Unlimited Potential Application
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El Mirage Community Partnership Grant Program
Application
Program Overview
The City of El Mirage Community Partnership Grant supports nonprofit organizations that provide essential
health and human services directly to El Mirage residents, including low-income families, seniors, youth,
and other individuals who may benefit from additional support.
Health and human services refer to programs, projects, or activities that improve the general health,
including physical, mental, emotional, or social well-being, of individuals and families. These services
address basic needs, promote safety and stability, and enhance residents' overall quality of life.
The program offers one-time funding of up to $10,000 per application annually from July 1 to June 30.
Eligible nonprofits and other qualified charitable organizations with 501(c)(3) status or IRS letter of
determination recognizing nonprofit status under A.R.S. §42-11154 may submit multiple applications for
funding, provided each application represents a distinct program or project.
Applicants are limited to one application per program or project. Each application must specify the
minimum funding required. Applications are evaluated based on an evaluation scoring rubric approved by
the City Council. The ultimate funding decisions are made by the El Mirage City Council.
Applicant Eligibility Criteria
The applicant must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation or other qualified charitable or nonprofit
organization as provided for in A.R.S. §42-11154.
The applicant must provide direct health and human services to El Mirage residents and
demonstrate how the program or project improves resident well-being.
The applicant must demonstrate the ability to generate revenue from sources other than the City of
El Mirage.
The applicant must submit the five following required documents:
1) Proof of 501(c)(3) status or IRS determination letter under A.R.S. §42-11154.
2) Organizational mission statement.
3) Board of directors list, including roles and affiliations.
4) Last two years of IRS Form 990 filings (or explanation if not available or required to file).
5) Completed application signed by an authorized representative.
If awarded, the applicant must register with the City of El Mirage as a vendor and provide an IRS
Form W-9 to receive funds.
If awarded, the applicant must demonstrate satisfactory progress toward stated goals and
objectives and provide timely and accurate reports as required by the city.
Application Directions
Please answer the following questions in narrative form. Applicants will receive up to five points for a
complete and accurate application.
Submission Directions
One electronic copy of the application and required attachments must be submitted no later than
the date and time identified in the notice to apply.
Late applications will not be accepted.
Please save a copy of this application for your records.
Awarded applicants are required to report completed program or project goal measurements by a
date and time specified in the notice of award, before the end of the fiscal year of the award,
or sooner as may be required by the city.
More Program Information
Visit www.ElMirageAZ.gov/Grants for more information about the program, including evaluation scoring
rubric.
Program-Related Inquiries
For program questions or to update contact information, please contact Regan Jepson at
communityservices@elmirageaz.gov.
Part 1: Agency and Program or Project
Section A: Agency Information
Agency Name
Unlimited Potential
Tax Number
74-2383678
Executive Director / CEO
Emma Viera
Website
https://www.unlimitedpotentialaz.org
Address
3146 E Wier Ave, Room 34, Phoenix, Arizona 85040
Phone
(602) 305-4742
Section B: Agency Overview
Briefly describe your organization, the services it provides, mission, goals, and population served.
Unlimited Potential (UP) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving communities across Maricopa County
since 1985. Our mission is to ignite unity, pride, and dignity among individuals and families through
education and advocacy. Founded by Hispanic parents seeking to improve their own literacy and create
better opportunities for their children, UP has evolved into a responsive, community-driven organization
addressing the most pressing challenges facing underserved populations today. Our work is grounded in
three core pillars: Adult Education & Workforce Development, Healthy Communities, and Healthy Living.
All UP programs are community-based, leveraging the strengths, lived experiences, and leadership of
community members, along with strategic partnerships, to advance public health, public safety, and
environmental justice. We primarily serve individuals and families living below the federal poverty level,
with 63% identifying as Hispanic and 16% as African American. The majority of those we serve are
Medicaid recipients or eligible for Medicaid services.
UP operates throughout Maricopa County, supported by a network of 300 Community Health Workers
(CHWs) in Tempe, Avondale, Mesa, Glendale, and across 12 villages in Phoenix. Each CHW engages an
average of 20 individuals, enabling UP to maintain direct, ongoing contact with approximately 6,000
individuals at any given time. Annually, Unlimited Potential serves more than 12,000 families through its
comprehensive programs.
