Best Youth Sports Grants in Arizona

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.

The Charity of the Month Grant Program by Bashas' invites local charitable organizations registered under IRS 501(c)(3) to apply for support. This initiative fosters community involvement through customer donations at checkout, helping various causes and promoting generosity. Bashas' is dedicated to enhancing local charities and encourages participation from eligible organizations to benefit from this unique opportunity. Join us in making a difference in our community.

The Patterson Foundation offers Assistance Dog Program Grants to support organizations providing service animals to veterans and individuals with disabilities. Funding is available for projects that expand capacity, personnel costs related to puppy training, and program support aimed at improving client experiences. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) non-profits and can request grants up to $35,000 for capital projects or $10,000 for program support. Applications are accepted through a two-step process.

The Livestock Operator Fire and Flood Assistance Program (LOFFAP) Grant aims to support livestock operators affected by wildfires and flooding. With a funding pool of $9.5 million, it provides aid for infrastructure repairs up to $250,000 per incident. Eligible applicants must own over forty animals and have experienced damage due to these disasters. This initiative ensures that affected farmers can rebuild and sustain their operations, contributing to the resilience of the agricultural sector in Arizona.

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.

Fiscal Sponsorships

Fiscal sponsorship is a partnership that allows emerging projects and grassroots initiatives to operate under the legal and tax-exempt status of an established nonprofit organization. 

As a fiscal sponsor, we provide the financial infrastructure and oversight that enable community leaders to receive tax-deductible donations, apply for grants, and focus on their mission without forming a separate 501(c)(3). 

What We Provide 

• Donation processing and tax receipting 
• Financial management and reporting 
• Grant administration and compliance support 
• Budget guidance and fiscal accountability 
• Strategic connection to funding opportunities 

We approach fiscal sponsorship through a trust-based, equity-centered lens, helping bold, community-led ideas grow into sustainable and lasting impact across Arizona. 

About the Arizona Department of Education

Equity for all students to achieve their full potential

This is the guiding vision of the Arizona Department of Education — the state agency tasked with overseeing Arizona's K-12 public education system. Our department, led by a publicly elected Superintendent of Public Instruction, comprises more than 600 staff across four state offices working to serve Arizona's students, families, educators, and school communities.

Mission Statement

The Arizona Department of Education advances equity and excellence for all students by serving school leaders, educators and staff, collaborating with communities, and leading with data-driven best practices. 

Arizona Charter Schools Program (AZCSP)

The Arizona Charter Schools Program (AZCSP) has received a $55 M grant from the US Department of Education, Title IV, Part C, EXPANDING OPPORTUNITY THROUGH QUALITY CHARTER SCHOOLS. The purpose of the grant is to hold competitive applications for school leaders who will open schools serving disadvantaged Arizona students.

Project’s Objectives:

• Objective 1 - Increase the number of high quality charter schools in Arizona focusing on supporting and improving the academic outcomes for educationally disadvantaged students.
• Objective 2 - Close the achievement gaps for all educationally disadvantaged students in AZ CSP schools.
• Objective 3 - Increase high school student academic achievement and graduation by encouraging participation in dual or concurrent enrollment programs or early college high schools (Preference points will be allocated in the application).

Funding

Subrecipients will be supported by $250,000 annual award over a period of five years for a total of $1.25 million.

The Arizona - Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program aims to provide safe and enriching environments for students during non-school hours, particularly targeting economically disadvantaged students. Funded for five years, the program promotes academic enrichment and offers various supportive services, including tutorial assistance and family engagement opportunities. Applicants may request between $50,000 and $120,000 in funding, with the first three years fully funded and continuation years at 75% funding, contingent on compliance.

The Heritage Partnership Program, managed by the Arizona Game and Fish Department, aims to foster collaboration on projects that deliver conservation and recreational benefits. Eligible entities include governmental agencies, Indian tribes, and 501c3 organizations. With specific funding categories for habitat management, public access enhancement, and urban wildlife conservation, projects must be completed within one year, following the state fiscal year. Note that no funding is available for FY26 as all funds are obligated.

Arizona veterans, service members, and their families facing service-related financial hardship can receive US $3,000 - US $20,000 for basic living expenses such as rent, utilities, or vehicle payments. Arizona Department of Veterans' Services supports military and veteran households statewide, and families involved in youth sports may benefit when unexpected financial crises affect participation or stability.

The Agriculture, Soil Health, and Water Efficiency Innovation Pilot Program aims to enhance the health and safety of Arizona's agricultural sector while promoting efficient water use. Funded by the Arizona Department of Agriculture with an allocation of $1.8 million for the fiscal year 2026, this initiative provides grants to agricultural stakeholders for innovative soil health practices. The program underscores the state's commitment to sustainable agriculture and water management, fostering advancements in farming techniques.

The Western SARE Graduate Student Research and Education Grant Program supports innovative research and educational outreach in sustainable agriculture. Funded by the USDA, it aims to enhance environmental quality, improve profitability for producers, and uplift rural communities. Projects must involve both research and education components, with proposals authored by graduate students collaborating with their advisors. This initiative fosters communication of results to agricultural professionals, ensuring practical applications for sustainable practices in the Western U.S.

