Best Private Grants for Nonprofits in Arizona

The Raley’s, Bashas’, and Food City Project Learning Garden Grant Program, supported by the Captain Planet Foundation, offers schools valuable resources for STEAM education through garden-based learning. Schools will receive raised garden beds, a mobile cooking cart, access to online lessons, and professional development for teachers. This initiative promotes hands-on learning and healthy eating, enriching students' educational experiences while fostering a connection to nature. A total package valued at $7,500 will enhance the learning environment for students.

The HDR Foundation Grant Cycle supports community organizations aligned with HDR's values, focusing on education, healthy communities, and environmental stewardship. This employee-funded initiative emphasizes the importance of employee engagement in grant proposals, requiring a clear scope of work and completion within a year. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based nonprofits, educational institutions, and tribal governments, while grants are not provided for faith-based organizations or individual support.

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.

Judge Paul Rosenblatt Scholarship

The Judge Paul Rosenblatt Scholarship is open to any law student at the University of Arizona from Yavapai County.

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.

AKN Family Scholarship

The AKN Family Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship intended to support seniors graduating either from BASIS Charter Schools or Brophy College Preparatory (preferred, but not exclusive) whose college major will be a Humanities-related field.

Child and Family Advocacy Center Fund 

During the 2025 legislative session, the Arizona Legislature appropriated monies from the State General Fund into the Child and Family Advocacy Center fund for the purposes of funding grant support to Child and Family Advocacy Center’s (CFACs) across the state.

To address this need, the AGO is providing up to $100,000 for multiple, one-time grant awards based on all victims served per CFAC in calendar year 2024.

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.

Lake Design Foundation Scholarship

Award-winning interior designer Lawrence Lake, ASID, owner of Lawrence Lake Interiors in downtown Tempe, created the Lake Design Foundation Fund Scholarship to support students majoring in Interior Design who demonstrate outstanding creative potential. Students must be enrolled full time in undergraduate study in Interior Design and planning to pursue a career in interior design. The purpose is to identify students who will become the next generation of talent.

VDF

What is the Arizona Veterans' Donation Fund?

The Arizona Veterans' Donation Fund (VDF), established in 1999 by the Arizona legislature (A.R.S. § 41-608), funds programs that benefit Veterans and their families throughout Arizona. Arizona State law specifies that tax-deductible donations to, and monies held in, this account can never revert to the State General Fund.

The VDF consists of monies, gifts and contributions donated to the department and donations made through the purchase of Veteran, Women Veteran, and Freedom Special License Plates. The assets held in the account can only be used to benefit Veterans in the State of Arizona through small grants and large grants, each with their own documented application process.

Small Grant

• Grants of $4,999.99 or less 

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.

Blue Cross Blue Shield AZ & Prosano Health Svcs. Employee Dependent Scholarship

The Blue Cross Blue Shield AZ (BCBSAZ) & Prosano Health Svcs. (PHS) Employee Dependent Scholarship supports dependents of BCBSAZ & Prosano Health Services employees. Applicants must be attending any of the Arizona State University campuses and a qualified dependent of a BCBSAZ or PHS employee who has at least 1 year of employment with either organization.

The Corning Nonprofit Grants program supports community-based initiatives in education, human services, and culture. Eligible nonprofits that align with our criteria may apply for funding on a rolling basis. The application window for invited organizations runs from February 10 to September 15. We emphasize local impact within a 20-mile radius of Corning, NY, ensuring that our contributions foster collective growth and engagement in the community.

The Growing Justice Fund provides grants ranging from $25,000 to $250,000 to support community-led initiatives that enhance equitable food procurement. This initiative aims to empower Tribal, Indigenous, Black, Latinx, Asian, and immigrant communities by facilitating access to institutional contracts and promoting local economic viability. With a focus on health, environmental justice, and collective action, these grants are designed to foster sustainable food systems and build wealth in historically marginalized communities.

The Genung Scholarship

The Genung Scholarship Fund was established as a generous lasting legacy of Normal & Eleanor Genung. The scholarship is intended to support first-generation college students with gaps between their cost of attendance and financial aid package, while attending any public Arizona post-secondary institution. Recipients may be eligible to renew their awards for up to 4 years, if good academic standing is maintained.

Project Lead The Way is offering a rolling grant for schools to implement the PLTW Biomedical Science program for the 2026-2029 academic years. Eligible schools can receive up to $14,000 to cover participation fees and training costs. This grant encourages public, private, and charter schools across the U.S. to enhance their science curriculum, supporting students with engaging, hands-on learning experiences. Schools must commit to offering specific courses during the grant period to qualify for funding.

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.

ACF General Scholarship

The ACF Scholarship Fund was established in 2008. Any student attending an Arizona public community college or university who demonstrates a financial need, as determined by their Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is eligible to apply. Applicants who have experienced foster care are given preference.

The Medical Student Education Program (MSE) supports public medical schools in states facing primary care provider shortages, aiming to enhance medical education for future physicians. Eligible states include those in the top quartile projected to face shortages by 2038. Currently, 12 states such as Alabama and Texas are recognized, with 23 public medical schools identified as potential beneficiaries. Note that current MSE grantees are ineligible for the 2026 funding cycle.

The Studio Glass Grant, offered by the Arizona Glass Alliance, supports the creation and appreciation of studio art glass. This grant welcomes proposals year-round that align with the AGA's mission to promote education and outreach in the glass art community. Preference is given to Arizona-based applicants and AGA members. Recipients are encouraged to share their experiences through a talk within a year of receiving the grant, highlighting their accomplishments with the funding.

Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services

The Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services provides direct services to Veterans, service members and their families through a number of state and federally funded programs and initiatives including:

• Veteran Benefits Counselors to help Veterans connect with their VA benefits 
• Four skilled-nursing Veterans homes in Flagstaff, Phoenix, Tucson and Yuma to provide long and short-term care
• Three Arizona Veterans’ Memorial Cemeteries in Bellemont, Marana and Sierra Vista.
• Financial Assistance programs with the Veterans’ Donation Fund and Military Family Relief Fund
• Education and Tuition Assistance

Arizona Hall of Fame Grant

The purpose of this program is to support programs, projects, and events that will benefit Arizona's veterans. Through this program, the funding agency intends to engage the community and veterans services organizations in the efforts to inform Arizona's 600,000 veterans about benefits and lawfully assist them in their claims for benefits. Generally, supported initiatives must be compatible with the following objectives:

• Veteran Employment
• Veteran Health/Mental Health
• Legal
• Women/Minority Veteran-Specific Issues
• Veteran Homelessness
• Tribal or Rural
• Transportation
• Social Determinants of Health

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.

The Thunderbirds Scholarship

The Thunderbirds scholarship provides a four-year, full ride opportunity for two Arizona high school graduates (or equivalent) attending either Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, or University of Arizona as an incoming freshman. Applicants must demonstrate academic achievement, and/or overcoming significant odds, as well as demonstrating service and leadership during their high school career. Students are required to live on-campus for at least the first year and will be mentored by Education Forward Arizona. This scholarship will be renewed each year if required criteria is maintained. 

The NIOSH Miner Safety and Health Training Program aims to enhance health and safety training for miners in the Western United States. With mining fatalities significantly higher than the national average, this initiative seeks to address critical training needs by developing effective programs, increasing qualified instructors, and ensuring compliance with existing safety guidelines. By focusing on culturally appropriate training methods and collaborative efforts with other agencies, the program aims to reduce injuries and fatalities in the mining sector.

The Dunkin' Joyful Spaces Grant supports children's hospitals and community health centers in creating joyful environments for pediatric patients. Launched in 2022, this initiative helps fund play areas, healing gardens, and other kid-friendly spaces, enhancing the hospital experience. Grants typically range from $25,000 to $65,000 annually, with a maximum of $150,000 over three years. This opportunity encourages creativity in designing spaces that provide comfort and joy to children and their families during hospital stays.

The Patterson Foundation offers Oral Health Grants to support programs that enhance access to dental care for underserved communities. Eligible 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations can apply for funding up to $35,000 for capacity expansion, $10,000 for personnel support, or $10,000 for program support. The foundation prioritizes projects led by volunteer dental professionals and requires follow-up reports for continued funding. Applications are accepted year-round through a two-step process.

The Freeport-McMoRan Native American College Scholarship supports enrolled tribal members pursuing higher education. Funded by the Freeport-McMoRan Foundation, it offers $3,000 for four-year programs, $1,500 for two-year programs, and $5,000 for graduate studies. Additional funds for trade schools are available, capped at $15,000. Recipients must maintain a 2.5 GPA and engage in the Success Services Program, ensuring academic and career support throughout their educational journey.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation offers the DGLF Summer Reading Grants, which support the development and expansion of summer reading programs aimed at Pre-K to 12th grade students, particularly new and below-grade-level readers, including those with learning disabilities. Eligible organizations, such as nonprofits, schools, and libraries within 15 miles of a Dollar General store, can apply for grants up to $3,000 to foster literacy and education initiatives.

The DGLF Youth Literacy Grants, established by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, aim to enhance literacy among underperforming students in K-12. Organizations such as schools and libraries can apply for funding to implement or expand literacy programs, purchase necessary materials, and acquire technology. With over $159 million awarded to date, the foundation supports efforts that provide equitable education opportunities, ensuring every child has the chance to learn and succeed, regardless of their background.

The NRP Young Investigator Award is designed to support research on optimizing newborn care during delivery using Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) techniques. This grant encourages innovative projects addressing gaps in transitional physiology and resuscitation practices. Eligible applicants include researchers from Canadian and US institutions, particularly those in training or within four years of completing medical training. Awardees may receive up to $15,000 to enhance their skills and knowledge, ultimately improving neonatal outcomes.

The Mutual Self-Help Housing Technical Assistance Grants in Arizona provide essential funding to qualified organizations aimed at facilitating self-help housing construction projects. These grants support very-low- and low-income families in building their own homes, fostering community engagement and skill development. Eligible organizations include non-profits and federally-recognized tribes. Funds can be utilized for technical assistance, recruitment, and related activities, ensuring effective project management while maintaining compliance with specific usage restrictions.

Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation Inc supports independent medical education to enhance healthcare professional competence and improve patient health outcomes. Their mission is to be a global leader in innovative medical education, focusing on evidence-based activities that address critical gaps in knowledge. By fostering excellence in healthcare, they aim to ensure measurable improvements in performance and patient outcomes across various disease areas.

The Bonnycastle Fellowship for Wetland and Waterfowl Research supports graduate students in advancing conservation efforts. Offered by Ducks Unlimited, this fellowship provides up to $17,000 annually for research and personal support. The fellowship emphasizes the importance of research originality, ecological contributions, and feasibility. It is open to all North American graduate students, with a preference for doctoral candidates. The award is renewable for PhD students up to two years, and once for Master's students, contingent on satisfactory progress.