Best Small Grants for Nonprofits in Arizona

The Arts Fund Grants provide vital support for emerging artists from Australia and the USA, facilitating their artistic development through grants of up to $5,000. This funding can be used for travel, living expenses, tuition, and other related costs. Eligible applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of either country and have a formal offer from an accredited institution. The program emphasizes merit-based opportunities across various artistic fields, fostering international collaboration and cultural exchange.

The Recreational Trails Program, reauthorized by the bipartisan infrastructure law, provides funding for various recreational trail uses, including hiking, biking, and motorized vehicle activities. The Trail Maintenance Program focuses on non-motorized projects, offering $10,000 to $100,000 for routine maintenance and improvements of existing trails. Eligible applicants include governmental entities and non-profits, ensuring trail sustainability and accessibility for all users.

The Water and Waste Facility Loans and Grants program aims to provide safe drinking water and waste disposal services to low-income communities on Tribal lands, addressing significant health risks. Eligible applicants include federally-recognized Tribes, state and local governments, and nonprofit organizations. Funding can be used for constructing essential water and waste systems, and while matching funds are typically required, a full grant is possible under certain conditions. Applications are accepted year-round.

The Recreational Trails Program (RTP) offers funding for both motorized and non-motorized trail projects, promoting safe and environmentally responsible recreational use. With up to $10,000 available per project, eligible applicants include government entities and non-profits. Projects can range from trailhead kiosks to educational programs, ensuring diverse community engagement. This initiative, reauthorized through the bipartisan infrastructure law, aims to enhance access to and the quality of recreational trails across states.

The Sabbatical Research and Education Grant, offered by Western SARE, enables faculty worldwide to collaborate with farmers and researchers in the Western U.S. This program focuses on conducting innovative research and educational outreach in underserved regions, with an emphasis on unexplored topics. Grants up to $75,000 are available for projects spanning one year, promoting agricultural sustainability and community involvement.

The Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Fund offers large scale grants for projects aimed at developing and maintaining trails in Arizona. Established in 1991, it allocates approximately $2 million annually from motor vehicle fuel taxes to support OHV management. Eligible applicants include government entities, non-profits, and clubs. Funds can be used for land acquisition, trail design, and law enforcement, among other purposes, ensuring sustainable outdoor recreational opportunities.

The Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Fund offers small scale grants of up to $100,000 for projects aimed at developing and maintaining trails, as well as enhancing support facilities for off-highway vehicle recreation in Arizona. Established in 1991, this fund is supported by a portion of motor vehicle fuel taxes and is available to various entities including governmental bodies and non-profit organizations. The initiative promotes responsible OHV use while supporting law enforcement and environmental compliance.

The Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Fund provides essential financial support for managing off-highway vehicle (OHV) activities in Arizona. Established in 1991, it allocates a portion of motor vehicle fuel taxes to fund projects, with approximately $2 million available annually. The Emergency and Mitigation Grants, offering up to $100,000 per project, assist in addressing urgent trail damages caused by vandalism, fire, and weather, ensuring safe recreational environments for all users.

The Standard's Corporate Giving Program emphasizes community support and employee engagement, reflecting its foundational mission to enhance financial well-being. Established in 1906, the program focuses on Healthy Communities, Disability and Empowerment, Cultural Development, and Education. With a funding range of $500 to $25,000, it aims to make a substantial impact in the lives of individuals and families facing challenges. The Standard Charitable Foundation, launched in 2006, further extends this commitment by supporting organizations that align with its philanthropic goals.

The Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants in Arizona provide vital support to eligible communities facing emergencies that threaten safe drinking water availability. This program is designed for state and local governments, nonprofit organizations, and federally recognized tribes in rural areas. Funding can be used for water transmission line repairs, construction of water sources, and related infrastructure improvements. These efforts aim to restore access to clean water and enhance resilience against future disasters.

The Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Fund provides essential support for law enforcement agencies involved in managing off-highway vehicle activities in Arizona. Established in 1991, this fund allocates approximately $2 million annually for projects that enhance safety and compliance. Grants of up to $100,000 are available for law enforcement efforts related to OHV management, ensuring effective use of funds for equipment and personnel. This initiative promotes responsible recreation while safeguarding natural resources.

