Best Youth Sports Grants in Arizona

About PLTW GatewayPLTW Gateway (6-8) opens paths that create meaningful futures. It connects students to careers in areas they can, and can't, imagine. Through explorations of skilled trades, coding and robotics, flight and space, human body systems, and more, PLTW Gateway fuels students’ passion for discovery. As they engage in hands-on, collaborative problem solving focused on real-world challenges, students use and stretch their imaginations in brand-new ways that connect their learning to life.Through this partnership, Intel Foundation has committed funds to support PLTW grants to schools interested in starting or expanding PLTW programs beginning in the 2027-2028 academic year.Program Requirements

• Grantee must use their grant funds to expand their existing PLTW Gateway program. 
  • Example : Expansion activities include but are not limited to adding an additional PLTW Gateway unit not previously offered, and/or adding additional class periods of an existing PLTW Gateway unit previously offered, and/or training additional teachers in a PLTW Gateway unit for the 2027-2028 academic year.

• Grantee must complete one year of grant reporting. 

Grant Award and Distribution Schedule:

• Total Award: $10,000
  • 2027-2028: $10,000

The Diminished Tree Species Grant Program focuses on restoring native tree species crucial for biodiversity and forest health. By funding scientific research, seed orchard development, and land preservation, the program aims to combat climate change through effective tree restoration projects. The Oak Hill Fund, a private entity, encourages project-specific applications, prioritizing organizations that meet eligibility criteria under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS. This initiative is vital for sustaining healthy ecosystems and mitigating environmental impacts.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

The Slave 2 Nothing Foundation supports 501(c)(3) organizations addressing human trafficking and substance abuse in states with In-N-Out Burger locations. Their mission is to empower individuals to overcome enslavement by providing essential resources and support. The foundation follows a rigorous vetting process for grant applications, emphasizing the importance of impactful solutions and community engagement. They encourage eligible nonprofits to apply annually, promoting sustainable support for vital services aimed at healing and freedom.

About PLTW Gateway

PLTW Gateway (6-8) opens paths that create meaningful futures. It connects students to careers in areas they can, and can't, imagine. Through explorations of skilled trades, coding and robotics, flight and space, human body systems, and more, PLTW Gateway fuels students’ passion for discovery. As they engage in hands-on, collaborative problem solving focused on real-world challenges, students use and stretch their imaginations in brand-new ways that connect their learning to life.

Through this partnership, Intel Foundation has committed funds to support PLTW grants to schools interested in starting or expanding PLTW programs beginning in the 2027-2028 academic year.

Program Requirements

• Grantee must offer at least one PLTW Gateway unit in the 2027-2028 academic year and must offer one additional unit in the 2028-2029 academic year (two different units in two years).
• Grantee may implement any PLTW Gateway units of their choosing.
• Grantee must complete two years of Grant reporting. 

Grant Award and Distribution Schedule:

• Total Award: $20,000
  • 2027-2028: $10,000
  • 2028-2029: $10,000

Creative Youth Grant

Created and reviewed by the Arizona Commission on the Arts’ AZ Youth Arts Council, the Creative Youth Grant is a funding opportunity for young artists ages 12 -17.  

What Is It?

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 Youth Grants (CYGs) the State of Arizona invests in one of its greatest resources: creative young people.

CYGs provide funding support to young artists as they develop new skills or advance their artistic practice outside the traditional school day. This may include private lessons, attending a workshop, or buying supplies and equipment.

Award Amount

Individuals can request between $250 and $500 based on eligible expenses. 

About PLTW Engineering Each PLTW Engineering course engages students in interdisciplinary activities like working with a client to design a home, programming electronic devices or robotic arms, or exploring algae as a biofuel source. These activities not only build knowledge and skills in engineering, but also empower students to develop essential skills such as problem solving, critical and creative thinking, communication, collaboration, and perseverance.Through this partnership, Intel Foundation has committed funds to support PLTW grants to schools interested in starting or expanding PLTW programs beginning in the 2027-2028 academic year.Program Requirements: 

• Grantee must use their grant funds to expand their existing PLTW Engineering program. 
  • Example expansion activities include but are not limited to adding an additional PLTW Engineering course not previously offered, and/or adding additional class periods of an existing PLTW Engineering courses previously offered, and/or training additional teachers in PLTW Engineering courses for the 2027-2028 academic year.

