non-profit organizations as a way to further the credit union philosophy of People Helping People. We have a firm commitment to enhancing the standard of living in our communities and to make Arizona a more desirable place to live. 

We are pleased to empower many deserving organizations and causes throughout the year in the form of: donations, sponsorships, volunteers, scholarships, and financial literacy. If you would like to submit a request for community support, please use the link below to fill out our support request application. 

Financial Literacy

Pima Federal regularly works with schools, clubs, and organizations to provide comprehensive financial literacy education to students of all ages, and attends events to promote the benefits of handling money wisely. Please email marketing@pimafederal.org with any requests or inquires. 

The External Collaborative Research Grants by Boehringer Ingelheim support academic and clinical scientists in proposing research studies. These grants facilitate collaboration with Boehringer Ingelheim, which may provide intellectual and financial support. Applicants must assume full responsibility for their research while complying with regulatory standards. The funding should cover research costs, excluding salary support for the collaborative partner. Interested investigators must apply online for consideration.

The Battlefield Preservation Fund Grant aims to support initiatives that preserve battlefields and related historic sites. This funding encourages planning and educational efforts, particularly those that engage new audiences in preservation activities. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofits in specified states. Grants can be used for staff support, consultant fees, and educational materials. Applicants must provide a one-to-one match for funding, ensuring strong community involvement in preservation efforts.

The State Tutoring Grant, administered by the Arizona Department of Education, aims to provide tutoring for students attending schools rated D or F. This program enables parents to select approved tutoring services to enhance educational outcomes. With a focus on equity, the initiative seeks to support students in need, ensuring that tutoring complements existing educational frameworks. Eligible Arizona schools can apply, fostering improved academic performance and collaboration among educators and communities.

The Southwest Intervention Fund, managed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, supports preservation efforts of traditional cultures across Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, West Texas, and Utah. Grants ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 are available for local partners, nonprofits, and government agencies to address emergency threats and promote preservation planning. Eligible projects include archaeological site surveys, public awareness workshops, and legal assistance for cultural resource management, ensuring the protection of vital historic sites.

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 Social Impact Theatre Grant Program supports innovative theatrical productions that address pressing social issues, fostering dialogue and community engagement. With a focus on sustainability, the program offers production-specific and change capital grants to eligible nonprofit organizations in select states. Grantees are encouraged to explore new models, deepen community connections, and support emerging leaders in theatre. Applications for the next cycle will open in Spring 2025, following the completion of the current funding round.