Best Youth Sports Grants in Arizona

The Fiesta Events: Spirit of the Fiesta Bowl Grant aims to support nonprofits that align with the mission of promoting youth, sports, and education. Fiesta Bowl Charities seeks partnerships to enhance community success through its bowl games and various events. Eligible organizations must meet specific criteria, including volunteer commitments and branding requirements to foster collaboration and visibility for funded initiatives.

The One AZ Community Foundation Community Impact Grant offers $5,000 to eligible nonprofits in Arizona that focus on economic empowerment, community vitality, and developing future leaders. Organizations must have at least two years of 501(c)(3) status, a budget between $500,000 and $5 million, and cannot have received funding in the previous year. This grant aims to create lasting community impact by supporting initiatives that strengthen local organizations and enhance the quality of life.

The Phoenix Suns/Phoenix Mercury Foundation General Grant supports basketball-inspired programs that benefit children and youth in Arizona. Established in 1988, the foundation annually distributes over $3 million to local communities, impacting over 400,000 children. Organizations must be a 501(c)(3) for at least three years and demonstrate fiscal responsibility. Grant amounts typically range from $10,000 to $100,000, with a preference for smaller requests. The foundation prioritizes programs addressing community needs and access for underserved populations.

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.

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 Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Projects, funded by the US Department of the Interior's Bureau of Reclamation, invites proposals for innovative water reuse solutions. This program enhances water supply reliability and supports sustainable practices for urban and agricultural communities. By leveraging Federal and non-Federal resources, the initiative aims to address water scarcity and improve hydropower reliability, aligning with national priorities for energy and resource management.

The WaterSMART Enhancing Water Resources Projects program invites eligible entities to secure funding for initiatives that enhance water resource management across various sectors, including conservation, infrastructure improvement, and watershed restoration. Priority is given to projects that collaboratively address community needs and yield significant environmental benefits. This funding opportunity aligns with federal priorities aimed at optimizing resource use and improving grant oversight, as outlined in recent executive orders.

Women’s Found­­ation for the State of Arizona

The Women’s Found­­ation for the State of Arizona (WFSA) innovates to create social, political, and economic change that achieves equity for women and girls of all identities through our integrated framework of research, advocacy, grantmaking, and innovative programmatic solutions.

We fund organizations providing direct support to women and girls and we go beyond the check. Grantees receive flexible funding, technical assistance, and opportunities to grow their impact without compromising their missions.

Ember Grants 

Fueling Emerging and Under-Resourced Organizations.

Ember grants provide flexible funding to grassroots groups doing critical, community-rooted work. 

Designed to meet organizations where they are, ember supports emerging leaders and smaller organizations building more just and resilient systems across Arizona. 

Ember Includes: 

• Flexible funding with minimal barriers 
• Capacity-building and technical support 
• Opportunities for peer connection and collaboration 

Ember recognizes that sustainable impact requires more than funding alone. It requires trust, relationships, and support. 

The WaterSMART: Desalination Construction Projects initiative by the Bureau of Reclamation aims to enhance water supply reliability through cooperative funding and support for desalination facilities. This program aligns with federal priorities to improve energy and resource management, encouraging proposals that diversify local water sources. By focusing on innovative solutions to water scarcity, the initiative promotes sustainable water management practices, especially for growing communities facing water shortages.

The Carolyn L. Kuckein Student Research Fellowship, awarded by Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, supports first and second-year medical students conducting research over 2 to 12 months. With a total funding of $7,000, students can receive reimbursement for travel expenses up to $1,000 for presenting their findings at national conferences. Eligibility requires enrollment in schools with active AΩA chapters, while those taking a year off for research or holding a PhD are ineligible.

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.

Blue Cross Blue Shield AZ & Prosano Health Svcs. Employee Dependent Scholarship

The Blue Cross Blue Shield AZ (BCBSAZ) & Prosano Health Svcs. (PHS) Employee Dependent Scholarship supports dependents of BCBSAZ & Prosano Health Services employees. Applicants must be attending any of the Arizona State University campuses and a qualified dependent of a BCBSAZ or PHS employee who has at least 1 year of employment with either organization.

The Caris Charitable Fund Scholarship, established by the Arizona Community Foundation, honors the late Richard Caris and is designed to assist students in biology, engineering, mathematics, and STEM fields. With a minimum GPA requirement of 3.0, this renewable scholarship aims to help students from Eastern Arizona College or Gila Community College achieve their educational goals. Annually, millions are awarded to deserving students in partnership with generous donors.

The RMEF Grant Program lies at the core of advancing our mission.

RMEF established the program in 1986 to provide financial and logistical support to projects that align with our priorities and goals. Grant funds raised by RMEF members, volunteers and generous donors from across the country translate into significantly more conservation accomplishment when matched with partner funds. The RMEF Grant Program also aims to build recognition for RMEF’s work, grow engagement, and boost local fundraising efforts.

Governed by clear guidelines and criteria, the RMEF Grant Program seeks to foster meaningful collaborations and long-term impacts in the conservation of natural resources and outdoor traditions. Grant project partners include federal, state, local, and tribal wildlife and land management agencies, private landowners and local stakeholders, sportsmen and women, and conservation organizations, universities, foundations and the outdoor industry. Eligible projects primarily focus on habitat stewardship, land conservation and access, wildlife management, and hunting heritage.

We support organizations recognized by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as a 501(c)3 entity, federal, state, local, or tribal government entities, sportsmen’s organizations, or educational institutions. All applicants must have a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) issued by the IRS. RMEF does not offer grants to individuals.

