Best Small Grants for Nonprofits in Arizona

The H. Branch Howe Grant, offered by the Georgia Ornithological Society, supports graduate students conducting ornithological research in Georgia. This grant encourages the scientific study of birds and conservation efforts, providing funding for research that enhances knowledge of avian life. Eligibility is limited to graduate students in Georgia, and preference is given to projects within state boundaries. The GOS aims to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing among those passionate about birds and nature.

The USDA Forest Service's Invasive Species Program funding opportunity invites proposals aimed at enhancing invasive species prevention. By leveraging existing research and knowledge, projects can create actionable solutions to protect American agriculture. This initiative seeks to connect scientific insights with practical regulatory improvements, thereby reducing the introduction and establishment of new invasive pests. Previous research, including horizon scanning and monitoring sentinel trees, serves as a foundation for developing effective strategies.

Community Foundation for Mason County, MI

At the Community Foundation for Mason County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues. As a leader in community philanthropy, building a vibrant community with great opportunities for all, we are focused on advancing education, increasing recreation opportunities, and community and economic development.

The mission of the Community Foundation is to engage donors and connect them with opportunities to make a lasting impact, build community endowment, provide leadership on key issues, and make grants that reflect the communities we serve.

Miller Family Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Michael K. Miller, who established the Miller Family Scholarship Fund of the Community Foundation for Mason County. This scholarship is presented to instrumentalists graduating from Ludington High School.

The FY26 Bureau of Land Management Forest and Woodlands Resource Management program aims to enhance forest health and promote sustainable management practices. It supports initiatives under Executive Order 14225 and The One Big Beautiful Bill, focusing on fire resiliency, habitat conservation, and recovery from pests and diseases. Activities may include tree planting, thinning, and vegetation control, alongside necessary planning and analysis for compliance with environmental regulations.

The FY26 Bureau of Land Management Invasive and Noxious Plant Management program focuses on preventing and controlling invasive species that threaten public lands and native plant communities. These invasive plants impose significant economic burdens and disrupt ecosystems. The program aims to enhance detection, rapid response, and education on invasive species, while also promoting rehabilitation efforts and biological control to protect valuable resources on public lands.

Wilson Ornithological Society

The earliest stages of the Wilson Ornithological Society’s development began with the formation of the “Young Ornithologists’ Association,” initiated in 1886 under the leadership of L. O. Pindar and J. B. Richards. They began as a corresponding group of naturalists interested in birds, with notes published in The Oölogist.

Soon after, the Society acquired a constitution and established itself in December 1888 as the Wilson Ornithological Chapter of the Agassiz Association. The fledgling group was named in honor of Alexander Wilson, considered the Father of American Ornithology. Its original purpose was “the study of birds, their nests, and eggs.”

Over the subsequent decades, the group—eventually becoming known as the Wilson Ornithological Club—published its proceedings and articles under a series of diverse titles, culminating in The Wilson Bulletin after 1894 and, most recently, The Wilson Journal of Ornithology. The Club adopted its Constitution and Bylaws in 1930 and became the Wilson Ornithological Society in 1955.

Early Professional Avian Conservation and Community Impact Award

The Early Professional Avian Conservation and Community Impact Award recognizes outstanding contributions by Wilson Ornithological Society (WOS) members working in applied, non-research careers that advance the conservation of birds and their habitats. This award also celebrates professionals whose work fosters a stronger and more inclusive conservation community, through management, education, communication, advocacy, or community engagement.

Purpose

This award highlights the diverse pathways through which people contribute to lasting ornithology and avian conservation beyond academic research. It honors those whose efforts build bridges between science, management, and the public; inspire action for birds; provide mentorship or leadership to build capacity; and promote equity, inclusion, and accessibility within the bird conservation community.

Examples of Qualifying Contributions

• Developing and implementing habitat management or conservation plans.
• Creating tools, educational materials, or outreach programs that promote bird conservation.
• Leading advocacy, communications, or storytelling that inspires conservation action.
• Building partnerships or community engagement initiatives that strengthen conservation impact.
• Advancing conservation policy or planning at local, regional, or national scales.

Award and Presentation

The recipient will be recognized at the 2026 Wilson Ornithological Society Annual Meeting, where they will be invited to share their work with attendees. The award includes:

• A monetary honorarium
• An original piece of artwork from an early-career artist
• Coverage of meeting registration, travel, lodging, and per diem expenses

The DFO Research, Education, and Conservation Grant supports projects focused on birds and their habitats, prioritizing initiatives in the Denver area and Colorado's Front Range. Established in 1994, the fund encourages research, education, and conservation efforts with grants typically under $2,000. Recent funded projects include studies on owl habitats and educational programs for young birders. The fund aims to advance knowledge and appreciation of avian species through targeted financial support.

