Arizona Public Service

The APS Fund, in partnership with the Arizona Community Foundation, offers competitive grants to eligible nonprofits in Arizona. Since 2001, this partnership has provided funding to qualified agencies that support community growth and address needs in the West Valley. The grant program's mission aligns with the Arizona Community Foundation's broader goal of supporting community development, arts and culture, education, environment, and human services. This initiative reflects a strategic priority to empower local organizations that directly serve the evolving needs of Arizona's diverse population. The target beneficiaries are nonprofit organizations that have been in continuous operation for at least three years, government agencies, and tribal entities operating with fiscal accountability within a specific geographical area: North to Bell Road (extending west when Bell Road ends), West to 459th Avenue, South to Estrella/Gillespie Dam, and East to 19th Avenue. Religious organizations may also apply for non-sectarian programs. The program aims to support agencies that demonstrate a non-discrimination policy and are in good standing with the IRS, ensuring that funding reaches responsible and inclusive organizations that serve a wide array of ethnic, economic, or cultural backgrounds. The APS Fund prioritizes projects that introduce new or creative solutions to community problems, actively involve volunteers and in-kind gifts to demonstrate community engagement, and foster cooperative efforts between different organizations. This focus ensures that the funded projects are innovative, community-driven, and collaborative, maximizing their potential impact. The program encourages proposals that contribute to building stronger, more resilient communities through shared resources and collective action. Expected outcomes include enhanced community support, addressing critical needs in the West Valley, and fostering a collaborative environment among nonprofits. The measurable results for this grant cycle will be the successful implementation of projects that meet the outlined criteria, providing a minimum of $1,000 to a maximum of $10,000 in funding per qualified organization. The strategic theory of change is that by investing in local, innovative, and collaborative nonprofit initiatives, the APS Fund and the Arizona Community Foundation can drive positive, sustainable change and improve the quality of life for residents in the targeted areas of Arizona.