Pima County awards nearly $4 million through Outside Agency program
PIMA COUNTY (July 16, 2026) – The Pima County Board of Supervisors at its July 14 meeting approved $3,936,620 in funding for the Community & Workforce Development Outside Agency Program for the 2026-27 fiscal year.
The funding supports the second pillar of the Pima County Strategic Plan – improving quality of life for residents – by helping nonprofit organizations provide vital economic development, health, and social services to low-income, rural and economically underserved communities.
This year’s new funding priorities reflect feedback from nearly 2,600 respondents to the 2025 Community & Workforce Development Outside Agency Community Needs Assessment (PDF) and align with the policies of the Prosperity Initiative, a regional partnership focusing on reducing generational poverty.
The Outside Agency Citizen Review Committee received a record 159 applications for programs from 96 community-based agencies, requesting more than $11.4 million in funding. The committee recommended funding for 127 programs.
“The new priorities opened the door to different nonprofits, and this year’s funding includes 58 programs receiving awards for the first time,” said Dan Sullivan, Pima County’s Community & Workforce Development director. “By listening to community needs and maintaining a transparent process, the County has strengthened the ability of a wider range of nonprofit partners to deliver essential services.”
As the first year of the new two-year funding cycle, the Board approved awards across six competitive priority service categories:
- Basic Needs: $1,221,145
- Community Well-being and Safety: $161,890
- Education and Workforce Development: $545,670
- Health and Wellness: $424,460
- Prosperity Initiative: $165,285
- Youth and Family Services: $276,470
The Prosperity Initiative awards support new programs such as financial education and local business support. In addition, Prosperity Initiative alignment was a scoring factor in all other competitive categories.
Another $660,142 is set aside for General Services, while $481,558 supports County departments managing Outside Agency Programs with other sources, including the Pima Association of Governments.
See the complete list of agencies and funding awards (PDF).
The largest beneficiary is the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona, which will receive $390,258 for four programs, including $262,873 for emergency food assistance.
The Outside Agency Citizen Review Committee consists of six members appointed by each member of the Board of Supervisors and the County Administrator.
The County’s Department of Community & Workforce Development is a single point of contact for wide-ranging assistance and service programs. The County’s Attractions & Tourism Department also administers part of the Outside Agency Program. The Board of Supervisors on June 23, 2026, approved $427,500 through Attractions & Tourism for nonprofit agencies with events, celebrations, and programs that support tourism in Pima County.