Investing in Arizona Communities

The Arizona Community Foundation invests in our state's vital nonprofits through competitive grant cycles, discretionary and advised grantmaking, and loans to the community.

Through strategic investments and partnerships, we support and collaborate with the organizations on the front lines working to meet community needs and enhance our shared quality of life throughout Arizona. 

Grant Types

There are three types of grants to award funds to the community: competitive, discretionary, and advised.

Competitive Grants

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.

Discretionary Grants

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.

Advised Grants

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.

Grant review process

The Arizona Community Foundation performs the due diligence to ensure recommended grantees are qualified, viable organizations in good standing, and then issues checks from that particular fund. The Philanthropic Services Committee, comprised of ACF Board members and community leaders, approves or ratifies all grants.

Overhead policy

Read our overhead cost policy.

Nondiscrimination in grantmaking policy

Read our policy regarding nondiscrimination in grantmaking.


Looking for grant opportunities?

If you're looking for grant opportunities, you can view the grant cycles that are currently open or begin your application on the ACF online grants portal.

 

Current grant opportunities

 

See which grant cycles are currently accepting applications.

                                     

Online grants portal

 

Begin an application or check on the status of submitted applications. 

  

Talk with Us

Call our main line to be directed to one of our professional staff members:

602.381.1400

Email