Best Grants for After School Programs in Arizona

The Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust focuses on enhancing health and well-being in Maricopa County, Arizona, through strategic grantmaking in six key areas: arts and culture, children, education, healthcare, older adults, and religious organizations. By collaborating with local nonprofits, the Trust aims to strengthen community support and leadership, ensuring that marginalized populations have access to vital services and opportunities that foster inclusion and development.

The Quick Grants program in Arizona provides funding up to $5,000 for projects that promote youth and amateur sports in Maricopa County. Managed by the Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority, these grants support local agencies and non-profits, focusing on equipment needs. Eligibility includes being a recognized public entity or a 501(c)(3) non-profit operating for at least one year in the area. Applications will reopen on July 1, 2026, as funds for FY2026 are fully allocated.

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 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.

Community Investment Fund

Community Investment Funds (CIFs) have been established in communities near our operations in Colorado, New Mexico and southeastern Arizona. The CIFs engage community leaders in cultivating and assessing community projects that address identified community priorities (developed at Community Partnership Panels), and allow them to allocate Freeport-McMoRan Foundation funds to programs and projects that encourage a strong focus on local capacity-building, community development and sustainability.

Focus Areas

Education and Workforce Development:

The following are examples of the types of programs we seek in support of the Education & Workforce Development priority and goals.

• PK-12:
  • Professional development programs for teachers and/or school administrators
  • Student preparation, incentive or other programs that drive achievement /performance and matriculation (including early childhood)
  • Classroom equipment or supplies that are proven to drive achievement /performance and are tied to a program or training/professional development
  • Programs that remove barriers or address problems related to lack of performance
  • Programs that engage parents in supporting their student’s achievement in reading, math or the pursuit of graduation and/or enrollment in higher education
  • Research studies, surveys or other activities to identify gaps and needs
• Higher Education:
  • Student counseling or advising services that help students navigate the process of enrollment in a higher ed program
  • Programs that increase access / remove barriers to enrollment or the pursuit of higher ed
  • Teacher/school administrator or counselor training needed to fully understand the higher education landscape, what is available to students and how to access it
  • Student preparation, awareness, incentive or other campaigns or efforts that drive enrollment and attainment
  • Research studies, surveys or other activities to identify gaps and needs

Economic Opportunity:

The following are examples of the types of programs we seek in support of the Economic Opportunity priority and goals.

• Small Business Development:
  • Programs that provide training or skill-building to entrepreneurs on start-up or growth
  • Access to capital programs
  • Other support services that drive start-up, expansion or retention
  • Research studies, surveys or other activities to identify gaps and needs among small business owners
• Affordable Housing:
  • Loan funds or other resource programs that help families access housing options or make housing more affordable for them
  • Housing improvement programs that allow families to stay in safe, quality housing
  • Research studies, surveys or other activities to identify gaps, needs or viable models
• Other Economic Opportunity:
  • Programs that provide transportation to health, education, recreation or other critical activities
  • Programs that increase the availability of and access to quality healthcare facilities and services
  • Projects that create or improve parks or other recreational activities
  • Projects that improve or eliminate blight or beautify high traffic areas in the community
  • Restoration of lands for habitat or public use
  • Projects that improve river or waterway health
• Capacity and Leadership:

The following are examples of the types of programs we seek in support of the Resiliency, Capacity and Leadership priority and goals.

• Programs that provide leadership or other skills for staff, board, volunteers or other community constituents to improve organizational or community performance.
• Organizational self-assessment or diagnoses activities to determine gaps and needs.
• Efforts to develop leadership succession plans that protect and prolong organizational effectiveness.
• Planning initiatives to evaluate, identify and/or consider supports needed to weather future economic disruptions (commodities market or global economy downturns, health pandemics, technological disruptors to the future of jobs/economies, etc.)
• Programs, training or other efforts that aid organizations in understanding the broader social context of which they are part and how they can collectively mobilize to address community needs and create resiliency.
• The development of leadership networks as a tool for transformative social change and amplifying impact across social systems or issues.
• Projects to increase citizen engagement in solving or addressing community challenges or opportunities.

