Best Community Development Grants in Arizona

The BHHS Legacy Foundation Grant supports initiatives that improve health and quality of life for vulnerable Arizona residents. Since 2001, the Foundation has focused on four key areas: enhancing healthcare access, improving community health, developing the healthcare workforce, and strengthening community ties. Organizations seeking funding must demonstrate a clear health-related need and comply with eligibility criteria, including nonprofit status. This grant is vital for programs aiming to create sustainable health solutions in Arizona.

BOK Charitable Contributions aims to enhance community life and economic wellbeing across several states, focusing on four key pillars: United Way, economic development, education, and basic needs. The foundation supports organizations that address poverty, education, and community health. Their strategic approach ensures impactful contributions, and they welcome grant applications year-round. BOK Financial's commitment is evident in its partnerships with local nonprofits, fostering sustainable growth and development in the regions they serve.

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.

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.

The Smart & Final Charitable Foundation focuses on enhancing community well-being through strategic donations. Committed to Health & Wellness, Education, Hunger Relief, Team Sports & Youth Development, and Disaster Relief, the foundation supports local non-profits in California, Arizona, and Nevada. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)3 registered and aligned with the foundation's focus areas. While the foundation aims to assist various groups, it has specific exclusions, such as for-profit entities and political activities.

The Carl and Marilynn Thoma Foundation offers Special Project Funding to support innovative initiatives in the arts, particularly in under-resourced areas. This grant encourages collaborative projects that enhance community engagement and education, focusing on art exhibitions and scholarships in the greater Texas Panhandle. By fostering leadership and creativity, the Foundation aims to empower individuals and organizations to make a lasting impact in the fields of art and art history.

The APS Community Impact Grants aim to address diverse community needs across Arizona through support for education, small business, arts, human services, environment, and community development. By focusing on under-resourced populations, these grants foster inclusivity and resilience. Nonprofits can apply annually for funding, with additional consideration for projects that enhance community engagement and quality of life. This initiative highlights APS's commitment to empowering local organizations to create a positive impact in their communities.

The Southwest Intervention Fund, managed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, supports preservation efforts of traditional cultures across Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, West Texas, and Utah. Grants ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 are available for local partners, nonprofits, and government agencies to address emergency threats and promote preservation planning. Eligible projects include archaeological site surveys, public awareness workshops, and legal assistance for cultural resource management, ensuring the protection of vital historic sites.

The Women's Development Initiatives Grant Program, funded by Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Foundation, focuses on enhancing education and economic opportunities for women in various communities. This initiative aims to empower women through skills training, small business development, and leadership programs, ultimately fostering their participation in economic growth. Eligible organizations must directly serve women and girls in specified locations, demonstrating measurable impacts and sustainability beyond funding.

Desert Diamond Casinos & Entertainment provides community outreach donations to enhance the quality of life for the Tohono O’odham Nation and Southern Arizona residents. They support 501-C non-profit organizations and local Tohono O’odham organizations, focusing on areas such as healthcare, education, arts and culture, and community services. Applications must be submitted by the 10th of each month for consideration. With over 25 years of community commitment, they continue to foster partnerships and create positive impacts.

The Otter Tail Corporation Foundation Grant Program focuses on supporting 501(c)(3) organizations in communities across Arizona, Georgia, Illinois, Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Priorities include early childhood education, health services for families in need, community development, and environmental sustainability. While the 2025 budget is fully allocated, they encourage applications for 2026, emphasizing collaborative projects that create measurable impacts.

The America’s Horse Cares Grant Program, provided by the American Quarter Horse Association, aims to enhance the welfare and training of American Quarter Horses in therapeutic settings. By funding educational workshops from March to September 2026, the program seeks to elevate horsemanship standards and ensure proper horse care. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, focusing on equine-assisted activities for individuals with various challenges, thereby fostering transformative experiences through education and responsible practices.

The Franz Bakery Foundation Grant supports local charitable organizations focused on family support, youth development, and hunger reduction in areas served by Franz Bakery. With an average grant amount of $3,000, the Foundation aims to foster respect, equity, and inclusion within communities. Eligible applicants must be 501c3 tax-exempt nonprofits located in specific states and align with the Foundation's mission. Organizations can reapply annually, although applications do not roll over to the next year.

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.

The Stocker Foundation Grants support innovative educational programs aimed at bridging the literacy gap in underserved communities. With a focus on STEAM initiatives, the Foundation seeks to partner with 501(c)(3) organizations in specific counties across Ohio, California, and Arizona. The goal is to enhance reading and writing skills through cross-disciplinary learning, while also providing essential support services that promote student engagement and academic success. Grants are not awarded for capital campaigns or individual projects.

The Summer Youth Program Fund Grant aims to enhance summer programming for Maricopa County youth, providing essential financial support to organizations serving economically disadvantaged youth. Funded by local collaborators, this initiative focuses on promoting personal development and healthy lifestyle activities, while simplifying the grant application process for nonprofits. Organizations can request funding ranging from $5,000 to $25,000, with a total of approximately $615,000 available for distribution. This grant encourages creative programming that addresses childhood obesity and fosters community engagement.

The Diane and Bruce Halle Foundation aims to enhance educational opportunities and outcomes for individuals and communities in Arizona. They focus on funding initiatives that increase access to quality education, especially for low-income students. The foundation prioritizes innovative programs that promote student achievement, college access, and leadership development. Eligible organizations must have 501(c)(3) status, a minimum annual budget, and demonstrate strong management and community engagement.