Please upload the following required documents:
1.
Proof of Section 501(c)(3) Tax Exemption - IRS determination letter verifying nonprofit status under
A.R.S. §42-11154 from the Internal Revenue Service. Please upload.
2.
Organizational mission statement. Please upload.
3.
Board of Directors list including a current list of board members with roles and affiliations. Please
upload.
Upload Files Here
Board List UP 2025 new election.docx (2).pdf
UP incorporation - SAMS (2) (1).pdf
Mission.pdf
Section C: Program or Project Information
Program or Project Name
Healthy El Mirage: Community Outreach,
Engagement, and Health Education Initiative
Program or Project Contact Person
Emma Viera
Email
executivedirector@unlimitedpotentialaz.org
Phone
(602) 615-0994
Does the program or project directly serve residents of the City of El Mirage?
Yes
Please select one health & human services category that best aligns with the need met by the
program.
Child, Family, and Youth Programming and Development
If you selected "Other" above, please specify:
Part 2: Program Description
Section A: Narrative Description
Please provide a detailed description of the program or project that these grant funds will support,
if awarded.
Unlimited Potential proposes the Healthy El Mirage Initiative, a community-based program providing direct
health and human services to El Mirage residents through outreach, education, and resource navigation
during the City’s FY2026–2027 funding period (July 1 – June 30).
This initiative is designed to improve resident well-being by addressing priority needs in:
Food and nutrition
Chronic disease prevention
Access to health and social services
Parent, caregiver, and family support
Grant funds will support:
Community health education workshops
Outreach and resource navigation services
Bilingual (English/Spanish) educational materials
Community Health Worker staffing
Healthy food demonstrations and nutrition education
All services will be free, culturally responsive, and delivered within El Mirage, with intentional outreach to
low-income families, seniors, and residents facing barriers such as language, transportation, and
healthcare access.
UP’s CHW model ensures that services are not only educational but also action-oriented, connecting
residents directly to food assistance, healthcare, and supportive services.
Describe how this program or project will benefit El Mirage residents directly and the need or gap
in service that it meets. Please include data to support your response.
Residents of El Mirage face persistent barriers to health and human services, particularly among low-
income households, seniors, and communities of color. According to the U.S. Census Bureau,
approximately 12.5% of residents—over 4,500 individuals—live below the federal poverty level, with many
more experiencing financial hardship above that threshold. These economic challenges contribute to
disparities in health outcomes and access to preventive care.
Chronic diseases are a significant concern. While city-specific data is limited, estimates indicate that
approximately 10–12% of adults in El Mirage are living with diabetes, consistent with trends reported by
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for similar communities. Additionally, food insecurity
affects about 1 in 7 individuals in Maricopa County, according to Feeding America, limiting access to
nutritious food and increasing the risk of chronic illness.
Many residents also face barriers such as language access, transportation limitations, and limited
awareness of available services. As a result, individuals often rely on emergency or delayed care rather
than preventive services, leading to poorer health outcomes and higher healthcare costs.
The Healthy El Mirage Initiative directly addresses these gaps by providing free, culturally responsive,
community-based services within El Mirage. Through workshops, outreach, and one-on-one support from
Community Health Workers, residents will gain practical knowledge in chronic disease prevention,
nutrition, and healthy behaviors. The program will also connect at least 150 residents to essential services,
including healthcare, food assistance, and social supports.
Programs will be delivered at accessible community locations such as community centers, parks, libraries,
and partner sites, reducing transportation barriers and increasing participation. By bringing services directly
into the community and tailoring them to residents’ cultural and linguistic needs, the initiative ensures
meaningful engagement and impact.
As a result, residents will experience improved health knowledge, increased access to resources, and
greater ability to manage or prevent chronic conditions. Over time, this will contribute to reduced reliance
on emergency care, improved quality of life, and stronger, healthier families in El Mirage.
Is this a new or continuing program?
New
If you selected "Other" above, please specify:
Section B: Scope & Timeline
What are the program or project dates?
July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027
Total number of persons expected to be served by this program or project during the funded year.
80
Total number of El Mirage residents you expect to be served by this program or project during the
funded year.
240
How soon will the program or project be implemented after funds are received, if awarded? (If not
applicable, write “N/A.”)
