Best Grants for New Nonprofits in Arkansas

The American Association of Law Libraries (AALL) Research Fund Grant supports projects that enhance legal information services and law librarianship. With a funding cap of $5,000 per round, the grant encourages diverse scholarship in legal research. Eligibility includes individuals with relevant research experience, while preference is given to AALL members. Applications are reviewed biannually by a jury, ensuring that the most impactful projects receive support. This initiative aims to foster innovation and collaboration within the legal information community.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is offering funding through the Engineering (ENG) program, focusing on foundational research in civil, mechanical, and manufacturing innovation. Key areas include advanced manufacturing systems, civil infrastructure, and intelligent dynamic systems. The NSF ENG encourages innovative and transformative proposals that may not require immediate commercial outcomes. Award sizes and durations will vary based on budget availability, aiming to support long-term research advancements.

The PLTW Gateway program, in partnership with Arrow Electronics, aims to enhance STEM education in public and charter schools across the U.S. Funded by Lockheed Martin, this initiative provides $10,000 for schools to expand their existing PLTW Gateway programs. Eligible activities include adding new units and training teachers. Since its inception, over 300 programs have been established, reaching over 77,000 students and addressing the growing need for skilled engineers and computer scientists.

The AHRQ Mentored Clinical Scientist Research Career Development Award (K08) aims to foster a diverse pool of skilled health services researchers. This funding opportunity supports career development for individuals pursuing research that aligns with AHRQ's mission and priorities. Eligible applicants will receive mentorship to enhance their research skills and contributions to the field. Overall, this initiative is crucial for addressing pressing healthcare research needs.

The NIH Independent Scientist Award (K02) supports the development of outstanding scientists by providing three to five years of salary support and protected time for newly independent researchers. This funding opportunity is specifically for applicants proposing research that does not involve leading an independent clinical trial, allowing them to gain experience in trials led by others. Key deadlines for applications span from June 2024 to February 2027.

The NIH R25 program promotes broad participation in the biomedical and behavioral sciences by supporting educational activities. It aims to encourage individuals from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds to engage in research through mentoring networks and research education experiences. This initiative seeks to enhance the workforce by providing opportunities for further study and career advancement in research fields, ultimately contributing to a more inclusive scientific community.

The NIH Independent Scientist Award (K02) aims to support the development of independent scientists and enhance their research capabilities. This award offers salary support and protected time for three to five years, specifically for those leading independent clinical trials or feasibility studies. Applicants must demonstrate a need for focused research to advance their careers. Key deadlines for applications span from June 2024 to February 2027, catering to various submission types including standard and AIDS-related grants.

The ACLS Graduate Internships on the Spiritual Infrastructure of the Future program offers summer opportunities for current PhD students in the humanities and social sciences to engage with organizations addressing the evolving American religious landscape. This initiative aims to cultivate future leaders by providing practical experiences that demonstrate the value of doctoral training beyond academia. Supported by the Templeton Religion Trust, the internships encourage collaboration between fellows and community organizations, fostering a deeper understanding of spiritual infrastructures.

The Air Force Basic Research Sciences Conference and Workshop Support program encourages proposals from U.S. institutions of higher education and nonprofit organizations for conferences and workshops that promote research and technology interchange. These events are vital for sharing recent findings and educational techniques in key scientific areas. The program specifically invites Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Minority-serving Institutions, and Tribal Colleges to participate, aiming to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange among researchers.

Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

Marion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

Calvin H. & Elizabeth L. Topliff Scholarship

Georgia Mathews, mother to Marion Community Foundation board member, Spencer Mathews, created this endowed scholarship in 2023 in honor of her parents. The scholarship will be awarded to Marion County students who are pursuing a career in either education or engineering, with special consideration for students who will be attending Ohio Northern University, which is where Georgia’s parents met.

