TeamUp Grant Program

The TeamUp Grants program is an initiative launched in 2021 by the Connie Hillman Family Foundation, a philanthropic organization known for supporting nonprofit capacity building in Southern Arizona. The program was developed in response to a common challenge observed by the Foundation’s leadership: many nonprofits lack access to professional consulting and coaching services due to financial constraints. TeamUp addresses this gap by underwriting the cost of consulting engagements, thereby enabling organizations to strengthen their internal operations, leadership, and strategic direction. The primary objective of the TeamUp Grants program is to provide targeted, short-term consulting support to eligible nonprofit organizations. Rather than offering direct financial awards, the program funds up to 20 hours of professional consulting or coaching services per selected nonprofit. These engagements are designed to address specific organizational needs and are typically completed within a six-month timeframe. The consulting services are delivered by professionals who agree to a standardized rate, ensuring consistency and transparency in the program’s structure. Eligible projects span a wide range of capacity-building activities. These include informational support such as providing sample governance documents and regulatory guidance; review and feedback on organizational policies like bylaws, personnel handbooks, and diversity statements; and assessments of development plans, marketing strategies, and operational practices. The program also supports leadership development initiatives, including board training, succession planning, and executive coaching for nonprofit leaders. In some cases, consultants may assist organizations with transformational efforts such as restructuring or refining mission and vision statements to support long-term growth. However, the program explicitly excludes certain types of work that are considered outside the scope of short-term consulting. These include roles that would substitute for staff positions, such as interim executive leadership, as well as complex or long-term engagements like executive searches, capital campaign management, event execution, website development, graphic design, and grant writing. These exclusions ensure that the limited consulting hours are used for strategic guidance rather than operational execution. Eligibility for the TeamUp Grants program is restricted to nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status located in Southern Arizona, specifically in communities south of the Gila River. This includes organizations based in Cochise, Graham, Greenlee, Pima, Pinal, Santa Cruz, and Yuma counties. Each organization may apply for only one project per fiscal year. The application process requires applicants to create an account in the program’s grant portal and submit their proposal through that system. While specific application criteria and deadlines are not currently published, applicants are encouraged to monitor updates and prepare accordingly. At the conclusion of each consulting engagement, both the nonprofit and the consultant are required to submit concise reports detailing the project outcomes, satisfaction levels, and recommended next steps. While the identities of participating organizations are shared with program investors, project details are reported in aggregate form to maintain confidentiality. The program emphasizes that participation will not negatively impact future funding opportunities and that consultants adhere to professional standards of confidentiality. Although specific timelines for application cycles and award notifications are not currently available, the program has demonstrated continuity since its inception, suggesting an ongoing or recurring opportunity for eligible nonprofits.

Focus on clearly defined short term capacity building needs aligned with consulting scope; ensure project fits within 20 hour limit