The Diane and Bruce Halle Foundation focuses on enhancing opportunities for Arizona communities by funding direct-service organizations that address chronic poverty. They prioritize programs that fulfill basic human needs such as food, shelter, and emotional support. Organizations are encouraged to demonstrate effective leadership and financial management, and must align with the Foundation's mission. Preference is given to those providing essential services like food banks and job training, ensuring impactful outcomes for vulnerable populations.

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 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 Arizona Community Foundation of Cochise Grant supports local nonprofits, schools, and municipalities in southeastern Arizona. Since 1998, ACF has mobilized philanthropy to create lasting impacts through community-driven efforts. Organizations must attend a workshop to apply, ensuring they have the necessary tools for successful applications. Grants are awarded based on local needs, fostering community development and donor engagement for a sustainable future.

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.

Our Mission: Lead, serve, and collaborate to mobilize enduring philanthropy for a better Arizona.

Arizona Public Service (APS) Grant

Since 2001, APS has partnered with Arizona Community Foundation to provide funding to qualified nonprofit agencies that support growth and community needs in the west valley. Agencies eligible for funding must be nonprofit organizations with at least 3 years of continued operation serving residents in the geographical area: North to Bell Road (extend boundary line west when Bell Road ends), West to 459th Avenue, South to Estrella/Gillespie Dam, and East to 19th Avenue.

Statement of Purpose

Through an open, competitive cycle the APS funds will benefit & support eligible nonprofits through grants in the areas of arts & culture, community development, education, environment, and human services.

In addition, the APS Fund encourages and supports projects that meet the following criteria:

• serve a variety of ethnic, economic or cultural backgrounds
• include new or creative solutions to problems or issues
• involve volunteers and in-kind gifts that demonstrate community involvement
• foster cooperative efforts between organizations

The In-N-Out Burger Foundation supports organizations that aid children and youth affected by abuse and neglect, offering grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000. Eligible nonprofits must be 501(c)(3) registered, operational for at least two years, and demonstrate a commitment to the foundation's mission. Applications are considered for traditional, capital, and program support, focusing on sustainable solutions and clear objectives. Organizations must operate in areas with In-N-Out Burger locations to qualify.

Enterprise Community Partners

Enterprise Community Partners is a national nonprofit that exists to make a good home possible for the millions of families without one. Home is where life happens, where plans are made, and futures begin. It is the foundation for dignity, health, education, wealth, and community. Yet rents keep going up, paychecks don’t keep pace, and good homes in strong neighborhoods are increasingly out of reach.

The system doesn’t work. It must be changed, and it must be changed by us.

Enterprise has the breadth, scale, and expertise to do it. We support community development organizations on the ground. We aggregate and invest billions to improve housing and strengthen communities across the U.S. We advance housing policy at every level of government. We build and manage communities ourselves. Everything we do is informed by the residents we serve.

Together with our partners, we focus on the greatest need — the massive shortage of affordable rental homes — to achieve three goals:

• Increase the supply of affordable homes
• Advance racial equity after decades of systematic racism in housing
• Support residents and strengthen communities to be resilient to the unpredictable, and make upward mobility possible

Since 1982, we have invested $92.0 billion and created 1.1 million homes across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. We do all this to make home and community places of pride, power, and belonging.

National Housing Innovation Grant Competition

Home is foundational. It’s where we plant roots, raise and care for our families, and build community bonds. Yet in every corner of the country, millions of people of all ages and backgrounds need a home they can afford.

Wells Fargo is meeting this moment with a powerful grant opportunity. Together with Enterprise, Wells Fargo has launched the third iteration of the Housing Affordability Breakthrough Challenge. The 2026 cycle of the housing innovation competition will identify and propel proven, ready-to-scale solutions that transform current practices and increase housing choice and access.

Eligible applicants will compete for five individual grants of $2 million to advance their innovation and drive meaningful, systems-level change in the housing and adjacent industries. Winners will gain access to mentorship and coaching from industry leaders and experts and join a powerful network of Breakthrough Challenge innovators.

Focus Areas

This third cycle of the Housing Affordability Breakthrough Challenge aims to meet the nation’s affordable housing challenges across all types of communities: Native, rural, suburban, tribal, and urban.

Proposals must encompass one or more of three focus areas:

• Design and Construction
• Finance
• Service Delivery and Programs

Applicants will be asked to show how their proof of concept or pilot program has achieved clear outcomes and success, and provide a clear pathway to expanding the innovation’s reach and impact

Round 1: Criteria and Scoring

Your innovation must meet the criteria below to advance to the official scoring stage.

Type of Community

Innovations can serve all types of communities:

• Rural
• Urban
• Suburban
• Tribal

Location

Priority scoring will be given to applications from entities that are based in – or whose innovations are designed for – one or more of these 28 states, plus D.C.:

• Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Washington D.C.

Affordability

Innovations must serve residents at these income levels:

• Rental: 80% AMI or below
• Homeownership: 120% AMI or below
• Workforce housing: 120% AMI or below

The Harry F. Dise Grant, managed by the Harry F. Dise Charitable Foundation, supports charitable organizations in Prescott, Arizona, focusing on the preservation of historical landmarks and objects. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. The foundation prioritizes areas such as animal welfare, arts and culture, civic activities, community development, education, environment, health research, social services, and religious activities. Note that individual applications are not accepted.

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 ACF of Sedona Grant Cycle aims to foster a culture of philanthropy in Sedona and the Verde Valley. Managed by the Arizona Community Foundation, this initiative has cultivated over 88 funds and distributed more than $19 million to support local nonprofits and community needs since 1991. With a focus on enhancing quality of life, ACF of Sedona connects generous donors with impactful projects, ensuring lasting benefits for the community.