The Eastern Bank Foundation (EBF) is dedicated to empowering communities through its Neighborhood Donations initiative. By investing over $16 million in local organizations, EBF aims to support vital services and promote equity in Eastern Massachusetts, Southern New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. This program allows contributions to non-501(c)(3) organizations, reinforcing EBF's commitment to partnership and community-driven solutions, with donations typically ranging from $100 to $1,000.

Our Mission and Vision

The Wright Foundation for Sustainability and Innovation exists to foster innovative sustainability initiatives that make a positive impact on our planet. We want to find solutions to the complex challenges facing our world today.

Our vision is to facilitate positive action toward sustainable and innovative solutions in agricultural and environmental sectors that reduce carbon footprints and minimize risk for our communities.

Grant Programs

Wright Foundation for Sustainability and Innovation administers projects directly funded by donors that help reduce carbon footprints through carbon positive practices and emission offsetting. The foundation holds open application periods for projects in the contiguous United States, Puerto Rico and Canada that focus on reducing environmental risk through regenerative agricultural practices, habitat restoration and using natural energy sources to make our communities more sustainable.

Reducing Carbon Footprints

The foundation supports projects that work to reduce carbon footprints through the following initiatives.

Habitat Reclamation

• Restoration of habitats creates spaces for native flora and fauna and microorganisms to survive. Natural landscapes are integral to functioning ecosystems and increasing biodiversity, not to mention creating habitats for pollinator species like bees and butterflies that we so desperately need for agricultural success.

Regenerative Agriculture

• Regenerative agricultural practices have a far-reaching impact on the industry and our lives. We aim to reduce carbon emissions by fostering projects that innovate row crop sustainability and dairy, beef, pork and poultry operations to create practices that are sustainable for years to come.

Renewable Energy

• We care about carbon positive practices that harness renewable resources like solar, wind and biomass for improved efficiencies and overall reduction in use. Organic matter often sourced from agricultural production, garbage and tree pruning can be converted to energy in various ways, recycling it back into the agricultural operation that created it or fueling our communities.

Soil

• Soil sequestering practices have wide-reaching benefits like restoring and building organic matter in the soil and increasing biodiversity. It boosts water infiltration and retention and reduces erosion. Through practices like no till, applying organic matter like manure and biochar, and planting cover crops, we improve soil health as well as take CO2 out of the atmosphere.

Tree Planting

• Planting trees is a simple act that makes a huge impact in our urban, suburban and rural communities. They provide shade, release oxygen and improve air quality, improve soil quality and biodiversity, all of which contributes to offsetting carbon emissions.  

• Water
• We want to find ways to protect and restore the integrity of our water resources. We aim to fund projects focused on practices that create efficiencies and reduce the agricultural production impact on water quality and benefit our communities by conserving one of our most important natural resources. 

John Harsch Regenerative Agriculture Grant

Funding for projects adopting best regenerative agricultural management practices that impact one or several of these areas:

• Improve water quality
• Reduce soil erosion
• Increase soil health index
• Reduce synthetic fertilizer use
• Increase effective manure use as a fertilizer
• Increase biodiversity
• Reduce methane and nitrous oxide emissions

The Desalination and Water Purification Research Program, led by the Bureau of Reclamation, aims to enhance water supply through innovative research in water treatment technologies. This initiative seeks proposals for laboratory and pilot-scale projects that demonstrate significant benefits and commercialization pathways. By addressing cost and energy barriers, the program aligns with federal priorities to improve resource management and support the development of sustainable water solutions for the American public.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Coastal Program offers vital technical and financial support for projects aimed at protecting and restoring fish and wildlife habitats in priority coastal ecosystems. Collaborating with conservation partners, the program ensures that all projects are scientifically sound and align with the missions of the Department of the Interior. Applicants must contact a local office for guidance before applying, ensuring projects meet strategic conservation goals.

The Ittleson Foundation, established in 1932, focuses on enhancing mental health, AIDS prevention, and environmental initiatives. It funds not-for-profit organizations aiming to improve public policy and the lives of citizens. The Foundation is particularly interested in innovative projects addressing mental health stigma, advancing preventative efforts, and supporting underserved populations. While it funds new initiatives, it does not typically support capital projects, endowments, or direct service programs outside New York City.

