The Desert Southwest United Methodist Foundation, which serves congregations and Methodist causes for Arizona and part of southern Nevada, announces three grant awards in the Desert Southwest Conference.  These awards were approved at the December 15, 2025, Board of Directors meeting.  In Arizona, grants went to Wesley Youth Services in Phoenix and Santa Cruz Valley United Methodist Church in Green Valley.  In Nevada, Zion United Methodist Church in North Las Vegas received funding.

The Wesley Youth Services $75,000 grant allows the Wesley Community Center to continue their licensed and accredited after-school youth programs after two long-time funders were unable to support this year.  The long running Wesley program was the ninth program in Arizona to earn the Arizona Center for After School Excellence (AzCASE) accreditation.  During the school year, it helps students with homework and provides tutoring.  In the summer, students enjoy educational field trips and activities.

Wesley Center CEO Blaine Bandi, in commenting upon the impact of this grant, explains, “This historic grant from the Desert Southwest United Methodist Foundation means we can continue our Youth program which had faced closure.  We are all extremely grateful to the Foundation for recognizing our work and the value of our children.”

The Zion United Methodist Church in North Las Vegas is twelve years older than the city of Las Vegas, having been founded on land given the church by the Union Pacific Railroad.  As a community support project, the church has been successfully operating an Urban Farm.  To advance the Urban Farm services and resolve some of the food insecurity in the community, Zion requested and received $25,000 in start-up funding for its food pantry.  The food pantry will offer culturally relevant groceries and will strengthen partnerships with local farms, grocery stores and food recovery programs.

Desert Southwest United Methodist Foundation board president Dr. Paul Hewitt noted, “As a Las Vegas area resident, I am aware not only of the need for this program, but also of how well equipped Zion UMC is to add this offering as part of its outstanding Urban Farm.”  As an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the Foundation supports churches and Methodist-related projects.  Foundation Executive Director Anne Green said, “This is another example of the Foundation reflecting our slogan of ‘Do More Good.’”

In Green Valley, Arizona, Reverend Meredith Joubert, explained the need for parking lot lighting.  “Santa Cruz Valley United Methodist Church was not built as a church, but as a house.  We have limited exterior lighting and our parking lot is incredibly dark, making it difficult for attendees at evening programs.”  The $14,010 grant request for parking lot lighting was fully funded.  Once installed, the lighting will enable the church to be able to extend evening programs and allow attendees safe egress to their cars.