Search Through Education Grants in Phoenix, Arizona in the U.S.

AzLEAP

The Arizona Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership (AzLEAP) enables more low-income Arizona students to finance their college education. Through these need-based grants, undergraduate, low-income, Arizona resident students with substantial financial need are able to access dollars for college.

Funding

The maximum AzLEAP award per academic year is $2,500; average amounts awarded are $1,000 for the year.

Making community possible

At U.S. Bank, we are dedicated to supporting our communities through responsive and humbled actions focused on addressing racial and economic inequities and creating lasting change in our communities. Through our Community Possible Grant Program, we are partnering with organizations that focus on economic and workforce advancement, safe and affordable housing and communities connected through arts and culture.

The U.S. Bank Foundation is committed to making Community Possible through Work, Home and Play. We advance this work through collaborative grant making to bring equitable and lasting change through our focus on sustainable, high-impact funding with 501c3 nonprofit partners.

How we partner with nonprofits

We focus on collaborative grantmaking and sustainable, high-impact funding with 501(c)(3) nonprofit partners. We partner with organizations that support:

• Economic and workforce advancement
• Safe and affordable housing
• Community arts and culture

Our strategy

Our community affairs and foundation team work closely with U.S. Bank regional leadership, business resource groups and our National Community Advisory Committee to ensure that prevailing needs are addressed in all the communities we serve.

To make the most meaningful impact, we prioritize organizations that:

• Focus on economic development issues related to work, home and play
• Address more than one of the grant pillars (work, home and play)
• Are based in and serve designated U.S. Bank communities
• Advance diversity, equity and inclusion

Who We Are

The Creag Foundation is a private grant making foundation established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington.

The founders of the Creag Foundation believe that meaningful change can only be achieved through hard work, creativity and passion. They also understand the practical mechanisms that allow charitable organizations to succeed and grow. As a group, Creag Foundation principals are dedicated to helping today’s most innovative programs improve the human condition in a wide variety of ways.

Our Focus

The broad purpose of the Foundation is to support the efforts of nonprofit organizations who are innovators in the field of human services. Our particular focus is on smaller organizations that are starting out or established organizations that are looking for funding to take their organization in a new direction.

What We Fund

/ What We Fund

The Creag Foundation is focused on innovation in the industry. We will consider proposals from 501(c)(3) organizations that are finding new ways to address societal issues facing the nonprofit community. Applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for one year before submitting. If your organization has held 501(c)(3) status for over a year, and your believe that your organization has a new approach to an existing social problem or is addressing a previously unaddressed social issue, you are welcome to contact us and request that we consider your organization for a funding opportunity.

Mission

The mission of the Hearst Foundations is to identify and fund outstanding nonprofits to ensure that people of all backgrounds in the United States can build healthy, productive and satisfying lives. Through its grantmaking, the Hearst Foundations support well-established nonprofit organizations that address significant issues within their major areas of focus—culture, education, health and social service—and that primarily serve large demographic and/or geographic constituencies. In each area of funding, the Foundations seek to identify those organizations achieving truly differentiated results relative to other organizations making similar efforts for similar populations. The Foundations also look for evidence of sustainability beyond their support.

Whether providing a scholarship to a deserving student, supporting a rural health clinic or bringing artists into schools so children can see firsthand the beauty of the arts, the Foundations’ focus is consistent: to help those in need, those underserved and those underrepresented in society. Since the Foundations were formed in the 1940s, the scale and capabilities of the grant making have changed, but the mission has not.

Culture Grant

The Hearst Foundations fund cultural institutions that offer meaningful programs in the arts and sciences, prioritizing those that enable engagement by young people and create a lasting and measurable impact. The Foundations also fund select programs nurturing and developing artistic talent. Supported organizations include arts schools, ballets, museums, operas, performing arts centers, symphonies and theaters.

Funding Priorities in Culture

In the recent past, 25% of total funding has been allocated to Culture. Organizations with budgets over $10 million have received 60% of the funding in Culture.

The Hearst Foundations are only able to fund approximately 25% of all grant requests, of which about 80% is directed to prior grantees and about 20% is targeted toward new grantees.

Types of Support

Program, capital and, on a limited basis, general and endowment support

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation

We believe every person deserves equitable care and education.

In 2020 Labcorp established a private charitable 501(c)(3) foundation to advance our desire to bring quality healthcare access to all by supporting education and our local communities. 

Common grant opportunities include:

• Supporting food pantries and meal programs
• Providing healthcare and patient services for underserved populations
• Encouraging STEM programming
• Advocating for healthy lifestyles through ongoing medical research and screening

Our Mission

Our mission is to maximize the leverage of philanthropic dollars, time, and effort through the pursuit of two strategies:

• to increase philanthropic resources by supporting organizations, programs and projects that serve primarily to encourage philanthropy, public service and/or volunteerism; and
• to increase philanthropic impact by encouraging and supporting long-term collaborations among nonprofits working in the same or complementary areas in order to increase efficiency and/or impact and to reduce duplication of efforts, and the adoption of other sound business practices.