Betty Beatty Topliff was born in Pittsburgh but ended up in Marion after meeting Calvin at Ohio Northern and moving to his hometown of Marion. Betty (1928-2022) was a dedicated teacher for 30 years, most recently at Ridgedale High School. Calvin (1924-2009) was an Army veteran who served in Europe during WWII and was awarded the Bronze Star. Calvin retired from the marketing department of Ohio Edison Marion Division after 36 years of service.

Following retirement, Calvin and Betty were Florida snowbirds, but Betty returned to Marion after Calvin’s death to be with her beloved children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

The Nature Awards for Inspiring Women in Science, particularly in the Science Outreach category, honors initiatives that empower girls and young women in STEM fields. With a focus on engagement and retention, the awards aim to celebrate projects that encourage participation in natural sciences, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine. Winners will receive significant cash prizes and opportunities for mentorship, creating pathways for future generations of women in science.

The Japanese-Language Education Project Grant supports initiatives that enhance Japanese language education across various regions. Offered by the Japan Foundation, Los Angeles, this grant targets workshops, seminars, and original projects that connect language learning with Japan Studies. Eligible applicants include non-profit educational organizations in the U.S. Projects should benefit multiple programs, ensuring a broad impact on Japanese language education. The deadline for applications is two months before the project start date, which must be between April 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026.

The NIH Common Fund is planning to issue a NOFO to continue the Bridge2AI program, which aims to develop AI-ready datasets and best practices for biomedical research. This next stage will leverage these datasets to address significant health challenges and foster multidisciplinary collaboration. The initiative will support 3-5 Centers focused on trustworthy AI in biomedical research, creating frameworks for reproducibility, transparency, and advancing the AI workforce in health sciences.

The NIH Independent Scientist Award (K02) supports promising scientists in their research endeavors, providing salary and protected time for three to five years. This award is designed for newly independent scientists who can demonstrate the necessity for focused research to advance their careers. The program specifically targets basic experimental studies involving human participants, aligning with NIH's clinical trial definitions and aims to foster significant contributions to various scientific fields.

NASA is seeking innovative proposals for Early Stage Innovations in In Situ Resource Utilization, specifically focusing on Lunar Water Purification. This initiative invites U.S. institutions of higher education to submit projects that address critical civil-space needs. Awards, anticipated to begin in June 2027, will support groundbreaking research in space technology. Collaboration among faculty is encouraged, and proposals must be submitted through the NSPIRES system.

The Early Stage Innovations (ESI26) program by NASA invites U.S. institutions of higher education to propose innovative, early-stage space technology research. Focused on technologies with low Technology Readiness Levels, the program emphasizes civil-space applications. Proposals should address specific topics, including advancements in hypersonic flows, autonomous technologies for lunar and Martian environments, and new materials for aerospace applications. Collaboration is encouraged among eligible institutions, with support from NASA's Space Technology Research Grants Program.

The L’Oréal USA For Women in Science Fellowship empowers women postdoctoral scientists by providing annual grants to support their research in STEM fields. This initiative not only recognizes their contributions but also encourages them to serve as role models for future generations. With a long-standing partnership with the AAAS, the program has awarded over $5 million to 105 scientists, demonstrating a strong commitment to advancing women's roles in science and technology.

The NIH Support for Conferences and Scientific Meetings (R13) provides funding for high-quality conferences that align with public health and scientific missions. Key deadlines for applications include April 12, August 12, and December 12 for the years 2024 through 2026, with specific deadlines for AIDS-related grants as well. This funding opportunity aims to foster collaboration and dissemination of important research findings in relevant fields.

TechAccess: AI-Ready America is a nationwide initiative aimed at enhancing AI readiness across the U.S. by fostering collaboration and resource sharing. It targets businesses, organizations, and individuals, ensuring widespread access to AI tools and knowledge. The program includes State Coordination Hubs to connect stakeholders, a National Lead for collaboration, and AI-Ready Catalyst Award Competitions to drive innovative solutions. This comprehensive approach seeks to prepare all sectors for an AI-driven economy, benefiting Americans through practical implementation and workforce development.

