Best Surprise Grants for Nonprofits in Arizona

The Brinker International Charitable Giving Program focuses on giving back to communities through support for kids, hunger, and education. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501c(3) non-profits and submit requests at least six weeks prior to events. The program does not support individuals, political or religious organizations, or explicit discrimination policies. Funding is provided through monetary donations or in-kind contributions like dining certificates.

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 Wellik Foundation Grant Cycle

Introduction

The mission of The Wellik Foundation is to preserve the unique quality of life of the Wickenburg area. Established by Vi Wellik in 1998, The Wellik Foundation was created to serve Wickenburg in perpetuity and to be the catalyst to preserve and advance the quality of life in Wickenburg. Since its inception in 1998, The Wellik Foundation has granted more than $14 million to charitable organizations serving the Wickenburg area.

The Wellik Foundation encourages proposals that:

• Leverage matching funds
• Engage strategic, mission-driven collaborations/partnerships
• Build the capacity of the organization
• Support direct service projects

The Wellik Foundation will accept proposals that benefit and support the quality of life in Wickenburg through the following focus areas:

• Maintain and promote the western lifestyle in the Wickenburg community
• Education
• Social Services
• Healthcare
• Economic Development
• The Arts

The Bank of America Charitable Foundation focuses on supporting organizations that empower communities through basic needs, income creation, and stable housing. By investing in health and job opportunities, they aim to enhance economic mobility for low- and moderate-income families. Their partnerships target vulnerable populations, ensuring equitable access to resources that foster community vitality and resilience. This initiative emphasizes the importance of stable housing as a foundation for personal and communal growth.

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 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 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.

Native American Connections Since 1972, we have been changing lives, strengthening families, and building healthy communities. We began as a small grassroots organization operating one program for Native American men in recovery from substance use disorder. Today, Native American Connections owns and operates 24 sites throughout Phoenix offering a continuum of affordable housing, health, and community development services which touch and change the lives of over 10,000 individuals and families each year.NAC Affordable Housing ProgramNative American Connections provides more than 400 units of affordable housing with dedicated programming for seniors, low-income families with children, and low-income individuals at our high-quality, safe, and affordable apartment communities.Find a home where you can thrive and take advantage of our resident services to connect with on-site or community-based resources to improve your health, wellness, and housing stability.

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.

PLTW Gateway

onsemi is a leading semiconductor manufacturer serving tens of thousands of customers across several markets with intelligent power and sensing technologies.

The ON Semiconductor Foundation, an onsemi Giving Now program, has named PLTW a strategic partner and made an initial investment of $150,000 to support grants for middle schools in Arizona, California, the Northeast, the Pacific Northwest, and Texas to implement or expand the PLTW Gateway program.

PLTW is one of seven strategic partners named this year, with support focused on increasing diversity in STEM fields while increasing middle school students' awareness of semiconductors.

PLTW Program Status

Program Expansion

The June & Julian Foss Foundation, established in 1997, prioritizes support for children and young adults, especially those facing mental illness or physical disabilities. With a mission to foster healthy, responsible adults and promote family philanthropy, the Foundation emphasizes family strength, diversity, and self-worth. Grants typically do not exceed $5,000 and are directed towards programs that enhance self-sufficiency and recognize individual capabilities, while upholding values of integrity and respect.

PLTW Gateway

onsemi is a leading semiconductor manufacturer serving tens of thousands of customers across several markets with intelligent power and sensing technologies.

The ON Semiconductor Foundation, an onsemi Giving Now program, has named PLTW a strategic partner and made an initial investment of $150,000 to support grants for middle schools in Arizona, California, the Northeast, the Pacific Northwest, and Texas to implement or expand the PLTW Gateway program.

PLTW is one of seven strategic partners named this year, with support focused on increasing diversity in STEM fields while increasing middle school students' awareness of semiconductors.

PLTW Program Status

New Program

The Greater Sun Lakes Community Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life for seniors in the East Valley, supporting both existing and new charities. This initiative focuses on health, education, and cultural activities, ensuring that organizations can sustain their programs beyond initial funding. By providing detailed plans for utilization and future funding strategies, the foundation encourages community engagement and charitable giving, creating a vibrant network of support for the aging population.

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.

