Best Small Grants for Nonprofits in Arizona

The Herb Alpert Young Jazz Composer Awards, supported by The ASCAP Foundation, encourages emerging jazz composers aged 13-30. This annual award offers a platform for creativity and innovation in jazz music. Eligible applicants must submit original works, including a score and recording, by the deadline. Previous winners may apply if their submission is a new piece. The foundation focuses on nurturing talent and enhancing arts education, contributing significantly to the cultural landscape.

The Research Enhancement Award Program (REAP) aims to boost basic and clinical research at health professional and graduate schools that have historically received limited NIH funding. By supporting small-scale research projects led by faculty, REAP fosters student engagement in significant research endeavors, enhancing their educational experience. Eligible institutions must grant advanced degrees in health professions and have received under $6 million in NIH support in four of the last seven years, promoting broader participation in the nation's biomedical research efforts.

The Klingenstein-Simons Fellowship Awards in Neuroscience support early-career investigators conducting basic or clinical research focused on neurological and psychiatric disorders. Awardees receive $150,000 annually for three years, aimed at fostering innovative research that contributes to understanding and treating these disorders. The fellowship encourages applications from underrepresented groups and prioritizes candidates with promising scientific careers who may not have received substantial prior funding, promoting collaboration and mentorship in the neuroscience community.

The Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation Youth Grants empower young changemakers aged 5 to 25 to create impactful projects addressing childhood hunger. Grants of $500 are available to projects engaging at least 50 youth volunteers. Activities must occur during the Sodexo Servathon (April 1 – May 31, 2025) and should focus on sustainable solutions to combat hunger in local communities, encouraging participation from underserved youth.

The Ono Initiative Grant by the Ono Pharma Foundation supports innovative research in Chemical Biology, aiming to transform human health. It welcomes proposals from Principal Investigators (PIs) at nominated institutions, focusing on groundbreaking solutions and promoting the development of young scientists. Grants of up to $1,035,000 over three years are available, fostering collaboration and transformative research aligned with the foundation's mission.

The Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program (ORLP) is a competitive grant initiative by the National Park Service, aimed at enhancing parks and recreational opportunities in urban, underserved communities. This program supports the acquisition, development, and renovation of outdoor recreation areas through federal funding, addressing the needs of community organizations, local governments, and recognized tribes. Applications are accepted twice a year, before June 1 and November 1.

The Oldham Little Church Foundation Grant, established in 1949, has awarded over $53.56 million in facility completion grants to small evangelical Protestant churches across the U.S. The foundation aims to support church renovations and new construction projects, enhancing their ability to serve their communities. Grants typically range from $10,000 to $15,000 and are considered quarterly. Eligible churches must meet specific criteria, including membership size and financial stewardship, to qualify for funding.

The Preserve Route 66 Legacy Business Grant Fund offers financial support to enhance historic sites and stimulate economic growth along the iconic Route 66. Targeting projects that reflect the diverse narratives of historically underrepresented communities, this grant emphasizes mural and painting initiatives in preparation for the 2026 centennial celebration. Grants range from $5,000 to $10,000, with no matching funds required, fostering inclusivity and preservation of cultural heritage along the corridor.

The Fred Jones Family Foundation Grant supports 501(c)(3) organizations in central Oklahoma, focusing on education, arts, and beautification projects. The foundation meets every 90 days to evaluate new donation requests. Eligible applicants must adhere to specific guidelines, including submitting a Board of Directors list with at least six members. The foundation prioritizes projects that enhance the quality of life and foster cultural growth in the region.

The Cottrell SEED: New Research Directions grant supports early career researchers in chemistry, physics, and astronomy to launch innovative projects. With a maximum award of $60,000, this initiative encourages interdisciplinary and exploratory research without requiring preliminary data. Eligible applicants include Cottrell Scholars and Holland Award recipients, with a focus on fostering a diverse scientific community. The grant aims to enhance impactful research and academic leadership, aligning with the mission of the Research Corporation for Science Advancement.

The Cottrell SEED: Exceptional Opportunities grant supports high-impact research activities for Cottrell Scholars and Holland Award recipients. It encourages innovative projects at primarily undergraduate institutions, with a maximum award of $60,000. The initiative aims to advance existing research to new levels of innovation and impact. Eligible applicants include those six years post-Cottrell Scholar Award, with a focus on interdisciplinary collaboration. Preference is given to proposals in Physics and Astronomy in odd years, while Chemistry is prioritized in even years.

The Shubert Foundation is the largest funder in the U.S. providing unrestricted grants to not-for-profit theatres and dance companies. It focuses on supporting professional dance organizations that demonstrate artistic activity, community service, and fiscal responsibility. The foundation emphasizes equity, diversity, and inclusion in its grant-making process, with a commitment to evaluating organizations based on their impact and contributions to the field. Funding is limited to U.S. organizations with established track records.

The Helen M. McLoraine Foster Care and Emancipated Youth Scholarship provides financial support for youth from the foster care system in Colorado. With a minimum award of $1,000, the scholarship is aimed at those pursuing post-secondary education, including trade schools and universities. Recipients are selected based on academic performance, resilience, and financial need, ensuring that deserving individuals receive the assistance they need to succeed in their educational goals.

