Best Surprise Grants for Nonprofits in Arizona

The Phil Gordon Threatened Building Grant Program, funded by the City of Phoenix, aims to preserve and rehabilitate historic downtown warehouses and buildings at risk of demolition. The program provides up to 100% funding for eligible projects, contingent upon owners investing an equal amount in rehabilitation. With a focus on exterior preservation and compliance with historic standards, it ensures that significant properties are maintained for future use, contributing to the city's cultural heritage and urban landscape.

The Joseph H. Garagiola Sr. ASU/Cronkite School Sports Broadcasting Scholarship, established by the Arizona Community Foundation, supports Arizona students pursuing degrees in Sports Journalism or Broadcast Journalism. With a focus on academic excellence, applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and be enrolled in a four-year program at ASU's Walter Cronkite School. This scholarship aims to foster the next generation of sports media professionals.

The GM Corporate Giving Grants support U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations focused on STEM education and transportation initiatives. Applications are accepted from January to September, with a requirement to submit requests at least three months before the program’s start date. GM emphasizes charitable contributions in the communities where it operates, ensuring that organizations align with its values. The grant amount is not limited and is assessed based on the proposed program's merit and needs.

Town of Gilbert

The Town of Gilbert is a high performing service organization, employing over 1,200 people who provide roughly 250 lines of service to the community. Our mission is to Anticipate. Create. Help People. We're working to become the City of the Future and keep the thriving community that Gilbert is today well into the future. We are proud of our culture, which reflects our shared values, beliefs and practices. It's our behavioral compass, and who we aspire to be.

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)

The Town of Gilbert is now accepting applications for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Public Services NOFO. This federal funding opportunity supports nonprofit and public service agencies that deliver essential services—such as homeless assistance and administrative support at the Heritage Center—to benefit low- and moderate-income residents.

Public Services — Homeless Services

Purpose

The Town of Gilbert is seeking proposals from qualified organizations to provide an Outreach Navigator for the Gilbert Homeless Services Program. The selected organization will be responsible for providing resources for emergency shelter, case management, outreach, connection to resources, and supportive services to individuals experiencing homelessness within Gilbert.

Navigation services will be available Monday through Friday through street outreach and in-office assessments. The selected organization will utilize the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) to track client data and program outcomes.

The Gilbert program operates in collaboration with AZEND’s I-HELP program, which provides shelter 365 days per year.

Town of Gilbert

The Town of Gilbert is a high performing service organization, employing over 1,200 people who provide roughly 250 lines of service to the community. Our mission is to Anticipate. Create. Help People. We're working to become the City of the Future and keep the thriving community that Gilbert is today well into the future. We are proud of our culture, which reflects our shared values, beliefs and practices. It's our behavioral compass, and who we aspire to be.

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)

The Town of Gilbert is now accepting applications for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Public Services NOFO. This federal funding opportunity supports nonprofit and public service agencies that deliver essential services—such as homeless assistance and administrative support at the Heritage Center—to benefit low- and moderate-income residents.

Public Services — Administrative Support

Project Title: Administrative Support Position for CDBG Public Services at the Heritage Center/AZCEND

Purpose

The Town of Gilbert is seeking proposals from qualified organizations to fund an Administrative Assistant position that supports the various programs and services at the Heritage Center/AZCEND. The selected organization will use CDBG funds to staff a position that connects individuals to resources throughout the community, with a primary focus on CDBG-eligible activities serving low- and moderate-income residents.

The Administrative Assistant will serve as a key point of contact at the Heritage Center, facilitating access to a broad range of programs and community services. This position plays a critical role in ensuring that eligible residents are aware of and able to access the support they need.

The Board of Visitors Grant: Category A offers funding up to $200,000 for 501(c)3 organizations addressing healthcare needs for women, children, and the elderly in the greater Phoenix area. Eligible organizations must have a minimum annual budget of $1 million and demonstrate a strong community need. This grant supports seed money, general operating expenses, and capital campaigns, with a focus on improving long-term health outcomes and promoting community partnerships.

The Board of Visitors Grant: Category B provides funding between $5,000 and $100,000 for nonprofit organizations with 501(c)3 status. It supports healthcare initiatives for women, children, and the elderly in the Phoenix area. Eligible projects include seed money for specific initiatives, general operating support, and capital campaigns. Organizations can apply once per year and must demonstrate community needs and partnership potential to enhance health outcomes.

The Board of Visitors Grant: Category D provides funding up to $5,000 for 501(c)3 organizations that address healthcare needs for women, children, and the elderly in Phoenix. Eligible projects include seed money for specific initiatives, general operating support, and capital campaigns. Organizations can submit one request per year, must demonstrate community need, and provide healthcare services to underserved populations. This grant aims to enhance long-term health outcomes and promote sustainability beyond initial funding.

Phoenix Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI)

The Phoenix UASI program funds addressed the unique risk driven and capabilities-based planning, organization, equipment, training, and exercise needs of high-threat, high-density Urban Areas based on the capability targets identified during the THIRA process and associated assessment efforts; and assists them in building an enhanced and sustainable capacity to prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to, and recover from acts of terrorism.

Thunderbirds Charities, established in 1986, aims to enhance the quality of life in Arizona communities by supporting at-risk youth, education, and families in need. They provide grants generated from the Waste Management Phoenix Open. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits based in the Greater Phoenix area, while ineligible organizations include those with less than three years of 501(c)(3) status and those that discriminate or engage in political advocacy.