The Union Home Foundation Grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations that promote economic self-sufficiency through financial literacy and housing initiatives. Established in 2015, this grant has awarded over $2 million to various nonprofits across the U.S. Grants typically start at $1,000 and are available for a one-year period. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt and can only apply once per year, following specific eligibility criteria.

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 BNSF Railway Foundation provides grants to enhance community quality of life across 28 states, focusing on educational, cultural, and social service initiatives. With over $150 million contributed since 2000, the foundation emphasizes projects with strong local engagement and BNSF employee involvement. Eligible organizations include public charities, local governments, and tribal governments, while ineligible entities encompass religious organizations and those with discriminatory practices. Priority is given to environmental, health, and cultural projects.

The State Street Foundation Grant supports nonprofits and NGOs that promote economic opportunity and reduce equity gaps in education and employability. Organizations seeking funding must operate in areas where State Street has a business presence and demonstrate a commitment to diversity and inclusion. The foundation prioritizes measurable outcomes and focuses on racial equity and social justice, ensuring that grants support initiatives that foster community engagement and sustainable impact.

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.

The Interventional Cardiology Fellowship at the UA College of Medicine-Phoenix offers a comprehensive 12-month training program designed to prepare fellows for successful careers in academic or private practice. The curriculum includes extensive exposure to complex coronary and peripheral vascular interventions, advanced imaging techniques, and hands-on experience in state-of-the-art facilities. Additionally, fellows are required to engage in clinical research, collaborating with faculty and receiving support for their projects, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience.

The PLTW Engineering - Program Expansion initiative aims to enhance STEM education by increasing access to Project Lead The Way (PLTW) programs in communities served by Burns & McDonnell. This partnership focuses on empowering students through real-world learning experiences, helping them develop essential skills for future careers. Starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, grants will support schools in expanding their existing PLTW Engineering programs to foster greater participation and engagement in STEM fields.

The PLTW Engineering - New Program, supported by Burns & McDonnell, aims to empower U.S. students through STEM education. By offering at least one PLTW Engineering course in the 2026-2027 academic year, schools can enhance their curriculum and foster critical skills. This initiative not only increases access to valuable programs but also prepares students for future challenges in college and careers, ensuring they thrive in an evolving world.

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.

Tempe Community Council 

Serving the community since 1972, Tempe Community Council (TCC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is committed to addressing immediate and long-term human service needs in Tempe. A nonpartisan organization, TCC serves as a means for individuals and organizations to work together to identify and plan for needed human service programs in our community. Our unique model of including residents to make decisions is an example of what makes Tempe a great city.

Mission Statement: TCC’s mission is to connect those in need with those who care. TCC does this by convening community, conducting research, determining priorities, implementing effective programs and exemplifying prudent stewardship of resources.

Annual Agency Review Human Services Funding

An annual funding process known as Agency Review provides an opportunity for nonprofit human services providers to apply for available human services funding from City of Tempe and Tempe Community Council. Learn more..

For over 40 years, Tempe Community Council (TCC) has expertly administered and managed the distribution of human services funds on behalf of the City of Tempe, along with community donations, through a process known as “Agency Review.”  

What makes this process unique – and truly a community effort – is TCC’s involvement of community members who live or work in Tempe. Their participation brings a personal, human touch to Agency Review, making it much more than just a grant process.

Funding Human Services for Tempe

For Fiscal Year 2026-27, Tempe’s City Council approved $1.136 million in funding to support agencies offering 35 different services and programs, addressing a wide range of needs Tempe residents may be facing. The primary funding source comes from City of Tempe tax dollars, specifically allocated to support human services. Additional funds come from Together Tempe donations, collected through City of Tempe utility bills and direct contributions to Tempe Community Council (TCC).

Each year, this funding process is administered by TCC. The selected programs and services help individuals and families move from crisis to stability, and in some cases, toward self-sufficiency. These services address critical areas of need, including aging, homelessness, poverty, disabilities, abuse, addiction, youth support, food security, isolation, mental health, and shelter.

The PNC Foundation's Grow Up Great Grant is a significant initiative aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for children from birth to age 5. With a commitment of $500 million, this program focuses on improving school readiness through support in vocabulary development, social-emotional learning, and the arts. By partnering with community-based nonprofits, PNC aims to foster stronger, smarter, and healthier communities, ensuring a brighter future for the next generation.

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.

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.