Investing in Arizona Communities

Competitive grant applications are submitted online through the online grants portal during "grant cycles." To be eligible, applying organizations must first create a user account and link the account to their nonprofit organization.

Grant cycles are announced via email, through partner organization communications, on ACF’s Facebook and Twitter pages, and through local media. Staff members conduct free workshops statewide in advance of grant cycles to assist prospective applicants in preparing their proposals. Workshops are listed on the Events page.

Unique competitive grant opportunities are available annually in each of our six Affiliate regions: Cochise, Flagstaff, Gila Valley, Sedona, Yavapai County, and Yuma. 

Workshops are offered in each community to answer questions and assist applicants with their grant proposals.

The Arizona Community Foundation awards grants throughout the year from our Field of Interest Funds and Funds for the Common Good, in alignment with our Philanthropic Agenda and the wishes of donors.

Proposals are solicited from nonprofits within certain fields and in broad focus areas. Proposals are then evaluated and ranked by diverse community panels, with the highest-ranked organizations receiving funding.

Throughout the year, ACF authorizes grants to community organizations at the recommendation of the donors whose gifts established the fund. These grants are made from donor advised funds and supporting organizations within ACF.

Designated funds and nonprofit endowments created to benefit a specific nonprofit organization pay out annual distributions to designated organizations each year.