Philanthropy is a broad subject that takes many forms. Our Social Impact feature every month spotlights for-profit businesses (some of whom who are included in this cover story) and the varied forms of philanthropy they practice.
This article is focused solely on grants. We reached out to a select sample of both philanthropist-funded foundations and nonprofit arms of for-profit business for this spotlight on Metro Phoenix’s grant landscape – and they share the purpose behind their individual grantmaking and the decisions around the types of organizations they support.
“Arizona’s post-COVID philanthropy and grant landscape has shifted in ways that matter a for private and nonprofit partnerships,” says Michael DiMaria, vice president of business development at Valadez & Associates. He has worked with multiple grant-funded businesses and organizations where he and partner Ramón Valadez have guided strategy and assisted in the procurement of funds, and has more than a decade’s experience as a lobbyist and strategic advisor. Noting that funders (private foundations, corporate giving programs and donor-advised funds) have become more outcomes-driven and more like business-to-business funders, he says, “They are significantly more selective, but also more open to collaboration amongst organizations looking for similar outcomes that reduces duplication, increases efficiency and demonstrates community-level impact.”
Grantmaking across Arizona shows an increased emphasis on basic needs, housing stability, behavioral health, workforce development and community engagement alongside continued investment in education and youth programs. DiMaria finds grantmakers are expecting stronger data practices that are transparent and, especially in this post-COVID era, that an organization’s past history does not include penalties and admonishments from previous grant providers. “Another major shift,” DiMaria says, “is that nonprofits are competing in a tighter operating environment — higher labor and service-delivery costs, staff burnout and demand spikes — so funders are increasingly receptive to requests that show how its infrastructure protects outcomes and scalability.”
Addressing the applicant side, DiMaria says organizations must have clear measures and evidence that programs are reaching priority populations with outcomes that are tangible and can be replicated. He also emphasizes the value of partnership. “The advantage now goes to nonprofits that can show they are plugged into a coordinated ecosystem, not working in isolation.” Speaking to the relationship between grant recipients and grantmakers, he says, “It is important to treat funders as partners and long-term stakeholders.”
Grants as Strategic Investments
“For 47 years, Arizona Community Foundation has quietly but powerfully stewarded statewide philanthropy, building strong relationships in every corner of the state,” says Anna María Chávez, Esq., president and CEO. Describing ACF as uniquely positioned to convene government, philanthropy, business, and community organizations around shared goals, she explains that grantmaking supports this work by providing key information that helps ACF bring together thought leaders, invest in nonprofit capacity building and provide direct program support across the state. “Through this approach, ACF uses its grants not only to fund effective programs but to strengthen systems, scale proven solutions and accelerate collective impact. This ensures philanthropic dollars deliver lasting, community-driven results.”
Three particularly critical focus areas where ACF currently directs much of its collaborative efforts and philanthropic investments are environment, education, and housing and homelessness. “However,” Chávez adds, “through donor-directed and foundation-directed grantmaking, ACF invests in every area of need in Arizona including arts and culture, economic development, healthcare and health research, and more.”
Explaining that Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust “seeks to invest in organizations with strong leaders who demonstrate a compelling vision,” President and CEO Steve Zabilski says the trust invests through six identified core areas in service of its mission to enrich health, well-being and opportunity for the people of Maricopa County. Specifically, these are arts and culture, children, education, healthcare, older adults and religious organizations. “The six core areas were established at the inception of Piper Trust (now 25-plus years ago) and are based on the passions and patterns of giving by the Trust’s founder Virginia Galvin Piper.”
The Trust’s relationship-focused grantmaking process relies on its staff working closely with potential grantees to support the development of effective proposals to bring forward to the Board of Trustees for consideration. Trustees, then, conduct grantmaking in an ongoing manner versus awarding grants in cycles. This enables the trustees to “remain on the pulse of the community’s dynamic needs,” Zabilski notes. He adds that the Trust also supports initiatives, programs and projects — often collaboratively with other philanthropic partners — that address unique community needs and that would foster broad impact.
