Best Arkansas Grants for Nonprofits

About CommonSpirit

A calling that defines and unites

At CommonSpirit Health, we passionately care for the most vulnerable, relentlessly innovate how and where healing can happen and believe in uniting to benefit the common good. Our expansive network spans diverse communities, uniquely positioning us to meet their changing needs, improve population health and help chart the path to health equity.

Our mission, vision and values inform every aspect of our work each day and remind us that we serve our patients, their families, our communities – and each other. Our community health, research and home health programs help us address the primary barriers to healthier communities.

Sponsorship requests

We’re proud to support nonprofits that expand access to care, advance health equity and healthier communities. Learn more about our priorities.

Supporting our communities

CommonSpirit Health and our local facilities support nonprofit organizations that share our mission, vision and values. We give priority to programs that improve access to care and promote health equity and healthier communities.

CommonSpirit is proud to support nonprofit organizations that help improve the health and well-being of our communities. Guided by our mission, vision and values, we prioritize projects that focus on advancing health equity, improving access to care and improving community wellness.

The Battlefield Preservation Fund Grant aims to support initiatives that preserve battlefields and related historic sites. This funding encourages planning and educational efforts, particularly those that engage new audiences in preservation activities. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofits in specified states. Grants can be used for staff support, consultant fees, and educational materials. Applicants must provide a one-to-one match for funding, ensuring strong community involvement in preservation efforts.

The Windgate Charitable Trust Grant focuses on enhancing educational opportunities, health access, and community support in Arkansas. It aims to improve education through need-based scholarships and teacher preparation programs, enhance health with nursing programs and healthcare access, and strengthen community initiatives addressing food and housing insecurities. This grant is available to organizations with a history of funding from Windgate, as unsolicited inquiries are no longer accepted.

The South-Central Section of the Geological Society of America provides competitive research grants for undergraduate students from institutions in Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas, and parts of Mexico. Eligible students must be members of the Geological Society of America and are expected to manage funds responsibly, submitting a report after their research. This initiative supports the development of future geoscientists by fostering research opportunities in the region.

The Arkansas Heritage Grant aims to enhance the appreciation and enjoyment of the state's rich cultural heritage. It supports community-based initiatives that promote heritage-related programs and foster collaboration among local organizations, businesses, and government entities. The grant encourages the development of sustainable projects that contribute to heritage tourism and the overall quality of life in Arkansas, making it a vital resource for non-profits and community groups.

The Blue & You Foundation Mini Grant program supports Arkansas-based organizations addressing health disparities through community-focused initiatives. Grants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 are available for projects targeting emergency medical equipment, maternal and pediatric health, food pantry support, and school health initiatives. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, schools, and governmental agencies. This funding aims to enhance health outcomes and foster collaboration among community partners, contributing to a healthier Arkansas.

RBC Foundation – USA aims to enhance community quality of life by supporting non-profit organizations that promote diversity and positive change. In 2023, it awarded over $2.8 million in grants, prioritizing youth programs for ages 15-29, arts access for diverse populations, and mental well-being initiatives. The foundation encourages sustainable projects that foster economic independence, providing critical support for education, mental health, and cultural enrichment, thereby making a significant impact across various communities.

The Neighborhood Builders Program, supported by Bank of America, empowers 501(c)(3) nonprofits through a two-year leadership development initiative. Participants receive funding, training, and networking opportunities to enhance their impact in communities. Since its inception, the program has invested over $346 million, training more than 4,000 leaders. The initiative focuses on advancing social mobility and economic opportunities, ensuring affordable housing, and fostering resilient communities. This program is vital for nonprofits aiming to strengthen their leadership and community engagement.

The Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) in Arkansas provides crucial funding for nonprofit organizations at high risk of terrorist attacks. With up to $2,400,000 available in 2025, individual awards can reach $200,000. This program focuses on enhancing security measures, closing capability gaps, and fostering collaboration among community representatives and government agencies. It aims to strengthen community preparedness through effective planning, training, and awareness campaigns, ensuring a comprehensive approach to safety and resilience.

The Southern Equality Research Grant, offered by the Campaign for Southern Equality, aims to empower students and early career researchers to conduct crucial studies on LGBTQ+ issues in the South. With over a third of LGBTQ+ Americans residing in this region, there is a significant need for research to address legal protections and social inequities. This initiative seeks to elevate the voices and experiences of LGBTQ+ Southerners, fostering a deeper understanding of the policies affecting their lives.

The Community Facilities Grant Program in Arkansas provides essential funding to develop vital community facilities in rural areas, benefiting populations of 20,000 or fewer. Eligible applicants include public bodies, non-profits, and federally recognized tribes. Grant assistance, which can cover up to 75% of project costs, supports the purchase, construction, and improvement of facilities such as healthcare centers, public safety buildings, and community support services. Year-round applications are welcomed for projects aimed at enhancing rural community infrastructure.

