Best Pima County Grants for Nonprofits in Arizona

The Building Capacity Grants by Catholic Extension aim to enhance the financial and operational capabilities of dioceses. This initiative focuses on funding projects that promote efficiency, financial stability, and effective fiscal management, ultimately fostering a self-sustaining community. Eligible programs include fundraising development initiatives and operational assessments, ensuring resources are utilized efficiently while supporting professional development for church leadership. This grant empowers dioceses to strengthen their foundations for future growth.

The Engaging Young Catholics Grants aim to support ministries that provide faith formation to children, teens, young adults, and families. By focusing on the pastoral needs of young Catholics, the program enhances community vibrancy and fosters new leadership within the church. Catholic Extension prioritizes operational support and seed funding for initiatives that develop youth and young adult ministries, ensuring that dioceses can effectively reach and engage younger generations in their faith.

The Building Leaders Grants by Catholic Extension aim to enhance the recruitment, education, and ongoing formation of church leaders. This initiative provides critical funding for the professional development of both ordained and lay leaders in mission dioceses. By fostering partnerships with various organizations, it addresses the need for trained ministers and supports various funding areas, including seminarian sponsorship and diaconate formation, ensuring a robust future for church leadership.

The Building Foundation Grants by Catholic Extension aim to support essential pastoral and administrative functions in under-resourced communities. These grants provide salary subsidies and operational funding to ordained, religious, and lay ministers, ensuring access to Catholic services. Prioritizing areas with significant financial need, this initiative seeks to sustain the church's presence where it is most critical, enabling continued ministry and outreach for those who may otherwise be underserved.

Catholic Extension provides essential funding to support the construction, expansion, or renovation of churches and community facilities. This initiative aims to meet the facility needs of under-resourced Catholic dioceses across the U.S. By focusing on active projects, Catholic Extension ensures that communities can enhance their worship spaces and support local ministries, ultimately fostering a stronger church community. Funding is available for both minor and major requests, with an emphasis on urgent needs and robust funding strategies.

Nonprofits, governments, tribes, schools, and even for-profits serving homeless or at-risk Veterans in Pima County, Arizona can seek funding for coordinated services and outreach. Arizona Department of Veterans' Services supports military and Veterans homelessness efforts across multiple Arizona counties and encourages collaborative, community-based proposals that expand benefits and support for the state’s Veterans.

High school graduates from Southern Arizona attending accredited community colleges can apply for the Boilard-Harkin Scholarship, awarding up to US $1,250 for post-secondary studies. Offered by the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona, this support may benefit students from Pima County and nearby counties who need help covering community college costs.

Refugee and immigrant students escaping conflict in the Middle East who graduated from Southern Arizona high schools and attend the University of Arizona or Pima Community College can receive up to US $2,000 for tuition or related college costs. Focused on academic scholarship support, Community Foundation for Southern Arizona invites eligible students in Pima County, Arizona to apply.

Nonprofit organizations running colon cancer screening, education, financial assistance, or research programs in Pima County, Arizona can access funding through Colon Cancer Coalition. Grants support local initiatives in designated event areas, must benefit residents where funds are raised, align with the Coalition’s mission, and cannot be used for salaries or overhead.

Nonprofits, schools, and government entities in Pima County, Arizona that serve women and girls can apply for Freeport-McMoRan Foundation’s Women’s Development Grants to support education, workforce skills, and small business development. Funding may help programs that boost college and career readiness, increase financial capability, and improve employment or income outcomes for female participants.

K-12 schools and teachers in Pima County, Arizona can receive US $100 - US $500 mini-grants to support classroom projects in environment, mining and natural resources, reading and literacy, and STEM. With a mission to strengthen education, Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Foundation provides funding for eligible public and private schools in its local communities.

The Ray Davies Community Services Scholarship, established by the Tucson Mayor and Council, aims to support students from Southern Arizona in their educational pursuits. With a focus on community service and academic potential, this scholarship is available for high school graduates demonstrating financial need. It reflects the commitment of the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona to nurture future leaders through educational assistance, fostering a skilled workforce and vibrant communities.