Goodyear Community Funding 

The Goodyear Community Funding Program aims to give financial support to nonprofits serving Goodyear residents, so that the organizations can continue their work for, and in, the Goodyear community. 

• The City allocated $214,400 for community funding grants in the FY26 budget.
• Past grant awards have ranged from $1,500 to $30,000.

Queen Creek Non-Profit Grant Program

Annually, the Town accepts applications from non-profit organizations requesting support (monetary and/or in-kind services support) for projects/programs/services/events offered to the Queen Creek community. Grant submissions are considered during the budget process per the schedule below. It is the Town Council’s objective that funding provided to a non-profit agency directly benefits Queen Creek residents.

Applicants must use funds allocated by the Town to directly serve Queen Creek residents.

The Medical Assistance Grants program, administered by the Vitalyst Health Foundation, aims to enhance healthcare access and quality for low-income and underserved populations in Maricopa County. The program supports nonprofit organizations that provide essential services in vision, hearing, heart and lung health, and substance use treatment. By leveraging existing resources, these grants facilitate improved community health outcomes and equity, addressing significant health disparities among vulnerable groups.

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 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.

The Thunderbirds Scholars Program, established by the Arizona Community Foundation in 2019, offers a four-year, renewable scholarship for Arizona high school graduates with a minimum GPA of 3.5. This scholarship covers tuition, fees, and room and board at ASU, NAU, or U of A, and includes mentoring support. Students can also seek opportunities for study abroad and internships, ensuring a comprehensive educational experience.

International Paper Grants focus on community engagement, emphasizing education, hunger relief, health & wellness, and disaster relief. They support nonprofit organizations that demonstrate good financial standing and effective management. Eligible organizations must operate in areas where International Paper has facilities. The foundation prioritizes local needs, particularly critical and environmental issues, while encouraging employee involvement. Ineligible entities include private foundations and those without a local presence. Applications are accepted through mid-September in the U.S. and Canada.

The Arts and Culture Grants Program's Artists to Work initiative supports Phoenix artists in creating and presenting original artistic work. Applicants must be Phoenix residents and 18 or older, with a project focused on art. The application process occurs in two stages, ensuring thorough evaluation. This program is funded by the federal American Rescue Plan Act through the Phoenix City Council, aiming to enhance cultural engagement within the community.

The Nationwide Insurance Foundation Grant aims to enhance community quality of life by providing support to nonprofits in areas where many Nationwide members reside. Since 2000, the foundation has donated over $700 million to various organizations, focusing on food security, crisis stabilization, economic empowerment, and children's wellbeing. Grants are available for general operating support, project/program support, and capital support, with a commitment to matching associate contributions.

The Community Ties Giving Program by Union Pacific Foundation offers local grants aimed at enhancing community well-being through diverse funding priorities. These include safety initiatives, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability. The program emphasizes supporting organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, aiming to create impactful projects that resonate with Union Pacific's heritage and mission. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations serving Union Pacific communities and demonstrate a clear need and capacity to deliver effective programming.

The Mini-Grants for Education program, funded by the Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Foundation, aims to support K-12 educators in eligible communities. Grants ranging from $100 to $500 are available for diverse projects, including environmental initiatives and STEM education. Since its inception in 2006, the program has allocated over $700,000 to enhance classroom experiences. Teachers and school staff in specified areas can apply, ensuring that resources are directed where they are most needed.

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.

The KLA-Tencor Foundation's Education Opportunity Fund aims to enhance educational access, promote emotional well-being, and improve educational systems, particularly for under-resourced K-12 students. Grants between $50,000 and $250,000 are available for innovative projects that eliminate barriers to education and foster sustainable partnerships. Applicants must be nonprofit organizations with a significant impact in communities served by KLA, focusing on systemic change rather than direct student assistance.

The Valley Kids Foundation Grant, provided by the Valley of the Sun Active 20-30 Club, supports non-profit organizations dedicated to improving the lives of children in the Valley of the Sun. Since 1988, the Foundation has raised nearly $2.45 million, funding various charitable initiatives that empower youth facing challenges. By fostering community service and leadership among professional women, the Foundation not only enhances personal growth but also makes a significant impact on local children's charities.

The Scottsdale Arts Community Arts Grant Program supports nonprofit arts and cultural organizations in Scottsdale and the Valley. It provides funding for projects that foster community engagement and growth in the arts sector. In 2022, over $65,000 was awarded to 22 organizations, enhancing cultural experiences for over 600,000 participants annually. This initiative reflects Scottsdale Arts' commitment to enriching the community through diverse artistic programs and educational outreach.

The Center for Jewish Philanthropy of Greater Phoenix offers the Small Grants Program to support initiatives that strengthen the local Jewish community. With funding up to $3,000, eligible organizations can apply for projects that address urgent needs or leverage matching grants. Since 2017, this streamlined process prioritizes projects that directly impact the Greater Phoenix Jewish community, reinforcing CJP's commitment to innovation, emergency response, and sustainable local Jewish life.

The City of Phoenix offers the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) to enhance and support infrastructure projects in eligible neighborhoods. This initiative aims to engage residents and collaborate with local groups, addressing the needs of low- and moderate-income areas. The Neighborhood Services Department oversees these grants, ensuring that community development efforts align with the city's vision of creating vibrant neighborhoods. Interested parties should reach out for project proposals to make a positive impact.