• Grantee must complete one year of grant reporting. 

Grant Award and Distribution Schedule:

• Total Award: $15,000
  • 2027-2028: $15,000

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 Derrick Hall President’s Circle Grants, initiated by the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation, aim to address critical social issues in Arizona such as homelessness, hunger, and healthcare access. With grants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, they support organizations dedicated to uplifting vulnerable communities. The Foundation's commitment to positive change is evident in its strategic funding initiatives, fostering resilience and compassion across the state, while partnering with local entities to enhance community welfare.

Marathon Petroleum Corporation's Community Investment Grants aim to enhance community welfare through strategic partnerships with 501(c)(3) non-profits and government entities. The focus areas include workforce development, sustainability, and thriving communities, reflecting the company's commitment to making a measurable impact in regions where they operate. Eligible organizations must be U.S.-based and recognized as non-profits. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that align with its values and community needs, ensuring support for impactful projects.

The Vitalyst Health: Systems Change Grants aim to support sustainable policy and practice changes within Arizona's healthcare systems. By fostering collaboration among Arizona-based nonprofits, these grants address complex community health challenges, aiming to enhance health equity and improve specific health outcomes. With awards of up to $175,000 over three years, the initiative seeks innovative solutions that outlast grant funding and promote systemic change for better health opportunities across the state.

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.

About Regions

Regions Financial Corporation is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation's largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas.

Regions Foundation

Regions Foundation supports community investments that positively impact the communities served by Regions Bank. The Foundation engages in a grantmaking program focused on priorities including economic and community development; education and workforce readiness; and financial wellness. The Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation funded primarily through contributions from Regions Bank.

Matching Gifts Program

Full-time associates and recent retirees (up to 5 years after retirement) of Regions and its affiliated companies can request a Regions Matching Gift to eligible organizations. The recipient organization must be a 501(c) or 170(c) organization located in the Regions footprint (except for accredited educational institutions, which may be located anywhere in the United States) and has a primary mission that clearly fits one of these categories:

• Economic and community development: Supporting economic prosperity through affordable housing, job creation, small-business development, homebuyer education and retention, neighborhood revitalization and stabilization, food security/hunger relief.
• Education and workforce readiness: Supporting career prosperity through student competency and skill building, college and career readiness, educational access and success, credential building and employment and educator training and resources.
• Financial wellness: Supporting financial prosperity through K-12 and college financial education, adult and workforce financial empowerment.
• Arts and culture: Organizations that promote visual or performing arts, historic or science museums, zoos, botanical gardens, libraries, parks or public radio and television.
• Service members and Veterans: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting U.S. military service members and veterans.
• Individuals with disabilities: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting individuals with disabilities.

Regions Matching Gifts for Recent Retirees

Retirees of Regions and its affiliated companies are eligible for the Matching Gift Program for up to 5 years after retirement (the gift date must be within the first 5 years of retirement). Regions will match donations of $25 or more, up to a total of $1,000 per year per retiree.

The Regions Community Affairs team will contact the organization on your behalf to verify the gift and review eligibility.

The Robanna Fund, established in 1992 by Robert and Deanna Levy, supports students pursuing careers in healthcare. Administered by the Hawai‘i Community Foundation, the fund awards scholarships averaging $6,000, depending on various factors such as the number of qualified applicants and donor preferences. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0, reside in Hawai‘i, intend to major in a health-related field, and demonstrate financial need. This initiative aims to cultivate future healthcare professionals in the community.

About Regions

Regions Financial Corporation is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation's largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas.

Regions Foundation

Regions Foundation supports community investments that positively impact the communities served by Regions Bank. The Foundation engages in a grantmaking program focused on priorities including economic and community development; education and workforce readiness; and financial wellness. The Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation funded primarily through contributions from Regions Bank.

