Wellik Foundation Spring Grant

The Wellik Foundation, a supporting organization of the Arizona Community Foundation, operates with the mission of preserving and enhancing the unique quality of life in the Wickenburg area. Established in 1998 by Vi Wellik, the foundation has distributed over $14 million in grants to support charitable organizations that serve Wickenburg and its surrounding communities. It emphasizes a long-term commitment to the area, seeking to be a lasting resource and catalyst for community advancement and quality of life improvement. The foundation's funding priorities align closely with needs and values specific to the Wickenburg region. Grant proposals should address one or more of the following focus areas: maintaining and promoting the western lifestyle in Wickenburg, education, social services, healthcare, economic development, and the arts. Successful proposals are encouraged to demonstrate strong alignment with these focus areas, as well as to reflect a commitment to community impact, sustainability, and collaborative engagement with local partners. To be eligible for funding, applicants must be Arizona-based 501(c)(3) public charities, government agencies, or tribal entities that demonstrate fiscal responsibility. Religious organizations are also eligible, provided the funding request supports non-sectarian programs. Organizations must have a complete and visible profile on the Arizona Community Foundation's website and be in good standing with the IRS. Those without 501(c)(3) status must work with a fiscal agent that meets the same eligibility requirements and provide appropriate documentation. The application process is conducted online via the Arizona Community Foundation’s grant portal. The grant cycle opens with a Letter of Interest (LOI) phase beginning September 15, 2025, and ending October 6, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. Organizations invited to proceed will be notified and allowed to submit a full application starting October 20, 2025, with final applications due by November 7, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. Award decisions are expected by November 18, 2025, with final notifications and disbursement occurring later that month. Funded organizations are required to submit a final report by November 2026. The application itself requires a project summary, outcomes, detailed project narrative, staffing and demographic data, and evaluation plans. Applicants must outline whether the project is new, continuing, or an expansion, describe sustainability strategies, and explain how they would proceed if awarded partial funding. Evaluation criteria include alignment with community needs, measurable outcomes, project design quality, partnership strength, and financial clarity. Proposals are scored on a rubric assessing impact, feasibility, and resource leverage. Questions about eligibility or the application process should be directed to the Arizona Community Foundation’s grants team at grants@azfoundation.org or 602-381-1400. Technical assistance is also available through the same contact. Applicants are advised to prepare materials early due to limited support close to the deadlines and to ensure all required documentation is uploaded before submission to avoid disqualification.

Applicants are advised to start early, prepare responses offline, and ensure all documents are submitted. Strong proposals clearly articulate community impact, measurable outcomes, and sustainability.