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Search Through Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits in Arizona in the U.S.

The Lodestar Foundation Grant focuses on maximizing the impact of philanthropic efforts through strategic funding aimed at encouraging philanthropy, collaboration, and supporting long-term partnerships among nonprofits. The foundation emphasizes the importance of systemic change and aims to leverage resources effectively. Grants are available to organizations aligned with these goals, with a commitment to fostering public service and volunteerism. The foundation also engages in field-building activities to promote its mission and enhance collaboration in the nonprofit sector.

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 PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

The Carl and Marilynn Thoma Foundation offers Special Project Funding to support innovative initiatives in the arts, particularly in under-resourced areas. This grant encourages collaborative projects that enhance community engagement and education, focusing on art exhibitions and scholarships in the greater Texas Panhandle. By fostering leadership and creativity, the Foundation aims to empower individuals and organizations to make a lasting impact in the fields of art and art history.

Wells Fargo Community Giving supports nonprofit organizations focusing on financial health, housing affordability, small business growth, and sustainability. The grant cycle runs from February to October, inviting organizations with 501(c)(3) status or equivalent to apply. Funding is prioritized for programs addressing critical community needs, while limited support is available for local initiatives like disaster relief and arts. Organizations must demonstrate fiscal stability and potential impact to be considered for funding.

The Community Foundation of Yavapai Grant, managed by the Arizona Community Foundation, supports nonprofit organizations in Yavapai County. Grants ranging from $1,000 to $20,000 are available to 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and tribal entities that benefit the local community in various fields, including animal welfare, children’s services, environmental initiatives, and healthcare. Applicants must comply with non-discrimination policies and ensure their projects serve residents within the county.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

The Biophilia Foundation

Our Mission & Approach

The Biophilia Foundation is dedicated to advancing biodiversity conservation on private lands by fostering systemic change through people, their communities, and direct action. We approach our mission by offering grants to nonprofit organizations, administering in-house programs, and serving as a strategic partner and fiscal sponsor for organizations with which we collaborate.

Riverscape Restoration in the Western United States and Northern Mexico

The Biophilia Foundation is seeking proposals for projects to improve the resilience of watersheds in arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.

Two types of grants are available:

• Grants of $50,000 to $100,000 are available for projects that implement low-tech, process-based, and/or beaver-based restoration of upland streams and rivers.
• Grants up to $25,000 are available for:
  • Capacity building:
    • Assistance with the development of watershed plans, place-based networks, or preparation of proposals for federal or state grants.
  • Engagement:
    • Outreach to landowners and land managers to improve the availability of information and make implementation achievable.

The Biophilia Foundation also welcomes enquiries regarding capacity building for riverscape restoration, research (primarily carbon sequestration, climate change adaptation, and other riparian ecosystem services), innovative finance, and improving the availability of information available to landowners and land managers.

Funding Categories

Grants provided through this initiative will include the categories described below. Eligible entities can apply for funding from one or more categories.

• Implementation Grants
  • Implementation grants of $50,000 to $100,000 are available for riparian restoration projects using low-tech, process-based restoration (LTPBR) techniques, such as RDS, BDA, PALS, grass plugs, etc., and supporting practices, such as tree planting and exclosures.
  • Implementation grants can also support restoration for the purpose of beaver translocation or beaver recolonization.
    • Grants for this purpose may include practices for nonlethal management of beaver conflicts (e.g., pond levelers).
  • Where financially beneficial, the Biophilia Foundation supports integration of carbon finance and/or other payments for ecosystem services into restoration projects.
  • Implementation grants will be evaluated based on ecological and social criteria, including appropriateness of LTPBR to the context, biodiversity and ecological value, project scale, partnerships, and financial viability.
  • Only projects in the target geography will be considered for implementation grants.
  • In general, funded projects may apply for funding for one or two years, depending on scale and scope.
• Capacity-Building and Engagement
  • Grants of up to $25,000 are available to assist with capacity-building and engagement.
  • Capacity-building includes the development of watershed plans, creation of place based networks, or preparation of proposals for federal or state grants.
    • Funds may also be used for projects to increase the capacity of the system, such as addressing training and workforce development.
  • Engagement grants fund efforts to reduce barriers to LTPBR implementation by landowners and land managers.
    • Examples include videos, websites, hosted workshops, or targeted outreach marketing to candidate landowners.
    • Topics could include guidance on practices, permitting, financing, benefits, and risk mitigation.
• Research and Finance
  • In addition to the grants currently available, the Biophilia Foundation welcomes enquiries regarding:
    • Research to address data gaps on the benefits and risks of riparian restoration.
    • Our primary interest areas are carbon sequestration, climate change adaptation, and other ecosystem services.
    • Innovative finance for riparian restoration, including carbon credits and other payments for ecosystem services.