The ASPCA Right Horse Grants aim to enhance equine adoptions and support community equines by funding programs that boost shelter capacity or assist in keeping owned equines in their homes. Grants between $5,000 and $50,000 are available, with a total funding pool of up to $750,000. Eligible applicants include ASPCA Right Horse Adoption Partners and organizations committed to the welfare of retired Thoroughbred racehorses. Proposals should clearly outline the objectives and expected impacts.

About Us

Harbor Freight is America’s #1 Tool Store with more than 1600 locations nationwide. Founded in 1977 by Eric Smidt, the company began as a small mail-order tool business in North Hollywood, California. Over 75 million customers have come to Harbor Freight for our unmatched assortment of quality tools at an unbeatable value, including automotive, air and power tools, storage, outdoor power equipment, generators, welding supplies, shop equipment, hand tools, and much more.

Harbor Freight Tools Gift Card Donation Requests

If you are a Harbor Freight Associate and have been affected by an unexpected, unavoidable crisis and are in financial need, please apply to our Employee Emergency Relief Fund (EERF). To apply, go to www.myHFT.com to review our FAQs, guidelines, eligibility requirements and application form.

For all other donation requests, please note that we have recently updated our criteria. You can find the current eligibility requirements below.

All donations are given in the form of Harbor Freight Store gift cards. We do not provide cash donations, event sponsorships or support for individuals.

Harbor Freight Tools proudly supports the following:

Skilled Trades Education

• Skilled trades classes that emphasize the expert use of tools and materials to build, repair and maintain products and structures. Fields include Agricultural Mechanics, Carpentry, Construction, Electrical, HVAC, Advanced Manufacturing, Plumbing, Transportation Mechanics and Repair, and Welding
• Donation requests must be submitted by a K-12 public-school teacher for their own school/classroom. Harbor Freight store gift cards are given directly to the school/teacher requesting one. We do not provide donations to outside organizations, clubs or third parties.

Outstanding Program Award

Recognizing the exceptional programming of AAFP Chapters and Chapter Foundations.

The AAFP Foundation established this award to nationally recognize outstanding philanthropic activities of AAFP Chapters and Chapter Foundations. Each year, one program is selected, and the Award is presented during AAFP FMX at the AAFP Foundation recognition event.

The Outstanding Program Award Recipient will receive up to a $1,000 reimbursement for travel to FMX to accept the award at the AAFP Foundation Donor Recognition dinner.

The ACS-Hach Professional Development Grant provides up to $2,500 to support high school chemistry teachers in the U.S. as they pursue professional development opportunities. This grant aims to enhance teaching and learning in chemistry by funding activities such as conferences, workshops, and educational resources. It is designed to improve educators' skills and boost student achievement, thereby fostering a better learning environment in chemistry classrooms.

The Arthur S. Tuttle Fellowship, established in 1983 through the generosity of ASCE President Arthur S. Tuttle, supports graduate students in civil engineering. Up to four students may receive this annual fellowship, which is intended for their first year of graduate studies. Candidates must be members of the American Society of Civil Engineers and demonstrate financial need and educational merit. This fellowship promotes the development of future civil engineering professionals.

The Leadership Education in Adolescent Health (LEAH) Program, funded by the US HHS: Health Resources & Services Administration, aims to enhance the quality of care for adolescents and young adults. By establishing graduate training programs, LEAH prepares healthcare professionals to effectively address chronic disease prevention and improve access to team-based healthcare services for this population, ultimately fostering better health outcomes and empowering future leaders in adolescent health.

The Fred and Tana Moses Bridge Engineering Fellowship, established by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), aims to advance the field of bridge engineering. This annual fellowship is awarded to a graduate student pursuing an advanced degree in the discipline, providing vital support for their studies. ASCE, representing over 160,000 civil engineers worldwide, is committed to fostering professional excellence and innovation in the civil engineering community.