“At Bank of America, we structure our grantmaking to drive meaningful, sustainable progress by putting the full power of the bank behind advancing economic opportunity,” says Scott Vanderpool, president of Bank of America Phoenix. Demonstrating a commitment to what the bank calls “Responsible Growth,” its charitable foundation seeks to partner with nonprofit organizations whose work directly advances economic opportunity and stability in the communities it serves. “We focus our efforts on organizations that address basic needs, help people develop skills that can generate income and meet the needs of local economies, as well as those groups expanding access to quality affordable housing and strengthening overall health and community empowerment,” he explains. “We look for collaboratives: organizations working together to expand opportunity for local talent. Even more specifically, we prioritize partners who design solutions with and for those most impacted by disparities, ensuring community voices shape community outcomes.”
“The Delta Dental of Arizona Foundation structures its grantmaking to align directly with Delta Dental of Arizona’s mission to create a path to better health and wellness for underserved and uninsured Arizonans,” says Barb Kozuh, executive director. She notes its primary vehicle for community investment is its annual grant program, which opens each September and is accessible through a digital application process on the Foundation’s website. Since 2010, the Delta Dental of Arizona Foundation has invested more than $20 million in oral health education, disease prevention, and food security initiatives across Arizona.
In the 2025 grant cycle, the Foundation awarded $799,524 to 39 nonprofit organizations serving children, pregnant women, seniors and low-income adults statewide. “Clear funding guidelines are published in advance to ensure transparency and accessibility for nonprofit partners statewide.”
For the 2026 grant cycle, the Foundation made community grants ranging from $5,000 to $30,000 available. In addition, the Foundation introduced Innovation Grants for the first time in the organization’s history. These two-year grants provide $100,000 per recipient to support projects that are original in design, measurable in impact, and capable of producing meaningful, real-world outcomes. “Innovation Grants are intended to help nonprofits pilot or scale solutions that address systemic barriers to health and wellness,” Kozuh explains.
Noting that priority is given to organizations providing direct services such as dental care, oral health education, food distribution, school meal programs and senior nutrition services, Kozuh points out that funding is intentionally flexible and supports both dental and non-dental organizations whose work advances access to care and addresses social determinants of health. Says Kozuh, “By supporting a diverse range of nonprofit partners, the Foundation ensures that funding reaches communities across Arizona, including rural, urban and tribal areas, and addresses needs at every stage of life.”
The annual grant program prioritizes organizations that expand access to oral health care, vision care, and nutrition support for underserved populations. Eligible applicants include nonprofits serving individuals of all ages through dental programs, preventive health initiatives, and food security efforts. Funding is intentionally flexible, supporting both dental and non-dental programs, including food banks, after-school and weekend food programs for children, and senior meal delivery services.
The Law Offices of Lerner and Rowe established the Lerner & Rowe Gives Back Grant Program, where nonprofits can apply for funding for a specific program or initiative. “To be eligible for this program, the nonprofit must fall under Lerner & Rowe Gives Back’s umbrella mission: to break socioeconomic barriers for our community’s most vulnerable neighbors. We also fund nonprofits that align with our focus pillars: youth programs, health and human services, and public safety,” says Kevin Rowe, a founder and principal of the firm, sharing that the program in 2025 awarded $350,000 to nonprofits across Arizona.
“One thing that we pride ourselves on is making our grant applications simple. We ask the questions we need to ask, and don’t require a ton of fluff responses,” Rowe says, adding, “We want to be respectful of people’s time, so we ensure that it is a straightforward process.” It’s a year-round grant cycle, and recipients are selected through the firm’s internal charitable giving committee and board of directors.
Robert Raygoza, executive director of the OneAZ Community Foundation, explains the Foundation’s grantmaking is guided by three priority pillars: economic empowerment and entrepreneurship, community vitality, and developing future leaders. Noting, “These focus areas reflect our commitment to building financial stability, strengthening communities and investing in the next generation of leaders throughout the state,” he says. “At OneAZ Credit Union, we recognize the critical role Arizona nonprofit organizations play in strengthening the communities we serve, and our giving is intentionally aligned to create meaningful, long-term impact across the state.” Additionally, he notes that the OneAZ Coummunity Foundation focuses its grantmaking on Arizona-based nonprofit organizations with an annual budget of at least $500,000 and no more than $5 million to help “ensure our funding has both meaningful and catalytic impact.”
The OneAZ Community Foundation grantmaking is structured through two complementary programs. Community Impact Grants provide $5,000 awards through a competitive annual cycle. Legacy Grants are invitation-only, multi-year investments offering $30,000 to $50,000 annually for up to three years. The first, Raygoza explains, allow the Foundation to support a broad range of nonprofit organizations aligned with its prior pillars across Arizona; the second support programs designed to drive long-term sustainable impact within its focus area. “Together, these programs allow us to balance broad community support with deeper, transformational investments, ensuring our resources address immediate needs while advancing lasting change aligned with our mission and pillars.”
