The City San Luis Contribution Assistance Program provides direct monetary grants to help further nonprofit organizations for projects and activities that provide health and human services which improve the quality of life for San Luis residents. Only nonprofit organizations that have received official 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) are eligible to apply.

Applications for the Contribution Assistance Program are available online or in person at 1090 E. Union Street, City Hall, Administration.

Apply Online

  • Solicitors must submit a complete, signed application.
  • The application must include all required documents, such as proof of non-profit 501(c)(3) status, IRS W-9 form, supporting documents, etc.
  • The minimum contribution amount is $250 per fiscal year (July 1 – June 30) with a maximum of $500.
  • Processing time for all applications is up to four (4) weeks.
  • Application and documents will be routed & reviewed by finance, legal, and City manager.
  • Approval or denial of requests will be provided in writing (letter and/or email) within the processing time.
  • Application approvals are limited to one per fiscal year. If an eligible organization operates multiple groups/subsidiaries or as a conglomerate, each group/subsidiary would qualify for a civic contribution. For Example, if a school district has five schools in their district, each school would be eligible for a contribution.
  • The Solicitor’s proposed project, program, activity, or event must directly impact and benefit San Luis, Arizona residents, while being provided at no charge.
  • Solicitors must provide proof of their non-profit 501(c)(3) status. Any other designation of a 501(c), i.e. (4) through (7), is not eligible for civic contribution.
  • Solicitors must provide a narrative for their request that includes the purpose, objective, and other sources of requested funding:
    • Describe the benefit will service or impact the City of San Luis community/residents.
    • Explain how the amount being requested is a fair value for the benefits proposed.
    • Contributions cannot be used for the operations of the project, program, activity, or event.
  • The City reserves the right to decline any application at its discretion.
  • Applications for funding any political purpose (candidate or cause) WILL NOT be accepted.
  • If a contribution is made, the City may require the Solicitor to provide a report demonstrating how the funding was used.

The Arizona Constitution doesn't allow cities to disburse city money, subsidies, or loans to private individuals or organizations, including non-profits, unless the city (San Luis community) receives something of valuable in return. The Arizona Supreme Court says cities must receive a direct benefit equal to the money they spend.

If your application is approved, you must sign a contract promising to provide those benefits in exchange for the funding.

  1. Explanation of Benefits:
    • The community garden project will:
      • Promote sustainable gardening practices. - Foster community engagement.
      • Serve as an educational tool about healthy eating and environmental stewardship. - Provide a shared space for San Luis residents to grow fresh produce.
  2. Value of Benefits:
    • The benefits include:
      • Fresh Produce: Access to fresh, locally grown produce for 50 families, improving nutrition and food security. - Educational Workshops: Workshops on gardening for 100 residents.
  3. Calculation for Value:
    • Cost of Produce: Each family gets $100 worth of produce per year. The garden will benefit 25 families.
    • Total Value of Produce: $100 per family x 25 families = $2,500.
    • Cost of Workshops: Each workshop participant's value is estimated at $25. The program aims to reach 100 residents.
    • Total Value of Workshops: $25 per participant x 100 participants = $2,500.
    • Total Calculated Value: $2,500 (produce) + $2,500 (workshops) = $5,000.