Land Conservation and Access

RMEF conserves critical big game habitat and migration corridors, while expanding and improving public access, including through land acquisitions and voluntary conservation agreements. RMEF's

2026 priorities include:

• Conserving migratory corridors and connecting landscapes through land conservation efforts
• Creating new or improved public access through access easements and agreements and state-run access programs

The Arizona Citrus Research Council (ACRC) offers grants to support research and solutions for Arizona Citrus producers. With approximately $75,000 available, projects may focus on pest eradication, production techniques, varietal development, technology enhancements, or developing HLB/ACP resistant trees. The ACRC evaluates proposals based on criteria such as prior project success, relevance to current industry issues, budget appropriateness, and applicant qualifications. All findings will be shared with local producers.

The FY2026 Implementation of the Quagga and Zebra Mussel Action Plan (QZAP) seeks to address the rapid spread of these invasive species in the Western United States. This funding opportunity aims to support proposals that align with the priorities established in QZAP 2.0, focusing on critical areas for prevention and control. Applications will only be accepted through grantsolutions.gov, and the initiative is limited to U.S. states within the Western Regional Panel.

The Lifelong Arts Engagement Grant, offered by the Arizona Commission on the Arts, supports innovative projects that enhance arts learning for adults of all ages and promote intergenerational connections in community settings. The grant encourages initiatives that focus on diverse learners, take place in accessible spaces, and prioritize effective arts education practices.

The AZ Arts Festival Grant, provided by the Arizona Commission on the Arts, supports diverse arts and culture festivals in Arizona. Grants are available for in-person, virtual, or hybrid events that emphasize artistic expression and community engagement. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, local government entities, and arts agencies. Festivals must span at least two weekends and feature curated programming. Ineligible activities include standalone productions and projects with religious or political purposes.

MaxInMotion Grants provide essential financial support to youth sports organizations in Arizona and California, ensuring that financially challenged children can participate in sports programs. This funding not only promotes physical fitness but also fosters character development, teamwork, and academic excellence among youth. By prioritizing inclusivity, MaxInMotion aims to create equal athletic opportunities for all children, including those with special needs. The foundation is dedicated to combating the negative impacts of reduced sports access in low-income communities.

Bashas’ Purposeful Giving initiative focuses on supporting organizations that align with its community-driven pillars, including child welfare, food access, and sustainability. Since its inception in 1932, Bashas’ has contributed over $100 million to local causes, emphasizing the importance of health and wellness. Organizations must be located within Bashas’ operational areas and hold a 501(c)(3) status. Requests are reviewed within four weeks through an online portal, with specific guidelines to ensure alignment with Bashas' mission.

Arizona-based nonprofit academic or medical research institutions and health systems developing clinical devices, diagnostics, health-tech platforms, or therapeutics can apply for Flinn Foundation’s Translational Seed Grants, with awards up to US $100,000. Research teams including both scientists and clinicians may benefit if their work advances patient-focused innovations that could ultimately support youth sports health and safety.

The Del E. Webb Foundation Grant offers financial support ranging from $5,000 to $3,000,000 for nonprofit organizations operating in Arizona, California, or Nevada. The foundation prioritizes projects that enhance self-sufficiency and have long-term benefits, particularly in child and health initiatives. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) public charities and demonstrate a commitment to community service. The application process involves submitting a Letter of Intent, followed by a formal application if invited.

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 Express Health Information Outreach Awards aim to enhance public health by increasing access to biomedical information for U.S. health professionals and the general public. These awards support projects that improve health information literacy among consumers and caregivers, ensuring they can effectively find and utilize health information. Focused on partnerships and outreach to underrepresented communities, the initiative seeks to promote healthy behaviors, prevent illness, and improve health outcomes through informed decision-making.

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

The San Diego Foundation

We enable donors and nonprofit partners to tackle the most critical needs facing San Diegans.

For 50 years, donors, nonprofits, communities, government and civic leaders have trusted San Diego Foundation to transform lives and have partnered with us for lasting change that moves our region forward.

As San Diego’s largest regional community foundation, it’s our job to understand the pulse of our local communities better than anyone, enabling donors and nonprofit partners to tackle the most critical needs facing San Diegans.

Community Scholarship Program

Since 1997, the Community Scholarship Program has awarded $59.5 million to more than 15,400 students, making our program the largest non-university scholarship provider in San Diego County. By offering financial assistance, the program helps students dedicate more time to their studies, stay enrolled and complete their degrees.

The Evotek Giving Foundation Technology Scholarship

The Evotek Giving Foundation Technology Scholarship applicants should:

• Have resided in San Diego County for at least one year
• Plan to enroll full-time at a College or University in California, Arizona, or Colorado
• Plan to major in finance (San Diego only) or computer science or information technology
• Have a cumulative unweighted GPA of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale
• Open to all applicants, with a focus on advancing gender equity in careers in technology
• If selected as a recipient of the Evotek 2026 Technology Scholarship, recipients will be invited to meet monthly with a mentor and, as needed, attend foundation/press events and speak to their experiences as technology majors.

Dental assistant students in Arizona seeking tuition support for accredited vocational programs can receive up to US $5,000 for dental education from Pacific Dental Services Foundation. Scholarships prioritize financial need, academic performance, and a strong commitment to service, and funds are paid directly to the training institute’s financial aid or bursar’s office.

The Albertsons Foundation - Southwest supports nonprofit organizations that enhance local communities in the Southwest, focusing on health, hunger, education, veterans, and diversity. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $5,000 for first-time applicants, with higher amounts considered for established organizations. Eligible applicants must have a valid 501(c)(3) designation and serve the community. The foundation does not fund individuals, political or religious organizations, or events.