I had a conversation this week with someone new to the world of grants who wanted to know more about the grant-seeking and proposal writing process, so I thought I would share my resource recommendations with you. Begin your education by looking at Grantspace, the Foundation Center's learning community for the social sector. They have many  free online training opportunities on a variety of topics related to grant-seeking and operating effective nonprofits. Once you are ready to start looking for grants, be sure to review the free database tutorials on how to use the Foundation Directory Online and the Arizona Guide to Grants & Giving that we link to on the right-side of the page. These tutorials are available for you to view from any location, although you will need to come in to one of the library branches to use the databases themselves. Additionally, we offer free workshops at the library called Grants Databases Open Lab where you can get hands-on assistance using the aforementioned grants databases. I also recommend taking some time to go through the Grants & Nonprofit Info Center's website. Finally, if you're still looking for more information, you can find a book on almost any nonprofit topic by searching our catalog.

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On the Road grants from the Theatre Communications Group are awarded to encourage new partnerships with international colleagues that will inspire each other's  work through meaningful cultural exchange. Grants of $5,000 will be given to 12 nonprofit organizations. Applicants must have a history of developing or producing their own theater works over the last three years, and employ at least one full-time salaried staff person at the time of application. Individual artists must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and have at least five years' experience working in nonprofit theater and have mounted professional productions within the last year.

The Tucson Pima Arts Council is accepting applications for New Works grants. This year, artists working in dance, music, theater and/or performance art, whose work meets the highest standard of excellence, are encouraged to apply. 

Luce Fund In American Art supports scholarly exhibitions and their related publications that contribute significantly to the study of American art. Each proposed project must result in a tangible product that can be added to the body of scholarship in the field of American art. Applicants must be the originator of the exhibition project, not a subsequent venue.

Taco Bell Foundation for Teens provides grants to organizations that inspire teenagers to finish high school, pursue their interests in education, and encourage them to find a rewarding career that suits the individual teenager's goals. Past grant amounts ranged from $2,500 to $100,000. 

The goal of Autism Speaks is to change the future for all who struggle with autism spectrum disorders. The organization's Family Services Community Grants support programs nationwide that work to build the field of services for individuals with autism and to expand the capacity to effectively serve this growing community. Grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 are provided in the following categories: Education, Recreation/Community Activities, and Young Adult/Adult Services. Priority will be given to agencies and organizations that address the needs of those who have little access to services. 

Deupree Family Foundation provides small grants for a variety of purposes, including education programs. These grants are typically under $7,500. Each year they also fund one "Big Fish" education project with a grant that ranges between $25,000 to $30,000.

The Phoenix Suns Charities supports nonprofit organizations throughout Arizona whose programs focus on helping children and families maximize their potential. Priority is given to organizations that address the special needs of disadvantaged, disabled, minority, and at risk youth; encourage students to succeed in school and to develop quality career interests; develop leadership skills in youth; encourage family activities; promote community pride and cooperation for the improvement of local education and services; and promote health and fitness through recreation and youth sports. Program grants range from $1,000 to $10,000. (One Playmaker Award of $100,000 that can be used for capital or program expenses is also provided annually.) 

The Lawrence Foundation's mission is to make a difference in the world by providing contributions and grants to organizations that are working to solve pressing educational, environmental, health and other issues. Typical grants are around $5,000.