Explaining the grant application process uses an electronic platform, implements a cross-functional associate review committee and engages the Foundation Board of Directors to review and help approve recommended grants, Raygoza says, “This approach ensures transparency, consistency and equity in our funding decisions while also engaging associates in our community impact efforts.”
Our ‘Why’
Chávez describes grants as “a vital part of ensuring that Arizona’s nonprofit sector can continue providing innovative ideas and transformational service to communities across our state,” but makes clear that ACF views the grant awards as more than just handing over a check. “We see it as investing in communities and people all across Arizona,” she says. “We seek partnership with these nonprofits to help support and amplify their impact, going far beyond handing over a check.”
Affirming, “Piper Trust considers grants to be ‘investments’ in the community,” Zabilski relates, “Mrs. Piper’s vision was to improve the health and well-being of people in Maricopa County. The Trust’s culture reflects that we (Trustees and staff) work daily to steward ‘what Virginia would do’ — we embrace this and hold steadfast to her mission.”
“Grantmaking is important,” Vanderpool says, “because nonprofits are on the front lines of addressing the community’s most pressing needs.” He notes their work directly supports the goals Bank of America cares about: helping individuals and families build stability and resilience, access opportunity and, ultimately, thrive. “By investing in these organizations, we’re helping create real pathways to economic opportunity in Phoenix and across the region,” he says. An additional point he makes: “One of the things that truly sets Bank of America apart is the passion of our employees. We support their charitable giving through our Employee Matching Grants program.”
Kozuh notes that community reinvestment via the company’s grant program plays a critical role in advancing Delta Dental of Arizona’s mission. “While the organization supports several long-term initiatives outside the competitive grant cycle, grants allow the Foundation to identify and support impactful programs operating in communities that may not otherwise be visible,” she explains.
She also makes the point that, due to Arizona’s size and diversity, structured outreach would be required to fully understand the needs of every community. “A competitive grant process creates opportunities for nonprofits to share local insights, demonstrate need, and propose solutions rooted in lived experience. This approach helps the Foundation better understand emerging challenges, build new relationships, and expand its reach to individuals and families who may otherwise go unserved.
“Finally,” she continues, “these grants also allow Delta Dental of Arizona to respond strategically to evolving needs while ensuring resources are distributed equitably across the state.”
“For many nonprofits like Lerner & Rowe Gives Back, we are split between awarding funds to nonprofits via event sponsorships and grant programs,” Rowe says, sharing, “We’ve found that, although event sponsorships are important and impactful, we can more easily track the impact our gift has on our community through the grants we award. For example, if we give X dollars, we’ll be able to fund a certain number of emergency kits, feed X number of families or purchase dozens of clothing items. By getting more granular, it’s easier for us to see a more tangible impact.” The grant program, he notes, creates impact that has longevity. “Events are only one to three days, whereas nonprofit programs have ongoing effects on our most vulnerable neighbors.”
“At OneAZ Credit Union, our mission is simple: We exist to truly improve the lives of our members, our associates and the communities we serve. Grantmaking is one of the most impactful ways we live out that mission — by directly investing in Arizona nonprofits that are addressing real community needs,” Raygoza says. “As the second largest credit union in Arizona, our ability to give is powered by the everyday actions of our members and the generosity of our associates and vendors. Through the OneAZ Community Foundation, our grantmaking is rooted in shared participation.” He explains that members support the Foundation simply by using their debit cards, with OneAZ Credit Union donating one penny for every swipe, while associates contribute through an internal giving campaign.
Raygoza points to the grants as representing more than financial support: “They reflect a shared commitment to building stronger, more resilient communities across Arizona — together.”
Trust Is Trending
“There’s a clear shift toward trust-based practices among many grantmakers, locally and nationally,” Vanderpool observes. “Increasingly, funders are embracing that flexibility, transparency and shared power lead to stronger outcomes and more resilient community organizations.” Noting this aligns with the bank’s belief that durable change happens when funders center relationships, respect the expertise of community partners and invest in solutions shaped by those most affected, Vanderpool says, “For us, trustbased philanthropy (TBP) is about building strong, authentic relationships between funders, grantees and the communities most impacted by the challenges we seek to address. It acknowledges that the people closest to the work, and those most affected by disparities, bring essential insights that should guide solution, response strategy and investment.”
