Spotlight: State of Arizona

As part of our spotlight series, GrantWatch looks at some of the special characteristics for the State of Arizona. The actual ‘sunniest state’ in the U.S. – contrary to Florida, who has the nickname of ‘The Sunshine State,’ Arizona has some spectacular sights to marvel at, including the Grand Canyon, officially deemed ‘One of the Seven Wonders of the World.’ This makes sense since the state motto, coined in 1863 by Richard Cunningham McCormick (first secretary of the Arizona territory and its second governor), is Ditat Deus. It’s Latin for “God Enriches.”

GrantWatch has provided a list of grant opportunities for projects to help improve the economic outlook throughout the State of Arizona. In addition, GrantWatch offers a list of close to 1,700 grants in its Community and Economic Development grants listing category. Beyond that, GrantWatch also has national and international grant listings to choose from.

Some ‘Amazing’ Facts About the State of Arizona

• The original London Bridge was shipped stone-by-stone and reconstructed in Lake Havasu City in 1968.
• There are 13 species of rattlesnakes. That’s more than any other state. On average, 150 people are bitten by rattlesnakes each year.
• They also have the Gila monster, the only venomous lizard in the U.S.
• The first tequila distillery in the United States was opened in Nogales, Arizona in 1936.
• The Chimichanga was invented here. (localadventurer.com, “41 Amazing and Unusual Facts About Arizona – Some You Won’t Believe“)

Then There’s ‘Stunning’ Facts About Arizona

• The official necktie of Arizona is the bolo tie.
• Most of the 1955 musical Oklahoma! was actually filmed in Nogales, Arizona.
• Arizona produces more copper than any other state in the United States.
• Supai, Arizona, is located at the bottom of the Grand Canyon and is the only place in the country where mules deliver the mail.
• Famous inventions from Arizona include jet skis and the TASER.
• Because soldiers from Fort Huachuca in Arizona were not allowed to exit their cars off base in fatigues, the McDonalds in the area opened a drive through window, becoming the first McDonalds to do so. (factretriever.com, “28 Stunning Facts About Arizona You’ll Love“)

There Are Also ‘Unusual’ Facts About Arizona!

• In this state, refusing a person a glass of water is unlawful.
• The Saguaro cactus, the largest cactus in the U.S., only grows in the Arizona Sonoran desert. You can determine the age of the cactus by its height. It takes up to 100 years to grow a single arm.
• Cutting down a saguaro cactus is illegal. If you cut down an endangered cactus, you can face up to 25 years in prison.
• You can also be fined for harassing cottontails or bullfrogs.
• Arizona is the sunniest state in the country. Florida, the sunshine state, comes in at 5th sunniest. (localadventurer.com, “41 Amazing and Unusual Facts About Arizona – Some You Won’t Believe“)

Below is a current list of grant funding opportunities available for the State of Arizona.

Arizona Community and Economic Development Grants and In-kind Donations

1. Grants to eligible Arizona nonprofits, government agencies, and schools for activities that benefit residents. Funding supports programs in the areas of education, economic stability, and health. Infrastructure projects as well as sponsorships for educational and health activities are eligible.
2. There are in-kind donations of volunteer services to eligible Arizona nonprofits, government entities, tribal governments, community and faith-based organizations, and schools for community service projects. A project concept form must be submitted prior to applying. The purpose of the program is to strengthen communities and develop leaders by implementing team-based community service projects in the areas of education, environment, healthy futures, economic opportunity, disaster recovery, and veterans and military families.
3. In addition, grants of up to $5,000 to eligible Arizona Navajo Nation Chapters and nonprofits to benefit residents. Funding is for programs, projects, and organizations addressing communal issues and needs in the areas of training and education, elders, and cultural preservation. Funding is also for projects addressing health and wellness, economic development, and environmental protection/management. Projects will focus on benefiting Chapter/Community members, not individual needs or to benefit only a few.
4. Grants to eligible Arizona nonprofits for capital/operating/program support. Applicants will attend a virtual training session before applying. Funding is for community enrichment, crisis stabilization, personal and family empowerment, and emergency and basic needs.
5. There are grants of up to $4,500 to eligible Arizona individuals, nonprofits, community groups, businesses, and schools to enhance local public spaces. Funding supports a wide range of art and beautification activities, from community gardens to downtown sculptures. Projects are to provide lasting benefits to the community.

Additional Arizona Community and Economic Development Grants

1. Also, grants of up to $85,000 to Arizona agricultural professionals to conduct collaborative projects with qualifying businesses to further agricultural sustainability. Funding supports projects that incorporate both research and educational outreach. The purpose of the program is to obtain results that are applicable to agricultural production. The goal is to sustain and improve the profitability of farmers/ranchers and associated agricultural businesses, and enhance the quality of life of agricultural communities.
2. Grants to agricultural producers collaborating with a technical advisor to advance sustainable agriculture. Funding supports projects promoting sustainable agriculture. With the support and guidance of the technical advisor, farmers and ranchers will integrate research and education to conduct on-site experiments to address social, environmental, and economic aspects of agricultural sustainability.
3. There are grants of up to $5,000 to eligible Arizona nonprofits and tribes to benefit local communities. Funding is for community programs, activities, and events that promote education and training, health and wellness, and cultural preservation. Funding is also for economic development and environmental protection/management. Projects will also support women’s development and engage elders.
4. In addition, grants to eligible Arizona agricultural professionals for agricultural sustainability training. Funding supports programs that educate professionals. They, in turn, will conduct training programs in agricultural sustainability systems and principles for other agricultural professionals and producers.
5. Lastly, grants to eligible Arizona nonprofits to promote community vitality/volunteerism, and meet basic needs. Funding is to enhance communities and help people achieve financial independence.

The Bottom Line

To conclude, we hope you’ll have the chance to experience some of the beauty and grandeur in the State of Arizona!

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