The Community Foundation’s scholarships are for Arkansas students pursuing education at two- or four-year colleges or universities, vocational schools or technical training programs. Each scholarship has its own eligibility criteria. Some scholarships are designated for graduates of a particular high school or those who plan to attend a particular college. Others are based on extracurricular activities or intended college majors.  

The Foundation has a scholarship portal with a quiz to help applicants determine scholarship eligibility. 

“Since 1976, the Community Foundation has partnered with individuals and organizations who want to support our state’s students in their pursuit of higher education,” said Heather Larkin, Community Foundation president and CEO. “These generous people provide the funding and determine the size and eligibility criteria of each scholarship, while we oversee the application and awarding process on their behalf.”  

Advancing Women in Transportation Scholarship

Provides a scholarship to female students who plan to pursue a career in a transportation-related field in Arkansas.

The Dogs for Joy Grant, funded by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, supports the integration of trained facility dogs in pediatric hospitals. These dogs provide emotional support, help children cope with medical procedures, and enhance overall well-being. The program aims to increase the presence of in-residence dogs, as research highlights their positive impact on reducing anxiety and improving patient outcomes. Grants typically cover multi-year funding, promoting innovative animal-assisted therapy approaches in healthcare settings.

The Dunkin' Joyful Spaces Grant supports children's hospitals and community health centers in creating joyful environments for pediatric patients. Launched in 2022, this initiative helps fund play areas, healing gardens, and other kid-friendly spaces, enhancing the hospital experience. Grants typically range from $25,000 to $65,000 annually, with a maximum of $150,000 over three years. This opportunity encourages creativity in designing spaces that provide comfort and joy to children and their families during hospital stays.

The Dunkin’ Prom Grant, provided by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, aims to bring joy to teenage patients unable to attend their own prom due to illness. By funding hospitals to host prom-like events, the program ensures these patients experience this significant milestone. Grants typically range from $20,000 to $50,000, supporting the creation of memorable events with themes, food, entertainment, and formal wear for the teens, making a positive impact in their lives.

Children’s hospitals, general hospitals with pediatric departments, and nonprofits in Arkansas serving children battling illness can receive US $25,000 - US $65,000 annually for gaming-based pediatric programs. Joy in Childhood Foundation provides support for equipment, connectivity, staffing, and virtual programming to help hospitalized kids, especially teens, cope and stay engaged during treatment.

The Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program in Arkansas offers essential funding for rural areas to establish and improve drinking water systems, sewage disposal, and storm water drainage. Eligible applicants, including state and local governments and nonprofits, can utilize funds for various projects including construction, legal fees, and maintenance. This initiative aims to ensure access to clean water and effective waste management in underserved communities.

Mid-America Arts Alliance

Mid-America Arts Alliance (M-AAA) believes art can be a catalyst for expression, connection, collaboration, and community. This philosophy is reflected in our mission and values.

M-AAA is a nonprofit, regional arts organization representing Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas, and beyond. We focus on strengthening communities and improving lives by supporting artists, elevating arts organizations, and connecting people to extraordinary cultural experiences.

Artistic Innovations Grants for Individual Artists

Program Objectives

The Artistic Innovations program supports the development of new or original works of art across all disciplines, created exclusively by in-region individual artists and art-based organizations in M-AAA’s six-state region (Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas, and the Native Nations in this geography). Eligible applicants include individual artists and nonprofit 501(c)(3) arts organizations in the region.

Individual Artist Grant Considerations

The Artistic Innovations grant program supports direct project expenses incurred in the art-making process and production of public-facing engagements to individuals through private funds. These grants are funded through private support and, unlike Artistic Innovations grants to organizations, are not supported by the National Endowment for the Arts.

Project Lead The Way is offering a rolling grant opportunity for schools across the US to implement the PLTW Gateway program for the first time. With total funding of $9,100, the grant covers participation fees and training registration costs. Schools, including public, private, and charter, are encouraged to apply, particularly those serving low-income and minority majority populations. This initiative aims to enhance educational pathways in STEM for diverse student groups.

The Walker Charitable Foundation provides funding for charitable, religious, scientific, literary, and educational endeavors. Organizations must contact the Foundation at least 30 days prior to grant submission to discuss eligibility. The Foundation aims to support as many worthy organizations as possible, guided by its Executive Director and Board, primarily consisting of Walker family members. Over the years, it has proudly funded numerous organizations that have made significant contributions to their communities.

Arkansas Access to Justice Foundation

Arkansas Access to Justice exists to uphold a basic but essential principle: Arkansans deserve access to the legal help they need, no matter their income or background.

We work alongside partners, policymakers, courts, and communities to make the civil legal system more fair and accessible. Whether it’s through improving public policies, strengthening legal aid resources, supporting pro bono programs, or building tools for self-represented litigants, we are committed to bridging the divide between those who can afford legal help and those who cannot.

