Celebrating 30 Awardees: Groundswell Capital Proudly Concludes the Ward 5 Grants Program
- Nicole Johnson
- 4 minutes ago
- 3 min read
At Groundswell Capital, our mission has always been clear: uplift communities by investing in the small businesses, nonprofits, and local leaders who make Tucson stronger. This week, we had the privilege of celebrating a milestone that embodies that mission.
Groundswell Capital celebrates a successful conclusion to the Ward 5 Grants Program — a partnership with Council Member Rocque Perez that brought more than $520,000 in direct investments to Tucson’s Southside and historic barrios.
This week, we’re honored to join the community in celebrating the 30 awardees who make this work possible.
A Community-Led Investment in Tucson’s Future
The Ward 5 Grants Program was designed with one vision: uplift the organizations rooted in the community they serve. Through a resident-led review process — a core element of our equity-first approach — the program selected 15 small businesses, and 15 nonprofit organizations.
Each received a $5,000 grant, alongside capacity support to help them carry their missions forward. This program was more than a funding opportunity; it was a celebration of the people who strengthen Tucson’s cultural, economic, and social fabric every single day.
Celebrating Together
In the final week of awards, Council Member Perez and his team surprised many of the recipients in person with the news. Later, all 30 awardees gathered at the Tucson Small Business Center for a roundtable conversation with Mayor Regina Romero — an inspiring moment that reaffirmed why we do this work.
Together, we heard about:
The real pressures Tucson families are facing
The ways local organizations are stepping in to meet community needs
How collaborative investment can open new pathways for growth and stability
These conversations help guide our work at Groundswell Capital as we continue building programs rooted in trust, access, and community voice.
Honoring the Nonprofit Awardees
These organizations represent the heart of Tucson — from youth mentorship and literacy to cultural celebration and community care:
Literacy Connects
Sister José Women’s Center
Tucson Juneteenth Festival Inc.
The Drop Dance Studio
Homeless ID Project
Tucson Rodeo Parade Committee, Inc.
Living Streets Alliance
Scholarships A-Z
Praxis Portal Institute
Emerge Center Against Domestic Abuse
Old Pueblo Community Services
Calvary Evangelistic Center
Make Way for Books
Black and Brown Girl Wellness
Mini Poderosas
Honoring the Small Business Awardees
Each of these small businesses contributes to a thriving, resilient local economy:
Slow Body Beer Co.
Villa’s Market
Sundown Arizona LLC
Regan Premier Properties AZ, LLC
Belens Child Care II Group Home
Pivot Produce
Millville Studios
Templo Fitness
Dobe Distribution Corporation
Lara Ruggles Music, LLC
Dirty Dawgs Pet Care of Tucson
Rocio’s Hair Salon LLC
Little Monkey Exploring Day Care LLC
AZ Granite Masters LLC
Maico Restaurant
A Partnership Rooted in Impact
As the Ward 5 Grants Program concludes, we are proud of what this partnership created — not only the direct financial investment, but the momentum it generates for future community-led solutions.
This program showcased what’s possible when:
Community members help shape funding decisions
Local businesses and nonprofits receive flexible resources
Public and nonprofit partners work side by side to remove barriers
Groundswell Capital is honored to have played a leading role in making this program real — and even more honored to support the people doing the work on the ground.
Thank You, Tucson
To the awardees, the resident review committee, Council Member Perez, Mayor Romero, and everyone who contributed to this effort: thank you for your trust, partnership, and dedication.
Your work makes Tucson strong, safe, and compassionate.And we’re grateful for the chance to help fuel it.
Comments