This philosophy includes securing and maintaining our social license to operate and delivering transformation through robust stakeholder engagement and consultation, social investment, and impact evaluation. 

The Community Investment Fund in Greenlee County, AZ, is dedicated to fostering long-term community resilience through strategic collaborations. With a focus on education, economic opportunity, and capacity building, the fund supports initiatives that empower individuals and organizations to thrive. Projects must exceed $10,000 and align with the foundation's commitment to transformative change, ensuring that funding directly benefits local communities, enhancing their overall well-being and capacity to navigate economic challenges.

The Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust focuses on supporting nonprofits in Arizona and Indiana through invitation-only grants. The Trust funds initiatives that help people in need, protect animals and nature, and enrich community life, emphasizing self-sufficiency, crisis intervention, and education. Grants are available for programs that enhance civic vibrancy, promote environmental awareness, and provide essential services to vulnerable populations. Organizations must align with the Trust's priorities and geographic areas to be eligible for funding.

The Thiru Family Trust Momentum Maker Grant, valued at $75,000, aims to enhance mental health in Arizona schools, particularly in response to pandemic-related stress. This grant provides essential resources for expert guidance, training sessions, and financial aid for mental health activities. It is open to eligible schools and organizations, promoting innovative solutions to urgent mental health challenges. Applications are welcomed from schools, districts, or representatives acting on their behalf to foster well-being and resilience in educational environments.

The Shaaron Kent End of Life Grant, established by the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona, supports low-income individuals and communities of color by enhancing end-of-life care services. It aims to educate caregivers and the community about palliative care and hospice services. Grants of up to $25,000 are available annually for three years to 501(c)(3) organizations that demonstrate a commitment to diversity and inclusion. This initiative honors the legacy of Shaaron Kent, who valued quality end-of-life care.

The Arizona Community Foundation of Yuma, established in 1993, champions enduring philanthropy to enhance Yuma County. With over $19 million in assets and more than $10 million granted since inception, ACF connects community needs with passionate donors. Last year alone, it invested over $1 million in local projects. Eligible organizations can apply for funding to build capacity, support direct services, and cover operating costs, fostering sustainable impact across the region.

The Bayer Fund Health & Wellness Grant Program aims to support organizations that provide education and resources for patients and caregivers facing cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Grants focus on assisting communities, particularly the African American population, in managing these health issues. Funding covers educational services, disease awareness, and access to care, with all activities to commence post-funding decisions. Eligible organizations must hold a 501(c)(3) status and operate within 55 miles of Bayer sites.

The STEM + Families Science Festival, sponsored by Bayer Fund, is designed for elementary schools, providing $1,500 in funding to 40 selected PTAs. This initiative encourages hands-on STEM experiences for students and their families, fostering engagement and exploration in science. To qualify, PTAs must conduct in-person events within a 55-mile radius of designated regions. This program emphasizes the importance of connecting families through fun and educational STEM activities.

The Community Facilities Grant Program in Arizona provides crucial funding to develop essential services in rural areas. This program supports public bodies, non-profits, and federally-recognized tribes to purchase, construct, or improve facilities such as healthcare centers, educational institutions, and public safety services. Grants are available for projects that meet specific eligibility criteria, particularly in smaller communities with lower median incomes, ensuring that vital resources are accessible to those who need them most.

The Circular Arizona Grant, formerly known as the Arizona Recycling Coalition, is a nonprofit initiative aimed at fostering an equitable circular economy in Arizona. With nearly $300,000 awarded since the 1990s, the program supports nonprofits, government agencies, and local businesses with grants up to $5,000. The focus is on measurable projects that enhance recycling efforts and reduce landfill waste, promoting sustainability and innovation throughout the state.

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.

