Best Sustainability Grants in Arizona

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) and government-related organizations in Arizona can seek funding for workforce development, sustainability, and thriving community initiatives through Marathon Petroleum. With a mission to strengthen communities and support environmental conservation, Marathon Petroleum Corporation and Marathon Petroleum Foundation prioritize measurable projects in regions where they have significant operational and employee presence, including Arizona.

Nonprofits and philanthropic organizations working to encourage giving, volunteerism, public service, or long-term nonprofit collaborations in Arizona and beyond can seek support for mission-aligned projects. With a mission to leverage philanthropic resources, The Lodestar Foundation provides opportunity-driven funding nationally and internationally for systemic, collaboration-focused initiatives that strengthen the philanthropic sector.

The Pentair Foundation, a corporate philanthropy initiative, focuses on creating sustainable communities through water solutions and STEM education. With over $80 million in contributions since 1998, the foundation emphasizes ecological resilience, water quality improvement, and youth engagement in science and technology. They prioritize grantmaking in specific U.S. states and international regions, fostering vibrant communities and encouraging employee volunteerism. Initiatives are invitation-only, ensuring a targeted approach to impactful philanthropy.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and government entities serving Maricopa County can seek funding for programmatic, capital campaign, or capital project efforts that enhance health, education, arts, and community well-being. Grants from Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust help Arizona organizations, including those with sustainability-related services or facilities needs, strengthen long-term impact for local residents.

Public agencies, schools, and 501(c)(3)/(c)(4) nonprofits in Maricopa County can seek Quick Grants for youth and amateur sports equipment needs. Focused on promoting active recreation in Arizona, Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority funds smaller projects up to US $5,000 that benefit local schools and communities and demonstrate program sustainability.

Nonprofits and community organizations in Arizona counties served by SA Recycling can seek funding for community services, fire prevention, and law enforcement support projects. Grants from SA Recycling help sustainability-focused groups promote recycling awareness, environmental stewardship, and neighborhood well-being through community programs and partnerships near the company’s local recycling facilities.

Nonprofit affordable housing developers, owners, and operators in Arizona can receive equity grants for permanent supportive housing projects serving individuals and families earning up to 30% AMI. The Arizona Housing Fund, supported by Arizona Community Foundation and administered with LISC Phoenix, may benefit organizations whose sustainability work includes long-term, low-income housing solutions.

Thurston Family Foundation

Thurston Family Foundation leads as an innovative operating family foundation that accelerates the mission of nonprofit organizations in the following areas: social services and healthcare.

Vision: To lead as an innovative operating family foundation, introducing a new philanthropic model that accelerates the mission of nonprofits. Mission: Strengthening nonprofits through strategic systems, partners and funding that delivers lasting impact.

Our Values: Significance (via accountability to high standards and disciplined follow-through, we strive for meaningful impact), Sustainability (we support solutions that endure), Win Together (we inspire collaboration and shared success).

Thurston Family Foundation Grant

The foundation's funding priorities are:

• Organizations serving underserved or vulnerable populations
• Organizations demonstrating strong leadership and sound financial practices
• Programs with clear, measurable outcomes
• Innovative or scalable models addressing root causes
• Collaborative initiatives or cross-sector partnerships

Arizona nonprofits, schools, and government entities supporting women and girls can apply for Freeport-McMoRan Foundation’s Women’s Development Grants to expand education, workforce skills, and small business development. Programs in the foundation’s Arizona operating communities that build financial capability, improve employment, or grow women-led enterprises may be especially relevant for sustainability-focused initiatives.

501(c)(3) organizations in Arizona working on sustainability, environmental education, or environmental stewardship can apply for Otter Tail Corporation Foundation’s project-based funding. Grants may support operating costs or capital needs like equipment and facility improvements, particularly for innovative efforts that create measurable community impact in eligible counties such as Maricopa.

Southern Arizona 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving Native American communities can apply for Community Foundation for Southern Arizona’s Hellene Henrikson Fund, with awards up to US $15,000 for culturally responsive programs in Pima, Santa Cruz, or Cochise counties. Funding may support physical, mental, societal, or economic well-being, which may benefit sustainability-focused initiatives in these areas.