Our Grant Philosophy

The Lodestar Foundation is focused in its grantmaking and will consider funding only organizations, projects, and programs that further our mission, although we also choose to support special projects from time to time. Moreover, our grants are designed to fully leverage our assets as much as possible. Not only do we try to maximize strategic impact by focusing on projects that support systemic changes in the way nonprofits conduct business, but we also often leverage our funds by establishing challenge and matching grant requirements which may be applicable to our grantees and their boards as well as third parties. We require our grantees to report to us periodically for at least two (2) years after funding to let us know how the grant has impacted their work.

In addition to making direct grants, we also engage in field-building activities to build knowledge and to educate others in the areas of encouraging philanthropy and fostering collaboration.

Strategic Funding Areas

Encouraging Philanthropy

To implement our strategy of encouraging philanthropy, we focus on strengthening organizations that primarily exist to encourage philanthropy, volunteerism, or public service generally for the public good. We support donor networks as well as nonprofits that have as a primary mission the desire to generally (a) grow philanthropy, (b) promote the concept of volunteerism (but not individual volunteer programs), or (c) support, encourage or train citizens to participate in public service.

Collaboration 

We support those nonprofits that have made the joint decision to explore and/or implement permanent relationships. We support sustained collaborations of all types, ranging from joint programming to administrative consolidations (sharing office space and/or services) to mergers and acquisitions to associations and confederations. We also initiate and support efforts to build resources and knowledge about collaboration as a strategic capacity-building tool for nonprofits.

Special Projects

In addition to our two strategic funding areas, we make investments in a number of important projects that deserve to be highlighted. A number of our grants in these project areas qualify as Philanthropy and Collaboration grants and are listed in one of those two categories, as well as being listed as Special Projects.

About the Neely Foundation

The Neely Foundation funds a broad spectrum of programs in the Phoenix East Valley. Grants support cultural and fine arts associations as well as social service agencies, education and leadership groups, health services, and welfare organizations. Scholarships are awarded to students attending Arizona’s major universities and community colleges.

The Neelys were farmers, and they prospered. Their harvest continues as the Foundation improves and enriches the lives of Arizona’s citizens.

Supporting organizations that make a difference.

The Neely Foundation awards grants to non-profit organizations who work to improve the lives of people living in the East Valley. Focused areas of giving include:

• Education
• Community Service
• Fine Arts
• Health Services and
• Small Capital Grants

Causes We Advance

A wide range of organizations in our community receive grants including museums, food banks, medical clinics, summer camps, choirs, homeless shelters, youth leadership programs, Christian ministries, agricultural groups, and many more.

About Piper Trust

Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust honors the commitment of its founder in supporting organizations that enrich health, well-being, and opportunity for the people of Maricopa County, Arizona. Through strategic grantmaking, nonprofit support, and community leadership, the Trust strives to be a vital part of our region and make a positive, lasting impact on its future.

Grant Priorities

Reflecting our founder’s philanthropic values, Piper Trust concentrates its grantmaking and initiatives in six core areas — arts and culture, children, education, healthcare and medical research, older adults, and religious organizations — and works side-by-side with community partners to strengthen the capacity, leadership, and effectiveness of local nonprofits for the long-term benefit of Maricopa County, Arizona.

Arts & Culture

Arts and culture contribute to individual well-being, improved educational outcomes, community cohesion, and a vibrant economy. Basic access and a sense of belonging for marginalized people ensures that all people of Maricopa County can reap these benefits.

• Efforts that create a sense of welcoming and belonging for marginalized people.
• Efforts that improve access to arts and culture experiences, particularly for young families and older adults.

Children

Children thrive in strong, supported families.

Supporting child well-being and nurturing the social and emotional development of children builds a foundation for strong communities and a vibrant society.

• Access to protective factors – strategies that embrace and support struggling parents and ensure family success.
• Access to quality childcare and after-school programs; and youth development programs that focus on inclusion and belonging.
• Access to unique programs and services that address developmental delays or disabilities; or adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).

Education

Students’ success in school leads to increased opportunities in work and in life.

Programs that support early success build a strong foundation for academic attainment and lifelong learning.

• High-impact programs that support kindergarten readiness and early literacy.
• Intensive strategies that support K-12 students’ academic success; and targeted programs that support persistence.

Healthcare & Medical Research

Individual health is essential to our quality of life and to the well-being of families and communities.

Access to quality care for growing children and aging adults is essential to a thriving society.

• Access to quality care for growing children and aging adults is essential to a thriving society.
• Access to the foundations of individual health and wellbeing – the non-clinical determinants of health.
• Access to essential health services through health insurance or the healthcare safety net, telehealth and transportation services, and practitioners with relevant language and cultural competencies.
• The Trust’s support for medical research is limited to trust-initiated investments in local centers of excellence that strengthen the biosciences ecosystem and workforce.