NAFC Open Grant/Product Donation Applications

The National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC) is the only nonprofit 501c(3) organization whose mission is solely focused on the issues and needs of the medically underserved throughout the nation and the more than 1,400 Free and Charitable Clinics that serve them. The NAFC has earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar and a 4-Star rating from Charity Navigator. Founded in 2001 and headquartered near Washington, D.C., the NAFC is working to ensure that the medically underserved have access to affordable quality healthcare and strives to be a national voice promoting quality healthcare for all. For more information about the NAFC, including how to become a member, please visit https://www.nafcclinics.org.

Medication Therapy Management (MTM) Initiative

The Medication Therapy Management (MTM) Initiative, supported by the McKesson Foundation and administered by the NAFC, aims to improve medication access, adherence, and patient understanding among uninsured and medically underserved populations. Individuals without health insurance often face significant barriers to obtaining prescription medications and receiving the counseling necessary to manage chronic conditions effectively. Through this initiative, NAFC will provide $30,000 grants to member free and charitable clinics and pharmacies to establish or expand Medication Therapy Management programs aligned with recommendations from the American Pharmacists Association. Funding will support activities such as staff certification in MTM, development of standardized protocols, and patient education to help individuals better understand their medications, manage side effects, and support overall treatment plans. By strengthening pharmacist-led care and improving communication between providers and patients, this initiative seeks to enhance medication adherence, improve chronic disease management, and advance better health outcomes for vulnerable patient populations.

NAFC Open Grant/Product Donation Applications

The National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC) is the only nonprofit 501c(3) organization whose mission is solely focused on the issues and needs of the medically underserved throughout the nation and the more than 1,400 Free and Charitable Clinics that serve them. The NAFC has earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar and a 4-Star rating from Charity Navigator. Founded in 2001 and headquartered near Washington, D.C., the NAFC is working to ensure that the medically underserved have access to affordable quality healthcare and strives to be a national voice promoting quality healthcare for all. For more information about the NAFC, including how to become a member, please visit https://www.nafcclinics.org.

NAFC Capacity Fund

The NAFC Capacity Fund supports investments that strengthen clinic and pharmacy infrastructure and organizational effectiveness. This funding is designed to help NAFC members build the systems, tools, and capabilities needed to operate more efficiently, improve quality, and expand their ability to serve patients over time.

The BJA FY 2026 Smart Reentry Demonstration Program aims to support state, local, and tribal governments in implementing effective reentry strategies for individuals transitioning from correctional facilities back to their communities. This program encourages comprehensive interventions designed to reduce recidivism by addressing various reentry needs, as outlined in the Second Chance Act. Applications are due by October 1, 2026, at 8:59 PM ET, and are submitted through JustGrants.

The Lasher-Bottorff Award, established by the American Association of Avian Pathologists, recognizes outstanding contributions to poultry health. It honors Dr. Hiram N. Lasher and Dr. C. A. Bottorff, pivotal figures in avian medicine. The award, valued at $1,000, is presented annually to a veterinarian who has made significant advancements in avian diagnostics or technical services over the past decade, promoting the health and productivity of poultry in North America.

The Jobs Plus NOFO for FY2026, issued by the US HUD's Office of Public and Indian Housing, aims to enhance job opportunities for public housing residents. This initiative encourages innovative programs that prepare individuals for employment in high-demand fields, ultimately fostering economic stability within communities. By focusing on workforce development, this funding opportunity seeks to empower residents through education and training, paving the way for long-term success and self-sufficiency.

The Richard and Mary Myerly Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Washington County, MD, supports low-income students pursuing careers in photography or fine arts at accredited institutions. Established in memory of Richard and Mary Myerly, this scholarship invites applications from students in Washington County and surrounding areas, promoting educational opportunities and honoring community values. With over 100 scholarships available, this initiative aims to empower the next generation of artists and photographers.

The Blake-Nuttall Fund Grants, offered by the Nuttall Ornithological Club Inc, support vital ornithological research, conservation, and education efforts focused on the birds of New England and the Northeast. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, while applications from individuals or private foundations are not considered. This initiative aims to foster a deeper understanding and protection of avian species in the region.

