Best Grants for Small Nonprofits in Arizona

The ASCAP Foundation's Jay Gorney Award honors songwriters who create original music with socially conscious themes. Established in 2009, this award commemorates composer Jay Gorney's legacy, particularly his iconic song 'Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?' Entrants are judged on their ability to convey powerful messages through artistry and lyrical excellence. The award includes a $1,000 monetary prize, fostering creativity and social awareness in the music community.

The ACS - Fanconi Cancer Foundation Discovery Boost Grant invites innovative proposals for translational cancer research addressing the challenges faced by individuals with Fanconi anemia (FA). This grant supports high-risk, high-reward projects aimed at improving detection, prevention, or treatment of FA-related cancers. With funding of up to $135,000 per year for two years, it encourages research in early detection technologies, prevention mechanisms, and therapeutic strategies tailored to the unique sensitivities of the FA population.

The BISCUITS Grant, offered by Southern Vision Alliance, provides up to $5,000 to organizations with budgets under $300,000 that focus on building power through organizing and collective action. Recipients gain access to a supportive cohort and networking opportunities. Participation in two virtual gatherings and a $500 wellness stipend is included. This grant is aimed at new applicants or those who have submitted their final QMF reports, ensuring support for emerging grassroots organizations.

The Title X Family Planning Services Grants support diverse projects aimed at providing essential family planning services across the United States and its territories. With an anticipated funding of up to $257 million, these grants will empower low-income and uninsured individuals by enhancing health literacy and access to reproductive health services. The program emphasizes informed decision-making and addresses gaps in reproductive knowledge, ultimately promoting better health outcomes for millions of Americans.

The DTRF + Thurgood Marshall College Fund Scholarship, offered by the Descendants Truth & Reconciliation Foundation, provides annual need-based scholarships of up to $10,000 for Certified Descendants of Jesuit slaveholding. This initiative aims to support educational advancement at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and other post-secondary institutions, while promoting racial healing and minimizing the wealth gap within the Descendant community.

The American Heart Association's International Visiting Professorship Award aims to enhance global research experiences by bringing international scientists to the U.S. for one week. This initiative promotes scientific exchange and collaboration, aligning with the AHA's mission. With a budget of up to $10,000, the program supports various travel-related expenses, fostering valuable connections and advancing research in critical medical fields.

The Pathway to Careers scholarship, offered by the Arizona Community Foundation, aims to support Sedona/Verde Valley high school graduates pursuing vocational training or an Associate's degree at accredited institutions. This initiative addresses local employment needs by providing financial assistance to students in fields such as Agriculture, Automotive, Culinary, Nursing, and IT, ensuring they have the resources to achieve their educational and career goals.

The KaBOOM! Adventure Courses Grant Program offers funding to create engaging playspaces for older children and teens. This initiative encourages community involvement through a collaborative design and build process, aiming to address the need for physical activity in low-income areas. Eligible applicants include organizations that serve youth and can demonstrate community support. Grants are available on a rolling basis, with a focus on priority cities impacted by recent events, including rural Colorado and Hurricane Harvey-affected Texas communities.

Council on Foundations

The Council on Foundations is a nonprofit membership association that serves as a guide for philanthropies as they advance the greater good. Building on our 75-year history, the Council supports over 1,000 member organizations in the United States and around the world to build trust in philanthropy, expand pathways to giving, engage broader perspectives, and co-create solutions that will lead to a better future for all. 

Council Awards

Our awards program recognizes excellence in philanthropy and honors leaders for their dedication to explore creative ways to advance the common good and fund solutions for complex issues. The Council Awards recognize exceptional leadership, innovation, and impact across the philanthropic sector.

Outstanding Corporate Philanthropy Leadership Award

The Outstanding Corporate Philanthropy Leadership Award will recognize an individual at a corporate foundation or a corporate giving program that is advancing the greater good. This award celebrates those who embody the integrity, leadership, and accomplishment that defines excellence in the field of philanthropy.  

Award Criteria

The criteria for this award reflects the characteristics and attributes of corporate philanthropy’s foremost leaders. The individual should possess qualities such as:

• Leadership: The individual has demonstrated admirable leadership in the face of crisis or has shown a unique capacity to take their organization and the field to new heights.
• Courage: The individual has taken stands on issues important to them and their work and is willing to push their organization and the field to do better.
• Integrity: The individual embodies qualities such as fairness, a commitment to equity, and a willingness to admit faults and learn from mistakes.
• Trust: The individual centers trust in their relationships with partners and other stakeholders and furthers public trust in philanthropy.

Through your nomination, you can acknowledge the work of a trustee or staff member working in philanthropy who has made a critical difference in the field and demonstrated leadership in times of crisis, charting new paths for the social sector.One supplemental material upload is required (no more than five total items) may be uploaded to provide documentation and support of achievements. These supplemental materials may include, but not limited to: reference letter, endorsement, or letter of support for the nomination from the community leadership (i.e., nonprofit, grantee partner, or a government leader), videos, news articles, report, or publication, organizational strategic plan or annual report, or individuals resume.

The Council on Foundations prohibits discrimination based on race, gender, sex, ethnicity, religion, or national origin, to each such award.