Older Adults

Older adults are beloved members of families and communities and offer valuable life experience.

Communities that support, respect, and integrate older adults reap social and economic rewards that benefit people of all ages.

• Access to programs and services that allow older adults to age in place, such as practical supports, friendly visiting, and access to community services.
• Access to family caregiver supports, such as home and respite care, support groups, and social connection.
• Access to programs that support a sense of inclusion and belonging, such as community connectedness, civic engagement, and creative aging.

Religious Organizations

Faith-based organizations strengthen our communities by caring for and welcoming those most in need.

Driven by deeply-held values, these organizations support individual welfare, justice, and human dignity.

• Improvements or collaborations that support growth and expansion of faith-based organizations’ delivery of critical health and human services.
• Mrs. Piper’s commitment to Catholic education and Diocesan priorities is sustained through a Trust-initiated partnership with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix.

Types of grants we typically fund:

Programmatic Grants

Efforts to improve service delivery, expand programs and services, or pilot new approaches. The Trust is committed to supporting the full cost to execute high-impact efforts and will fund indirect expenses included in a program budget.

Capital Campaign Grants

Typically multi-million, multi-year fundraising efforts to support land acquisition, construction, etc.

Capital Project Grants

Typically a discreet short-term, small scale construction effort such as a building expansion; renovation of an existing facility, or capital purchases to support programs and services.

PNC Foundation

Strengthening and enriching the lives of our neighbors in communities where we live and work.

Vision & Mission

For decades, we have provided resources to seed ideas, foster development initiatives and encourage leadership in nonprofit organizations where imagination and determination are at work enhancing people's lives everyday.

The PNC Foundation's priority is to form partnerships with community-based nonprofit organizations in order to enhance educational opportunities, with an emphasis on early childhood education, and to promote the growth of communities through economic development initiatives.

Foundation Grant

The PNC Foundation supports a variety of nonprofit organizations with a special emphasis on those that work to achieve sustainability and touch a diverse population, in particular, those that support early childhood education and/or economic development.

Education

The PNC Foundation supports educational programs for children and youth, particularly early childhood education initiatives that meet the criteria established through PNC Grow Up Great. Specifically, PNC Grow Up Great grants must:

• Support early education initiatives that benefit children from birth to age five; and
• Serve a majority of children (>50%) from low- to moderate-income families; and
• Adhere to all other standard PNC Foundation guidelines, as outlined on the PNC Foundation website, applicant eligibility quiz, as well as the Foundation policies and procedures; and
• Include one or a combination of the following:
  • direct services/programs for children in their classroom or community;
  • professional development/workforce development for early childhood educators;
  • family and/or community engagement in children’s early learning
• Additional considerations:
  • The grant focus should include math, science, reading, vocabulary development, the arts, financial education, or social/emotional development.
  • The grant recipient, or collaborative partner, should have early childhood education as an area of focus. If the organization’s focus is beyond birth to age five, the specific grant must be earmarked for birth to age five.
  • Incorporate opportunities for PNC volunteers in classroom or non-classroom-based activities.

Economic Development

Economic development organizations, including those which enhance the quality of life through neighborhood revitalization, cultural enrichment and human services are given support. Priority is given to community development initiatives that strategically promote the growth of low-and moderate-income communities and/or provide services to these communities.

• Affordable Housing
  • The PNC Foundation understands the critical need for affordable housing for low-and moderate-income individuals.
  • We are committed to providing support to nonprofit organizations that:
    • give counseling and services to help these individuals maintain their housing stock;
    • offer transitional housing units and programs; and/or
    • offer credit counseling assistance to individuals, helping them to prepare for homeownership.
• Community Development
  • Because small businesses are often critical components of community growth and help foster business development, the PNC Foundation provides support to nonprofit organizations that
    • offer technical assistance to, or loan programs for, small businesses located in low-and moderate-income areas or
    • support small businesses that employ low-and moderate-income individuals.
• Community Services
  • Support is given to social services organizations that benefit the health, education, quality of life or provide essential services for low-and moderate-income individuals and families.
  • The PNC Foundation supports job training programs and organizations that provide essential services for their families.
• Arts & Culture
  • Support is given for cultural enrichment programs benefitting the community.
• Revitalization & Stabilization of Low-and Moderate-Income Areas
  • The PNC Foundation supports nonprofit organizations that serve low-and moderate-income neighborhoods by improving living and working conditions.
  • Support is given to organizations that help stabilize communities, eliminate blight and attract and retain businesses and residents to the community.

