Best Grants for Community Service Projects in Arkansas

About Us

At AEDC, we know economic advancement doesn't happen by accident. We work strategically with businesses and communities to create strong economic opportunities, making Arkansas the natural choice for success.

Community Assistance Grant Program

The Arkansas Community Assistance Grant Program (CAGP) is intended to provide grant funds to cities, counties, and non-profit organizations of the State of Arkansas for eligible community and economic development projects and eligible non-profit organization projects. The amount of funding available to any one (1) project in any state fiscal year shall not exceed $1,500,000. The amount of the grant award shall be determined by AEDC based on eligibility criteria, availability of funding, and program demands, which may result in grant offers that are less than application requests. 

Is there a matching requirement?

The applicant must be able to match its grant award with cash, in-kind labor, in-kind materials, or in-kind land at a flexible 20% rate. The amount of matching funds/in-kind provided by the applicant will be taken into account in the application review process; a match is dependent on the project need and not all matches will be waived.

The value of all matching (including in-kind) must be documented by bank statements, official cost estimates for in-kind materials and labor, or official appraisals for land. Official cost estimates for in-kind materials and professional labor should document what the material or professional labor would cost if it were not being donated. Community labor being donated is equal to $18.04 per hour. Official appraisals for land may be in the form of an appraisal from a certified appraiser or a copy of the property assessment from the county clerk.

Arkansas school districts with existing Career and Technical Education pathways can use this grant to modernize required equipment in high-wage, high-demand fields. With a mission to strengthen education, Arkansas Department of Education provides Arkansas community development and education programs with funding that covers 85% of approved equipment upgrades, while districts contribute the remaining 15%.

Arkansas local governments and community development entities serving low- and moderate-income residents in Arkansas can apply for the Arkansas Economic Development Commission’s Community Development Block Grant program, with awards from US $75,000 - US $500,000 for community and economic development projects. Funding may support community revitalization and services that address blight, poverty, and urgent local needs.

Arkansas communities planning smoke-free trails or outdoor recreation facilities for health-focused physical activity in Arkansas can apply for the Great Strides Program/Trails for Life grants, with awards up to US $250,000. With a mission to enhance outdoor recreation and public spaces, the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism supports projects that strengthen community development and revitalization.

Arkansas 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on basic needs, income creation, stable housing, or community development can apply for Bank of America Charitable Foundation’s local funding. Grants support economic mobility and stronger communities in eligible Arkansas markets, especially for vulnerable populations such as low- and moderate-income families, youth, seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities.

Local governments or community entities in Arkansas seeking to expand outdoor recreation opportunities can use this reimbursable matching grant to improve parks, trails, and public spaces. Grants from the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism help community development and revitalization projects that enhance outdoor recreation resources across the state.

501(c)(3) nonprofits running arts, community development, education, veteran, first responder, or wellness programs in Arkansas can apply for James Avery Charitable Foundation’s corporate grants, awarding US $10,000 - US $25,000 for direct-service projects. Eligible organizations must be within 50 miles of a James Avery retail or corporate location and based in the U.S.

Investing in Our Communities

Regions Bank and Regions Foundation are committed to helping individuals, families, and businesses achieve financial success.

We work alongside nonprofit organizations, local businesses, government and service agencies to address social and economic issues, assist in building inclusive economic prosperity and help more members of our communities benefit from the rewards of a growing economy.

We make strategic and disciplined community investments in programs that seek to achieve three target outcomes:

Economic and Community Development

• Affordable housing
• Job creation
• Small business development
• Homebuyer education and retention
• Neighborhood revitalization and stabilization

Education and Workforce Readiness

• Student competency and skill building
• College and career readiness
• Educational access and success
• Credential building and employment
• Educator training and resources

Financial Wellness

• Financial education to youth, adults, and vulnerable populations
• Financial planning tools and resources, including Regions Next Step®
• Integrated asset-building

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Arkansas running community service, arts, education, veteran support, wellness, or community development programs can seek event sponsorships and in-kind support, typically over US $10,000. James Avery Charitable Foundation supports groups within 50 miles of its retail locations or major facilities that provide direct services and enrich local quality of life.

Arkansas community service and development nonprofits can access funding through Union Pacific Foundation’s Community Ties Local Grants, which offer US $5,000 - US $30,000 for projects in eligible rail-served communities. Support may cover safety, workforce development, community vitality, or environmental sustainability programs that demonstrate clear need, strong capacity, and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

RBC Foundation USA provides Arkansas 501(c)(3) nonprofits with funding for workforce preparation, youth development, and community accessibility projects. Eligible organizations have at least three years of public charity status, a $100,000+ annual budget, and operate where RBC Wealth Management has a local presence, supporting skills-building, inclusive prosperity, or environmental sustainability initiatives.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits with established education or health programs can seek US $10,000 - US $75,000 from L B Research and Education Foundation to expand proven work, including in Arkansas. The foundation supports initiatives closing opportunity gaps for underserved adolescents, post-secondary learners, and adults, as well as innovative, research-informed physical and mental health access and workforce development programs.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and local government entities in Arkansas can seek funding for community development, food security, education, and agriculture projects or general operations. Greenpoint Foundation supports community development and revitalization by prioritizing initiatives that align with these focus areas and requires follow-up impact reports from awarded organizations.

Nonprofits, government entities, and educational institutions in the Mid-South working on community development can receive US $1,000 - US $25,000 for projects that create positive change. PGA Tour’s Positively Memphis Community Fund awards quarterly grants, and Arkansas organizations serving eligible counties may benefit for community service and revitalization efforts.

