According to the  Foundation Directory Online, there are 236 grantmakers in Pima County. Out of these,139 of them have a stated giving preference for Arizona nonprofits. One benefit of applying to a  local funder is that they may already be familiar with the unique problems that the community is facing. Another benefit is that someone who works at your organization may know a board member of the foundation you're approaching who could act as a champion when it comes time to make the funding decision. Did you know that in the Foundation Directory Online's Search Grantmakers database, you can search for people by name to see if they are on a grantmaking board? If you don't know anyone on the board, there are  other tactics for approaching a foundation. Check out the Economic & Workforce Development Grants for Tucson opportunity below for an opportunity to connect with a local funder. 

Nominations of individuals or groups are invited from anywhere in the world for the Qatar Foundation's WISE (World Innovation Summit for Education) Prize for Education. Now in its second year, the annual global prize is designed to recognize world-class contributors to education at a level similar to that of other major prizes for science, literature, peace, or economics. The WISE Prize laureate will receive $500,000 and a gold medal. Individuals and teams of up to six people are eligible for nomination. The nomination process should be conducted with the highest degree of confidentiality; the subject should not be aware of the nomination. Self-nominations will not be accepted.

The Entertainment Software Association Foundation invites proposals for the Education Challenge Grant Program, a new funding opportunity for K-12 educators seeking to incorporate computer and video games into their curricula. Approximately $75,000 may be made available to support up to three awards. Eligibility is restricted to eligible K-12 teachers, administrators, and other educators.

The City of Tucson is soliciting competitive proposals for the delivery of eligible economic development programs and services offered by non-profit organizations located in the City of Tucson. Projects should support sustainable economic growth and development in three categories: business development, special events tourism, and workforce development. Proposals should be for a minimum of $20,000 except for Special Events Tourism proposals which should be for a minimum of $5,000. Applying agencies must be located within Tucson city limits. Contracts will be awarded for a one-year period, beginning on July 1, 2012.

Gateway to College National Network (GtCNN) builds the capacity of colleges, school districts, and states to revolutionize education for high school dropouts and underprepared college students so that all young people can achieve college credentials. GtCNN is interested in bringing its unique model to more communities and students throughout the country. In the fall of 2012, GtCNN will select up to ten college/K-12 partnerships for multi-year contracts worth between $325,000 and $440,000. In addition to start-up funds, successful applicants will receive training, technical assistance, professional development opportunities, and program evaluation-from the initial year of planning and training, through program implementation, and for as long as the program remains a member of the network.

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The State Farm Youth Advisory Board National Grant Program funds student-led service-learning projects throughout the United States and in the provinces of Alberta, New Brunswick, and Ontario in Canada. Specific areas of interest include natural and societal disasters, driver safety, environmental responsibility, accessing higher education/closing the achievement gap, and financial literacy. Educators working in public K-12, charter, and higher education institutions are eligible to apply. Nonprofit organizations are also eligible if they are able to demonstrate how they plan to interact with students in public K-12 schools. Grants range from $25,000 to $100,000.