Best Grants for the Arts in Arkansas

The AAC Arts on Tour Grant, administered by the Arkansas Arts Council, provides financial support to nonprofit organizations, including schools and libraries, for hiring professional artists. Grants reimburse up to 40% of costs (up to $2,000) for artists from the Arts on Tour Artist Roster. This initiative aims to enhance cultural access and promote artistic excellence across Arkansas, thereby enriching the community's cultural landscape and fostering economic growth.

The AAC Major Arts Partners Grant, managed by the Arkansas Arts Council under the Division of Arkansas Heritage, provides essential funding for established nonprofit arts organizations with a budget averaging $1 million or more over three years. This grant aims to support local arts agencies and enhance cultural opportunities for Arkansans through a General Operating Support program, ensuring the promotion and preservation of Arkansas's rich heritage.

The Amcor Community Support Grants Program, administered by the Amcor Cares Foundation, provides funding for projects that benefit local communities. Grants are available to 501(c)(3) organizations and accredited educational institutions that serve Amcor Flexibles North America facility communities. Focus areas include fighting hunger, supporting disaster relief, expanding STEM education, and enhancing health and wellness. Applications are reviewed quarterly, and grant amounts typically exceed $1,000.

The American Electric Power Foundation provides grants to 501(c)(3) organizations focused on educational improvement, particularly in STEM fields, and basic human services such as hunger and housing. Organizations must operate within AEP's service territory or have a broader beneficial purpose. The Foundation also supports social justice initiatives and environmental protection efforts. Eligible applicants must affirm compliance with anti-discrimination policies and demonstrate commitment to diversity and inclusion.

The First Horizon Foundation Grant Program in Arkansas focuses on improving community welfare through grants that support arts, education, environment, financial literacy, and health services. By investing in these key areas, the foundation aims to enhance the well-being of communities, promote the development of future leaders, and ensure a sustainable future. Organizations in Northeast, Northwest, and Little Rock, AR, are eligible, while individual support and certain types of organizations are excluded.

The Ted & Shannon Skokos Foundation Grant, established in 2008, supports nonprofit organizations in arts, education, humanity, and faith. It prioritizes visionary leadership, community impact, sustainability, organizational strength, and collaboration. The foundation seeks to fund eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits that align with its mission and positively influence communities, particularly in Dallas, Texas, and Arkansas, where the founders have personal connections.

The Regional Touring Grant Program, funded by the Mid-America Arts Alliance, supports organizations in the M-AAA region to showcase touring artists from outside their state. Grants up to $5,000 are available, with organizations eligible for matching funds and the capacity to submit multiple applications. Projects are designed to enhance arts programming and engage underserved audiences through public-facing events, including performances and outreach activities. This initiative aims to foster cultural exchange and deepen community connections through the arts.

The Windgate Charitable Trust Grant supports contemporary craft and visual arts in the U.S. It offers funding for fellowships, residencies, educational outreach, and materials for craft programs. The foundation prioritizes strengthening visual arts in colleges and expanding K-12 art-integrated programs, providing opportunities for artists and educators to enhance their skills and foster creativity among students. Organizations with previous funding from Windgate can apply through the grantee portal.

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 T.L.L. Temple Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in East Texas by addressing poverty through targeted grants in education, health, economic development, and community revitalization. With a focus on marginalized communities, the foundation aims to break the cycle of poverty by improving access to essential resources and opportunities. By investing in health care, educational programs, and economic initiatives, they strive to foster thriving communities and promote sustainable growth in the region.

The Assisi Foundation of Memphis Grant supports nonprofit organizations in improving community health, education, social justice, cultural enrichment, and capacity building. Grants are available for organizations in specific Tennessee, Arkansas, and Mississippi counties, with eligibility focused on tax-exempt entities. Applications are accepted quarterly, with specific deadlines for different focus areas. The foundation seeks innovative ideas that align with its philanthropic mission and encourages organizations to apply for funding that promotes positive community transformation.

The Kerr Foundation Inc. offers grants to 501(c)3 organizations, focusing on education, arts, health, and human services. Priority is given to Oklahoma entities, but applications from neighboring states and Washington D.C. are also accepted. The foundation supports various project types, including capital, program, and operating expenses. Note that back-to-back grants are not allowed, enforcing a three-year gap for reapplication after funding. This ensures a broad and impactful reach for community development.

The AIE Arts for Lifelong Learning Mini-Grants program, managed by the Arkansas Arts Council, provides funding to support quality arts experiences for adults of all abilities. Grants of up to $2,000 are available for short-term residencies with professional artists, emphasizing hands-on activities in community organizations. Eligible nonprofits include those serving elders and individuals with disabilities, while funding cannot be used for start-up costs or entertainment expenses, ensuring a focus on meaningful arts engagement.

