Deadline to apply for grant approaches
$120,000 available through Arizona Community Foundation of Yuma
As August commences, so too does the deadline loom for the Arizona Community Foundation of Yuma’s competitive grant process.
Though applications for grants are due at the end of this month, there are various steps to applying for funding.
The ACF of Yuma accepts funding requests for projects and programs that support youth, healthcare, arts and culture, as well as animal welfare. Grant applicants must provide services within Yuma County.
Similarly, the ACF of Yuma San Luis Community Fund accepts funding requests for projects and programs that benefit youth, health and human services, and arts and culture. Those applying for funds must provide services to residents in San Luis, Ariz.
According to Veronica Shorr, regional director with ACF of Yuma, the grant cycle opened on Monday, July 24, and since then, nine applications have been submitted.
“However, the number of submissions increases gradually every week until closing day which is 5 p.m. August 25th,” she said. “Last year we had 52 grant applications submitted. However, this year we are expecting anywhere from 60 to 70 grant submissions based on one-on-one conversations with local nonprofits.”
“The amount of nonprofits awarded each year depends on the project and funding request from each nonprofit and the grant funding available to fulfill those requests for the year,” Shorr added. “This year we have $120,000 available in funding, thanks to a generous donation from the Sturges Charitable Trust and nonprofits can request up to $10,000 per proposal. Last year 24 nonprofits were awarded a total of $117,000.”
Earlier this month, the ACF of Yuma held two informational workshops on the grant application process.
“I have limited knowledge in the grant writing process, so when this grant workshop came available I was enthusiastic to attend,” said John Heiligenthal, Ballet Yuma Board President, in a statement. “The workshop touched on a few points that I was familiar with, but then also got into the nuts and bolts of grant writing -- which is really helpful as a newbie. Information was also handed out that is great reference material for writing the upcoming grant...”
The deadline to apply for a grant through both the ACF of Yuma and the San Luis Community Fund is 5 p.m. on Fri., August 25. To apply, visit www.azfoundation.org/GrantsLoans/InvestinginourCommunities. aspx
“We’d like to encourage all Yuma County area nonprofits to apply for funding,” Shorr said. “Although it is a competitive process the committees enjoy reading and learning about new and continuing programs in the community. Grant submissions also give ACF of Yuma staff an insight into community needs, which can be helpful when we talk to donors about setting up funds or donating to existing funds. We’d also like to invite the community to be grant reviewers -- this is a great opportunity to participate and learn more about how these grants are awarded.”
Questions on the grant application process as well as becoming a grant reviewer can be answered by local ACF of Yuma staff. For more information, email Regional Philanthropic Coordinator with the ACF of Yuma Miguel Salcedo at MSalcedo@azfoudnation.org or call (928) 539-5343.
For assistance in completing the application, contact ACF grants management team at grants@azfoundation.org.