Best Environmental Education Grants in Arizona

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 DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

The Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Fund offers large scale grants for projects aimed at developing and maintaining trails in Arizona. Established in 1991, it allocates approximately $2 million annually from motor vehicle fuel taxes to support OHV management. Eligible applicants include government entities, non-profits, and clubs. Funds can be used for land acquisition, trail design, and law enforcement, among other purposes, ensuring sustainable outdoor recreational opportunities.

The Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Fund offers small scale grants of up to $100,000 for projects aimed at developing and maintaining trails, as well as enhancing support facilities for off-highway vehicle recreation in Arizona. Established in 1991, this fund is supported by a portion of motor vehicle fuel taxes and is available to various entities including governmental bodies and non-profit organizations. The initiative promotes responsible OHV use while supporting law enforcement and environmental compliance.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

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 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.

Arizona Department of Agriculture

The Arizona Department of Agriculture (AZDA) protects consumer safety, facilitates commerce, promotes equity in the Arizona marketplace, and safeguards market access both domestically and internationally through a variety of inspection, licensing, and certification programs involving plants, livestock, meat, dairy, vegetables, citrus, fruit, eggs, feed, fertilizer, seed, agricultural and non-agricultural pesticides, packaged consumer goods, retail pricing, and commercial weighing and measuring devices. AZDA protects and guards against the risks associated with the entry and spread of plant and livestock pests and diseases. AZDA protects environmental resiliency through education and training programs to assure safe pesticide use and on-farm food safety, and assists in attaining air quality standards. AZDA maintains a state lab for testing agricultural samples and a lab for ensuring the accuracy of weights and measurement tools. AZDA provides non-regulatory assistance to members of the agricultural community and administers agricultural grant programs.

Section 6 - Segment 32 Grant Program

Program Background

The Section 6 Grant Program is funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) through the Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund Traditional Conservation Grants Program Region 2 which is established under the authority of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973, 16 U.S.C. § 1535. This program supports the development and implementation of State programs to conserve and recover threatened and endangered species under USFWS jurisdiction.

Because many listed species spend at least part of their life cycle on non-Federal lands, USFWS recognizes that conservation success depends heavily on working cooperatively with States. In Arizona, the AZDA collaborates with the USFWS to manage and allocate Section 6 funding specifically for rare plants.

Eligible projects consist of habitat restoration/enhancement, surveys and inventories, plant propagation, genetic research (population health and structure), and monitoring/demography studies.

Matching Requirement: Applicants are required to provide matching funds in the form of cash or in-kind contribution of no less than 40%.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.

The Hansen Family Foundation Grant seeks to empower organizations that uphold the American values of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Focused on diverse causes like children, education, animals, environmental conservation, humanitarian efforts, and arts, the foundation is committed to supporting initiatives that create positive change. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits, while political campaigns and organizations with high budgets or overheads are ineligible. This grant fosters impactful contributions to society.

The Elliott Family Foundation, established in 2003, aims to enhance human quality of life by supporting community health projects, scholarships, and housing initiatives. They favor grant requests from organizations that are 501(c)(3) tax-exempt and actively work in Sacramento, Phoenix, and Yuma. The Foundation's mission includes aiding patients, women and children in need, and disadvantaged seniors, while ensuring equality and non-discrimination in its funding practices.

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 Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

The Bisbee Foundation Historic Preservation Grants aim to support nonprofit organizations and for-profit entities in preserving Bisbee's historical and cultural heritage. Grants require a one-to-one match with non-public funds and necessitate detailed project evidence, including funding assurances and architectural estimates. Eligible applicants must demonstrate nonprofit status and provide documentation of historic significance. The foundation emphasizes the importance of maintaining Bisbee's unique architectural and environmental legacy, making it a vital resource for community enrichment.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

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 Bisbee Foundation Berry Family Environmental Fund, an initiative of the Arizona Community Foundation, aims to support projects enhancing the natural environment in Bisbee. This grant encourages community involvement through initiatives like landscape enhancement, water harvesting, and conservation efforts. The fund, inspired by the Berry siblings' respect for nature, seeks to preserve Bisbee's unique environmental heritage while fostering community engagement in ecological projects.

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 Bisbee Foundation, part of the Arizona Community Foundation, supports non-profit organizations through General Operating Grants aimed at enhancing the unique historical and cultural qualities of Bisbee. Eligible organizations must have tax-exempt status and a two-year programming history. Grants require matching funds and are intended for operational support rather than construction or travel. The foundation focuses on preserving Bisbee's artistic heritage, ensuring its vibrant community continues to thrive.

The Bisbee Foundation Project Grants support non-profit organizations in Arizona, focusing on arts, humanities, education, and historic preservation. Grants are available on a matching basis for projects that enhance Bisbee's cultural heritage. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt and have a two-year programming history. Funding cannot exceed 20% of the organization's budget, and recipients must submit completion reports to qualify for future grants. The program emphasizes collaboration and community engagement.

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 True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

The Arizona SFY25 AmeriCorps State Formula Grant, managed by the Governor's Office of Youth, Faith and Family, offers between $100,000 and $500,000 to support programs engaging AmeriCorps members in impactful community services. Eligible applicants include local governments, non-profits, and educational institutions. This program addresses critical needs in areas such as disaster services and education, with approximately $4 million available in total funding. Note that the next grant request is expected in Winter 2027.