Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits in Arizona

The NCDDG program supports innovative research aiming to discover and develop new treatments for mental disorders, including substance use and alcohol use disorders. This initiative encourages collaborations between academic and industry partners to advance neurostimulation techniques and drug/device development. Applicants are invited to submit proposals that focus on specific projects utilizing the U01 mechanism, with a clear emphasis on rationally designed candidate agents and cutting-edge technologies. Letters of Intent are encouraged 30 days prior to the submission deadline.

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)

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.

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.

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.

The Tree Campus Higher Education Program, initiated by the Arbor Day Foundation, encourages colleges and universities to enhance their green spaces and community forests. By participating, institutions can reduce energy consumption, combat climate change, and promote mental health among students and staff. The program offers recognition and resources for schools to foster environmental stewardship, making campuses healthier and more beautiful while instilling pride in their commitment to 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.

The Morfessis Family Scholarship

Education has been a core value of the Morfessis family, and college attainment a passion and goal for all of its members. To assist others who are driven toward similar goals, the Morfessis Family, in conjunction with the Helios Education Foundation, has established a scholarship fund. This fund was established to support Arizona women pursuing a bachelor’s degree in select in-demand career fields at one of Arizona’s three public universities or at one of the state’s community colleges that offer bachelor’s degrees.

This scholarship is renewable.

Substance Use Block Grant (SUBG) Program

The Substance Use Block Grant (SUBG) is awarded through the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) and administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The GOYFF invests $5 million in Arizona organizations to implement substance use prevention and early intervention services to youth, adults, families, and communities. SUBG dollars allow organizations to develop and implement evidence-based drug prevention programs, screening, and behavioral health and substance abuse assessments.

Funding is also allocated to the Trauma-Informed Substance Abuse Prevention Program (TISAPP), which aims to prevent substance abuse by supporting and expanding the use of trauma-informed care principles. The program uses culturally competent evidence-based programs and promising practices to increase protective factors, build resilience, and raise awareness of the impact of trauma. Organizations that receive funding develop programs to address the use and misuse of vaping, alcohol, wax pens, marijuana, polysubstance, or other community-identified drug trends.

About

Our Mission

We are committed to serving and honoring Veterans, Service Members and their families by ensuring they receive the highest quality services so they can thrive for a lifetime.

Arizona Veterans, service members and their families will have no barriers to benefits and services they have earned.

Military Family Relief Fund

What is the Arizona Military Family Relief Fund?

The Arizona Military Family Relief Fund (MFRF) was created to provide financial assistance to active duty service members, Veterans, and their families for unforeseen financial hardships caused by the service member’s military service. MFRF is open to both pre 9/11 and post 9/11 service members. MFRF is designed to bridge the gap for basic living expenses caused by unforeseen circumstances. Basic living expenses include, but are not limited to rental assistance, vehicle payments, utility assistance, etc. Common finances not covered by MFRF are VA debts, education, child support, credit cards, legal fees, etc.

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 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 Ashland County Wildlife Conservation League David McClure Memorial Scholarship supports graduating seniors from Ashland County high schools and alternative education programs pursuing a degree in wildlife-related fields. Applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher and be accepted into accredited colleges or vocational programs. This scholarship fosters educational growth while promoting conservation efforts, reflecting the commitment of the Ashland County Community Foundation to enhance community development and support future leaders in wildlife conservation.

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 

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 Department of Homeland Security

Mission Statement

To protect Arizona by providing strategic direction and access to resources that will enable all of the State’s homeland security subrecipient stakeholders to achieve our collective goals of preventing terrorist attacks in Arizona, enhancing border security, heightening cybersecurity efforts, reducing Arizona's vulnerability to all critical hazards, building the resiliency of Arizona, and enhancing the capacity and expertise to plan for, mitigate, respond to and recover from all critical hazards that affect the safety, well-being and economic security of Arizona.

AZDOHS administers and manages federal homeland security grants related to terrorism prevention and protecting Arizona from all hazards.

State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSGP)

The SHSGP assists state, tribal and local preparedness activities that address high-priority preparedness gaps across all core capabilities and mission areas where a nexus to terrorism exists. SHSGP supports the implementation of risk driven, capabilities-based approaches to address capability targets set in urban area, state, and regional Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessments (THIRAs). The capability targets are established during the THIRA process, and assessed in the State Preparedness Report (SPR) and inform planning, organization, equipment, training, and exercise needs to prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to, and recover from acts of terrorism and other catastrophic events.

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.

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

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 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.

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.

The Day-End Dough-Nation® Program by Panera Bread exemplifies community generosity through the donation of unsold bakery products to local charities. This impactful initiative supports various organizations that distribute food to those in need, including shelters, health centers, and youth programs. By partnering with thousands of non-profits nationwide, Panera Bread not only reduces food waste but also plays a crucial role in addressing hunger and promoting equality within communities.

The RMS-SEPM Scholarships, specifically the Edwin D. McKee Grant, provides $2,000 for undergraduate and graduate students conducting sedimentological research in the Rocky Mountain region. Sponsored by the Society for Sedimentary Geology, this scholarship aims to support students at universities within the U.S. Preference is given to those studying in states like Montana, Colorado, and New Mexico, promoting a deeper understanding of sedimentology and its applications.

The Western SARE Local Education and Demonstration Grants aim to promote sustainable agriculture through practical demonstrations and educational activities. This program addresses barriers to adopting sustainable practices by integrating findings from previous research. Projects can last up to three years and receive funding of up to $60,000. Successful proposals involve local demonstrations, trainings, and technical assistance, engaging farmers, ranchers, and agricultural professionals in the process of sustainable agriculture adoption.

Artist Opportunity 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 Artist Opportunity Grants (AOGs) the State of Arizona invests in one of its greatest resources: artists.

What is it?

Artist Opportunity Grants help Arizona artists take advantage of unique opportunities that can significantly boost their careers.

What kind of opportunities does this grant support?

This grant is open to artists of all disciplines and career stages. A variety of opportunities may be eligible as long as they have a significant impact in one or more of these areas:

An opportunity to showcase your work in a way that expands your audience or raises your artistic profile.

An opportunity to grow your artistic abilities by participating in conferences, residencies, workshops, fellowships, master classes, or apprenticeships.

An opportunity to strengthen your business skills, such as creating marketing materials, developing a website, covering professional fees (for lawyers, accountants, etc.), or investing in essential tools like equipment, materials, or rental fees.

The RMS-SEPM Scholarships for Fluvial Sedimentology Research Grant supports Ph.D. or Master’s degree candidates conducting research in fluvial sedimentology. This $2,000 grant is exclusively available to students at U.S. universities, specifically those engaged in studies or research in states like Montana, North Dakota, and Colorado. The Society for Sedimentary Geology (SEPM) offers this opportunity to foster academic growth in sedimentology and related fields.

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 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.