Philanthropy is our commitment to communities in which we operate and broader society. We focus our resources on a limited number of key projects that can deliver valuable benefits from our contributions and those of our partners. We give priority to innovative, high-quality projects that meet the following criteria:

• promote sustainable development
• offer an opportunity for Roche to use its expertise and logistics capabilities
• involve Roche actively at an early stage with local authorities and established partners
• engage Roche employees in cultural (focus on contemporary arts), educational and social activities
• managed by an accredited charity

Our four focus areas

Humanitarian and Social

We direct the majority of our philanthropic donations to humanitarian and social development projects.

Science and education

We are dedicated to programmes that promote scientific interest and provide educational opportunities for young people around the world.

Community and Environment

We are committed to building stronger communities and responding to natural disasters sustainably.

Arts and Culture

We support groundbreaking contemporary art, cultural projects and activities that explore the parallels between innovation in art and in science. 

Mission

Driven by a philanthropic calling to support marginalized communities throughout the world, the Semnani Family Foundation partners with on-the-ground organizations and leverages its resources in a cost-effective and efficient manner that delivers the maximum benefit.

History

Guided by his grandmother Maliheh’s example and teachings, Khosrow Semnani and his wife Ghazaleh established the Semnani Family Foundation in 1993. The foundation’s first grant was issued through CARE International to an orphanage in Romania that cared for newborns affected by HIV. Over the last few decades, the foundation has continued to build upon its mission to empower the disaffected, partnering with a variety of organizations in different countries who can make the greatest impact.

In addition to its global influence, the Semnani Family Foundation established roots within the state of Utah with the founding of Maliheh Free Clinic in 2005 to provide free healthcare to thousands of uninsured people in the Salt Lake City area.

Where We Work

The Semnani Family Foundation focuses primarily on promoting health, education, and disaster relief for marginalized communities all around the world. Driven by a clear mission to adapt and serve at the global level, we have leveraged our resources to make a meaningful impact in the following countries so far:

• Afghanistan
• Bosnia
• Colombia
• England
• Ethiopia
• Ghana
• Guatemala
• India
• Iran
• Kenya
• Madagascar
• Mali
• Mexico
• Pakistan
• Philippines
• Romania
• Somalia
• South Africa
• Tanzania
• Tonga
• Uganda
• United States
• Yemen

At the heart of the Foundation lies a fervent commitment to human welfare, always prioritizing health and the needs of society’s most vulnerable.

We have strong partnerships with nonprofit organizations across the country that are working to advance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities. Our focus areas include basic needs like food and housing, workforce development and education, and community development. In addition to our philanthropic investments, we also encourage our employees to make a difference by offering robust employee giving and volunteering programs, including the opportunity to direct funds to organizations they support through volunteer efforts, and a matching gifts program that doubles their individual giving to causes they care about. Last year, we invested $350 million in the communities we serve, and employees contributed more than 1 million volunteer hours and directed $65 million through individual giving and matching gifts to support nonprofits.Through our regional U.S. sponsorships, we support the economic, social and cultural life of the places we live and work. We provide an extensive program of arts and sports sponsorships to help maintain vibrant, healthy communities.Sponsorships supporting communitiesBank of America welcomes your sponsorship proposal for opportunities that make our communities a better place to live and work. We are particularly interested in providing support to address needs vital to the health of our communities through a focus on:

• preserving neighborhoods;
• educating the workforce for 21st century jobs;
• addressing critical needs such as hunger and emergency shelter;
• arts and culture;
• the environment; and
• diversity and inclusion programs.

Grants are made at the Foundation’s discretion based on our current funding strategies focused on housing, jobs and hunger. 

Wells Fargo and the Wells Fargo Foundation collaborate with a wide range of nonprofit organizations that align with our strategic funding priorities. We prioritize our funding to activities and programs that have a broad reach and support the needs of underserved communities. We aspire to have a positive impact on the communities we serve by using our financial and volunteer resources and business expertise in collaboration with community organizations to help solve complex societal problems.

• Financial health
• Housing affordability
• Small business growth
• Sustainability

We may also support other local needs in eligible communities such as disaster relief, arts and culture, civic engagement, education, human and social services, and workforce development. However, opportunities are limited as our intent is to direct the majority of our giving within our major focus areas.

About the Foundation

The skills gap prevents American families, industry, and our nation from realizing potential. We started the SkillPointe Foundation to bridge the gap.

In 2021, we were just an idea. Today, we’re a leading force for change. We’re not talking about workforce problems, we’re fixing them. We’re doers, just like America’s workers. Backed by visionary partners like The Home Depot Foundation, GE Vernova Foundation, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, we’re turning bold ideas into real solutions that help individuals thrive and industries compete.

We’ve already funded 1,000+ vocational scholarships across 50 states and raised more than $5 million to create big opportunities for workers pursuing high-demand skills and the companies needing to hire them. We’re redefining scholarships, making awards at scale, and channeling trained workers into high-demand careers that don’t require a four-year degree.