The Liberated Paths Grantmaking Program aims to empower Black, Indigenous, and People of Color-led organizations in the outdoor and environmental sectors. By providing financial support, capacity building, and fostering community networks, this initiative addresses the funding disparities faced by these groups. It prioritizes projects that intersect racial justice and environmental sustainability across various regions, including California, the Pacific Northwest, the Southwest, and the Delaware River Watershed, enhancing access to nature for marginalized communities.

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 Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

The Vitalyst Health Foundation offers Spark Grants to support Arizona-based organizations in their efforts to improve community health. These planning grants allow collaborative partners to explore solutions for systemic change rather than funding predetermined projects. Organizations must demonstrate a clearly identified community problem and engage in meaningful partnerships. Award amounts range from $10,000 to $25,000, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing health disparities across Arizona.

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.

The Arizona Community Foundation of Flagstaff, established in 1987, provides vital funding to enhance the quality of life for Flagstaff residents through various competitive grant programs. These grants support local nonprofit organizations, schools, and community groups across multiple fields, including education, healthcare, and environmental conservation. The Foundation emphasizes collaboration with grant applicants, aiming to empower them to deliver high-quality services and programs that directly benefit the community.

The Southwest Intervention Fund, managed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, supports preservation efforts of traditional cultures across Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, West Texas, and Utah. Grants ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 are available for local partners, nonprofits, and government agencies to address emergency threats and promote preservation planning. Eligible projects include archaeological site surveys, public awareness workshops, and legal assistance for cultural resource management, ensuring the protection of vital historic sites.

The Social Impact Theatre Grant Program supports innovative theatrical productions that address pressing social issues, fostering dialogue and community engagement. With a focus on sustainability, the program offers production-specific and change capital grants to eligible nonprofit organizations in select states. Grantees are encouraged to explore new models, deepen community connections, and support emerging leaders in theatre. Applications for the next cycle will open in Spring 2025, following the completion of the current funding round.

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 Arizona Community Foundation of Yuma, established in 1993, champions enduring philanthropy to enhance Yuma County. With over $19 million in assets and more than $10 million granted since inception, ACF connects community needs with passionate donors. Last year alone, it invested over $1 million in local projects. Eligible organizations can apply for funding to build capacity, support direct services, and cover operating costs, fostering sustainable impact across the region.

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 Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.

The Salad and Go Charities Grant supports local 501(c)(3) nonprofit meal programs that provide nutritious food to those facing food insecurity. Aimed at enhancing community wellness, the program offers grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 for initiatives like expanding kitchen facilities and sourcing healthy ingredients. Organizations in Texas, Oklahoma, Nevada, and Arizona are encouraged to apply, fostering access to affordable food for vulnerable populations in need.

Social Venture Partners Arizona (SVP) Investee Grant

Our full-time Investees are nonprofits in our focus areas selected by our committee to receive a multiyear investment, capacity building tools, and Partnership expertise for 3-5 years to increase their organizational capacity and amplify their impact.

The Fast Pitch Grants, offered by the Legacy Foundation of Southeast Arizona, aim to enhance organizational capacity through educational initiatives like conferences and training for staff and volunteers. This funding focuses on internal development rather than direct service programs, supporting nonprofits in Cochise and Eastern Santa Cruz Counties. Eligible organizations must demonstrate a commitment to non-discrimination and serve populations in these areas. Approved applicants will showcase their initiatives through a brief presentation.

The Patagonia Regional Community Fund, established in 1998 under the Arizona Community Foundation, aims to enhance the quality of life in eastern Santa Cruz County. It provides essential support for organizational capacity building, direct service projects, and capital expenditures. The Fund invites applications from 501(c)(3) organizations and emphasizes fiscal accountability. It seeks to empower local initiatives while adhering to a non-discrimination policy. Grants are competitive, with no guarantee of continued funding beyond the initial year.