Piper Trust Grants

The Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust focuses on enhancing health and well-being in Maricopa County, Arizona, through strategic grantmaking in six key areas: arts and culture, children, education, healthcare, older adults, and religious organizations. By collaborating with local nonprofits, the Trust aims to strengthen community support and leadership, ensuring that marginalized populations have access to vital services and opportunities that foster inclusion and development.

NOTE: Prior to applying for a grant, the Trust strongly recommends that all new and prospective applicants attend a “Piper 101” information session to learn more about the Trust’s mission, grant opportunities, and how to develop a strong proposal.
About Piper Trust
Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust honors the commitment of its founder in supporting organizations that enrich health, well-being, and opportunity for the people of Maricopa County, Arizona. Through strategic grantmaking, nonprofit support, and community leadership, the Trust strives to be a vital part of our region and make a positive, lasting impact on its future.
Grant Priorities
Reflecting our founder’s philanthropic values, Piper Trust concentrates its grantmaking and initiatives in six core areas — arts and culture, children, education, healthcare and medical research, older adults, and religious organizations — and works side-by-side with community partners to strengthen the capacity, leadership, and effectiveness of local nonprofits for the long-term benefit of Maricopa County, Arizona.
Arts & Culture
Arts and culture contribute to individual well-being, improved educational outcomes, community cohesion, and a vibrant economy. Basic access and a sense of belonging for marginalized people ensures that all people of Maricopa County can reap these benefits.
Grantmaking Focus
Efforts that create a sense of welcoming and belonging for marginalized people.
Efforts that improve access to arts and culture experiences, particularly for young families and older adults.
Children
Children thrive in strong, supported families.
Supporting child well-being and nurturing the social and emotional development of children builds a foundation for strong communities and a vibrant society.
Grantmaking Focus
Access to protective factors – strategies that embrace and support struggling parents and ensure family success.
Access to quality childcare and after-school programs; and youth development programs that focus on inclusion and belonging.Access to unique programs and services that address developmental delays or disabilities; or adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).
Education
Students’ success in school leads to increased opportunities in work and in life.
Programs that support early success build a strong foundation for academic attainment and lifelong learning.
Grantmaking Focus
High-impact programs that support kindergarten readiness and early literacy.
Intensive strategies that support K-12 students’ academic success; and targeted programs that support persistence.
Healthcare & Medical Research
Access to quality care for growing children and aging adults is essential to a thriving society.
Grantmaking Focus
Access to quality care for growing children and aging adults is essential to a thriving society.
Access to the foundations of individual health and wellbeing – the non-clinical determinants of health.Access to essential health services through health insurance or the healthcare safety net, telehealth and transportation services, and practitioners with relevant language and cultural competencies.The Trust’s support for medical research is limited to trust-initiated investments in local centers of excellence that strengthen the biosciences ecosystem and workforce.
Older Adults
Older adults are beloved members of families and communities and offer valuable life experience.
Communities that support, respect, and integrate older adults reap social and economic rewards that benefit people of all ages.
Grantmaking Focus
Access to programs and services that allow older adults to age in place, such as practical supports, friendly visiting, and access to community services.
Access to family caregiver supports, such as home and respite care, support groups, and social connection.Access to programs that support a sense of inclusion and belonging, such as community connectedness, civic engagement, and creative aging.
Religious Organizations
Faith-based organizations strengthen our communities by caring for and welcoming those most in need.
Driven by deeply-held values, these organizations support individual welfare, justice, and human dignity.
Grantmaking Focus
Improvements or collaborations that support growth and expansion of faith-based organizations’ delivery of critical health and human services.
Mrs. Piper’s commitment to Catholic education and Diocesan priorities is sustained through a Trust-initiated partnership with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix.
Types of grants we typically fund:

• Programmatic Grants

Efforts to improve service delivery, expand programs and services, or pilot new approaches. The Trust is committed to supporting the full cost to execute high-impact efforts and will fund indirect expenses included in a program budget.
Capital Campaign Grants
Typically multi-million, multi-year fundraising efforts to support land acquisition, construction, etc.
Capital Project Grants
Typically a discreet short-term, small scale construction effort such as a building expansion; renovation of an existing facility, or capital purchases to support programs and services.

Eligibility

Funding eligibility is determined by following criteria:The effort must primarily serve Maricopa County.The applicant must have a current 501(c)(3) tax exempt status from the Internal Revenue Service or be a governmental entity. In addition, special rules apply to 509(a)(3)(Type III) organizations.The applicant organization must be in operation for at least three years from the effective date of its 501(c)(3) tax status.

Ineligibility

What we donot fund:Efforts that expand beyond an organization’s stated missionEfforts that were previously supported solely with public fundsEvent or program sponsorshipsScholarshipsPrograms that occur within the classroom as part of the regular school day