Common Waters: Strengthening Community-based Coastal and Riverine Stewardship

Opportunity Overview

Projects supported by this RFP must be community-based stewardship initiatives (including but not limited to stewardship driven by Indigenous and descendant communities); they should be led by an individual with a strong connection to and/or an existing track record of work in the community(ies) where the project will take place, or by a member of the community themselves, and be designed in response to community needs. Projects can focus on a wide range of specific issues, including (but not limited to) local conservation and ecosystem restoration, climate change adaptation and resilience, or sustainable fishing/agriculture. The RFP will prioritize projects in National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions destinations, including the Arctic, Asia, Baja California, Costa Rica and Panama, Europe and the Mediterranean, Patagonia, the Peruvian Amazon, the Pacific Northwest, Southeast Alaska and British Columbia, the South Pacific, and the United Kingdom and Ireland. For more detailed information on targeted areas within these regions, please refer to the targeted areas document.

The Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP), established by Congress in 1988, aims to fund organizations to combat discriminatory housing practices. The Education and Outreach Initiative (EOI) educates stakeholders about their rights under fair housing laws. Key components include the National Media Campaign, which promotes fair housing awareness nationally, and local programs that support community-based outreach. HUD oversees the process, ensuring compliance and monitoring of funded initiatives to enhance fair housing practices.

The See, Test & Treat Grant offers funding for a pathologist-led cancer screening program aimed at underserved communities. With a focus on health education, the program provides vital cervical and breast cancer screenings, ensuring same-day results and follow-up care. Eligible institutions can apply for funding up to $20,000 for single-year projects or up to $50,000 over three years. This initiative addresses health disparities, empowers communities, and enhances the visibility of pathology in healthcare.

The GSF Foundation Grant supports 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations that enhance the lives of children and families in need. Applications must be submitted by a current GSF Associate who nominates the organization and its project. Since 2002, the foundation has funded over 600 organizations nationwide. It emphasizes personal involvement and contributions from associates, focusing on essential needs such as education tools, food, and shoes for children. Grants are reviewed at local and national meetings.

The Hawk Watch Fund Grant, established by the Hawk Migration Association of North America (HMANA), supports hawk watch sites in North America facing funding challenges. Grants of up to $1000 are available for volunteer-based projects that align with HMANA's mission of promoting raptor conservation and migration study. Funding is sourced from HMANA's annual Raptorthon and donations. This initiative aims to enhance educational resources, equipment acquisition, and operational support for hawk watch groups.

The AUKUS Scholarship, part of the Graduate Education Fund, supports American and Australian graduate students in security, technology, and diplomacy fields. Applicants must be citizens or permanent residents, with an offer from an accredited institution. The scholarship provides up to $40,000 for tuition, travel, and living expenses. Applications are due in March for Australia to USA and in September for USA to Australia. This initiative strengthens ties and promotes research in critical areas.

About Us

Overview

The Alaska Community Foundation connects people who care to the causes that make a difference and matter most to them. We encourage and nurture philanthropy through building and managing permanent endowments, convening stakeholders, working with partners to strengthen Alaskan communities, and providing donors with flexible giving options that are strategic to their philanthropic objectives. ACF also manages the Pick.Click.Give. program.

Mission

Inspiring the spirit of giving and connecting people, organizations, and causes to strengthen Alaska’s communities now and forever.

Vision

ACF envisions an Alaska where communities come together and have resources to thrive.

Stassel Education Scholarship Fund

The Stassel Fund was established in memory of Fred L. and Jean N. Stassel who came to Alaska on their honeymoon in 1949, making Anchorage their home for over 60 years until they passed away in 2017 and 2011 respectively. Here they raised 6 children, celebrated Alaska's statehood in 1959, survived the 1964 earthquake, and became active in the community and state. The Fund honors their dedication to education and service to others focusing on creating opportunities for all Alaskans, especially the vulnerable and most in need. Fred and Jean valued education, hard work, integrity, justice, respect, and care for all people. They were both educators, commercial fishers, and very active in social services through the United Methodist Church and other organizations. Fred was very influential in establishing the now-named Credit Union 1, and Jean was active with The League of Women Voters. They would be honored to know that deserving Alaskans were able to pursue their educational goals with the help of scholarships from the Stassel Education Fund.

The Unity for Humanity Grant invites innovative creators to submit impact-driven projects that utilize real-time 3D technology. This annual grant provides funding, technical support, and marketing resources to help bring visionary ideas to life. Projects must align with UN Sustainable Development Goals and demonstrate measurable impact. Eligible submissions include prototypes across various genres, fostering a more inclusive and sustainable world. Join us in empowering changemakers to make a positive global difference.