GRANT OPPORTUNITIES
Our biodiverse and historically fire-resistant Sonoran Desert is transforming into a fire-prone grassland. Once resistant to wildfire, our region is now threatened by “grassification”—a large-scale ecological state change driven by invasive, fire-adapted grasses and forbs such as buffelgrass and stinknet. More frequent and intense wildfires now threaten to transform the desert into a grass-dominated monoculture, with associated threats to wildlife, infrastructure, and human lives. Recent fires in Hawaii and Los Angeles, partially fueled by invasive grasses, foreshadow the danger facing Arizona.
The transformation of the Sonoran Desert can be avoided through restoration. For decades, University of Arizona researchers have helped sound the alarm on grassification and wildfire risk; map the spread of invasives; and advance collaborative governance. These efforts have borne fruit. In the past decade, local land managers and scientists have developed effective treatment options to mitigate invasives, reduce fire risk, and restore biodiversity. Local NGOs have raised awareness of the threat of invasive species-driven fire within their audiences, but too many people in our community see grassification as a hopeless problem, and too few are aware of the opportunities that come with restoration. The issue demands wider awareness in our community as well as a deeper understanding of what’s at stake.
As a response to this growing need for awareness and public advocacy surrounding this issue we are pleased to announce a grant opportunity for artists, filmmakers, and science communicators in Pima County. One proposal in each of the following categories will be awarded a stipend to carry out a project that engages with the issue of invasive plant species and/or fire resilience in the Sonoran Desert. (Click on the links to learn more about each category)
ONE $3,000 GRANT WILL BE AWARDED IN EACH OF THREE CATEGORIES:
ALL APPLICATION DEADLINES: December 1st, 2025 at 11:59 pm
TENTATIVE GRANT TIMELINE:
October 29, 2025 - Grant Opportunity Announced
November 7, 2025 at 11am - Grant Virtual Info Session
December 1, 2025 at 11:59pm - Grant Submission Deadline
Week of December 22, 2025 - Grant Winners Notified
February 2026 - Winner Progress Presentation Event
Late May/Early June 2026 - Final Project Presentations at MOCA Tucson
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY?:
This application is open to adults 18 years of age or older. Emerging and established professionals as well as part or full time students are encouraged to apply. Applicants must be residents of Pima County and/or neighboring tribal nations. Artists working in 2D and 3D artforms are eligible to apply, multidisciplinary projects are welcomed. Artists who plan to work solely in video making or film are encouraged to apply to the call for proposals for Film Projects instead. Please refrain from submitting multiple proposals in either the same or different categories. One proposal per person or artist team across all calls.
COMPENSATION:
One proposal will be awarded a $3000 stipend to complete their proposed project by early May 2026. The final artwork will be presented at a reception at MOCA Tucson in late May/early June 2026. This stipend is intended to cover the costs of both the artist’s time and materials so please scale the scope of your proposal accordingly.
To learn more about this grant opportunity, please attend our grant info-session where you can learn more about invasive plant species and their threat to the Sonoran Desert ecosystem as well as guidelines for submitting a project application.
THE VIRTUAL GRANT INFO SESSION WILL BE HELD ON: NOVEMBER 7, 2025 at 11am
RSVP for the info session at THIS LINK
Have questions about these opportunities? Not sure which category your project fits best in? Please do not hesitate to reach out to the grant manager with your questions via email: azfireresilience@gmail.com
GRANT PANELISTS:
Yu Yu Shiratori - Artist and Public Art Collections Associate at Arts Foundation for Tucson and Southern Arizona
Yu Yu Shiratori has an extensive history of work within Tucson’s creative community, encompassing an active studio practice, collaborations with grassroots projects, and partnerships with museums and cultural institutions. Although not originally from Tucson, Shiratori was raised in the city and has continually invested her time and energy into supporting a wide range of creative spaces. In the public art sector, she has experience as an artist, panelist, and administrator. She has also worked alongside community members to curate exhibitions and develop public programming that fosters engagement and accessibility in the arts.
Amelia Latania Matheson - Graduate Student studying Computer Science, Project Manager and Developer with the Center for Digital Humanities
Amelia Matania Matheson is a dedicated and driven Computer Science student at the University of Arizona excited to pursue a career in Cybersecurity. She currently works with the Center for Digital Humanities as an AR/digital scanning developer. She is involved in various 3D scanning and Augmented Reality projects, including projects partnering with the Smithsonian, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, and numerous local organizations.
Ryan Rowitt - Energy Engineer and “Grassvasion” game creator
Ryan Rowitt is an energy engineer based in Tucson, Arizona, and a graduate of Northern Arizona University. When he's not working on sustainable solutions for the grid, Ryan combines his love of the Sonoran Desert with his passion for board games. He's designed several board games, including his latest project: Grassvasion—a game that explores the threat of invasive buffelgrass, wildfires, and the effect these have on the desert ecosystem. Outside of work and game design, Ryan enjoys hiking, graphic design, and playing on his local kickball league.
Frank Armendarez - Tucson filmmaker with Crown Chimp and Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Frank Armendarez is a Senior Production Director, writer, and editor with Crown Chimp. He has directed travel content across North America and is a specialist in the field. Originally breaking into the industry on Florida fitness sets, Frank worked his way up from PA to creative leadership–producing on projects for eBay, writing for Warner Bros, and creating for countless CVBs. Now based in Tucson, he focuses on travel, food, lifestyle, and continues to collaborate with organizations that support the City’s cultural and economic growth when he’s not enjoying the best 23 miles of Mexican food in the U.S.
GRANT MANAGER:
Wesley Fawcett Creigh -
Wesley Fawcett Creigh is a multi-disciplinary artist living and working on the land currently known as Tucson. Wesley has extensive knowledge of the grants process as both a prior grant recipient and panelist. She has also counseled many Tucson artists in the craft of grant writing. Additionally, her practical expertise extends into the realm of art installation, including film and audio based works, as well as the fabrication and restoration of public art. She looks forward to working with prospective applicants to help advise them on their application. After winners are selected, she will be the direct point of contact to assist and advise those artists, filmmakers, and designers in the successful realization of their projects.