Acker Trust Grant

The Acker Trust Grant, administered by the Civic Enhancement Committee under the City of Prescott, Arizona, offers annual funding to nonprofit organizations that support music and park-related initiatives—especially those benefiting children in the Prescott community. The Civic Enhancement Committee was established in 2023 through Resolution No. 2023-1865, consolidating the functions of several prior advisory boards including the Acker Trust Board, Art in Public Places Committee, Library Advisory Board, and the Parks & Recreation Board. This reorganization was intended to streamline and strengthen civic oversight in areas of public art, library development, and recreational programming. The Acker Trust was founded based on the wishes of J.S. Acker, whose estate was settled by a court decree in 1959. The trust’s mission focuses on promoting music and parks, with an emphasis on children's access and enjoyment. Grant funds are made available through this trust to nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations incorporated in Arizona. Organizations must demonstrate alignment with the trust’s goals and present a track record of programmatic success. Applications are evaluated and prioritized based on historical effectiveness and the quality of their project proposals. To be considered, applicants must submit a completed Acker Trust Grant application, proof of nonprofit status (IRS 501(c)(3) letter), a project budget, and a one-page balance sheet. For funding requests exceeding $5,000, additional documentation is required, including the first two pages of the organization’s most recent IRS Form 990. The City of Prescott requires that any materials related to funded projects publicly acknowledge the Acker Trust as a funding source. Misuse of funds or failure to meet project expectations may lead to forfeiture of future eligibility. Applications for the Fiscal Year 2027 grant cycle (covering July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027) will be accepted from February 17 through March 13 2026, at 5:00 p.m. All applicants are required to deliver a five-minute oral presentation to the Civic Enhancement Committee during the May 28, 2026 review meeting. Applicants not present will be disqualified from funding consideration. Following the presentation, the committee will make recommendations to the Prescott City Council, which will vote on final awards during its June 23, 2026 meeting. Notifications will be issued no later than June 30, 2026. Grants are disbursed after the completion of funded projects, upon submission of a formal request letter. Recipients must also provide an evaluation and financial report within 60 days of project completion. Failure to submit these reports may result in ineligibility for future awards. The Civic Enhancement Committee meets quarterly and continues to play a central role in evaluating public art donations and grant disbursement related to the City of Prescott’s cultural and recreational programs.

Applicants must appear in person for a 5-minute presentation; those who do not will be disqualified.