Administration of Justice Grants

Grants in this category support Specific Projects that advance systemic improvements to Arkansas’s civil justice system and promote meaningful, statewide access to justice. Priority will be given to initiatives that generate data, research, analysis, or tested models intended to inform changes to court rules, statutes, policies, or administrative practices affecting access to civil justice.

• Empirical studies or evaluations examining the impact of court rules or practices on case outcomes, efficiency, or fairness;
• Pilot projects testing innovative court-based or cross-sector approaches—such as simplified procedures, alternative service models, remote participation, or triage systems—that are designed to produce findings scalable at a statewide level;
• Development of model rules, forms, or administrative policies intended to reduce unnecessary complexity, improve consistency across jurisdictions, or increase usability for self-represented litigants.

Projects in this category must demonstrate the potential for statewide impact and must produce concrete outputs, such as written reports, data sets, evaluative findings, model rules or policies, or formal recommendations for reform. Examples of specific administration of justice projects are:

• A pilot introducing plain-language pleadings and guided forms in debt collection cases, measuring effects on default rates and case resolution to inform statewide adoption.
• A project to research and develop a standardized framework for secure online publication of warning orders.
• A project that implements court date text reminders and collects data on the text reminders’ impact on failure to appear rates.

The Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation Grant aims to promote economic, educational, social, ethnic, and racial equity for all Arkansans. By fostering bold ideas and community leadership, the foundation invests in strategies that influence public policy and build grassroots movements. They prioritize long-term partnerships through multi-year, unrestricted grants to empower grantees in advancing their missions, ultimately creating systems of fairness and belonging for ALICE families across Arkansas.

About Regions

Regions Financial Corporation is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation's largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas.

Regions Foundation

Regions Foundation supports community investments that positively impact the communities served by Regions Bank. The Foundation engages in a grantmaking program focused on priorities including economic and community development; education and workforce readiness; and financial wellness. The Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation funded primarily through contributions from Regions Bank.

Matching Gifts Program

Full-time associates and recent retirees (up to 5 years after retirement) of Regions and its affiliated companies can request a Regions Matching Gift to eligible organizations. The recipient organization must be a 501(c) or 170(c) organization located in the Regions footprint (except for accredited educational institutions, which may be located anywhere in the United States) and has a primary mission that clearly fits one of these categories:

• Economic and community development: Supporting economic prosperity through affordable housing, job creation, small-business development, homebuyer education and retention, neighborhood revitalization and stabilization, food security/hunger relief.
• Education and workforce readiness: Supporting career prosperity through student competency and skill building, college and career readiness, educational access and success, credential building and employment and educator training and resources.
• Financial wellness: Supporting financial prosperity through K-12 and college financial education, adult and workforce financial empowerment.
• Arts and culture: Organizations that promote visual or performing arts, historic or science museums, zoos, botanical gardens, libraries, parks or public radio and television.
• Service members and Veterans: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting U.S. military service members and veterans.
• Individuals with disabilities: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting individuals with disabilities.

Regions Matching Gifts for Full-Time Associates

Regions supports organizations important to our associates through the Regions Matching Gifts Program. This program, which is open for use for all full-time Regions associates, affiliate associates and recent retirees, allows you to make an even greater difference to your favorite charities by doubling your tax-deductible contributions to these organizations. 

The Express Health Information Outreach Awards aim to enhance public health by increasing access to biomedical information for U.S. health professionals and the general public. These awards support projects that improve health information literacy among consumers and caregivers, ensuring they can effectively find and utilize health information. Focused on partnerships and outreach to underrepresented communities, the initiative seeks to promote healthy behaviors, prevent illness, and improve health outcomes through informed decision-making.

The Bank of America Charitable Foundation focuses on improving economic mobility and social progress through partnerships with nonprofits. It prioritizes basic needs, income creation, stable housing, and community empowerment. By supporting vulnerable populations, the foundation aims to enable individuals to achieve their goals and contribute positively to their communities. The foundation emphasizes sustainable progress, ensuring that all community members have access to essential resources and opportunities for growth.

The AIE In-School Residency Program Grant, offered by the Arkansas Arts Council, supports schools and local arts agencies by providing professional artists for residencies that enhance arts education for pre K-12 students. With a funding limit of up to $40,000, the program aims to foster artistic excellence, promote equitable access to the arts, and integrate creative processes into the curriculum. This initiative encourages lifelong learning and cultural development in Arkansas communities.

The IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) program aims to enhance biomedical research capacity in underfunded states by fostering collaborations among research institutions. By supporting faculty research, mentoring, and student involvement, INBREs create pathways for undergraduate students to enter biomedical careers. This initiative not only promotes institutional partnerships but also strengthens research infrastructure, ultimately contributing to a more robust scientific community in IDeA states.