And here’s the best news: Our model works. Over 95% of scholarship recipients complete training. Of those, 97% find employment. Median post-training income increase is +$32,000 in Year 1. By helping individuals earn better paychecks and businesses meet critical workforce needs, we’re not just transforming lives — we’re strengthening the backbone of the American economy.

Our Mission

Upskilling America and closing the skills gap by partnering with leading organizations to fund at-scale scholarships for high-demand skills not requiring a four-year degree.

Ball Foundation Skilled Trades SkillPointe Scholarship

$2,500 Scholarships for Education or Training Programs in Arizona & Oregon, in partnership with The SkillPointe Foundation.

Definition

The Summer Youth Program Fund (SYPF) is an independent grantmaking program founded and managed by local funders who support, or are interested in supporting, agencies that provide summer programming for Maricopa County youth. The purpose of the SYPF is to supplement existing programs in order to enrich, enhance and expand summer offerings for children and youth.

Grants will be made to organizations that match the criteria of individual funders participating in the collaboration. Collaborators include the Arizona Community Foundation (ACF), Arizona Republic Season for Sharing, BHHS Legacy Foundation, Helios Education Foundation, Hickey Family Foundation, Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust, Phoenix Suns Charities, The Steele Foundation, Thunderbirds Charities and The Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust. Some funders have restrictions on multiple annual requests. If you believe this may be applicable, we suggest you contact the funder directly.

Why it is important

The SYPF recognizes that summer programs, particularly those serving economically disadvantaged youth, require financial assistance to provide creative and recreational outlets while fostering personal development and life-long learning.

During out of school time, young people tend to engage in the highest levels of health-harming behaviors. Targeted programs provide a continuum of care during the summer months and offer opportunities for youth to develop and sustain enriching and healthy lifestyle activities that will divert them from negative behaviors.

Benefits

The collaborative program simplifies grant seeking for nonprofit organizations. The program design makes grantmaking more efficient for local nonprofits to obtain the necessary funds for their summer programs by using a single application form, one collective process and a single report. Additionally, it will allow a large number of funders to become more familiar with organizations providing summer youth programming.

Recognizing that many local nonprofits have small staffs, the SYPF collaborative effort allows staff to focus on youth programs by eliminating the duplication of efforts in applying separately to each funder.

What types of programs may be funded?

Program activities can be varied, centering on personal youth development, arts and culture, recreation and physical activity, environment/nature, disability or academic/educational.

Organizations with a focus on artistic and academic programs are encouraged to apply with innovative ways to decrease sedentary activities and increase knowledge of healthy lifestyles. Recognizing that youth-serving organizations shape the environment of our youth, the SYPF will encourage all applicants to play a role in addressing the trend of childhood overweight/obesity through implementation of proper nutrition practices and opportunities to be physically active.

The SYPF encourages collaborative efforts amongst organizations with similar goals, increase service capacities, and expand outreach to touch the lives of more youth of Maricopa County.

Specific funding priorities

• Serve disadvantaged youth from neighborhoods with limited access to organized activities
• Serve youth with disabilities or special health needs
• Exhibit stable history of community support, outreach, and partnerships
• Demonstrate ability to increase number of youth served
• Provide age-appropriate, enriching activities and education components
• Identify areas to improve quality of program and increase positive impact to participants
• Establish realistic outcomes for the program participants
• Create innovative methods to reach youth and instill healthy lifestyle behaviors
• Collaborate among fellow grant seekers

Funding request range

The SYPF will award approximately $615,000 in grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000. The maximum grant is $25,000. The average grant award may vary based on the number of applications received and competitive nature of the cycle. 

The Foundation is dedicated to providing financial assistance to organizations committed to improving our world. Solutions to the problems of today's world still lie in the values of innovation, practicality, hard work, and compassion.

The Foundation considers applications for grants in the following areas:

• Education
• Social Service
• Health care
• Civic and cultural
• Environmental

The categories above are not intended to limit the interest of the Foundation from considering other worthwhile projects. In general, the Foundation guidelines are broad to give us flexibility in providing grants.

The majority of our grants are made in the U.S. However, like Dr. Scholl, we recognize the need for a global outlook. Non-U.S. grants are given to organizations where directors have knowledge of the grantee.

Mission

Established in 1986, Thunderbirds Charities is the charitable arm of The Thunderbirds, whose  purpose is to grant the funds generated by the Waste Management Phoenix Open. Thirty-three years later, the mission of Thunderbirds Charities remains the same; to assist children and families, help people in need and improve the quality of life in Arizona communities. Each year Thunderbirds Charities accepts grant proposals that support at-risk youth & families, community outreach/quality of life, education, improving the lives of the physically and mentally challenged and working to eliminate domestic violence, homelessness, and poverty.  

Grant Process

On an invitation-only basis, the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust funds primarily nonprofit organizations in Arizona and Indiana that align closely with our giving areas: Helping People in Need, Protecting Animals and Nature, and Enriching Community Life. 