Delta Dental of Arizona Foundation is launching Innovation Grants in 2026 to support groundbreaking oral health and food insecurity programs. These grants aim to address critical challenges faced by underserved communities through innovative, adaptable projects that demonstrate real-world impact. Nonprofit organizations are encouraged to apply, especially those that foster collaboration, utilize proven strategies in new contexts, and engage the community in co-creating solutions. Funding will enhance access to essential services and promote healthier outcomes.

The Season for Sharing Grant supports non-profit organizations in Arizona, focusing on children, families, arts, education, and older adults. With funding ranging from $7,500 to $50,000, this initiative aims to address critical needs such as child protection, food access, emergency shelter, and educational support. Eligible applicants must be based in Maricopa or Pinal counties, ensuring that assistance directly benefits local communities. This collaborative effort highlights the importance of charitable contributions during the holiday season.

The NRA Foundation: Arizona Grants provide funding to organizations that promote firearms safety, education, and shooting sports in accordance with IRS regulations. Eligible entities include 501(c)(3) organizations, government bodies, and state-recognized nonprofits. The Foundation supports projects that deliver public benefits and advance charitable purposes but excludes funding for commercial ventures, administrative costs, and fundraising activities. Grant requests must align with the Foundation's mission to enhance community engagement and safety in shooting sports.

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 Patagonia Regional Community Fund, established in 1998 under the Arizona Community Foundation, aims to enhance the quality of life in eastern Santa Cruz County. It provides essential support for organizational capacity building, direct service projects, and capital expenditures. The Fund invites applications from 501(c)(3) organizations and emphasizes fiscal accountability. It seeks to empower local initiatives while adhering to a non-discrimination policy. Grants are competitive, with no guarantee of continued funding beyond the initial year.

The Community Foundation of Yavapai Grant, managed by the Arizona Community Foundation, supports nonprofit organizations in Yavapai County. Grants ranging from $1,000 to $20,000 are available to 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and tribal entities that benefit the local community in various fields, including animal welfare, children’s services, environmental initiatives, and healthcare. Applicants must comply with non-discrimination policies and ensure their projects serve residents within the county.

The Northern Arizona Community Health Grant aims to enhance the health and well-being of adolescents in northern Arizona. By focusing on health access, behavioral health, and chronic conditions, the grant supports initiatives for youth aged 0-19. With a funding preference of $50,000 or more, projects promoting equitable healthcare access and healthy behaviors are encouraged. The Health First Foundation seeks innovative collaborations that address community health needs, fostering a comprehensive approach to improve outcomes for young people.

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 Child Abuse Prevention License Plate Donation Grant, issued by Governor Katie Hobbs’ Office of Youth, Faith and Family, aims to fund local and statewide programs that effectively promote trauma-informed primary prevention to combat child abuse and neglect. Eligible applicants include academic institutions, non-profits, and schools located in Arizona. This grant supports vital advocacy efforts while fostering community collaboration to strengthen families and protect children across the state.

The Arizona Community Foundation of Flagstaff, established in 1987, provides vital funding to enhance the quality of life for Flagstaff residents through various competitive grant programs. These grants support local nonprofit organizations, schools, and community groups across multiple fields, including education, healthcare, and environmental conservation. The Foundation emphasizes collaboration with grant applicants, aiming to empower them to deliver high-quality services and programs that directly benefit the community.

The Page/Lake Powell, Tuba City, and Williams Community Funds, part of the Arizona Community Foundation, aim to enhance local philanthropy. These funds, dedicated to specific communities, support local initiatives through grants derived from endowed funds. Community members engage in identifying needs and guiding funding decisions. By collaborating with local organizations, the foundation ensures that resources are allocated effectively, fostering sustainable growth and addressing pressing community issues for the benefit of residents in these areas.

The Kellenberger + Tollefson Center for LGBTQ Philanthropy Grant, offered by the Arizona Community Foundation, aims to promote justice and opportunities for LGBTQ individuals across Arizona. The grant supports organizations focused on youth, seniors, and transgender communities, fostering environments where everyone can thrive. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, and other charitable entities. This initiative seeks to create lasting impacts for LGBTQ individuals, ensuring their rights and dignity are upheld.