Best Grants for Small Nonprofits in Arizona

The Day-End Dough-Nation® Program by Panera Bread exemplifies community generosity through the donation of unsold bakery products to local charities. This impactful initiative supports various organizations that distribute food to those in need, including shelters, health centers, and youth programs. By partnering with thousands of non-profits nationwide, Panera Bread not only reduces food waste but also plays a crucial role in addressing hunger and promoting equality within communities.

The Pratt Family Foundation Grant, established in 1999, supports initiatives in education, healthcare, and community welfare. It prioritizes organizations that aid housing assistance, support for women in crisis, and disadvantaged youth programs, particularly in North Carolina. The Foundation favors established religious and charitable organizations that are tax-exempt and have a local presence. Preference is given to areas connected to the Pratt family, such as Texas and Florida, ensuring impactful contributions to community development.

The Raftelis Leadership Scholarship, offered by the American Water Works Association, supports undergraduate and graduate students pursuing a consulting career in water utilities. With a value of $5,000, this scholarship aims to foster relationships with diverse, promising students who demonstrate leadership and strong academic performance. Applicants from various academic backgrounds, including business and finance, are encouraged to apply, emphasizing initiative and a desire to contribute positively to the community.

The Wold Foundation Grant, established in 1985, aims to support charitable, scientific, literary, and educational projects primarily benefiting Wyoming citizens and youth. It prioritizes initiatives in education, human services, cultural activities, healthcare, and scientific endeavors that promote conservation and outdoor recreation. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) classified and operate in the U.S. The foundation does not fund individuals or projects that discriminate based on sex, age, or religion.

The Dale Jr. Foundation, founded by NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr., has raised over $8 million since 2007 to support various charities focusing on youth and underprivileged communities. The foundation emphasizes empowerment, education, wellness, hunger relief, and hope, aiming to provide resources that enhance confidence and opportunities for children facing hardships. Through fundraising efforts and partnerships with organizations like Make-A-Wish, the foundation strives to positively impact lives and foster a sense of normalcy among children in need.

The NAU Astronomy REU Program offers undergraduate students a paid opportunity to engage in research at Northern Arizona University during the summer months. Participants receive a $7000 stipend, potential travel reimbursement, and housing accommodations. The program includes seminars and hands-on experience with local telescopes, fostering skills in astronomy and planetary science. Applications are competitive and targeted at students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents and currently enrolled in a degree program.

The Diane and Bruce Halle Foundation supports organizations in Arizona that provide programs focused on spirituality, enhancing the well-being of individuals and communities. Grants are available for operational, capital, and programmatic support, emphasizing strong leadership, effective financial management, and responsiveness to community needs. Organizations must have 501(c)(3) status, a minimum annual budget of $500,000, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. Prior discussions with foundation staff are required before submission.

About the Arkansas Space Grant Consortium

Empowering Arkansas in Aerospace: ASGC's Vision and Mission

The Arkansas Space Grant Consortium (ASGC) is a pivotal part of a nationwide network funded by NASA to enhance America's aerospace science and technology capabilities. ASGC partners with 17 four-year universities and colleges across Arkansas, dedicated to advancing space science education, research, and public outreach. Through scholarships, research grants, and educational programs, ASGC supports students and faculty in STEM fields, aligning with NASA's mission to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and explorers. This commitment underscores ASGC's role in fostering a culture of innovation and discovery within Arkansas and beyond.

Current Student Opportunities

The Arkansas Space Grant Consortium (ASGC) is excited to offer scholarships and awards to students attending affiliated colleges and universities across the state. These opportunities aim to support students’ academic and research endeavors in STEM fields, while recognizing their achievements.

Workforce Development Award

May 15, 2026 – August 14, 2027

The Arkansas Space Grant Consortium (ASGC), a participant in the National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program (NSGCFP), invites applications for the NASA Space Grant Workforce Development Award. This award offers internships at NASA Centers or aerospace-related industries, aimed at encouraging students to prepare for careers in professional aerospace fields.

The Alvah H. and Wyline P. Chapman Foundation offers grants to support charitable, educational, and community-focused initiatives, primarily in Florida and Georgia. Eligible applicants must be IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) organizations. The foundation prioritizes projects that address children's welfare, education, multicultural understanding, substance abuse prevention, and homelessness. Grants typically do not exceed $15,000, and proposals must be endorsed by a Foundation Director. Interested parties should submit a Letter of Inquiry for consideration.

Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records

Arizona Revised Statutes Title 41; Article 2.1 establishes the Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records, referred to as "the State Library", in the Office of the Secretary of State. The State Library was founded in 1915 to collect, preserve, and provide access to materials relating to law, political science, economics, sociology, subjects pertaining to the theory and practice of government, genealogy, and Arizona history. The format of materials may vary, but the majority of the collections contain unique and original materials or historic published texts, newspapers, and maps that can be found nowhere else.

Mission: To provide Arizonans access to information about their government, their state, and their world by offering content in a variety of formats, preserving Arizona's history for future generations, and empowering local institutions to engage their communities in learning.