The NIDCD is offering funding to advance HIV/AIDS research, particularly focusing on areas related to communication disorders. This initiative supports low-risk clinical trials and encourages researchers to align their proposals with high priority topics identified by the NIH Office of AIDS Research. Applications must be submitted by the local deadline, with optional Letters of Intent due 30 days prior to the proposal deadline. This opportunity aims to enhance understanding and treatment in this crucial health area.

The USDA Rural Development program provides essential loans and grants to improve water and waste disposal services in low-income communities, specifically targeting Colonias recognized before 1989. This initiative aims to alleviate health risks associated with inadequate access to safe drinking water and waste management. Eligible applicants include federally-recognized tribes and local governments, with funds supporting the construction of vital infrastructure to ensure community health and sustainability.

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.

Valle del Sol’s Rosa Carrillo Torres Memorial Scholarship

This fund provides scholarships for seniors in good standing who will graduate from the Phoenix Union High School District and are of Hispanic heritage. Preference is given to low income and first generation to attend college. Preference given to, but not limited to, students pursuing a major in a health care field or communications.

The SEARCH Grant provides essential support for very small, financially distressed rural communities by funding predevelopment feasibility studies and technical assistance for water and waste disposal projects. Eligible applicants include state and local governments, nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes. Funds can be used for feasibility studies, design analysis, and technical help in securing financial assistance, ensuring improvements in rural infrastructure and community health.

This funding opportunity invites innovative pilot studies focused on biological, behavioral, and social mechanisms related to HIV pathogenesis, aligning with NIDDK's mission and NIH HIV/AIDS research priorities. Topics may include exploring pathophysiological mechanisms of HIV comorbidities and coinfections, understanding HIV reservoirs in relevant tissues, and examining social determinants affecting health outcomes. Applications are due by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization.

With support from Toyota Motor North America, the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) is pleased to announce $250,000 in grant funding to make public lands more accessible and enjoyable for people of all abilities. The 2026 grant program will focus on communities near Toyota Motor North America facilities and is restricted to 16 communities, as detailed below. 

Overview

Through the 2026 Driving Mobility and Accessibility on Public Lands grant, NEEF aims to:

• Increase the capacity of local organizations and government agencies to address mobility and accessibility considerations on public lands; and
• Improve the level of access, comfort, and enjoyment experienced by public lands visitors of all abilities, together with their families and friends.

The grant will provide up to $20,000 per grantee to increase physical or digital access, provide adaptive recreation equipment or programming, or perform accessibility assessments on public lands in communities near 16 Toyota Motor North America facilities.

The Saint-Gobain Corporation Foundation Direct Grants program provides support to non-profit organizations in focus areas including STEM education, sustainable construction, and workforce development. The foundation aims to foster community development and environmental stewardship. Eligible applicants include IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) organizations and accredited educational institutions in the U.S. The Foundation prioritizes partnerships that allow employee involvement and volunteer support, aiming to build meaningful relationships with grantees.

Creative Capacity Grant

A grant is a form of financial assistance. The State of Arizona sets aside a certain amount of money to invest in projects that have strong potential for public benefit.

Through Creative Capacity Grants (CCGs) the State provides general operating support to nonprofit organizations whose primary mission is to produce, present, teach, or serve the arts.

CCGs are available to organizations of all sizes, but application requirements vary.

Who is it for?

Organizations may apply for Creative Capacity Grants, levels 1-5, if they…

• are based in Arizona,
• are incorporated as a nonprofit organization* with tax-exempt status, or are a unit of municipal or tribal government,
• have a primary mission to produce, present, teach, or serve the arts,
• have an annual budget of at least $4,000 and up to $399.999, and
• will incur eligible expenses during the funding period (July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027).

* Unincorporated organizations that are otherwise eligible and whose annual budget is below $200,000 may apply through a nonprofit fiscal sponsor.

Creative Capacity Grant

A grant is a form of financial assistance. The State of Arizona sets aside a certain amount of money to invest in projects that have strong potential for public benefit.

Through Creative Capacity Grants (CCGs) the State provides general operating support to nonprofit organizations whose primary mission is to produce, present, teach, or serve the arts.

CCGs are available to organizations of all sizes, but application requirements vary.

Who is it for?