Arizona-based nonprofit organizations leading partnerships to change health-related policies, systems, or practices can apply for Vitalyst Health Foundation’s Systems Change Grants, with awards up to US $175,000. Collaborative projects that improve community health outcomes, address health inequities, and create sustainable, long-term solutions may benefit sustainability-focused efforts in Arizona communities.

The Ken Kendrick Grand Slam Awards, established by the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation, provide significant grants ranging from $25,000 to $100,000 to non-profit organizations in Arizona. These awards focus on impactful projects such as construction, large purchases, and programmatic initiatives aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and client services. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) registered and serve the Arizona community. Applications are encouraged for diverse projects, ensuring sustainability and community benefit.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) public charities in Arizona with sustainable, community-focused projects can apply for Del E Webb Foundation grants ranging from US $5,000 - US $3,000,000. With a mission to invest in productivity that delivers long-term benefits, the foundation supports innovative health, youth, child welfare, and community development programs that progress toward self-sufficiency.

The Summer Youth Program Fund Grant aims to enhance summer programming for Maricopa County youth, providing essential financial support to organizations serving economically disadvantaged youth. Funded by local collaborators, this initiative focuses on promoting personal development and healthy lifestyle activities, while simplifying the grant application process for nonprofits. Organizations can request funding ranging from $5,000 to $25,000, with a total of approximately $615,000 available for distribution. This grant encourages creative programming that addresses childhood obesity and fosters community engagement.

The LGBTQ+ Alliance Fund Grants support innovative programs for the LGBTQ+ community in Southern Arizona, focusing on social justice and equity. Applications open in spring 2026, prioritizing projects led by BIPOC and marginalized groups. Organizations may apply for up to $10,000 in funding, emphasizing collaboration and measurable outcomes. The fund aims to enhance community solidarity, address youth and elder issues, and promote general operating support for effective LGBTQ+ services.

Nonprofits, schools, municipalities, and tribal entities in Arizona’s Yavapai County can apply for Arizona Community Foundation grants of US $1,000 - US $20,000 to support environmental sustainability projects, including conservation and education. Funding can cover programs, capital needs, capacity building, and operating costs that benefit Yavapai County residents.

Arizona 501(c)(3) nonprofits with budgets between $500,000 and $5 million can receive US $5,000 for programs in economic empowerment, community vitality, or developing future leaders. One Az Community Foundation provides Arizona organizations with competitive Community Impact Grants that support financial inclusion, essential services, cultural life, and civic leadership development, which may benefit sustainability-focused initiatives.

Arizona 501(c)(3) organizations, government agencies, schools, universities, municipalities, and tribal entities serving northern Arizona youth can apply for Health First Foundation’s community health grants; awards more than US $50,000 for adolescent health programs. Funding supports collaborative projects improving healthcare access, behavioral and mental health, chronic condition management, and social determinants of health for babies through age 19, including sustainability-related community health initiatives.

Arizona 501(c)(3) nonprofits running youth, sports, or education programs can seek up to US $50,000 in project support that benefits local communities. Focused on community impact, Fiesta Events invites organizations to propose Arizona-based initiatives with clear activities, outcomes, and sustainability plans that serve individuals ages 0–24 through learning, mentorship, or physical activity.

Arizona nonprofit organizations running youth, sports, or education programs can apply for grants of US $15,000 - US $50,000 to expand their community impact. Grants from Fiesta Sports Foundation help Arizona groups fund projects that promote physical fitness, after-school and summer learning, STEM or art education, life skills training, and related youth-focused initiatives.

Organizations in Arizona developing youth and amateur sports facilities or programs can apply for funding to support construction, renovations, lighting, and equipment. With a mission to expand youth sports opportunities, Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority provides up to US $250,000 in matching support for projects in Maricopa County that benefit local schools and communities and demonstrate sustainability.

Nonprofits, schools, government agencies, and tribal organizations in Arizona can seek funding for environmental conservation, education, and related sustainability efforts benefiting the Flagstaff area. With a mission to strengthen communities, Arizona Community Foundation provides grants of US $750 - US $5,000 to support capacity building, direct services, capital needs, and general operations across multiple community-focused fields.

