Opens in a new tab

Grantmaking that centers community

Through trust-based philanthropy, we fund grassroots and historically excluded communities too often overlooked, uplifting their leadership, amplifying their voices, and resourcing their work.

Our grantmaking funds organizations led by and for Black, Indigenous, Women of Color (BIWOC), and gender-expansive communities across Arizona.

Our Philosophy

By providing flexible funding with fewer hoops and deeper relationships, we help build the power and capacity needed to create lasting change so every community has what it needs to thrive.

We are more than funders. We are connectors, amplifiers, and co-conspirators. 

We believe communities closest to the challenges hold the solutions. 

That is why our approach is grounded in: 

  • Trust-based philanthropy with flexible, unrestricted funding 
  • Fewer barriers through streamlined applications and transparent processes 
  • Shared decision-making with community leaders shaping and selecting funding 
  • Long-term relationships that extend beyond the check 
  • Power-building that invests in leadership, infrastructure, and sustainability 

We fund bold ideas, emerging leaders, and grassroots organizations building racial, gender, and economic equity across Arizona. 

Grantee Partners

WFSA is grateful to work alongside dozens of nonprofit organizations statewide. 

Fund for Racial and Gender Equity (FORGE Grant) 

Substantial, Unrestricted Funding for Transformative Change  

FORGE is a groundbreaking, community-designed initiative investing in organizations led by and serving BIWOC and gender-expansive communities. 

Grant Amount: $50K-$100K unrestricted 

FORGE challenges traditional philanthropy by centering accessibility, transparency, and shared decision-making. Community leaders design and select grantees, ensuring funding reaches those driving meaningful systems change. 

Learn more about our FORGE 2026 Grantees here. 

Contact us

FORGE Includes: 

  • Unrestricted, flexible funding 
  • Community-led selection process 
  • Capacity-building and technical assistance 
  • Peer learning and cohort connection 

FORGE invests not just in programs but in power, sustainability, and long-term impact. 

ember grants 

Fueling Emerging and Under-Resourced Organizations 

ember grants provide flexible funding to grassroots groups doing critical, community-rooted work. 

Grant Amount: $5K – $25K flexible funding 

Designed to meet organizations where they are, ember supports emerging leaders and smaller organizations building more just and resilient systems across Arizona. 

Contact us

ember Includes: 

  • Flexible funding with minimal barriers 
  • Capacity-building and technical support 
  • Opportunities for peer connection and collaboration 

ember recognizes that sustainable impact requires more than funding alone. It requires trust, relationships, and support. 

Fiscal Sponsorships

Fiscal sponsorship is a partnership that allows emerging projects and grassroots initiatives to operate under the legal and tax-exempt status of an established nonprofit organization. 

As a fiscal sponsor, we provide the financial infrastructure and oversight that enable community leaders to receive tax-deductible donations, apply for grants, and focus on their mission without forming a separate 501(c)(3). 

What We Provide: 

  • Donation processing and tax receipting 
  • Financial management and reporting 
  • Grant administration and compliance support 
  • Budget guidance and fiscal accountability 
  • Strategic connection to funding opportunities 

We approach fiscal sponsorship through a trust-based, equity-centered lens, helping bold, community-led ideas grow into sustainable and lasting impact across Arizona. 

Giving Circles

A giving circle brings people together to pool their resources, learn about community needs, and collectively decide where to invest for meaningful impact. Read on to learn more about the giving circles held by WFSA and how you can get involved.

  • Latina Giving Circle

    Founded in 2009, the Latina Giving Circle is a fiscally sponsored program under the Women’s Foundation for the State of Arizona. LGC pools members’ time, talent, and treasure to support Latina-led organizations, advancing gender and racial equity while strengthening Arizona’s Latina community through collective philanthropy. 

    Give today
  • Giving Collective

    The Giving Collective brings together a passionate group of changemakers to pool resources and directly fund grassroots organizations statewide. By giving as a collective rather than an individual, this option promotes shared decision-making, shifts philanthropy from transactional to transformational, and centers community in fundraising.  

    Give today

Frequently Asked Questions

We are always looking for new ways to support community through trust-based grantmaking. Check back regularly for new opportunities.

New grant opportunities are coming soon. Sign up for updates to be notified when applications launch. 

Together, FORGE and ember reflect our commitment to reshaping philanthropy through trust, equity, and community leadership by investing in the people and organizations building Arizona’s more just future. 

 

Yes. We welcome partnerships with individuals, businesses, and institutions that want to support community-led change. Sponsorship opportunities may include support for grant programs, events, or special initiatives. Please contact us to learn more about current sponsorship opportunities and how to get involved. 

 

Yes. We are continually exploring new ways to invest in community-led solutions. New grant opportunities will be announced on our website and through our newsletter. We encourage organizations to stay connected for updates. 

 

Yes. Both programs include capacity-building, technical assistance, and opportunities for peer learning and connection. We believe strong ecosystems strengthen impact. 

 

Both FORGE and ember incorporate community leadership into the selection process. Community members and leaders help design criteria and review applications to ensure equitable and transparent decision-making. 

 

Unrestricted funding allows organizations to use grant dollars where they are most needed, including operations, staffing, programs, or infrastructure, without rigid spending categories. 

Organizations based in Arizona that are led by and serving women, girls, and gender-expansive people, particularly BIWOC and historically excluded communities, are encouraged to apply. Specific eligibility criteria will be shared when applications open. 

Hear from our grantees

We fund organizations providing direct support to women and girls and we go beyond the check. Grantees receive flexible funding, technical assistance, and opportunities to grow their impact without compromising their missions.

Dansense Nrtyabodha
Mujeres Latinas Unidas
Row of Hearts Foundation
Girlfriend Culture
The Black HR Society
The Way Forward Foundation
J-M-I Coalition Julia’s Mission to Inspire
Black & Brown Girl Wellness, Inc.
D.O.V.E.S. Network
Beyond Resilient

Your gift fuels change across Arizona

When women are resourced and supported, families, communities, and generations thrive. Your donation powers grassroots leaders, drives policy change, and expands opportunity for millions of Arizonans. 

Make a gift today to power lasting change for women and girls across Arizona.
Donate