CORE Grants
CORE Grants support Southern Arizona nonprofits with flexible operating funds to strengthen their organizations, respond to community needs, and improve quality of life across the region.
This grant was recently updated
The November 29, 2026 application deadline moved earlier, from 11:59 PM to 5:00 PM Arizona time.
Funder: Community Foundation for Southern Arizona
Due Dates: November 2, 2026 (Applications open) | November 29, 2026, 5:00 p.m. Arizona time (Application due) | March 2027 (Award notifications) | April 2027 (Grants funded)
Funding Amounts: $15,000–$30,000 for one year
Summary: Flexible, unrestricted operating support helps established Southern Arizona nonprofits strengthen their organizations and improve community quality of life.
Key Information: Applicants must have operated in Southern Arizona for at least two years and have current annual operating expenses of $100,000–$2 million.
Description
CORE Grants, administered by the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona (CFSA), provide unrestricted support to established nonprofits across Southern Arizona. Funding supports the organization as a whole rather than a specific project, giving nonprofit leaders flexibility to address emerging issues, deliver programs and services, strengthen salaries and benefits, invest in technology and infrastructure, or build fundraising and communications capacity.
The program seeks stronger, healthier, more resilient organizations through four CORE values: community, organizational governance and sustainability, results, and effectiveness. Reviewers consider community relationships, thoughtful leadership and financial stewardship, meaningful evaluation, and the value of an organization’s work. Finalists are also shared with CFSA Donor Collaborators, who may contribute additional charitable resources.
