The African American Legacy Fund (AALF), an initiative of the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona (CFSA), supports nonprofit organizations dedicated to enhancing the well-being and prosperity of Black and African American communities in Southern Arizona. The AALF provides multi-year, unrestricted operating support to nonprofits, offering flexible working capital to maximize their impact. The fund’s purpose is to ensure that children, youth, and families have access to the resources and opportunities necessary to thrive.

Applications for AALF grants will open on March 3, 2025, and are due by March 31, 2025, at 5:00 PM MST. The grant program provides general operating support for one year, with a maximum award request of $10,000. Organizations receiving first-year funding may be considered for a second year based on satisfactory progress toward their grant goals, compliance with reporting requirements, and fund availability. Grants must align with CFSA’s Grantmaking Principles and Diversity Policy.

To be eligible, applicants must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in good standing or apply using a fiscal sponsor that meets the same requirements. The organization must be based in Southern Arizona, specifically in counties south of the Gila River, including Cochise, Graham, Greenlee, Pima, Santa Cruz, Yuma, and parts of Pinal County. The nonprofit's programming must directly benefit the Black and/or African American community in Southern Arizona, and organizations must have Black and/or African American representation at the executive leadership or board level. However, if there is only one qualifying staff or board member, that individual cannot be a member of the African American Legacy Fund Advisory Board. Additionally, applicants must be current in all reporting obligations to CFSA.

The grant review process will take place from April to May 2025, with award notifications issued in May 2025. Grants will be distributed in June 2025. Funding decisions will be made based on the completeness of the application, alignment with AALF goals, and demonstrated impact in serving the target community.

The CFSA office is located at 5049 E. Broadway Blvd., Suite 201, Tucson, AZ 85711. For further information, applicants may contact CFSA by phone at (520) 770-0800. More details about the AALF and previous grant recipients can be found on the CFSA website.