The Santa Cruz Community Foundation is opening its 2024-2025 grant round aimed at nonprofit organizations operating within Santa Cruz County, Arizona. This grant opportunity allows eligible organizations to request funding of up to $5,000 to support their charitable activities. The grant period will run for one year, specifically from December 1, 2024, to November 30, 2025. Organizations interested in applying must ensure they meet the eligibility criteria and submit their applications by the deadline of October 25, 2024.

The primary purpose of the Santa Cruz Community Foundation Grants is to provide financial support to nonprofit organizations that are actively engaged in charitable work benefiting the residents of Santa Cruz County. The foundation seeks to empower local organizations that demonstrate effective program management and accountability, ensuring that the funds are utilized to directly impact the community.

Funding from this grant can be used for various purposes, including but not limited to employment, labor and training, workforce development, health initiatives, diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, agriculture, education, science and technology projects, legal services, and housing. The foundation does not require a matching contribution from applicants, making it accessible for organizations with limited resources.

To be eligible for this grant, applicants must be recognized as a 501(c)(3) organization in good standing and must conduct their charitable work within Santa Cruz County. Organizations are required to have local leadership, which can be demonstrated through a board of directors or an advisory committee, as well as local financial support. It is important to note that grants will not be awarded to individuals, for-profit organizations (except small businesses), government entities, capital fund drives, agency endowments, individual schools, or for sectarian purposes. Additionally, organizations must be current with all reporting requirements to the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona (CFSA) and its affiliates.

The application process will involve answering specific questions that assess the organization’s mission, the proposed program's impact, and how the funds will be utilized. Evaluation criteria will focus on the organization’s ability to meet the needs of the community, the effectiveness of the proposed program, and the organization’s overall capacity to manage the grant funds responsibly.

The timeline for this grant opportunity includes a submission deadline of October 25, 2024. Organizations should prepare their applications in advance to ensure they meet this deadline. For further inquiries, applicants can contact the Santa Cruz Community Foundation via email at community@cfsaz.org or by phone at 520-770-0800. This grant represents a valuable opportunity for local nonprofits to secure funding for initiatives that will enhance the well-being of the Santa Cruz County community.