60 days
Section C: Accessibility and Resource Needs
Does your program or project take place in the City of El Mirage? *
Yes
Where will your project or program be located, and how does this location support your ability to
serve El Mirage residents effectively?
The Healthy El Mirage Initiative will be implemented entirely within the City of El Mirage to ensure direct
access for residents and alignment with the City’s Community Partnership Grant Program priorities.
Programs will be delivered at high-visibility, community-based, and easily accessible locations throughout
El Mirage, including:
Community centers
Parks and recreation facilities
Public libraries
Partner nonprofit and faith-based organizations
These locations are intentionally selected to ensure services are delivered within walking distance or short
travel distance for most residents, reducing transportation barriers that often prevent low-income families,
seniors, and individuals with limited mobility from participating in services.
All sites will be:
Located within established community hubs already frequented by residents
Coordinated in partnership with local stakeholders to maximize trust and participation
Scheduled during accessible hours, including evenings and weekends when appropriate
This decentralized service model ensures that programming is not limited to a single site, but instead is
embedded within the community, increasing reach, participation, and equity of access.
All program locations will be ADA-compliant, including accessible entrances, restrooms, seating, and
meeting spaces. When selecting sites, Unlimited Potential will verify compliance with accessibility
standards to ensure full participation by individuals with physical disabilities, seniors, and others with
mobility limitations.
By delivering services directly within neighborhoods and trusted community spaces, the program reduces
barriers related to transportation, cost, awareness, and system navigation. This approach ensures that El
Mirage residents can easily engage in health education workshops, outreach activities, and resource
navigation services without needing to travel outside their community.
Describe how your program or project will be open to the public and ensure accessibility for
persons with disabilities, including specific accommodations.
The Healthy El Mirage Initiative is designed as a fully open and publicly accessible program, ensuring that
all El Mirage residents may participate regardless of income, language, age, or ability.
All workshops, outreach events, and services will be:
Free of charge
Open to the general public
Held in accessible, community-based locations within El Mirage
Publicized through multiple outreach channels, including flyers, partner agencies, social media, and
Community Health Worker (CHW) engagement
To ensure equitable participation, Unlimited Potential will implement the following accessibility measures:
Physical Accessibility
All program sites will be ADA-compliant and selected based on:
Wheelchair-accessible entrances and pathways
Accessible seating and event layouts
Accessible restrooms
Proximity to public transportation routes where available
Communication Accessibility
To support residents with limited English proficiency and communication barriers:
All materials will be provided in English and Spanish
Bilingual (English/Spanish) CHWs will lead outreach and workshops
Verbal interpretation will be available upon request
Simple, visual-based educational materials will be used for low-literacy populations
Sensory and Cognitive Accessibility
To support individuals with sensory, developmental, or cognitive disabilities:
Workshops will use clear, plain-language instruction
Visual aids and demonstrations will be incorporated into all sessions
Staff will be trained in inclusive communication techniques
Additional time and one-on-one support will be provided as needed
Programmatic Accessibility
To reduce participation barriers:
No pre-registration will be required for most events
Walk-in participation will be encouraged
Flexible scheduling will include community-appropriate times (including evenings and weekends when
possible)
CHWs will conduct direct outreach to ensure residents who are isolated or homebound are informed and
invited
Equity-Focused Outreach
Community Health Workers will actively engage populations most at risk of exclusion, including:
Seniors with limited mobility
Low-income families
Residents with limited transportation
Individuals with limited digital access
This proactive outreach model ensures that services are not only available but actively accessible to those
most in need.
Will the implementation of this activity require space, staffing, grants management, or in-kind
contributions from another agency, a school, or another jurisdiction?
Yes
If you selected "Other" above, please specify (If not applicable, write “N/A.”):
Yes. The implementation of the Healthy El Mirage Initiative will require a combination of community-
based space access, staffing, and in-kind support**, all of which are secured through existing
partnerships and coordinated collaboration. Program activities will be delivered at **public and
community-accessible locations within the City of El Mirage**, including community centers, libraries,
parks and recreation facilities, and partner nonprofit or faith-based spaces. These sites will be
provided through **in-kind facility use agreements or existing public access arrangements**, ensuring
no significant facility costs are incurred and that services remain embedded within the community.
