APACHE JUNCTION, AZ – The Apache Junction Health and Human Services Commission faces an unusual situation this year. Only two nonprofits have applied for an expected $100,000 in city funding—a significant decline from previous years. Applications are due January 31, and the commission will reveal the applicants at their February 23 meeting.
Fewer Applicants Despite More Funding Available
The low application count surprised commissioners at their January 26 meeting.
“Having only two is a little bit disheartening,” said Commissioner Angela Smithson.
Commissioner Elisa Krcilek expressed similar surprise given community needs. “To think that there’s only two applications and all the need… I bet we could go up and down this row four times and each come up with a different group of people or sector that needs help,” she said. “And to think the only two have applied is just strange to me.”
In contrast, City Clerk Evie McKinney said the commission has historically received between five and seven applications annually. Last year saw five applicants. The year before that brought seven—the highest number since she has been involved with the commission.
Commissioner Elisa Krcilek noted the mathematical reality. With only two applicants, each organization could potentially receive $50,000 if the funds were split evenly. However, she emphasized that the right organizations need to apply.
Commission’s Evaluation Criteria for Apache Junction Nonprofits
The Health and Human Services Commission prioritizes several factors when evaluating applications. First and foremost, they require that services benefit Apache Junction residents specifically.
“The council makes it pertinent that the funding has to be used for the betterment of citizens of Apache Junction,” Chairman Dr. Michael Brennan said.
Additionally, commissioners look for immediacy of impact. They prefer programs that can be implemented quickly with significant results. Building projects that take years to complete receive less favorable consideration.
“One of the challenges we have is to determine the biggest bang for the buck for our area,” said Vice-Chairman Jeffrey Danford. “And the immediacy is part of that. Is the money we would give them going to come into play in six months or a year, or is it gonna come into play immediately?”
Commissioners also evaluate whether funding produces meaningful, lasting outcomes. Dr. Brennan expressed concern about programs that help individuals temporarily without providing long-term benefit.
Heat-Related Mortality Shapes Past Funding Evaluations
When evaluating past funding applications, Dr. Brennan said his background as a physician drew his attention to summer heat mortality. With what he described as an estimated 100-plus homeless individuals in Apache Junction, he questioned whether cooling center proposals from applicants would make a meaningful impact.
Brennan said he searched for heat mortality data but found none from Pinal County or Apache Junction specifically.
“One of the issues was, were there cooling centers?” Brennan recalled. “And there was an organization that said, ‘Yes, we have a cooling center.’ And when I queried, ‘Well, how many people do you accommodate?’ ‘Six.'”
Furthermore, Brennan noted that cooling centers often had limited hours. Many were not open on weekends, nights, or holidays. Some operated only one day per week.
“Then that almost becomes sort of tokenism, but doesn’t have a benefit to what the problem is,” he said.
Current Fiscal Year Funding Decisions
This fiscal year, the commission distributed $90,000 among five organizations, as reported by Pinal Post. The Superstition Community Food Bank received the largest allocation at $70,000. That funding supported their emergency food program, holiday box program, and student backpack program.
The Boys & Girls Club received $9,000, with $6,000 designated for mentorship and $3,000 for hardship assistance. Apache Junction Community Development Corporation (AJCDC) received $7,000 for administrative costs and community revitalization projects.
Two organizations received $2,000 each: Begin Again Homes for housing assistance and Over-Flo Missions for emergency food services. Begin Again Homes has since forfeited their current-year funding due to staffing issues. That $2,000 will return to the city’s general fund.
Where Apache Junction Nonprofit Funding Originates
The Health and Human Services funding comes from Apache Junction’s general fund. The city allocates this money specifically for health and human services programs.
According to Dr. Brennan, the available funding has grown over the years—from roughly $80,000 to $90,000, and is expected to be $100,000 for fiscal year 2026-2027.
The commission always recommends distributing the full amount available. Unused funds do not roll over to the following year.
How to Apply for Apache Junction Health and Human Services Funding
Nonprofits must submit applications to the City Clerk’s office by January 31. Since that date falls on a Saturday, the office will accept applications received through the weekend.
Eligible applicants must be federally recognized 501(c)(3) organizations that serve Apache Junction proper residents. Per Ordinance No. 659, applicants must submit documentation including their most recent audit report, financial statements, and proof of nonprofit status.
The commission follows a structured timeline after the deadline passes:
- Application due date: January 31
- Commission to review applications: February
- Commission to interview applicants: March
- Initial funding recommendations by the Commission: April
- Presentation to City Council: May
- City Council approval and execution of agreements: June
- Project start date: July 1, 2026
Approved organizations receive funding on a quarterly basis and must submit quarterly reports documenting how they spent city funds.
Applications can be submitted to the City Clerk’s Office at 300 East Superstition Blvd, Suite C, or emailed to [email protected].