Helping People in Need

Mrs. Pulliam valued giving people experiencing difficulty a hand-up and firmly believed that education was essential to reaching one’s full potential.

The Trust supports:

Self-sufficiency

• Programs that provide adult education or training with accompanying social supports for individuals to obtain and maintain gainful employment.
• Programs that focus on economic self-reliance through micro-lending, small business development and entrepreneurial efforts for low-income individuals.
• Programs that assist the elderly in maintaining their independence and remaining in their homes.

Crisis Intervention

• Programs that assist vulnerable families, women and children to help move them from crisis or instability to greater functioning.
• Programs that provide basic needs, such as food, clothing, emergency shelter or transitional housing.

Foster Care

• Programs that increase the number of licensed foster families and kinship providers.
• Multigenerational programs that help prevent children from entering the system.
• Programs that support young adults ages, 18-25 who are aging out of the system, with post-secondary educational attainment, job training and financial self-sufficiency.

Education and Literacy

• Programs that provide mentoring and tutoring to disadvantaged youth.
• Out-of-school time programs and projects for underserved children.
• Programs that improve literacy skills of adults.
• Programs that help high school students gain access to careers or post-secondary education.
• Programs that work with children (0 – 5) and their families to improve literacy, reading and language acquisition.

Protecting Animals and Nature

Mrs. Pulliam loved animals – domesticated and wild – and the natural environment. She sought ways to encourage human bonds with both.

The Trust supports organizations and programs that:

• Programs that provide humane and wellness services for domestic animals, including shelter, rescue, spay/neuter and adoption.
• Programs that promote conservation of natural habitats and ecosystems that advance preservation, protection and restoration of land, water, wildlife and plants.
• Programs that promote environmental awareness to connect people to the natural world, promote personal stewardship, or offer knowledge and tools for addressing current and future problems. 

Enriching Community Life

Mrs. Pulliam appreciated the importance of having vibrant communities that benefit all residents, while ensuring that nonprofit organizations fulfill their missions at a level of excellence.

The Trust supports:

• Programs that add to the overall civic vibrancy and cultural vitality of the community.
• Programs that create innovative solutions to enhance the quality of life in Indianapolis or Phoenix. 

Community Ties Giving Program

As part of the Community Ties Giving Program, Local Grants help us achieve our mission by providing small and medium-sized grants within our priority cause areas to local organizations spread widely across Union Pacific's footprint.

Funding Priorities & Objectives

Throughout its existence, the success of Union Pacific's business has been inextricably linked to the economic and community wellbeing of cities and towns across the nation. We take pride in the role we have played in helping communities thrive and believe the impact we can have on local communities is greatest when it is authentic to our history and reflective of the diverse company we are today.

As such, we have carefully aligned our Local Grants cause areas to our company's unique heritage, strengths, and assets. Specifically, we prioritize funding for direct services and efforts that build the capacity of organizations focused on the following causes within our local operating communities. Within each focus area, we aim to support programs and organizations working to advance the diversity, equity and inclusion of underrepresented populations within the local context and issue areas addressed. Find more information about our commitment to DEI in our FAQs.

Safety

In order for communities to thrive, all residents must feel safe. Just as the safety of our employees and community members is paramount to how we operate, Union Pacific is committed to helping communities prevent and prepare for incidents and emergencies, and helping residents get home safely at the end of each day. As such, we prioritize funding for projects and programs that seek to: 

• Encourage safe behaviors and prevent incidents through education and awareness, particularly projects which focus on rail, driver, bike, and pedestrian safety, and ensure outreach efforts reach underserved populations.
• Eliminate risks and improve safe and equitable access to community spaces through infrastructure improvements, such as signage, proper lighting, and public trail improvements.
• Prepare and equip residents and emergency responders* to effectively respond to incidents and emergencies if or when they occur.
  • *Union Pacific supports publicly funded emergency responders through a variety of corporate programs; only independent nonprofit, 501(c)(3) emergency response organizations, such as volunteer departments, are eligible for funding through this grant program
• Prevent crime and violent incidents and support survivors of domestic violence through efforts that address the root causes of these issues and seek to mitigate their occurrence.
• Build the capacity of safety-focused organizations to integrate practices that improve upon the diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts of the organization. This can take the form of internal capacity building or the creation/expansion of culturally relevant programming and services that seek to impact a broad and diverse audience. 