Staffing will be provided primarily by Unlimited Potential through its trained **Community Health
Worker (CHW) network**, program facilitators, and administrative support staff. While additional
volunteer support will be leveraged (approximately 300+ volunteer hours), no staffing will be required
from the City or other jurisdictions. Grants management, reporting, and compliance responsibilities
will be fully managed by Unlimited Potential, including data collection, outcome reporting, fiscal
oversight, and required City reporting. No external agency will be responsible for grant administration.
The project will also benefit from **in-kind contributions from community partners**, including: *
Donation of healthy food items for demonstrations * Volunteer facilitators and community
ambassadors * Outreach support from local organizations, faith-based groups, and service providers
* Promotion and distribution of materials through partner networks These in-kind contributions
strengthen program reach, reduce overall costs, and enhance resident engagement while ensuring
the City’s investment is leveraged for maximum community impact. Overall, while the program relies
on strong collaboration with local partners for space access and outreach support, all core
implementation, staffing, and grant management functions will be fully managed by Unlimited
Potential, ensuring accountability, consistency, and efficient delivery of services.
Section D: Collaboration and Outreach
Are you currently partnered with, or have you ever partnered with, the City of El Mirage?
No
Describe how you will collaborate with the City of El Mirage to coordinate outreach promoting the
program or project to the residents of El Mirage.
Unlimited Potential will work in close collaboration with the City of El Mirage to ensure coordinated, visible,
and effective outreach that maximizes resident awareness and participation in the Healthy El Mirage
Initiative.
UP will partner with designated City staff from the Community Partnership Grant Program to align outreach
efforts with City communication channels, including the City’s website, newsletters, social media platforms,
and community bulletin systems. Program information, workshop schedules, and event announcements
will be shared in coordination with City communications timelines to ensure consistent and unified
messaging.
In addition, UP will provide the City with bilingual (English/Spanish) outreach materials, including flyers,
program descriptions, and workshop calendars, for distribution through City facilities such as community
centers, libraries, and parks and recreation sites. This ensures residents receive consistent information
directly through trusted municipal access points.
Community Health Workers (CHWs) will conduct joint outreach efforts in coordination with City-supported
events when available, including community fairs, resource days, and neighborhood gatherings. This
collaborative approach strengthens visibility, builds trust, and increases participation among hard-to-reach
populations.
UP will also participate in City-led coordination meetings (as scheduled) to review outreach progress,
identify engagement opportunities, and adjust strategies based on resident response and community
needs. This ensures the program remains responsive, aligned with City priorities, and effectively integrated
into broader community engagement efforts.
How will you work with other local partners to maximize impact and ensure residents are aware of
and engaged with your services?
To maximize impact, Unlimited Potential will build on its established network of Community Health Workers
and long-standing partnerships with local organizations serving El Mirage residents.
UP will collaborate with community-based organizations, faith-based institutions, schools, food providers,
and healthcare partners to expand outreach reach and ensure residents are consistently informed about
available services. These partners will serve as referral points, outreach hubs, and trusted messengers
within the community.
Key collaboration strategies include:
1. Cross-Referral Partnerships
UP will establish reciprocal referral pathways with local service providers to ensure residents are
connected to wraparound services, including food assistance, healthcare access, housing support, and
social services. This coordinated approach reduces service fragmentation and improves resident
outcomes.
2. Co-Located Outreach and Events
Where possible, UP will co-host workshops and outreach events at partner locations such as community
centers, churches, and nonprofit facilities. This increases accessibility by meeting residents in familiar,
trusted environments.
3. Shared Outreach Networks
UP’s CHWs will coordinate with partner organizations to share outreach materials and promote events
through established community networks. This includes distribution through food distribution sites, schools,
and neighborhood-based organizations.
4. Community Ambassador Engagement
UP will engage trusted community members and partner staff as informal ambassadors to promote
participation, increase awareness, and encourage attendance among residents who may not otherwise
engage with formal systems.
5. Data-Informed Coordination
UP will work with partners to identify gaps in outreach coverage and adjust engagement strategies based
on participation data, ensuring resources are directed to the highest-need populations.
This coordinated model ensures that El Mirage residents are not only informed about available services but
are actively engaged through multiple trusted channels. By aligning efforts with the City and leveraging
local partnerships, the Healthy El Mirage Initiative eliminates duplication, strengthens outreach efficiency,
and increases program participation.
