Patagonia Regional Community Fund

The Patagonia Regional Community Fund grant, administered by the Arizona Community Foundation (ACF), supports efforts that foster a vibrant quality of life in eastern Santa Cruz County. Established in 1998, this fund is part of ACF, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Phoenix, Arizona. As a regional affiliate, the Patagonia Regional Community Fund benefits from the centralized administrative and investment resources of ACF, enabling local staff and volunteers to focus on meeting community needs. The fund is governed by a local steering committee and engages peer community leaders to review and evaluate proposals based on community impact, need, alignment with mission, and realistic planning. The primary purpose of the grant is to support local nonprofits and eligible entities with projects that enhance community well-being. Grants can be used for a variety of purposes including organizational capacity building, capital expenditures, general operations, direct and indirect administrative costs, and program or project support. Proposals may request one-year or renewable funding, though renewal is not guaranteed. The funding range for individual grants is between $250 and $5,000, and only one application is accepted per organization or fiscal sponsor. Eligibility requirements are clearly delineated: applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, municipalities, or tribal entities, or be represented through a qualified fiscal sponsor. Religious organizations may apply only for non-sectarian programs. Applicants must also serve residents in eastern Santa Cruz County, maintain non-discrimination practices, and be in good standing with respect to tax-exempt status. Multiple applications under a single EIN are not allowed. Specific rules apply to organizations within school districts, government departments, and universities to avoid duplication and ensure coordinated applications. Applications must be submitted online through ACF’s grant portal between January 1 and January 30, 2026, with a firm deadline of 4:00 p.m. on the closing date. Applicants are encouraged to attend a virtual grant workshop on January 8, 2026, to gain insight into the application process. Evaluation is based on a rubric that scores alignment with mission, community need, project impact, resources, and budget clarity. Reviewers will also consider organizational profiles maintained on the ACF platform, so applicants must ensure that profiles are up-to-date. Upon award, grantees are expected to submit a final report by March 31, 2027, summarizing expenditures and outcomes. ACF reserves the right to request attendance at follow-up meetings and may conduct site visits. Funded entities must also adhere to publicity guidelines, recordkeeping practices, and conditions around the use and potential return of unused funds. Any significant project changes must be approved in advance. Support for applicants is available via the regional philanthropic advisor or the ACF Grants Management Team. Contact details are provided for technical and eligibility-related inquiries. Applicants using a fiscal sponsor must submit a written agreement outlining their relationship. The grant application includes components such as organizational and project summaries, outcomes, partnerships, demographics, budget details, and narrative responses, which will be mirrored in the final report due the following year.

Update your ACF profile before submission and ensure proposals align with mission and clearly define impact.