The Leiber & Stoller Music Scholarship, funded by The ASCAP Foundation, offers $2,500 annually for four years to high school seniors pursuing a music major. Aspiring songwriters, musicians, and vocalists are encouraged to apply. The selection process evaluates music and lyric writing, overall craftsmanship, and artistry. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens or residents and meet specific criteria. The scholarship is aimed at nurturing the next generation of music creators, ensuring their educational journey is supported.

Background

The Foundation for Physical Therapy Research is the research funding organization for the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and is a registered 501(c)(3) . Our vision is to shape the future of health through physical therapy research. Our mission is fund research and develop researchers to optimize movement and improve the health of society.

Through the generosity of our donors and community of supporters, o ur sole purpose for the past 46 years has been to fund physical therapy research and researchers through grants, scholarships, and fellowships. Through our investments in PhD students and early career researchers , we are creating a pipeline of highly skilled and capable researchers . They are b uilding our knowledge of and evidence about effective and innovative physical therapy practices, tools, guidelines, and education across the spectrum of our professional specialties.

Our growing number of larger grants allow s us to fund both emerging and established researchers who have been helping build the physical therapy evidence base in priority areas and help define the value of physical therapy for patients and clients, health care professionals , and payers. Through the generosity of our donors, we have created a sustained pipeline for future researchers and of research funding to help launch careers and advance the profession’s evidence -based practices.

The ASTR Teacher-Researchers Grant supports faculty with heavy teaching loads and limited research resources in theatre studies. This grant fosters scholarly exchange by providing an honorarium of up to $1000, complimentary conference registration, and a one-year ASTR membership. Applications are evaluated based on project feasibility and significance, with additional consideration for those facing institutional research support challenges. This initiative aims to enhance diversity and facilitate meaningful contributions to the field.

The Pulitzer Center offers U.S. Local News Reporting Grants aimed at supporting freelance and staff journalists in producing in-depth investigative reporting for local news outlets. This initiative seeks to amplify underreported stories crucial to community engagement, particularly those addressing systemic issues. The grants are available on a rolling basis, encouraging diverse voices in journalism. Applicants must provide a project description, budget estimate, and distribution plan to qualify for funding that covers essential reporting costs.

Art League of Hilton Head Island

We are the community catalyst for the visual arts.

For over fifty years, the nonprofit Art League of Hilton Head has been the Lowcountry’s creative core for the visual arts with our innovative Gallery, teaching Academy and special community art events.

Art League sponsors satellite galleries, hosts the Gullah show and brings both traditional and cutting-edge works to our island with CraftHiltonHead, the Biennale National Juried Art Exhibition, special events, lectures, classes, workshops and so much more.

We award an annual scholarship to a local graduating High School senior to pursue a career in the visual arts in addition to sponsoring programs with local schools.

We partner with arts and cultural nonprofits and businesses to benefit residents, visitors and the artists who enrich our community.

Art League of Hilton Head Art Scholarship 

Since the year 2000, Art League of Hilton Head awards a $2000 scholarship to a graduating high school senior studying or living in Beaufort County, who has been accepted into an accredited art school or a college where he/she will be majoring in the visual arts. Only one scholarship will be awarded each year.

The successful applicant will be selected based on an interview, a review of a portfolio and completion of this application. 

The Gilead Research Scholars Program in Oncology supports innovative research from emerging investigators worldwide, focusing on scientific understanding and progress in cancer treatment. Launched in 2008, it offers financial support of up to $180,000 over two years to junior faculty who meet eligibility criteria. The program emphasizes diversity and aims to reduce barriers for underrepresented groups in research, fostering a more inclusive landscape in addressing unmet medical needs.

The Laurel High School Alumni Association Scholarships, managed by the Delaware Community Foundation, provide vital financial assistance to graduating seniors whose parents have been active members for at least three years. These scholarships can be applied to both two-year and four-year colleges or trade schools, supporting students with a minimum GPA of 2.50. For the 2024-2025 school year, a record $850,000 was awarded to 245 students, showcasing the foundation's commitment to advancing educational opportunities.

The Family Medicine Cares USA Free Health Clinic Grants support existing clinics in providing care to the uninsured. Grants of up to $10,000 are available if funds permit, prioritizing clinics with AAFP members in leadership roles. The program emphasizes the involvement of Family Medicine residents or medical students as volunteers, aiming to enhance healthcare access in underserved communities.

The Edna Mae Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico, aims to support women from rural communities in their pursuit of higher education at vocational community colleges or universities. This scholarship is open to applicants actively enrolled in any form of higher education, including undergraduate and vocational programs, with a special focus on assisting those in need. Applicants must be graduating high school seniors or currently enrolled students.

Arizona Community Foundation

For more than four decades, the Arizona Community Foundation has worked in tandem with generous individuals, families, and organizations to address some of the biggest challenges facing our state.

Scholarships

In partnership with our generous donors, we award millions of dollars annually to help students achieve their educational goals. Through our online system, students complete one application and are matched with available scholarships, based on their eligibility requirements.