The AIE Lifelong Learning Veteran's Projects Grant, managed by the Division of Arkansas Heritage, supports veterans through engaging arts programs. This initiative provides funding up to $2,000 for short-term residencies with professional artists, focusing on hands-on activities within community organizations. Eligible applicants include nonprofits serving veterans and educational institutions. By fostering artistic experiences, the grant aims to enrich veterans' lives and enhance their connection to the arts, ultimately benefiting the broader community in Arkansas.

The Arkansas Heritage - AIE Mini-Grants program supports arts education by funding short-term artist residencies in pre K-12 schools and local arts agencies. Artists lead curriculum-based activities or professional development workshops, enhancing existing arts programs. Organizations must provide a 1:1 cash or in-kind match for the grant. However, funding cannot be used for deficits, entertainment expenses, or faculty salaries, ensuring that the grants focus on direct educational impact and community engagement.

The Ross Foundation Philanthropic Grant Program invites proposals from organizations that demonstrate tax-exempt status and focus on projects within Clark County, Arkansas. This program supports initiatives in education, arts, community beautification, historical preservation, mental health, and forestry conservation. Applicants must prepare a pre-proposal form year-round, leading to a full proposal if aligned with the Foundation's interests. Note that funding excludes political activities and grants to individuals.

The AAC General Operating Support Grant, offered by the Arkansas Arts Council, aims to assist established nonprofit organizations in the arts sector with funding for administrative and operational costs. Eligible applicants include local arts agencies and single-discipline organizations with total incomes exceeding $50,000. The grant supports non-programmatic expenses, requiring a matching contribution and a part-time paid executive director. This funding is crucial for fostering a vibrant arts community in Arkansas.

The Carl B. and Florence E. King Foundation supports community grants in Arkansas and West Texas, focusing on areas such as aging populations, arts and culture, children and youth, economically disadvantaged individuals, education, and nonprofit capacity building. Grants aim to enhance the quality of life, promote independence, and ensure access to essential services for vulnerable groups. Eligible applicants are local organizations that align with the foundation's mission and geographic focus.

The AIE After-School/Summer Residency Grant, administered by the Arkansas Arts Council, supports professional artists in residencies outside traditional school settings. This initiative promotes artistic excellence and equitable access to the arts for all Arkansans, particularly through after-school and summer programs. It aims to enhance community cultural development while providing valuable educational experiences for pre K–12 students. Funding is available for contracted administrative or artistic expenses to ensure impactful arts education.

The AIE Arts Curriculum Project, funded by the Arkansas Heritage, aims to enhance arts education in schools across Arkansas. By providing mini-grants, the project supports initiatives that integrate arts into curricula, fostering creativity and innovation among students. The Arkansas Arts Council, established in 1966, ensures that local artists engage with students, promoting equitable access to arts education. This initiative not only enriches the educational landscape but also strengthens community ties through cultural engagement.

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 Union County Community Foundation provides grants to nonprofit organizations and institutions focused on education, arts, health, social services, and more. They support creative programs that address community needs in Union County, aiming to encourage philanthropy through a permanent endowment. Grants are primarily awarded to 501(c)(3) organizations, with specific exclusions for political and religious purposes. Their mission is to invest in and distribute resources according to donor wishes, enhancing community welfare.

The Union County Public Trust Mini-Grant aims to support nonprofit organizations and public institutions in Union County, Arkansas. It seeks to address significant community needs through charitable funding while encouraging philanthropy. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt and in good standing with the IRS. The grant focuses on education, arts, health, social services, and more, fostering collaboration to enhance community welfare and dreams. It is managed by the Union County Community Foundation, a private funder dedicated to local development.

The Roy & Christine Sturgis Charitable Trust, established in 1981, supports educational, cultural, and health care initiatives in Arkansas and Texas. With a focus on one-year grants, it promotes capital projects, medical research, and endowment campaigns. Organizations in Texas, especially in the Dallas area, receive strong preference. Ineligible applicants include those who have recently received grants from other foundations or multi-year grants, which require a two-year wait before reapplying.

The Strengthening Communities- Caring and Connected NWA Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in Benton and Washington counties, Arkansas. Funded by Walmart, the initiative focuses on promoting community connections through improved access to arts and recreation spaces. By fostering a sense of belonging among residents, the grant seeks to create a vibrant, interconnected community where everyone thrives together. This initiative reflects Walmart's commitment to supporting the region that has contributed to its growth.

The Hot Springs Area Community Foundation's Youth Advisory Council Grant Cycle focuses on empowering youth in Garland County. Established in 1991, this grant cycle aims to support programs that enhance the lives of children and young people. As part of the Arkansas Community Foundation, it has awarded over $16 million in grants to address various community needs, including education, health, and arts, fostering a vibrant community for all.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.