The Shubert Foundation offers grants to not-for-profit professional theatre and dance companies in the U.S., focusing on general operating support rather than project-specific funding. Eligible organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and a proven track record in artistic and administrative excellence. Evaluations consider artistic achievement, community service, fiscal responsibility, and commitment to diversity and inclusion, ensuring support reaches those making significant contributions to the arts community.

The James McKeen Cattell Sabbatical Grant, provided by the James McKeen Cattell Fund, offers supplementary financial support for psychologists' sabbaticals. This grant is designed for faculty members at U.S. and Canadian institutions who meet specific eligibility criteria, including tenure status and recent leave history. The maximum award is capped at $40,000 or half the recipient's salary, ensuring that recipients can extend their research time effectively.

The First Responders Children's Foundation Scholarship Fund offers college scholarships to children of first responders, emphasizing financial need and academic merit. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.7, provide a current transcript, and demonstrate community involvement. Scholarships are renewable for up to four years based on eligibility criteria. Preference is given to students whose parents have experienced line-of-duty disabilities or deaths. This program supports the educational aspirations of those who have sacrificed for their communities.

The Kids' Chance of New Jersey Scholarship provides financial support for college and vocational education to children of New Jersey workers who have suffered serious injuries or fatalities in work-related accidents. This initiative helps alleviate the financial burdens faced by families during difficult times, ensuring that deserving young individuals can pursue their educational aspirations. Eligible applicants must be dependents aged 18-26 of injured workers with an accepted workers' compensation claim.

The Kids' Chance of Tennessee Scholarship provides vital financial support to young individuals who have lost a parent in a work-related accident or who have experienced severe injuries. This scholarship aims to assist students aged 16-25 who are legal residents of Tennessee, demonstrating financial need and maintaining a GPA of 2.5 or higher. By offering this opportunity, Kids' Chance of Tennessee empowers students to pursue higher education and achieve their academic goals.

The Dr. Ralph and Marian Falk Medical Research Trust offers the Falk Transformational Awards to provide critical bridge funding for successful Catalyst Award recipients. These awards, which can be up to $1M for a period of 2-3 years, aim to advance healthcare innovations, overcome scientific challenges, and promote new treatment avenues. Managed by Health Resources in Action, the program emphasizes improving medical treatments and finding cures for diseases that currently lack definitive solutions.

The Joe and Janet Barr Early Career Cornea and Contact Lens Research Award supports first- or second-year MS or PhD students in vision science or physiological optics. Established in 2012 in honor of Joseph T. Barr, this $2,000 seed funding facilitates research in cornea/ocular surface or contact lenses. Recipients are required to attend the annual American Academy of Optometry meeting and submit progress reports detailing their research outcomes. Preference is given to North American applicants.

The On My Way to Kindergarten Program offers essential resources to prepare children aged 3-5 for kindergarten. Developed with input from educators, it includes a bilingual activity book and online access to games, songs, and crafts in both Spanish and English. Funded by The Larry and Helen Hoag Foundation, this initiative aims to empower at-risk children and their families, ensuring they have the tools needed for a successful transition into school.

The Michigan Sugar Company FFA Mini-Grant aims to support FFA chapters in advancing agricultural education within its growing region. Grants between $500 and $3,000 will be awarded to eligible institutions, focusing on establishing new chapters and enhancing educational resources. Applications are welcomed from any FFA chapter or school district committed to agricultural education. Preference will be given to proposals that include matching funds. This initiative reflects Michigan Sugar Company's dedication to community involvement and responsible growth.

The Nourishing Neighbors Innovation Incubation Fund RFP invites organizations to submit innovative proposals aimed at ending hunger. With flexible funding ranging from $50,000 to $300,000, this initiative encourages diverse ideas, whether small or large-scale. Organizations are required to have a panel of advisors with lived experience and must operate within the U.S. This grant focuses on creating sustainable solutions, ensuring communities can achieve self-sufficiency in food access.

The Health Services Research Grants, offered by the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research, focus on enhancing physical therapy services through evidence-based studies. Researchers are encouraged to explore areas such as therapy utilization, cost-effectiveness, and access barriers using rigorous methodologies. Proposals must align with the 2023 APTA Research Agenda, addressing topics that improve patient outcomes and care delivery, particularly in underserved populations. This initiative aims to elevate the role of physical therapists and optimize healthcare access.

The Disaster Resilience Program Fellowship supports low-income communities affected by disasters by mobilizing lawyers and law students to provide free civil legal aid. This initiative ensures access to essential legal services, helping families navigate recovery barriers. Attorney Fellows receive a salary while Student Fellows earn a stipend for their service. Participants engage in outreach, build community relationships, and receive comprehensive training to enhance their legal skills, contributing to the resilience of affected communities.

The Jonathan and Barbara Silver Foundation offers a $20,000 grant annually to support sculptors and writers on sculpture, promoting creativity and artistic development. This grant is open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents, as well as O-1 Visa holders, who demonstrate a strong commitment to sculpture. Eligible expenses include materials, research, and living costs. The foundation values diversity and does not discriminate based on background, ensuring a wide range of applicants can apply.

The Fund for Teachers Fellowship empowers educators to design personalized learning experiences that enhance their professional skills and student engagement. With over 20 years of experience, this initiative has supported more than 10,000 teachers, enabling them to transform their classrooms through unique fellowship opportunities. Eligible applicants include full-time teachers in the U.S. who have at least three years of teaching experience and plan to return to the classroom after their fellowship. This fellowship fosters innovative teaching practices and collaborative growth.