Matching Gifts Program

Full-time associates and recent retirees (up to 5 years after retirement) of Regions and its affiliated companies can request a Regions Matching Gift to eligible organizations. The recipient organization must be a 501(c) or 170(c) organization located in the Regions footprint (except for accredited educational institutions, which may be located anywhere in the United States) and has a primary mission that clearly fits one of these categories:

• Economic and community development: Supporting economic prosperity through affordable housing, job creation, small-business development, homebuyer education and retention, neighborhood revitalization and stabilization, food security/hunger relief.
• Education and workforce readiness: Supporting career prosperity through student competency and skill building, college and career readiness, educational access and success, credential building and employment and educator training and resources.
• Financial wellness: Supporting financial prosperity through K-12 and college financial education, adult and workforce financial empowerment.
• Arts and culture: Organizations that promote visual or performing arts, historic or science museums, zoos, botanical gardens, libraries, parks or public radio and television.
• Service members and Veterans: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting U.S. military service members and veterans.
• Individuals with disabilities: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting individuals with disabilities.

Regions Matching Gifts for Full-Time Associates

Regions supports organizations important to our associates through the Regions Matching Gifts Program. This program, which is open for use for all full-time Regions associates, affiliate associates and recent retirees, allows you to make an even greater difference to your favorite charities by doubling your tax-deductible contributions to these organizations. 

Arizona 501(c) organizations, government entities, and state-recognized nonprofits can seek funding to support firearms safety, shooting sports, hunting safety, and marksmanship programs. Focused on firearm education and public benefit, the NRA Foundation invites applicants whose youth or community sports activities advance safe, charitable, and educational use of firearms. Awards range from US $3,000 - US $5,000.

Arizona rural communities, local governments, nonprofits, and tribes facing threats to safe drinking water can seek Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants to repair or build water systems. Focused on sanitation and clean drinking water, USDA Rural Development offers up to US $1,000,000 for water source, treatment, and transmission projects that may benefit youth sports facilities and programs.

The Arizona Route 66 Grant aims to mobilize philanthropy for preserving and promoting Route 66 in Arizona. The Arizona Community Foundation, in partnership with the Historic Route 66 Association, invites applications from eligible organizations for grants ranging from $1,000 to $50,000. Projects may include restoration, educational outreach, and planning activities that enhance the historical significance of Route 66 while fostering community partnerships and supporting local economies.

The Fiesta Events: Field Goal Grant supports nonprofits aligned with youth, sports, and education. With a mission to enhance community success, Fiesta Bowl Charities impacts lives through events and partnerships. Organizations must fulfill volunteer requirements and acknowledge Fiesta Bowl Charities in marketing materials. This initiative not only fosters community involvement but also promotes the values of teamwork and education, ensuring a brighter future for Arizona's youth.

The FY26 Defense Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (DEPSCoR) Capacity Building opportunity aims to enhance the capabilities of university researchers in eligible states. Managed by the DoD, this initiative focuses on increasing the number of researchers capable of conducting relevant science and engineering research. The program also seeks to strengthen institutions of higher education and improve their competitiveness for federal research funding, ultimately fostering long-term growth in financial assistance for scientific research.

The FY26 Defense Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (DEPSCoR) aims to enhance research capabilities in eligible states by increasing the number of university researchers and institutions conducting relevant science and engineering research. Sponsored by the Department of Defense, this program will fund multiyear awards to promote research aligned with national security needs. Applications require a multi-stage submission process, emphasizing early registration and timely proposal submissions.

National Geographic Society: Request for Proposals

Award Overview

The National Geographic Society (NGS) is pleased to announce a Request for Proposals (RFP) for academic researchers and graduate students investigating topics related to geography education in select states and locations. Awards of up to $10,000 (for researchers) and $5,000 (for graduate students) are available to support research projects.

At NGS we spark curiosity, empower exploration, and inspire change. We fund inspiring changemakers around the world who use the power of science, exploration, education and storytelling to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world. 

We welcome submissions from researchers across disciplines but successful proposals must include research related to educational approaches or processes including but not limited to specific learning activities, learning outcomes, or educational tools that advance knowledge. Research that illuminates barriers and/or advances access for those farthest from opportunity is encouraged. 

Research proposals should generate new knowledge, and can either be new or scaled up versions of existing successful projects (e.g. evaluating a different group of learners or geographic area). 

The Fiesta Events: Touchdown Grant, provided by Fiesta Events Inc., aims to support nonprofits aligned with youth, sports, and education initiatives. Grants are awarded to organizations that can demonstrate a commitment to community engagement, including fulfilling volunteer hours and displaying the Fiesta Bowl Charities logo. This funding opportunity enhances local programs and fosters a spirit of collaboration, making a positive impact on Arizona's communities through meaningful events and outreach.