2018 Community Impact Grants

UniSource Energy Services and Tucson Electric Power are committed to investing in the communities where we live, work and play. Our Community Impact Grants are designed to provide a significant boost to local community assistance, education and environmental protection efforts.

The UniSource Energy Services Community Impact Grant cycle is now closed. All applicants have been notified of their status. 

The goals of our program include:

  • Improving the quality of life in areas served by UES
  • Directing support to our philanthropic focus areas, including education, environmental protection and community assistance for limited-income residents
  • Providing an open, competitive process for any qualified nonprofit group to present its proposal to UES for funding
  • Encouraging agency collaborations - sharing expertise and resources for stronger programs - through a weighted scoring process
  • Providing a financial incentive to leverage volunteer involvement and/or other grant funds that need matching funds

Eligibility and focus areas

To be eligible for funding, an organization must:

  • Be a nonprofit with tax-exempt status under Section 501(c) (3) of the IRS and in good standing with all appropriate regulatory agencies
  • Operate and provides services in UES territories and in the White Mountain community
  • Submit the grant application into one of the following focus areas:
  • Community Assistance/Limited income: programs and services for underserved members of the community including but not limited to at-risk persons, homelessness, domestic violence, poverty, foster care, child abuse prevention/treatment, etc.
  • Education: programs and activities that support pre-K through 12th grade, including but not limited to classroom resources and field trips, teacher assistance, STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) activities, etc. (Individual schools are not eligible to apply.)
  • Environment/Sustainability: local or statewide programs and projects that support efforts to protect and preserve our air, land, water and wildlife habitat.
  • Leverage other grants/funds or volunteers, involve collaboration with another nonprofit organization
  • Provide evidence of fiscal stability and a way to measure the success of the proposed program
  • Be incorporated for at least three years, with solid audited financial history and future funding stability. In collaborations, there may be an organization that has not been a 501(c)(3) for 3 years, so the agency submitting the grant must have the 3 year incorporation status
  • Relate the program in the grant request directly to the organization's mission

Applications that WILL NOT be considered include:

  • Capital campaigns, fundraisers, sponsorships, multi-year funding, and endowment requests
  • UES will consider up to 15% overhead and 50% direct personnel costs related to the program per application. The remainder must be for direct program costs
  • Submissions from government agencies or schools. However, associated parent-teacher organizations or foundations may apply
  • Faith-based organizations with a religious requirement for program eligibility are not eligible. Social service programs provided by a church or faith-based organization are eligible.
  • Programs where funds will be used outside of UES’ service territories
Grant Funding

UES Community Impact Grants are designed to:

  • Provide funding for new or expanding programs that are critical to community well-being. (For new programs, there should be supporting data that shows need and sustainability prediction)
  • Provide funds towards matching grants, increase volunteer involvement (i.e. match for National Service Program) and/or other program leverage opportunities
  • Encourage nonprofits to formally collaborate with other nonprofit, educational, or government organizations in providing a programs that:
    • Provide expanded or improved services:
    • Increase nonprofit business efficiencies that increase stability and resources for proven programs
    • Raise awareness, increase participation and/or advocacy of the program service

Funding Available for 2018 Grant Round - $80,000

  • Coconino County $15,000 total available. Minimum grant $1,000
  • Navajo County $8,500 total available. Minimum grant $1,000
  • Mohave County $29,000 total available. Minimum grant $1,000
  • Santa Cruz County $12,500 total available. Minimum grant $1,000
  • Yavapai County $15,000 total available. Minimum grant $1,000
Review Process
FAQ
UniSource Energy Services: 2018 Community Impact Grant Recipients

2018 Community Impact Grant Recipients

This year's grant recipients improve education, protect our environment and provide services to limited-income families.