Best Environmental Education Grants in Arizona

Arizona 501(c)(3) nonprofits and eligible government entities can seek funding for workforce development, sustainability, and thriving community initiatives that deliver measurable outcomes. With a mission to strengthen communities, Marathon Petroleum Corporation / Marathon Petroleum Foundation provides support across its marketing area, with preference for Arizona communities where it has significant operational and employee presence.

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

Government agencies, nonprofits, and clubs in Arizona can seek funding to develop and maintain off-highway vehicle trails, facilities, education, and law enforcement efforts, with awards up to US $100,000 per project. Arizona State Parks & Trails supports public infrastructure projects that may include environmental education components related to responsible OHV recreation.

Arizona 501(c)(3) nonprofits offering environmental education, stewardship, or conservation programs in Maricopa County can receive up to US $250,000 for program support from the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust. Additional priorities include helping people in need, protecting animals and nature, and enriching community life; funding is invitation-only and begins with contacting a program officer.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

Arizona nonprofits and eligible for-profit entities restoring or preserving historic buildings or sites in Arizona can access funding through Arizona Community Foundation’s Bisbee Foundation component. Projects must be in Greater Bisbee, demonstrate full project funding, provide architect bids, and secure a one-to-one match, with strict reporting and repayment requirements if properties are sold within three years.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

Arizona 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, municipalities, and tribal entities serving Yavapai County residents can apply for Arizona Community Foundation’s US $1,000 - US $20,000 grants to support programs, operations, capital needs, or capacity-building. Environmental education and related environmental projects in Yavapai County may be eligible under the environment-focused field of interest.

Nonprofit organizations in Arizona with at least a two-year programming history can seek funding for environmental enhancement projects in the Bisbee area, including landscaping, water harvesting, community gardens, cleanups, and conservation. The Arizona Community Foundation’s Bisbee Foundation Berry Family Environmental Fund supports efforts that improve Bisbee’s natural and environmental inheritance.

Arizona K-12 districts, LEAs, tribes, community-based organizations, and other public or private entities can apply to establish or expand community learning centers offering academic enrichment and broad youth programs during non-school hours in Arizona. Grants from Arizona Department of Education help Arizona environmental education providers, after-school programs, and family engagement initiatives serve students at eligible Title I school sites.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on environmental, educational, youth, or humanitarian programs in Arizona and beyond can apply for Hansen Family Foundation grants, awarding US $1,000 - US $10,000. Funding may support environmental education alongside related work in children’s services, basic human needs, animal welfare, arts and culture, and poverty alleviation.

Nonprofit organizations in Arizona with at least a two-year programming history in arts, humanities, education, or historic preservation can seek general operating support, including some capital equipment, from the Bisbee Foundation, a component fund of Arizona Community Foundation. Programs that incorporate environmental education within Bisbee’s cultural or historic context may be eligible if they meet these guidelines.

Arizona nonprofit organizations with at least a two-year programming history can apply for project grants supporting community culture, heritage, and historic preservation in Bisbee. Administered through the Bisbee Foundation, these matching funds require non-public money or in-kind services and may benefit environmental education efforts that interpret or preserve Bisbee’s architectural, cultural, or environmental assets.

With a mission to strengthen community programs, Arizona Community Foundation provides Arizona environmental education and related nonprofits, schools, government agencies, and tribal organizations with competitive grants. Funding of US $750 - US $5,000 can support Flagstaff-area projects in environmental education, conservation, youth programs, basic needs, health, arts, animal welfare, and general operations.

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.

Southern U.S. 501(c)(3) organizations with established environmental, education, or conservation programs can seek single-year project funding, excluding capital projects. Focused on relieving hardship and improving lives, the Robinson Foundation supports efforts such as environmental education, nature and wildlife conservation, and related youth and family services that may benefit Arizona partners serving the broader Southern region.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.

Arizona 501(c)(3) organizations offering environmental education, early learning, higher education, or related community programs can apply for Otter Tail Corporation Foundation’s project-based support. Funding may cover operating costs or capital needs like facilities and equipment, with priority for innovative efforts in Maricopa County that create measurable community impact across education, environment, and human services.

Organizations in Arizona conducting rare plant conservation work can seek funding for habitat restoration, surveys, plant propagation, genetic research, and monitoring projects. Focused on endangered species conservation, the Arizona Department of Agriculture administers this Section 6 - Segment 32 program, offering US $5,000 - US $20,000 and requiring at least a 40% cash or in-kind match.

Arizona 501(c)(3) organizations working on environmental conservation, community health, housing, senior services, or scholarships can access funding through the Harry C. & Deborah L. Elliott Family Foundation, with awards from US $10,000 - US $50,000. Environmental education programs that advance preservation, conservation, or related community services in Arizona may be competitive.

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) Recycling Program was established through the Arizona Solid Waste Recycling Act of 1990 (A.R.S. §49-831 et seq.). The Recycling Program is responsible for providing public education to encourage participation in recycling and source reduction, and for providing the public with information about proper solid waste disposal. Waste Reduction Initiative Through Education (WRITE) grantsThe objective of the WRITE program is to provide all Arizonans with the information and education needed to increase awareness on how to properly reduce and dispose of solid waste, and to encourage participation in source reduction, reuse, and recycling opportunities. WRITE projects should communicate the importance of conserving natural resources and the benefits of reducing, reusing, recycling, buying recycled products, composting and/or properly disposing of solid waste.

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) Recycling Program was established through the Arizona Solid Waste Recycling Act of 1990 (A.R.S. §49-831 et seq.). The Recycling Program is responsible for providing public education to encourage participation in recycling and source reduction, and for providing the public with information about proper solid waste disposal. Waste Reduction Assistance (WRA) grants

The objective of the WRA program is to provide recycling opportunities to all Arizonans, and to provide funding assistance to projects that divert significant amounts of materials from the solid waste stream or are a component of a comprehensive program designed to achieve high diversion levels. WRA projects may include a small public awareness component, but must have a component that diverts material from the waste stream. Funds initiatives like curbside recycling and household hazardous waste collections to majorly curb the solid waste stream.

Arizona nonprofits working on education, environment, human services, arts, small business, or community development can access funding through grants from Arizona Public Service Company, supporting programs within APS service territories. Initiatives that expand environmental stewardship, clean energy transition education, or related environmental learning—especially for under-resourced communities—may be particularly competitive.

With a mission to support community-focused programs, Arizona Governor's Office of Youth, Faith and Family provides Arizona public agencies, tribes, schools, and nonprofits with AmeriCorps State Formula funding to expand evidence-based services. Eligible environmental education and stewardship initiatives may apply for US $100,000 - US $500,000 to engage AmeriCorps members in addressing critical local needs.