Arizona nonprofit professional theatres can seek funding to produce contemporary, language-based productions addressing current social issues and to support organizational change initiatives. Focused on theatre, Sheri and Les Biller Family Foundation invites 501(c)(3) theatres with at least $1,000,000 in annual revenue to apply for US $10,000 - US $25,000 in production or change capital support.

Community Investment Fund

Community Investment Funds (CIFs) have been established in communities near our operations in Colorado, New Mexico and southeastern Arizona. The CIFs engage community leaders in cultivating and assessing community projects that address identified community priorities (developed at Community Partnership Panels), and allow them to allocate Freeport-McMoRan Foundation funds to programs and projects that encourage a strong focus on local capacity-building, community development and sustainability.

Focus Areas

Education and Workforce Development:

The following are examples of the types of programs we seek in support of the Education & Workforce Development priority and goals.

• PK-12:
  • Professional development programs for teachers and/or school administrators
  • Student preparation, incentive or other programs that drive achievement /performance and matriculation (including early childhood)
  • Classroom equipment or supplies that are proven to drive achievement /performance and are tied to a program or training/professional development
  • Programs that remove barriers or address problems related to lack of performance
  • Programs that engage parents in supporting their student’s achievement in reading, math or the pursuit of graduation and/or enrollment in higher education
  • Research studies, surveys or other activities to identify gaps and needs
• Higher Education:
  • Student counseling or advising services that help students navigate the process of enrollment in a higher ed program
  • Programs that increase access / remove barriers to enrollment or the pursuit of higher ed
  • Teacher/school administrator or counselor training needed to fully understand the higher education landscape, what is available to students and how to access it
  • Student preparation, awareness, incentive or other campaigns or efforts that drive enrollment and attainment
  • Research studies, surveys or other activities to identify gaps and needs

Economic Opportunity:

The following are examples of the types of programs we seek in support of the Economic Opportunity priority and goals.

• Small Business Development:
  • Programs that provide training or skill-building to entrepreneurs on start-up or growth
  • Access to capital programs
  • Other support services that drive start-up, expansion or retention
  • Research studies, surveys or other activities to identify gaps and needs among small business owners
• Affordable Housing:
  • Loan funds or other resource programs that help families access housing options or make housing more affordable for them
  • Housing improvement programs that allow families to stay in safe, quality housing
  • Research studies, surveys or other activities to identify gaps, needs or viable models
• Other Economic Opportunity:
  • Programs that provide transportation to health, education, recreation or other critical activities
  • Programs that increase the availability of and access to quality healthcare facilities and services
  • Projects that create or improve parks or other recreational activities
  • Projects that improve or eliminate blight or beautify high traffic areas in the community
  • Restoration of lands for habitat or public use
  • Projects that improve river or waterway health
• Capacity and Leadership:

The following are examples of the types of programs we seek in support of the Resiliency, Capacity and Leadership priority and goals.

• Programs that provide leadership or other skills for staff, board, volunteers or other community constituents to improve organizational or community performance.
• Organizational self-assessment or diagnoses activities to determine gaps and needs.
• Efforts to develop leadership succession plans that protect and prolong organizational effectiveness.
• Planning initiatives to evaluate, identify and/or consider supports needed to weather future economic disruptions (commodities market or global economy downturns, health pandemics, technological disruptors to the future of jobs/economies, etc.)
• Programs, training or other efforts that aid organizations in understanding the broader social context of which they are part and how they can collectively mobilize to address community needs and create resiliency.
• The development of leadership networks as a tool for transformative social change and amplifying impact across social systems or issues.
• Projects to increase citizen engagement in solving or addressing community challenges or opportunities.

This philosophy includes securing and maintaining our social license to operate and delivering transformation through robust stakeholder engagement and consultation, social investment, and impact evaluation. 

Health-focused organizations improving community wellness in Arizona can seek funding for innovative projects that enhance population health and address social determinants of health. The Legacy Foundation of Southeast Arizona provides grants up to US $50,000 for collaborative, sustainable initiatives benefiting residents of Cochise County and eastern Santa Cruz County, which may include locally driven sustainability and environmental health efforts.

Arizona nonprofits working on environment, community development, or related sustainability initiatives can use this funding for programs in eligible APS service territories. Grants from Arizona Public Service Company support efforts such as environmental stewardship, clean energy transition, rural and community development, and basic human needs, with priority for under-resourced populations across Arizona counties.