Best Surprise Grants for Nonprofits 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 PLTW Launch - New Program initiative, sponsored by Burns & McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education by providing grants to eligible schools within specific U.S. counties. Schools must implement PLTW modules over two academic years, ensuring access to real-world learning experiences for students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds. This program emphasizes the importance of empowering educators and fostering student engagement in STEM fields to prepare them for future careers.

The PLTW Launch - Program Expansion initiative by Burns & McDonnell aims to enhance access to STEM education in U.S. schools. This program focuses on empowering students by providing real-world learning experiences and essential skills. Grants will support schools in expanding PLTW programs during the 2026-2027 academic year, benefiting students from underserved communities. By fostering a deeper understanding of STEM, the initiative seeks to inspire the next generation of innovators and problem solvers.

The PLTW Gateway - New Program, in partnership with Burns & McDonnell, aims to enhance student engagement in STEM by providing teachers with essential resources and support. Starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, eligible schools can apply for grants to introduce and expand PLTW programs, fostering real-world skills through applied learning. This initiative targets schools with significant free and reduced-price lunch populations, promoting equity in education across various U.S. counties.

Benefitting people in the places making the AI future possible

The Future is for Everyone Fund

Meta is investing directly in education, community enhancement, workforce development and sustainability projects in locations where we have a data center in the United States.

The AI future we are building is for everyone. That starts with making sure everyone in the places that are home to a Meta data center feel the benefits in their communities. We want students to have bright futures, small businesses to flourish and communities to be prosperous.

Our commitment to the communities we call home.

The Future is for Everyone Fund supports investments and programs that address local community priorities in the United States, where we have a Meta data center:

We invest in the people and shared spaces that help a community thrive. That includes the parks, trails, and gathering places where neighbors come together, the technology and access that keep them connected, and first responders - like police officers, firefighters, and paramedics — who keep our communities safe.

We support the people and organizations that power local economies - helping workers gain the skills, certifications, and hands-on experience the modern economy rewards, and backing initiatives that create jobs and give a community its character.

We fund the programs, spaces, and tools that help learners of every age discover what they're capable of - from early literacy and the arts to hands-on science, technology, and problem-solving - and we equip the educators who make it happen with the resources to bring their most ambitious lessons to life.

We invest in the long-term health of the land, water, and wildlife that make our communities home - supporting things like habitat restoration and resource conservation that connects people to the natural world.

What is the Future is for Everyone Fund?

The Future is for Everyone Fund is Meta’s $1 billion commitment to invest directly in the U.S. communities that are home to a Meta data center. The Fund supports local schools, nonprofits, and community organizations and is organized into four focus areas that reflect local priorities: Community Enhancement, Economic Vitality, Education, and Sustainability. It builds on the over $70 million in grant funding we’ve provided to our data center communities since 2011.

The Bayer Fund: Food & Nutrition Grant supports high-quality programs that combat malnutrition and improve access to nutritious foods, particularly for underserved communities and families with young children. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government units. The fund prioritizes long-term behavioral change towards healthy eating and nutrition, with grants typically not exceeding 25% of an organization's operating budget. International requests start at $25,000, fostering sustainable food security and education initiatives.

The PLTW Gateway - Program Expansion initiative, led by Burns & McDonnell in partnership with Project Lead The Way (PLTW), aims to enhance STEM education by increasing access to PLTW programs for students in eligible communities. This program empowers students through real-world applied learning experiences, promoting essential skills for college and careers. Grants will support schools in expanding their existing PLTW Gateway programs starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, fostering a brighter future through education.

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 W.R. & Floy A. Sauey Family Foundation, established in 1998, aims to enhance community welfare through philanthropy. It prioritizes local charities that support child and family issues, particularly in areas where Nordic Group Member Companies operate. The foundation seeks to create lasting impacts by funding initiatives that directly benefit the families associated with these companies, fostering a stronger quality of life in the communities served.

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 Bank of America Charitable Foundation focuses on improving economic mobility and social progress through partnerships with nonprofits. It prioritizes basic needs, income creation, stable housing, and community empowerment. By supporting vulnerable populations, the foundation aims to enable individuals to achieve their goals and contribute positively to their communities. The foundation emphasizes sustainable progress, ensuring that all community members have access to essential resources and opportunities for growth.

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 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.

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.

The Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund provides grants to support communities in the U.S. and Canada where the company operates. Focused on affordable housing, education, environmental stewardship, and more, the fund emphasizes projects that meet local needs and demonstrate community support. Eligible organizations include nonprofits and educational institutions. Applications are accepted year-round with a deadline for 2025 on September 30. National initiatives related to working forests are funded by invitation only.

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 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 Peoria Diamond Club Grants Program aims to support local youth in achieving educational, athletic, therapeutic, and artistic goals. It provides funding for individual projects, as well as group initiatives by non-profit organizations and schools. Eligible applicants must be local organizations with appropriate tax status, and grants cover direct costs associated with projects. However, funds cannot be used for operating deficits or personal benefits. This program encourages community engagement and youth participation.

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.

Arizona Community Foundation

For more than four decades, the Arizona Community Foundation has worked in tandem with generous individuals, families, and organizations to address some of the biggest challenges facing our state.

Our Mission: Lead, serve, and collaborate to mobilize enduring philanthropy for a better Arizona.

Arizona Public Service (APS) Grant

Since 2001, APS has partnered with Arizona Community Foundation to provide funding to qualified nonprofit agencies that support growth and community needs in the west valley. Agencies eligible for funding must be nonprofit organizations with at least 3 years of continued operation serving residents in the geographical area: North to Bell Road (extend boundary line west when Bell Road ends), West to 459th Avenue, South to Estrella/Gillespie Dam, and East to 19th Avenue.

Statement of Purpose

Through an open, competitive cycle the APS funds will benefit & support eligible nonprofits through grants in the areas of arts & culture, community development, education, environment, and human services.

In addition, the APS Fund encourages and supports projects that meet the following criteria:

• serve a variety of ethnic, economic or cultural backgrounds
• include new or creative solutions to problems or issues
• involve volunteers and in-kind gifts that demonstrate community involvement
• foster cooperative efforts between organizations

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 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 Banner-ASU Neuroscience Scholars Program offers a unique eight-week training opportunity for top undergraduate and graduate students in science and social science. Participants engage in hands-on research alongside leading scientists in the Greater Phoenix area, focusing on neurodegenerative diseases. The program includes mentorship, educational seminars, and a stipend of $4,000 upon completion. Scholars present their findings at a formal symposium, enhancing their professional skills and academic credentials.

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 Biennial Grants (AZ) program, managed by the Arizona Sports & Tourism Authority, has supported youth and amateur sports in Maricopa County since 2000, distributing around $32 million across approximately 600 grants. Designed to enhance community engagement through sporting projects, the program prioritizes first-time applicants and initiatives that benefit local schools and demonstrate financial need. Grants can cover costs up to $250,000 for eligible projects, including facility construction and equipment.

The Boilard-Harkin Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona, supports students pursuing post-secondary education at community colleges. With annual awards of up to $1,250, this scholarship aims to alleviate financial barriers for high school graduates from Southern Arizona. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and demonstrate a commitment to their educational goals. This initiative reflects the foundation's dedication to fostering future leaders and investing in the local community.

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.