The Western SARE Professional + Producer Grant Program fosters collaboration between Agricultural Technical Advisors and Producers to promote sustainable agriculture through research and outreach. This initiative aims to improve environmental quality, enhance profitability for farmers, and ensure community well-being. By supporting demonstrations, educational activities, and practical applications, the program seeks to communicate effective sustainable practices to agricultural professionals, ultimately benefiting rural economies and ecosystems.

The Western SARE Farmer/Rancher Grants support agricultural producers in developing innovative, sustainable practices through research and outreach. Eligible applicants include farmers or ranchers who collaborate with technical advisors to implement projects focused on addressing specific agricultural needs. Grants can provide funding up to $25,000 for 1-2 producers and up to $29,900 for larger collaborations. The program aims to enhance profitability, environmental quality, and community well-being while sharing knowledge among producers.

The Western SARE Professional Development Program Grant supports education and outreach for agricultural professionals. Aimed at enhancing knowledge in sustainable agriculture, it provides funding for projects that train educators and farmers through workshops, conferences, and digital media. With a focus on the environmental, economic, and social aspects of agriculture, projects can last up to three years and receive up to $100,000 in funding. This initiative fosters a 'train the trainer' approach to improve agricultural practices.

What does this program do?

It provides loans and grants to Microenterprise Development Organizations (MDOs) to:

• To help microenterprises startup and growth through a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund.
• Provide training and technical assistance to microloan borrowers and micro entrepreneurs.

 What kind of funding is available? 

Grants are available to provide technical assistance to rural micro-entrepreneurs or microenterprises, up to $205,000 annually. Funding at the requested level is not guaranteed, and at least 15 percent matching funds are required.

Loans of $50,000 to $500,000 may be used for establishing a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund managed by the Microenterprise Development Organization. Total aggregate debt is capped at $2.5 million.

Microenterprise Development Organizations must demonstrate experience in managing a Revolving Loan Fund, or:

• Certify that it or its employees have received education and training from a qualified microenterprise development training entity so that the applicant has the capacity to manage such a revolving loan fund.
• Demonstrate that it is actively and successfully participating as an intermediary lender in good standing under the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Microloan Program or other similar loan programs as determined by the Administrator.

What are the loan terms?

• Maximum term is 20 years.
• Two-year payment deferral.
• Must establish a loan loss reserve fund.

What terms are required on loans to ultimate recipients?

• Up to $50,000.
• Fixed interest rate.
• Limited to 75 percent of project cost.

How may the funds be used?

Microlenders may make microloans for qualified business activities and expenses including, but not limited to:

• Working capital.
• Debt refinancing.
• Purchasing equipment and supplies.
• Improving real estate.

Project Lead The Way is offering a rolling grant opportunity for schools to implement the PLTW Engineering program for the 2025-2026 academic year and beyond. Eligible institutions include public, private, and charter schools located in the US. Grant recipients will receive funding to cover participation fees and training costs. Total funding amounts to $16,000, distributed over three years. Schools are encouraged to create pathways for students in engineering through this initiative.

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 Janis Chapman Merrill Foundation Grant aims to support 501(c)(3) organizations dedicated to enhancing the health, education, and welfare of children and families, as well as the homeless in Arizona. This foundation prioritizes initiatives that directly impact these vulnerable populations, ensuring that assistance reaches those in need. Eligible applicants must meet specific criteria to apply for funding, helping to create sustainable change within the community.

The Love Your Block Neighborhood Grants, offered by the Neighborhood Services Department, empower Neighborhood and Block Watch groups to enhance their communities. With grants up to $5,000, funded by the Gila River Indian Community and the Phoenix Public Works Department, these initiatives aim to foster partnerships and promote neighborhood revitalization. Applications are typically accepted in spring, and projects should be completed within 6-9 months, making this a valuable opportunity for community engagement and improvement.

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 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.

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.

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.

Fund for Racial and Gender Equity Grant (FORGE Grant)

Substantial, Unrestricted Funding for Transformative Change 

FORGE is a groundbreaking, community-designed initiative investing in organizations led by and serving BIWOC and gender-expansive communities. 

FORGE challenges traditional philanthropy by centering accessibility, transparency, and shared decision-making. Community leaders design and select grantees, ensuring funding reaches those driving meaningful systems change. 

FORGE Includes: 

• Unrestricted, flexible funding 
• Community-led selection process 
• Capacity-building and technical assistance 
• Peer learning and cohort connection 

FORGE invests not just in programs but in power, sustainability, and long-term impact. 

Unrestricted funding allows organizations to use grant dollars where they are most needed, including operations, staffing, programs, or infrastructure, without rigid spending categories. 

The Jack and Martha Carter Grant, offered by the Native Plant Society of New Mexico, supports projects that enhance public understanding of native plants and their conservation. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $5,000, aimed at educational, ecological, and botanical research initiatives. Both members and nonmembers are eligible, with a focus on practical, innovative proposals that align with the Society's mission. Applicants must report on their project outcomes, fostering accountability and continued support for environmental efforts.

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.

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.

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.