Local and regional organizations doing disaster recovery and economic development work in Arkansas can access funding through the Economic Development Administration to plan, implement, or scale post-disaster projects. This U.S. program offers up to US $50,000,000 for readiness, implementation, or industry transformation efforts benefiting communities impacted by 2023–2024 natural disasters.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on community development and revitalization projects in Arkansas may be eligible for grants that support U.S.-based programs, with a preference for the Greater St. Louis area. Grants from Crawford Taylor Foundation can also benefit initiatives in education, health, food access, child welfare, housing, parks, animal welfare, and disaster relief.

The Peter Chortek Leadership Award honors Jewish high school students in San Diego who demonstrate outstanding leadership and commitment to community service through tikkun olam. Awardees receive a $9,000 stipend, $540 to set up a Donor Advised Fund, and a professional video showcasing their project. This award encourages students to create or enhance community initiatives, fostering engagement in social justice and service projects.

The U.S. Venture/Schmidt Family Foundation supports initiatives that drive self-sufficiency and community enrichment for vulnerable populations. With over $4.31 million awarded last year, the foundation prioritizes projects that demonstrate measurable impact and foster stronger communities. Eligible organizations include those designated as public charities by the IRS. The foundation emphasizes collaboration with other funders, avoiding sole financial support to ensure comprehensive community development.

Melton Foundation

The Melton Foundation is an international 501(c)(3) non-profit organization registered in the USA, and a leading proponent of Global Citizenship education and practice worldwide. Established nearly thirty years ago with the credence that collaborations across boundaries can forge sustainable solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges, today, our programs reach millions of young leaders, having crystallized into a network of over 750 life-long Melton Fellows spread across 40+ countries. Our primary operations are in Chile, China, Germany, Ghana, India, and the United States of America, with legal subsidiaries in Bangalore, India; Jena, Germany; Temuco, Chile; and Accra, Ghana. 

Through our fellowship and collaborative programs we promote and enable global citizenship as a way for individuals and organizations to work together across boundaries of place and identity to solve challenges in an interconnected world.

Melton Foundation Action Grants

The Melton Foundation offers grants year-round to support Melton Fellows in developing skills, perspective and wider networks to further their capacity as global citizens and contribute towards building an equitable, sustainable, and peaceful world.

In almost 10 years of granting, more than 100 Fellows’ initiatives have been awarded with a Melton Foundation grant to

• Build awareness and/or further awareness raising around global issues and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),
• Develop individual and collective responsibility for sustained, collaborative action,
• Grow capacity to collaboratively drive and sustain social impact at the local and/or global level,
• Further the design, implementation and evaluation of collaborative actions that embody the spirit of global citizenship practice and further social impact, or
• Support coordinated social-impact efforts in a particular or across (emerging) Melton Foundation Hub regions to promote global citizenship practice (s) and the organization’s mission.

Arkansas community development and service nonprofits can access funding through the H Hovnanian Family Foundation for projects in education, public health and emergency response, arts and culture, entrepreneurship, and youth and community development. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations with at least one year of outcomes may receive up to US $10,000, with grants reviewed quarterly on a rolling basis.

501(c)(3) public charities working on community development, education access, international development, humanitarian aid, or LDS initiatives, including those serving Arkansas communities, can apply for Strategic Impact Grants supporting impactful programs and projects. The Bertin Family Foundation prioritizes strong governance, measurable outcomes, financial transparency, and gives preference to organizations with Gold or Platinum status on Candid.

Nonprofit organizations supporting community development, basic human needs, housing, youth, veterans, or social services in Arkansas can access funding through St. Marys Bank Charitable Foundation; awards range from US $500 - US $5,000. Programs that build financial literacy and move individuals and families toward economic self-sufficiency may be especially competitive.

Nonprofit organizations providing youth services, housing, homelessness support, social services, or community development projects can apply for St. Marys Bank Charitable Foundation’s community support grants; awards US $500 - US $5,000 for programmatic or event support. Arkansas community service projects may be eligible if they serve the foundation’s listed impact areas within its service communities.

Enhearten Micro Grant supports unseen leaders by providing funding for community-driven projects that embody values of humility, integrity, and love. Grants range from $500 to $1,000 and are awarded after a thorough review process. Enhearten aims to empower these leaders, who often lack access to traditional funding sources, by fostering reparative networks that prioritize equality and justice. This initiative seeks to create opportunities for transformative community engagement and support.

The Ferguson Cares Grant is an essential aspect of Ferguson's Sustainability strategy, focusing on social challenges and community wellbeing. This grant supports nonprofit organizations in the U.S. dedicated to affordable housing, skilled trades workforce development, clean water access, and enhancing local economic quality of life. Ferguson aims to create lasting partnerships that drive positive impact within their operational regions, reflecting their commitment to social responsibility and community support.

OneRural provides essential technical assistance to rural organizations, fostering the development of affordable housing and community initiatives. This program offers tailored support, helping organizations enhance their operational capabilities and drive impactful change. By accessing expert resources and training, participants can effectively navigate challenges, improve program outcomes, and strengthen community resilience. This initiative targets nonprofits and tribal entities, ensuring that rural communities receive the guidance needed for sustainable growth and development.

BMO Gives is committed to fostering positive societal impact through community support and charitable initiatives. It focuses on enhancing community and economic resilience, as well as environmental sustainability. Eligible applicants must be registered charities or non-profits operating in Canada or the U.S. and align with BMO's corporate values, which promote inclusivity and non-discrimination. The program aims to support projects that address significant societal needs and empower local communities.