Workforce Development

For more than 160 years, Union Pacific has helped stimulate economic growth in cities and towns throughout the nation by training and providing employment to millions of workers. More than ever, we are committed to helping underrepresented residents in our communities achieve family-supporting careers like those offered by Union Pacific. As such, we prioritize funding for programs that seek to:

• Put youth on the right track by creating awareness of and pathways toward employment opportunities; building foundational skills, especially in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM); establishing necessary technical skills and life skills; and providing mentorship and positive role models for the future.
• Raise awareness of, educate and prepare young adults for middle skills jobs like those Union Pacific offers, for instance through community colleges, vocational and career training programs, workforce readiness initiatives, and programs that assist with job placement and/or on-the-job experience.
  • Programs that develop proficiency in areas relevant to Union Pacific operations such as welding, electrical work, machine operations, and civil and electrical engineering are given priority.
• "Up-skill" the existing workforce by providing training and resources that enable them to reach the next level of their career.
  • Programs that develop proficiency in areas of relevance to Union Pacific operations are given priority.
• Resolve barriers to employment such as transportation, childcare, acquiring necessary equipment for work, and second chance employment programs.
• Build the capacity of workforce development-focused organizations to integrate practices that improve upon the diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts of the organization. This can take the form of internal capacity building or the creation/expansion of culturally relevant programming and services that seek to impact a broad and diverse audience. 

Community Vitality

Union Pacific Railroad is committed to establishing vibrant, healthy and inclusive communities for employees, customers and residents to work, visit and call home. Just as the railroad opened avenues for economic development and opportunity more than 160 years ago, we maintain this tradition by cultivating unique cultural and recreational experiences and equipping community members with opportunities to live healthy, vital lives. As such, we prioritize funding for projects and programs that seek to:

• Create, sustain or expand artistic and cultural experiences offered to a broad and diverse audience (e.g., museums, theaters, zoos, cultural and local heritage, visual and performing arts, etc.)
• Provide recreational opportunities that foster wellbeing, enrichment and/or an appreciation for our natural environment (e.g., parks, libraries, senior centers, recreation centers, learning centers, etc.).
• Revive neighborhoods and main street areas, especially in historically underinvested neighborhoods, to improve livability, promote commerce and attract more residents, businesses and visitors to town.
• Ensure residents’ basic needs are met and barriers are overcome (e.g., safe shelter and homelessness prevention, hunger relief, mental health and community health needs, etc.).
• Offer youth development and educational opportunities to ensure young people can thrive into healthy and productive community members (e.g., mentoring, leadership development, tutoring, services for youth in foster care, etc.).
• Build the capacity of community vitality-focused organizations to integrate practices that improve upon the diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts of the organization. This can take the form of internal capacity building or the creation/expansion of culturally relevant programming and services that seek to impact a broad and diverse audience. 

Environmental Sustainability

The future of our business, communities and planet depends on bold, collective action to reduce and slow the impacts of climate change while building a more sustainable economy for the next generation. Union Pacific is taking deliberate steps to reduce our environmental impact and helping our partners improve their own. Extending this commitment to our community investments, we seek to support leading environmental nonprofits and community-based organizations to advance the health of our environment. As such, we prioritize funding for projects and programs that seek to:

• Preserve and restore nature, including programs focused on natural habitats, ecosystems, and biodiversity.
• Protect and enhance water, soil and air quality through innovative and proactive solutions such as water conservation, carbon sequestration and emission reduction programs.
• Reduce waste through initiatives focused on promoting recycling and circularity throughout the community, including recycling and composting programs and other efforts that reduce waste.
• Develop environmental stewards through youth programs focused on fostering environmental appreciation, responsibility, and leadership.
• Advance a sustainable economy by helping communities accelerate their transition to environmental jobs and renewable energy, as well as helping nonprofits and small businesses build their own capacity to operate more sustainably.
• Promote environmental justice through initiatives that ensure access to clean air, water, and land and protect underserved populations from disproportionate and adverse environmental effects.
• Build the capacity of sustainability-focused organizations to integrate practices that improve upon the diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts of the organization. This can take the form of internal capacity building or the creation/expansion of culturally relevant programming and services that seek to impact a broad and diverse audience.

Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation Grant

The Foundation will consider requests to support museums, cultural and performing arts programs; schools and hospitals; educational, skills-training and other programs for youth, seniors, and persons with disabilities; environmental and wildlife protection activities; and other community-based organizations and programs.

Calling to Serve

Since its inception in 2016, the Robinson Foundation has sought to demonstrate God’s love through sharing the gifts we have received. We understand the often unspoken hardships and struggles that people in and outside of our community face everyday. As such, our contributions are focused on relieving these hardships for the betterment of our world.

As a family-operated foundation, we pray that our small efforts will not only create immediate change in the lives of our neighbors, but will help set those lives on a course for success in the future. We are thankful for each and every day we have on this earth to use what God has granted us to make a difference.

Areas of Interest

• Animal Welfare
• Children & Families
• Disaster Relief
• Education
• Medical Assistance
• Nature & Wildlife Conservation
• Poverty Relief
• Religious & Spiritual Endeavors
• Veterans' Issues

Grant Considerations

We take many different aspects of applications into account when making grant issuing decisions, however these are some of the high-level questions we ask ourselves during the process:

• How does the organization serve their key audience goals?
• Is the organization fiscally responsible?
• Will a grant have a tangible, meaningful impact?
• Will we see direct results from this grant?
• Does the organization have other financial contributors?