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 Southern Arizona Nursing Scholarship aims to alleviate financial burdens for students pursuing an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing degree. This scholarship covers in-state tuition and fees for eligible students at non-profit Southern Arizona community colleges, facilitating their preparation for the NCLEX-RN exam and RN certification. It particularly supports first-generation college students, ensuring they have access to the necessary education and resources to succeed in the nursing field.

The TeamUp Grant, initiated by the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona, offers nonprofits in Southern Arizona up to 20 hours of free consulting and coaching. Launched in 2021, it aims to assist organizations at critical stages in their development. With a limitation of nine projects approved per cycle, the grant emphasizes strategic support for nonprofits facing transitions, growth, or partnerships. This initiative reflects CFSA's commitment to fostering community engagement and addressing local needs effectively.

The Stantec Community Engagement Grant is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in communities where Stantec operates. Focused on arts, education, environment, and health and wellness, the grant supports initiatives that foster sustainable development and responsible practices. Organizations seeking funding must align with Stantec's values, emphasizing ethical practices and community impact. Preference is given to projects located near Stantec offices, ensuring a more significant local impact through their contributions.

The Stone Canyon Community Foundation Grants will open applications on November 1, 2025. Administered by the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona, these grants aim to support 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in the greater Tucson area that focus on enhancing educational success and quality of life for youth in need. Eligible organizations can apply for funding to make a positive impact, while requests for endowments or large capital funding will not be considered.

The Comunidad Grants, offered by the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona, aim to empower local grassroots nonprofits addressing pressing community issues. Since 1980, CFSA has connected donors with impactful organizations in Pima, Santa Cruz, and neighboring counties, fostering inclusion and dignity. By prioritizing rural organizations and those serving historically marginalized communities, the program ensures that funding is allocated where it is most needed, allowing nonprofits the autonomy to effectively pursue their missions.

Nonprofit organizations providing basic human needs, food security, housing stabilization, and other emergency services in Pima County, Arizona can apply for grants of US $25,000 - US $75,000 to support residents impacted by the federal government shutdown. Grants from Pima County help local 501(c)(3)s expand crisis response, prevent eviction, and address urgent human needs.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations addressing basic needs, income creation, housing stability, or community empowerment in Pima County, Arizona can apply for local funding. Grants from Bank of America Charitable Foundation help support economic mobility for low- and moderate-income communities, including vulnerable groups such as working families, youth, seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities.

High-achieving students graduating from Arizona high schools who plan to attend ASU, NAU, or the University of Arizona can receive a four-year, full-ride scholarship covering tuition, fees, and room and board. Grants from Arizona Community Foundation help Pima County, Arizona college-bound youth with mentoring support and potential opportunities for study abroad, internships, and other programs.

Raytheon Technologies, through its Connect Up initiative, fosters transformative social impact by empowering underserved communities and inspiring future generations. They focus on lifelong learning in STEM fields, support veterans in their transition to civilian careers, and enhance local community welfare through strategic investments. Their commitment helps create a prosperous and equitable society, ensuring that diverse talent is developed for the workforce of tomorrow. This holistic approach aims to build a better future for all.

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.

Individual artists and artist collectives in Pima County, Arizona can receive US $3,500 - US $7,500 to create collaborative, experimental visual arts projects that are free and open to the public. The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, via MOCA Tucson’s Night Bloom program, supports community-embedded projects within Tucson and the broader Sonoran Desert region.

Low-income undergraduate students in Pima County, Arizona and across the state can receive need-based college funding through the AzLEAP Grant Program, supporting higher education access and equity. Arizona Board of Regents provides up to US $2,500 per year for Arizona residents enrolled at least half-time at participating accredited postsecondary institutions.

The APS/Phoenix Suns STEM Teacher Grants support K-12 teachers in Arizona by funding innovative, hands-on STEM projects in classrooms. With awards of up to $2,500, these grants aim to inspire students' love for science, technology, engineering, and math. Each year, a total of $50,000 is available for projects that promote creative learning experiences, from robotic programming to aquaponic farming. Grants are available for classroom projects occurring between January and May.

Nonprofit organizations serving communities in Pima County, Arizona can seek support for programs in education and employment, small business and entrepreneurship, arts and culture, human services, environment, and community development. Arizona Public Service gives additional consideration to initiatives aiding under-resourced populations within its service territory through its Community Impact Grants.