Library Services & Technology Act (LSTA) Funding

Competitive project grants of federal funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) are offered in support of the State Library’s Five-Year Plan, as approved by IMLS, and to help fulfill the mission of the Library Development branch to “empower Arizona libraries to offer excellent customer service through consulting, grant funding, resources, and training.”

All grants for 2026 fall under two categories: a smaller Express Grants; and a larger General Grants

General Grants

The larger General Grants allow for more creativity in designing projects in the areas of:

• Information Preservation and Access
• Informal Education
• Institutional Improvements
• Inclusive Communities

Project Lead The Way (PLTW) offers grants for schools to implement the PLTW Computer Science program from 2025 to 2028. Schools must provide at least one PLTW course in the first year and two courses in the second year. The total grant is $14,000, covering participation fees and training costs. Eligible institutions include public, private, and charter schools located in the U.S., with special encouragement for those serving low-income or minority-majority populations.

The W.R. & Floy A. Sauey Family Foundation, established in 1998, aims to enhance community welfare through philanthropy. It prioritizes local charities that support child and family issues, particularly in areas where Nordic Group Member Companies operate. The foundation seeks to create lasting impacts by funding initiatives that directly benefit the families associated with these companies, fostering a stronger quality of life in the communities served.

Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records

Arizona Revised Statutes Title 41; Article 2.1 establishes the Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records, referred to as "the State Library", in the Office of the Secretary of State. The State Library was founded in 1915 to collect, preserve, and provide access to materials relating to law, political science, economics, sociology, subjects pertaining to the theory and practice of government, genealogy, and Arizona history. The format of materials may vary, but the majority of the collections contain unique and original materials or historic published texts, newspapers, and maps that can be found nowhere else.

Mission: To provide Arizonans access to information about their government, their state, and their world by offering content in a variety of formats, preserving Arizona's history for future generations, and empowering local institutions to engage their communities in learning.

Library Services & Technology Act (LSTA) Funding

Competitive project grants of federal funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) are offered in support of the State Library’s Five-Year Plan, as approved by IMLS, and to help fulfill the mission of the Library Development branch to “empower Arizona libraries to offer excellent customer service through consulting, grant funding, resources, and training.”

All grants for 2026 fall under two categories: a smaller Express Grants; and a larger General Grants

Express Grants

The smaller Express Grants come with pre-set funding limits, activities, and outcomes:

• Collections and Programming (CAP)
• Staff Development Day
• Wi-Fi Hotspot Lending
• Writers in Residence in Libraries
• AI Training & Tools

The AZ Arts Festival Grant, provided by the Arizona Commission on the Arts, supports diverse arts and culture festivals in Arizona. Grants are available for in-person, virtual, or hybrid events that emphasize artistic expression and community engagement. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, local government entities, and arts agencies. Festivals must span at least two weekends and feature curated programming. Ineligible activities include standalone productions and projects with religious or political purposes.

Project Lead The Way is offering a rolling grant opportunity for schools to implement the PLTW Engineering program for the 2025-2026 academic year and beyond. Eligible institutions include public, private, and charter schools located in the US. Grant recipients will receive funding to cover participation fees and training costs. Total funding amounts to $16,000, distributed over three years. Schools are encouraged to create pathways for students in engineering through this initiative.

The Voelcker Fund Grant supports 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations conducting medical research, focusing on diseases like cancer and heart disease. It provides restricted grants, emphasizing research that seeks cures in the Greater Bexar County area, particularly for conditions affecting the retina. The fund prioritizes organizations in San Antonio and offers various funding structures, including seed and matching grants, while ensuring compliance with non-discrimination policies.

Community Action Fund

A grant for Indigenous frontline organizations, groups, and individuals for direct action initiatives.

The Community Action Fund (CAF) grants support non-violent direct actions and organizing efforts that are often urgent and time sensitive. CAF prioritizes frontline, grassroots and community-based efforts that defend Indigenous peoples rights, communities and Nations.

Community Action Fund Intent

This grant supports Indigenous frontline, grassroots, community-based groups and organizations, Tribes, communities and villages, and individuals leading non-violent direct action or movement-building work in their effort to DEFEND Indigenous People’s rights, and protect their land, air, water, and natural resources.

The Love Your Block Neighborhood Grants, offered by the Neighborhood Services Department, empower Neighborhood and Block Watch groups to enhance their communities. With grants up to $5,000, funded by the Gila River Indian Community and the Phoenix Public Works Department, these initiatives aim to foster partnerships and promote neighborhood revitalization. Applications are typically accepted in spring, and projects should be completed within 6-9 months, making this a valuable opportunity for community engagement and improvement.

The Andrea-Mennen Family Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life for children and young adults facing mental and physical challenges. By supporting registered charitable organizations that align with its mission, the foundation seeks to ensure that 100% of grant funds directly benefit those in need within the US. Emphasizing immediate results and proven success, the foundation is dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of future generations.

The Youth Initiative Grant, provided by the Weyerhaeuser Family Foundation, aims to support innovative programs that enhance resilience and psycho-social health for youth aged 14-21 affected by trauma from Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Grants are available for new programs or therapeutic components within their first year. The foundation prioritizes organizations that actively engage with beneficiaries and implement holistic approaches to service delivery, ensuring long-term sustainability and effective evaluation of program impacts.