Organizations may apply for Creative Capacity Grants, levels 6-8, if they…

• are based in Arizona,
• are incorporated as a nonprofit organization with tax-exempt status, or are a unit of municipal or tribal government,
• have a primary mission to produce, present, teach, or serve the arts,
• have a minimum annual budget of $400,000, and
• will incur eligible expenses during the funding period (July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027)*

Unincorporated organizations that are otherwise eligible and whose annual budget is below $200,000 may apply through a nonprofit fiscal sponsor.

The Sprouting School Gardens Grant, provided by the Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation, supports school-based gardening and cooking programs to foster healthy eating habits in children. Grants between $5,000 and $10,000 help cover program operations, supplies, and educator stipends. Eligible applicants include schools and 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas served by Sprouts Farmers Market, promoting meaningful connections between local teams and school gardening initiatives.

The Pipeline Grants Competition by the Russell Sage Foundation aims to bolster early-career scholars and enhance diversity in the social sciences. It supports innovative research focusing on economic mobility and systemic inequalities in the U.S. Eligible applicants can receive up to $35,000 individually or $50,000 in teams. The foundation emphasizes methodological diversity and interdisciplinary collaboration, encouraging novel data usage. Projects should align with RSF's mission to improve social conditions, prioritizing underrepresented scholars from under-resourced institutions.

Town of Gilbert

The Town of Gilbert is a high performing service organization, employing over 1,200 people who provide roughly 250 lines of service to the community. Our mission is to Anticipate. Create. Help People. We're working to become the City of the Future and keep the thriving community that Gilbert is today well into the future. We are proud of our culture, which reflects our shared values, beliefs and practices. It's our behavioral compass, and who we aspire to be.

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)

The Town of Gilbert is now accepting applications for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Public Services NOFO. This federal funding opportunity supports nonprofit and public service agencies that deliver essential services—such as homeless assistance and administrative support at the Heritage Center—to benefit low- and moderate-income residents.

Public Services — Homeless Services

Purpose

The Town of Gilbert is seeking proposals from qualified organizations to provide an Outreach Navigator for the Gilbert Homeless Services Program. The selected organization will be responsible for providing resources for emergency shelter, case management, outreach, connection to resources, and supportive services to individuals experiencing homelessness within Gilbert.

Navigation services will be available Monday through Friday through street outreach and in-office assessments. The selected organization will utilize the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) to track client data and program outcomes.

The Gilbert program operates in collaboration with AZEND’s I-HELP program, which provides shelter 365 days per year.

The Creative West Artist Fund supports artists and cultural practitioners across 16 states, providing essential funding and resources to enhance their emotional and financial well-being. Rooted in values of Democracy, Wellness, and Belonging, this initiative offers no-strings-attached funding alongside coaching and community care. It aims to empower artists as vital contributors to the creative economy, while promoting equitable and trust-based grantmaking practices. The fund serves to foster a rich creative community through collaboration and support.

Year-End FY26 Arizona Automobile Theft Authority Grants

Approximately $30,000 is available for all year-end projects. All grant applications are due by May 29, 2026, and are submitted through the Ecivis grant management system. The AATA Board of Directors will review and approve grant awards at the June 19, 2026, meeting.

The AATA’s Vehicle Theft Reduction Grant Programs provide funding to combat and reduce the number of vehicle crimes in Arizona communities. Grants are awarded annually to the Arizona Vehicle Theft Task Force (VTTF) and Local Grants, including Vertical Prosecution, Law Enforcement, Professional Training, and Public Awareness/Prevention programs.

Once approved, contracts are generated for signature by an authorized representative of the grantee and the AATA prior to funding being issued.    

Agencies are required to submit monthly or quarterly financial and performance reports within the Ecivis Grant Management System. 

Non-supplanting requirements:

• Monies expended from the Automobile Theft Prevention Fund shall not be used to supplant other monies that are available for vehicle theft prevention.
• Each grantee shall certify that the Arizona Automobile Theft Authority funds will not be used to replace State or local funds that would have been available in the absence of grant funds. This certification shall be incorporated in each grant application.

Award Amount:

$500.00 (min)-$20,000.00 (max)

The Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Assistance Fund offers crucial financial support and counseling for individuals in the theatrical exhibition and distribution sectors facing health-related challenges. This fund assists with medical expenses, housing emergencies, and essential services like vocational rehabilitation and equipment aid. Eligible applicants must have a minimum of three years in exhibition or five years in distribution. The fund aims to provide a safety net for those impacted by illness, injury, or significant life changes.

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.