The Arkansas Community Foundation, based in the state capital of Little Rock, works across Arkansas to “partner with Arkansans to build better communities.” Check their grant-making programs to see if they are a fit for your nonprofit.
The Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation, inspired by the motto "Learning and Doing," works to increase prosperity in Arkansas and improve the lives of Arkansans in three inter-related areas: education, economic development, and economic, racial and social justice.
Fort Smith, Arkansas’s second largest city, is home to the Deegan Foundation which aims to make grants that have “ripple effects” generating benefits “beyond the primary grantee.”
The Willard and Pat Walker Charitable Foundation, located in Fayetteville, is focused on charitable, religious, scientific, literary, or educational in Arkansas and neighboring states.
Springdale is home to the Endeavor Foundation, focused on the people of Northwest Arkansas, promoting collaborative efforts and “big dreams” to “create lasting impact.”
Siloam Springs is headquarters for the Windgate Foundation focused on K-12 education and the arts, including art history and programs of promise for youth.
The Walton Family Foundation, headquartered in Bentonville, does not accept unsolcited proposals, but does offer support for Public Charter Start-up Grants and Home Region Grants focused on Northwest Arkansas and the Arkansas-Mississippi Delta.
Interested in getting the inside scoop on funders’ up-to-the-minute grant-making priorities? Arkansas is one of only 8 states that have formed a chapter of the Asset Funders Network (AFN), “a national membership organization focused on building economic well-being for all.” They bring together funders, nonprofit organizations and other subject-matter experts to discuss the toughest issues we all face in local regions, as well as across the country. Recent topics include healthcare, education, immigration, hunger, poverty, aging and homelessness.
The Arkansas chapter offers many of its webinars and downloads for free to Arkansas’ nonprofit organizations, as well as providing the Bank on Arkansas program. When writing successful grant proposals, it helps to know the latest and best thinking on current issues.
The following are useful links for Arkansas grantseekers. Please let us know about others we should include so that this resource gets better and better. Thanks!
Government offices:
Arkansas Senator John Boozman - https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/
(501) 372-7153 (202) 224-4843
Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton - https://www.cotton.senate.gov/
(479) 751-0879 Springdale, AR (202) 224-2353
Arkansas Governor Mr. Asa Hutchinson - https://governor.arkansas.gov/
(501) 682-2345
Other helpful organizations:
Arkansas Nonprofit Alliance dedicated to providing resources, advocacy, and networking opportunities to strengthen nonprofits in Arkansas.
United Way in Arkansas From Blytheville to Hot Springs, and across the state, United Way provides 20 local offices throughout Arkansas dedicated to improving lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities.
Association of Fundraising Professionals, Arkansas Chapter connects colleagues to engage in creative thinking, network with new friends and achieve great results in their work.
Literacy Action of Central Arkansas builds stronger communities by educating adults and families with low literacy to address issues of workforce development, health care, parenting, and poverty.
Central Arkansas Library System (CALS) provides lively, accessible, expert, user-friendly information and research resources for the community’s economic and social development.
Arkansas Access to Justice works to ensure that all Arkansans get the protections of the law.
Central Arkansas Development Council works to alleviate poverty, helping vulnerable populations build strong communities in Arkansas through community action.
Arkansas Humanities Council promotes understanding, appreciation, and use of the humanities in Arkansas, using a competitive process to award support for projects.
Arkansas Arts Council advances literary, performing and visual arts by providing services and funding for programming that encourages standards of professional excellence.
Thea Foundation advances the arts throughout Arkansas.
Arkansas Dept. of Emergency Management provides grant funding for all things related to emergencies: 911, CERT, fire, preservation, etc.
Arkansas Dept. of Human Services (ADHS) offers a variety of program to help children and families thrive, even under trying circumstances
ADHS’ Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) a flexible program that provides communities with resources to address a wide range of unique community development needs.
VolunteerAR works to increase meaningful volunteer engagement by promoting projects that address the critical needs of Arkansans.
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