The Fiesta Sports Foundation Grant Cycle for 2025-26 is designed to support Arizona nonprofit organizations that focus on youth, sports, and education. The Foundation operates through the Fiesta Bowl and Rate Bowl, hosting community events throughout the year to create a meaningful impact. Through its grant program, the Foundation aims to provide financial resources to organizations that align with its mission of fostering community success through youth engagement, sports participation, and educational programs.

For the 2025-26 grant cycle, the Fiesta Sports Foundation has introduced a new two-step application process. Interested organizations must first submit an interest form detailing their project's proposed impact and budget. The interest form submission period is open from January 29, 2025, to February 28, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. The Foundation will review all submissions based on several key criteria, including the project's alignment with one or more of its pillars, best practices in implementation, budget consistency, and sustainability. Selected organizations will be invited to submit a formal application during the traditional grant cycle application period in April 2025.

There are three levels of grants available: the Touchdown Grant, which awards $50,000; the Field Goal Grant, which awards $25,000; and the Kickoff Grant, which awards $15,000. Each organization may submit only one interest form, and all projects must align with at least one of the Foundation’s core funding areas: youth, sports, or education. Youth programs must serve individuals between the ages of 0 and 24, considering 18-24 as a transitional period to adulthood. Sports projects should promote physical activity, teamwork, and overall well-being, while education initiatives should provide learning and mentorship opportunities, including STEM, arts, and life skills programs.

To be eligible, organizations must be registered as Arizona-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits that operate with fiscal responsibility. Religious organizations may apply if their proposed programs are non-sectarian. Organizations that do not have 501(c)(3) status may still apply if they use a fiscal agent that meets the requirement. Additionally, 100% of the funding must be allocated to serve residents within Arizona.

Following the review of all interest forms, selected organizations will receive an invitation to submit a full application by April 4, 2025. Any nonprofit organizations seeking further information regarding the grant cycle can contact the Fiesta Sports Foundation at charities@fiestabowl.org.