For Vanderpool, nonprofits are not simply funding recipients. “We see partnership and commitments to shared learning, mutual accountability and long-term meaningful changemaking in our communities. This means staying present and engaged yearround, listening closely to understand emerging needs, helping make connections across sectors, and providing support beyond dollars — whether it’s data, visibility or convening stakeholders around shared goals.
We’re also deeply committed to collaborative spaces where organizations can come together to align strategies and codesign solutions.”
Similarly, Chávez relates, “We recognize that those closest to social problems have the solutions to create greater well-being in their communities,” and says ACF has been working for many years to understand and implement trust-based philanthropic practices in its work. “The intervention is to change the nature of the funder-grantee relationship with an emphasis on funder humility.”
At Piper, Zabilski says, “We are always interested in learning how grants performed and place great value on grantees’ assessments. All of this helps guide the Trust’s future funding efforts.” He explains the Trust invests in leaders “with whom we have confidence in their visions and oversight” and it operates “in a very relational approach as Trustees and staff strive to be part of our community — not only as a source of leadership and investment, but truly as a partner who shares a genuine stake and care in the long-term future of Maricopa County and Arizona.”
“To Delta Dental of Arizona and its Foundation, trust-based philanthropy means building authentic relationships with nonprofit partners rather than limiting engagement to applications and reports,” Kozuh says, explaining it is grounded in listening, learning and showing up in the community, as the organization prioritizes site visits, direct conversations with nonprofit leadership and staff, and a deep understanding of day-to-day operations. “This hands-on approach allows the Foundation to move beyond written proposals and better understand real-world challenges and opportunities.”
Noting this philosophy enables responsive action in moments of urgent need, Kozuh offers two examples: After years of partnership with Borderlands Produce Rescue, Delta Dental of Arizona was able to respond quickly when the organization reported a 75% increase in demand following the pause of SNAP benefits. Because of the established relationship and firsthand knowledge of Borderlands’ impact, Delta Dental of Arizona provided immediate support to ensure food distribution could continue without interruption. That same trust-based approach informed a broader response to food insecurity across the state as 2025 came to a close as well. The Delta Dental of Arizona Foundation contributed $100,000 to the Arizona Food Bank Network to support its member food banks, including Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona, St. Mary’s Food Bank, United Food Bank, and Yuma Community Food Bank. Funds were directed to the highest-need food distribution centers, particularly those serving households impacted by changes to SNAP assistance.
Says Kozuh, “Trust-based philanthropy is increasingly embraced across the sector, and Delta Dental of Arizona views it as essential to creating lasting, community-driven impact.”
“Our grant program gives us a window into nonprofits’ needs, and we enjoy establishing trusted relationships with them,” Rowe shares. “This mutual trust and understanding of one another’s missions lead to annual grant giving, ongoing support and emergency funding to help our nonprofit partners succeed.”
Strengthening its connection with nonprofits enables the organization to see where they need extra support. “A crucial member of our team at Lerner & Rowe Gives Back is Jordan Moreno, our director of charitable giving. It is her job to regularly connect with our nonprofit partners to establish relationships and create mutual accountability and an open line of support,” Rowe says, noting the grant program is a great catalyst for support “and we enjoy gifting nonprofits funds to help them not only survive but grow and evolve.”
He offers two examples of an ongoing relationship: One is with Ryan House, which has been the recipient for three years of $30,000 for respite care to families and caregivers. “This funding is open-ended and can look different, depending on unique needs,” Rowe says. The other is with Valleywise, whose Pediatric Burn Unit has been funded for the past few years. Noting that donation is also kept open-ended, Rowe says, “If the funds are going to that center and helping that team accomplish their goals, we are happy.”
Raygoza believes trust-based philanthropy is about building strong relationships, listening closely to nonprofit partners, and recognizing that meaningful change takes time. “While the OneAZ Community primarily provides programmatic funding rather than unrestricted grants, we have intentionally incorporated trust-based principles into our approach,” he says. “This includes simplifying our application process, reducing administrative burden, engaging in open dialogue with nonprofit partners, and offering multi-year funding through our Legacy Grant program. By committing to $30,000 to $50,000 annually for up to three years, we demonstrate trust in nonprofit leadership and provide great stability and predictability.”