The Chatlos Foundation provides grants to nonprofit organizations in the U.S. and globally, focusing on Bible colleges, religious causes, liberal arts colleges, medical concerns, and social issues. Grants typically range from $2,000 to $20,000, depending on the category. The Foundation prioritizes program support and typically funds requests under $10,000. Eligible organizations must be U.S.-based, tax-exempt for at least two years, and aligned with the Foundation's mission, ensuring that funded projects achieve independence.

Pima County GHovernment

Pima County government can be divided into several general areas of responsibility. Under each area, a group of departments and their divisions provide services to the community. Many of the services the County provides are mandated under state law. Others do not hold legislative mandates but are critical to the effective operation of the County or are important to the health, safety, and quality of life of County residents.

Unlike most Arizona counties, Pima County has a large urban, unincorporated population. Nearly 400,000 residents of unincorporated Pima County live in mostly urban areas of the County, not within any city or town. Because of this, Pima County provides many services that a municipality would typically provide.

Short-Term Crisis & Emergency Resources Grant Program – Round 2

 Program Overview

In response to the ongoing federal government shutdown and its impact on Pima County residents, the County is offering targeted support to eligible nonprofit organizations through the Short-Term Crisis & Emergency Resources Grant Program – Round 2. This initiative provides direct funding to partner agencies to increase food security, stabilize housing, prevent eviction, and address other urgent human needs among individuals and families affected by the crisis.

This emergency program is administered under the framework of the Pima County Outside Agency (OA) Program, which strategically invests County General Fund dollars into nonprofit organizations that deliver essential services.

The John A. Hartford Foundation offers scholarships for the Age-Friendly Health Systems Cohort as part of the AHA Next Generation Leaders Fellowship. This initiative targets healthcare leaders aiming to implement the 4Ms Framework, enhancing care for older adults. Selected fellows will receive a program fee scholarship of $13,995, enabling them to focus on transformation efforts in health systems. This fellowship seeks diverse leaders to address critical healthcare challenges and improve quality, safety, and affordability.

The Stenzel Scholarship, established in 2023, awards $2,500 annually to individuals with cystic fibrosis enrolled in higher education programs in health or environmental sciences. This scholarship honors Isa and Ana Stenzel, who dedicated their lives to supporting others with CF. Applicants must provide proof of enrollment and can receive funding based on their enrollment status. This initiative aims to empower those affected by cystic fibrosis to pursue meaningful educational opportunities.

The Public Health Laboratory Fellowship Program, supported by the Association of Public Health Laboratories, develops future public health scientists through experiential learning in laboratory science. Participants receive training aligned with core competencies and work on impactful projects in various focus areas such as bioinformatics, food safety, and infectious disease. With flexible terms and potential for extension, this fellowship ensures a robust foundation for a career in public health laboratory science.

The Puffin Foundation's Environmental Artistic Activism Grant Program supports artists addressing environmental issues through diverse artistic genres such as film, music, and theater. Grants, typically around $1,750, fund projects that prioritize sustainability and innovative solutions to the climate crisis. Eligible applicants include U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and current DACA recipients. The foundation emphasizes projects that avoid contributing to environmental harm while fostering artistic expression and community engagement.

Adam R Scripps Foundation

Adam Scripps lived a life of humble generosity, helping to improve the lives of others without seeking recognition or fanfare for himself. The family-run Adam R. Scripps Foundation, established posthumously in 2023, allocates millions annually to his cherished causes like animal welfare and community development, with grants overseen by his relatives to honor his legacy.

Honoring Adam’s legacy, we make grants to collaborate, provide support and build resources that create opportunities and transformative pathways. For generations to come, we will improve lives and transform communities because we are a leader in family philanthropy. We value helping communities create lasting change. We do this through compassion, love of neighbor, humility, and generosity.

Self-Sufficiency Grant

Self-sufficiency is not just crucial for individuals; it’s also vital to the communities in which they live. As Adam did in his lifetime, his foundation will focus on initiatives to address employment, food insecurity, housing/homelessness, and critical human needs.

• Housing Access
  • Housing instability can negatively affect job security, academic performance, and physical and mental health.
  • Programs designed to help keep people in stable homes, including emergency shelter, rental assistance programs, transitional housing, and subsidized housing units, can help combat housing instability and promote self-sufficiency. 
• Food Insecurity
  • Persistent poverty in communities increases food insecurity and threatens child welfare.
  • Children deserve full plates and a system (beyond the child welfare bureaucracy) that will fight for them. Recognizing their importance to stability and eventually mobility, we support programs that meet the unique needs of children in vulnerable situations, address the needs of their caregivers and provide consistent access to enough food for every person in a household to live an active, healthy life. 
• Employment Barriers
  • Barriers to employment have detrimental impacts on individuals and families.
  • Economic development programming focused on business growth, job creation, entrepreneurship, financial well-being, job readiness, and stable employment will be embraced by the foundation because of their lasting benefits to individuals, families and communities.