Alexandra Ryan Swanson Live Your Dream Scholarship

This scholarship was created to support residents and participants in United Methodist Outreach Ministries (UMOM) Housing Programs earn a GED, College Degree, or certificate from a trade or vocational program. Applicants must list out program and supply expenses in the additional questions. Previous recipients may continue to apply in subsequent years through the same application process.

The Medical Assistance Grants program, administered by the Vitalyst Health Foundation, aims to enhance healthcare access and quality for low-income and underserved populations in Maricopa County. The program supports nonprofit organizations that provide essential services in vision, hearing, heart and lung health, and substance use treatment. By leveraging existing resources, these grants facilitate improved community health outcomes and equity, addressing significant health disparities among vulnerable groups.

The David H. Smith Conservation Research Fellowship aims to enhance the skills of early-career conservation scientists through two years of applied research and mentorship. It supports global scientists at U.S. institutions, focusing on pressing conservation issues, and encourages collaboration with practitioners. The fellowship emphasizes cutting-edge research, leadership development, and practical applications in conservation biology, making it an excellent opportunity for those looking to bridge science and policy.

This funding opportunity aims to support research investigating the long-term impacts of disasters on healthcare systems in U.S. populations facing health disparities. The focus is on both natural and human-made disasters, encouraging collaborative approaches to enhance understanding and response strategies. Key deadlines for applications range from June 2024 to February 2027, with specific dates for standard, renewal, and AIDS-related grant applications outlined.

The Edwards Lifesciences Foundation Grants program aims to improve the health of underserved communities by supporting initiatives focused on education, screening, and treatment of cardiovascular disease. The Foundation seeks to enhance care access for patients, promote awareness of heart health, and foster community engagement through volunteer opportunities. By 2025, the goal is to positively impact the lives of 2.5 million patients affected by structural heart issues. The program emphasizes collaboration and innovation in healthcare.

Scholarship amounts vary depending on the scholarship applied for. Applicants are encouraged to apply for as many awards as they are eligible to increase the likelihood of receiving one or more awards.

Scholarships can be used for cost of attendance, direct education expenses, including tuition, books, and/or other school-related fees.

If you receive an award, be sure to complete your scholarship acceptance form (online portal). Scholarship awards are paid directly to the academic institution by the end of August.

Esther Mae Nesbitt Medical Student Scholarship Fund

This scholarship supports past or current Illinois residents who are either accepted for enrollment or currently enrolled as a full-time student at an approved college of medicine. Applicants must be U.S. citizens. Preference is given to female applicants and current or former residents of DeKalb County, IL.

United Negro College Fund

“A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”®

For more than seven decades, this principle has remained at the heart of UNCF, enabling us to raise more than $5 billion and help more than 500,000 students and counting not just attend college, but thrive, graduate and become leaders.

We do this in three ways: By awarding more than 12,000 students scholarships, worth more than $65 million, each year. By providing financial support to 37 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). And by serving as the nation’s leading advocate for the importance of minority education and community engagement.

Henry C. McBay Faculty Research Fellowship

Dr. Henry Ransom Cecil McBay (May 29, 1914 – 1995) was an American chemist renowned for his excellence in teaching and mentorship. He received numerous awards for his commitment to encouraging disadvantaged students to pursue careers in the chemical sciences, including the American Chemical Society Award for Encouraging Disadvantaged Students into Careers in the Chemical Sciences.

The Henry C. McBay Faculty Research Fellowship is open to faculty members at UNCF member institutions and supports faculty-led research conducted in partnership with a student researcher or intern.

The fellowship provides:

• Up to $15,000 to support faculty research in a field of the recipient’s choosing
• Up to $3,000 to support a student researcher/intern
• Total possible award: $18,000

All funded projects must be completed within one academic year and no later than Spring 2027.

Reporting Requirements

Each principal investigator is required to:

• Submit a written final report on the research project at the end of Spring 2027
• A published paper or submitted manuscript may be substituted for the final report
• Submit a financial report detailing fellowship expenditures within six months of completing the grant

The R Accelerated Award Grants by Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation aim to support innovative pediatric oncology research. These grants are designed for early-career scientists focused on developing less toxic therapies for childhood cancers. Eligible applicants must be first-time principal investigators with a strong institutional backing and a commitment to pediatric cancer research. The program emphasizes the importance of scientific rigor and aims to accelerate the discovery of effective treatments, thereby improving outcomes for children with cancer.

Scholarship amounts vary depending on the scholarship applied for. Applicants are encouraged to apply for as many awards as they are eligible to increase the likelihood of receiving one or more awards.

Scholarships can be used for cost of attendance, direct education expenses, including tuition, books, and/or other school-related fees.

If you receive an award, be sure to complete your scholarship acceptance form (online portal). Scholarship awards are paid directly to the academic institution by the end of August.

Wehrli Custom Fabrication Scholarship Fund

The Wehrli Custom Fabrication company created the scholarship to aid students interested in pursuing a career in the trades. The Fund supports two annual scholarships. The first is for a student attending a trade school or 2-year college, and the second benefits a student attending a 4-year college or university. Eligible areas of study include welding, machine tooling, auto mechanics, auto body, business management, and mechanical, industrial, manufacturing, or agricultural engineering.