Says Raygoza, “We are proud to be part of that evolution in a way that aligns with our mission.”
Ripples through the Community
“Many Trust grants have returns far beyond the dollar value of the grants (e.g., Multiplication Philanthropy),” Zabilski says. “Additionally, we put a significant emphasis on knowledge dissemination through programs that build capacity in people and organizations, such the Piper Fellows program, and offerings such as Piper Academies and Piper Conversations.”
As Chávez notes, “A grant to a nonprofit can mean that programs can be implemented or expanded, staff can be paid and supplies can be purchased.” In instances of investing in rural communities, for example, ACF has found the stretch and reach of the dollar can go even further, aiding in community investment and attracting industries such as tourism through the arts. “ACF invests philanthropic capital into critical, far-reaching projects such as affordable housing development. Collectively, this heavily impacts communities, far beyond the grant recipient.”
Raygoza relates that, since 2016, the OneAZ Community Foundation has invested more than $2.5 million in more than 550 nonprofits across Arizona, supporting programs that strengthen economic resilience and promote long-term community well-being. “As a local credit union, we believe that banking local matters. When our members choose to bank local, they are directly helping reinvest in the communities they live and work in.” He notes that, through the Foundation, those everyday banking decisions are transformed into grants that strengthen Arizona nonprofits and fuel positive, local change.
“Our grants advance economic prosperity, financial empowerment, access to basic needs and leadership development, creating ripple effects that benefit individuals, families and local economies,” he says, pointing out these investments support workforce readiness, small business growth and community stability — outcome that contribute to healthier, more vibrant communities across the state.
“Looking ahead, 2026 marks an important milestone as OneAZ Credit Union celebrates 75 years of serving Arizona communities,” says Raygoza, sharing, “Through the OneAZ Community Foundation, we anticipate 2026 will be one of our most impactful years yet — building on our legacy of local investments and deepening our commitment to the nonprofits and communities that make Arizona thrive.”
Kozuh notes the economic impact of Delta Dental of Arizona Foundation grants extends well beyond individual programs. “Many grants support staffing, programmatic needs and equipment, helping nonprofit organizations sustain jobs and stabilize services. This support directly benefits nonprofit employees and their families while strengthening the organizations that communities rely on for essential care,” she says.
She further points out that, by funding prevention, education and early intervention, grants also reduce long-term health costs for individuals and systems. “Investments in oral health, nutrition and integrated care contribute to better health outcomes, increased workforce participation and lower emergency and hospital-related expenses,” she explains.
“One example we can attest to at Lerner & Rowe Gives Back, tying into our mission to break socioeconomic barriers for our community’s most vulnerable neighbors, is how our nonprofit partners help break generational loops,” Rowe says. “By intervening with support, we can inspire the rising generations who have experienced homelessness to one day purchase their first home, give permission to parents to take care of themselves, and give students the tools to follow their dreams and become professional sports players. The possibilities are endless, and we want to uplift people in our community and help them strive for better futures.”
Says Vanderpool, “You’re creating a ripple effect when you help individuals improve their financial stability or economic prospects,” explaining the philanthropy does not only support that one person but strengthens their family, their neighborhood and the economic vitality of the whole region.
“We know that when basic needs are met, people are able to turn their attention to growth, and begin focusing on their personal growth through mentoring, skills development, work experience and entrepreneurial growth.” His point is that those opportunities lead to income creation not only for individuals, but also for the people they employ and serve.
“Our strategy is centered on partnering with organizations that drive both economic advancement and longterm stability,” Vanderpool says. And he shares, “The single, most powerful example I can point to is our Neighborhood Builders program. For 21 years, Bank of America has invested in Phoenix nonprofits by providing $200,000 in flexible funding to two local nonprofit organizations each year. These are dollars the nonprofit can use where they determine it’s needed most.
“But in addition to this flexible funding,” Vanderpool continues, “we provide access to a nationwide network of peer nonprofits and leadership training for the organization’s current leader as well as an emerging leader.” To date, the bank has supported 44 Phoenix leaders and invested more than $8.8 million locally, according to Vanderpool, who adds, “Since the program’s inception, it continues to be one of the nation’s largest philanthropic investments into nonprofit leadership development, strengthening high-impact Phoenix nonprofits tackling our community’s most pressing needs and helping them with long-term capacity building and sustainability that extends far beyond any single grant.”