Ultimately, this collaboration ensures that services are visible, accessible, and trusted, resulting in greater
resident engagement, improved health outcomes, and stronger community-wide impact.
Part 3: Program or Project Goals and Outcomes
Please provide up to three goals of the program or project and describe how progress will be
measured to ensure success in providing health and human services to the residents of El
Mirage. It is important to ensure that your goals correspond with the proposed number of residents to
be served within the program year. Explain how you will collect and report data and measure the
impact for each stated goal.
Example Goal: Of the 80 persons served by the project, 40% (32 persons) will find employment within
three months of entering the program. This will be measured by follow-up contact with each program
participant.
Measurable Goal No. 1
Improve Health Knowledge and Preventive Behaviors
Of the approximately 80 workshop participants served directly through the Healthy El Mirage Initiative, at
least 75% (60 participants) will demonstrate a measurable increase in knowledge of chronic disease
prevention, nutrition, and healthy lifestyle behaviors.
Measurement Method
Progress will be measured using pre- and post-workshop surveys administered in English and Spanish.
Measurable Goal No. 2
Increase Access to Health and Human Services
At least 150 El Mirage residents will be successfully connected to health and human services, including
food assistance programs, healthcare providers, insurance enrollment resources, and social support
services.
Measurement Method
This goal will be measured through service referral tracking logs maintained by Community Health Workers
(CHWs).
Measurable Goal No. 3
Increase Community Engagement in Preventive Health Services
A minimum of 200 El Mirage residents will be engaged through outreach activities, with at least 50% (100
residents) participating in at least one health education workshop or resource navigation interaction.
Measurement Method
Engagement will be measured through:
Event sign-in sheets (paper or digital)
Outreach encounter logs completed by CHWs
Workshop attendance records
Community outreach tracking forms
These tools will capture both direct participation and outreach contact (including door-to-door engagement,
community events, and partner site outreach).
Part 4: Funding Request
Total Community Partnership Grant Funding Requested
10,000.00
Minimum Community Partnership Grant Funding Requested
8,000.00
Is program or project implementation contingent upon receiving the full award?
No, a partial award will be the start of this partnership
If approved for an amount less than 100% of your request, how will you address the shortfall?
Might need to reduce the number of workshops
Part 5: Program or Project Budget
Section A: Total Program or Project Budget
Total Cost of the Program or Project Operations
26,500.00
Total Program or Project Funding from Other Funding Sources
16,500.00
What other funding sources presently support this program or project?
UP maintains diversified funding through government contracts, foundation grants, healthcare
partnerships, and community contributions—ensuring sustainability beyond this one-time City investment.
Section B: Total Budget for Program or Project – Grant Award
Only
Grant Award Budget Narrative
Wages/Salaries
4,223.00
Employee-Related Expenses (ERE)
1,077.00
Professional Services & Outside Services
Training
0.00
Materials & Supplies
1,500
General Office Supplies
0.00
Administrative Cost (not to exceed $1,000 or
10% of grant request)
1,000.00
Program/Project Incentives (gift cards, food,
certificates of achievement)
1,300.00
Marketing/Outreach
900.00
Other
If you selected "Other" to the previous question,
please explain.
Explain how grant funds will be utilized to support administrative costs for your project.
Covers administrative infrastructure, including financial management, compliance, and reporting systems.
Section C: Program or Project Funding Sustainability
How will your organization generate or secure additional funding to sustain services for the
continued operation of this program or project?
The project is designed for long-term sustainability through:
AHCCCS reimbursement for nutrition and DSMES services
Diversified funding (Arizona Department of Health Services and private funders)
Strong cross-sector partnerships
Documented success—including significant reductions in A1C levels—positions the program for continued
investment and scaling.
If the program receives less than the requested amount of funding, what adjustments, if any, would
be made to the program and services provided to El Mirage residents?
We will reduce the number of workshops and/or the community outreach and engagement activities.
Part 6: Operational and Financial Status
Please upload the following required attachments:
Applicant organization's last two IRS Form 990 filings.
If your organization is not required to file a 990, upload a brief explanation.
Please upload attachment (1).
2024 Tax Return and Attachments (Client Copy)-V1-27870 (1).pdf
Please upload attachment (2).
If your organization does not have either document available, please explain below.
Authorized Representative Signature