Centene Charitable Foundation

Successful corporate citizenship happens when companies invest in the local organizations that know their communities best. The Centene Foundation works with our local partners on initiatives that focus on inclusion, the whole person and community development.

Vision

Centene’s purpose is transforming the health of the community, one person at a time. The Centene Foundation is an essential part of how we pursue this purpose. We achieve measurable impact for the communities we serve through partnerships and philanthropy efforts that invest in initiatives with holistic approaches to dismantling barriers to health.

Areas of Focus

Reflecting Centene’s commitment to the needs of those who rely on government-sponsored health care and to addressing social determinants of health and health equity, preference will be given to initiatives in three distinct areas of focus.

• Healthcare Access
• Social Services
• Education

Introduction

Cox Communications, in partnership with its fiscal partner Arizona Community Foundation, is pleased to invite your nonprofit organization to apply for grants through Cox Charities. This is a special opportunity to receive funding for programs that support one or more of Cox Charities’ three philanthropic cornerstones: Education (with a priority on K-12 and STEAM), Diversity (with a priority on programs serving 80% of more of a target population or serve an inclusion, diversity and equity initiative), and Environment/Sustainability programs (with a priority on water conservation, waste or carbon reduction).

Gupta Family Foundation is a private, nonprofit foundation headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, USA. Our mission is to support organizations that provide focused intervention in the lives of people who have been disadvantaged in some way to help them become self-reliant. We take a very broad view of “disadvantage” to include anything that holds a person back from realizing their potential, such as poverty, physical or mental disability, social alienation, etc. The foundation also supports relief agencies that serve people affected by emergencies such as natural disasters.

The foundation evaluates and awards annual and multi-year grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000 (USD). Our focus is on funding smaller organizations all around the world that are led by individuals with a deep personal commitment to their missions. 

Our selection criteria include:

• Mission alignment
• The organization is run by the founder or, if not, by a successor who embodies the original inspiration, passion and commitment of the founder.
• At least 90% of grant monies reaches the intended beneficiaries.
• The organization is non-sectarian, i.e.,
  • It does not, directly or indirectly, support or condone the proselytization of any religion,
  • It is not supported by or affiliated to a religious organization.

Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation’s mission is to "cultivate philanthropy to build better communities." We carry out this mission by helping individuals, families and organizations make permanent charitable investments for the long-term benefit of their hometowns. We believe that everyone has the opportunity to become a philanthropist and we work one-on-one with donors to ensure that their charitable goals are met. We invite you to learn more about how we are serving the people of southeastern Illinois and hope you are inspired by the work of our governing board, donors, and professional advisors who are making a difference in our communities.

Fall Education Cycle: Heather Began Memorial Education Fund

Robert and Julie Began, along with their daughter, Hannah, established the Heather Began Memorial Education Fund in memory of their daughter, Heather. The fund will offer a grant opportunity to K-5 educators at Altamont Elementary School, Altamont, Illinois, Rover Elementary School in Tempe, AZ, Ballard Nature Center in Altamont, Illinois, and the Nina Mason Pulliam Rio Salado Audubon Center in Phoenix, AZ.

Heather passed away on October 5, 2019, in Phoenix, Arizona, as the result of injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident. She was 25 years old. Heather, a graduate of Altamont High School, was a first-grade teacher at Estrella Vista Elementary in Avondale, Arizona.

Heather was able to fulfill her dream of teaching young students before her life was cut short. Now her parents want to carry on Heather’s legacy by helping elementary teachers enhance their classrooms through grants from the Heather Began Memorial Fund.

Mission

Established in 2003, the Harry C. & Deborah L. Elliott Family Foundation is the philanthropic arm of builder and developer Elliott Homes. The Foundation’s mission is to enhance the quality of human life in the communities it serves. To that end, we help patients gain access to life-saving emergency care at hospitals, women and children rebuild their lives with safe shelter, and college students reach their goals through multi-year scholarships, among other projects. The Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors that meets on a monthly basis.

Interests

Funding has traditionally gone to community health care projects, scholarships for higher education, housing the homeless, environmental preservation and conservation, and services for disadvantaged seniors. Areas in which the Board members have special knowledge or interest are also considered.

Corporate Contributions

Community involvement and corporate citizenship are an example of Insperity’s mission in action. We are committed to helping the communities where we live and work because together, we know we can make great things happen.

Grants

Philanthropic grants are a strong part of our community outreach and aid institutions needing financial support to meet important service goals.

Event Sponsorship

Fundraising events are an important part of nonprofit support. Insperity provides event sponsorships to approved charities to assist them in meeting their financial and community goals.