SCOTTSDALE, AZ (January 29, 2025) – The 2025-26 Fiesta Sports Foundation Grant Cycle officially kicks off with the first phase of a new two-step process. Arizona nonprofit organizations must submit their interest form starting today through the closing of the interest form period on Friday, February 28, 2025, at 5 p.m. MST.

All Arizona nonprofits are invited to submit their interest form indicating their desire to receive a Fiesta Sports Foundation grant, briefly introducing the proposed impact and budget of the project. Interest forms will be reviewed and considered based on a series of criteria including, but not limited to, the project impact focused in Arizona, alignment with one or more of the Fiesta Sports Foundation's pillars of youth, sports and education, and sustainability of the project or program.

Following the review process of all interest forms, the Fiesta Sports Foundation will invite selected nonprofit organizations to present a formal application during the traditional Fiesta Sports Foundation Grant Cycle application period in April 2025.

All nonprofit organizations must submit an interest form to be considered for the application process. Further information, including the interest form, grant cycle guidelines, scoring rubric, frequently asked questions and more, may be found at FiestaBowl.org/grantcycle.

"We know the impact our Fiesta Sports Foundation Grant Cycle has for our nonprofit partners and we are proud to support them in their initiatives as they make a difference in communities all across this state," said Fiesta Sports Foundation Executive Director and CEO Erik Moses. "These amazing charities create such positive impact for Arizonans across the state through our pillars of youth, sports and education. In many cases, this funding breaks down barriers of critical support programs being implemented that help the journeys of thousands of Arizona residents."

The Grant Cycle three-tiered funding model returns this year with Arizona nonprofit organizations able to apply for one of three funding opportunities: $50,000 (Touchdown Grant), $25,000 (Field Goal Grant) or $15,000 (Kickoff Grant). To be considered for the 2025-26 Grant Cycle, an organization must have 501(c)(3) status with 100% of the funding serving residents within Arizona geographic boundaries in the areas of the Fiesta Sports Foundation's core pillars: youth, sports and education.

During last season's Grant Cycle, 22 Arizona nonprofit organizations received grants, ranging from the Phoenix metropolitan area to the Navajo Nation to Southern Arizona. Some of the initiatives that benefitted from Grant Cycle funding included purchasing a vehicle to increase transportation capacity for youth with disabilities, supporting post-concussion care for Arizona student-athletes, expanding flag football programs through inclusive play and providing housing maintenance for children with life-limiting or terminal illnesses.

Those invited to apply for the 2025-26 Fiesta Sports Foundation Grant Cycle will receive communication in April with the next steps. Notifications of this season's grant recipients, following the evaluation period of applications, will take place in August.

Nonprofit organizations may contact charities@fiestabowl.org with additional questions on this year's Grant Cycle. 

ABOUT FIESTA SPORTS FOUNDATION
Since its inception in 1971, the Fiesta Sports Foundation is a world-class community organization that executes innovative experiences, drives economic growth and champions charitable causes, inspiring pride in all Arizonans during and outside of college football bowl season. As a nonprofit organization, it is driven by its vision for the importance of community outreach and service. Through the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, Rate Bowl and its year-round events, such as the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade presented by Lerner & Rowe, corporate partnerships and numerous community events throughout the year, the organization provides charitable resources to enhance Arizona nonprofit organizations that serve communities through youth, sports and education. Learn more at www.FiestaBowl.org and @Fiesta_Bowl on Twitter.