Best Private Grants for Nonprofits in Arkansas

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) and 509(a) organizations focused on education, human services, health, conservation, or cultural programs can receive US $2,000 - US $10,000 for operating support, projects, or occasional capital needs. McGraw Foundation provides Arkansas nonprofits with private grant opportunities, though grants are generally limited to groups in the greater Chicago area.

Graduate students conducting research in drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can receive US $3,000 to advance timely, actionable projects benefiting the water industry. Focused on water-related research, American Water Works Association invites students, including those connected with Arkansas institutions, to apply for the Dr. Philip C. Singer Scholarship.

Arkansas 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on economic and workforce advancement, safe and affordable housing, or community arts and culture may be eligible for this program. Grants from US Bancorp Foundation help organizations in designated U.S. Bank communities, with priority for those led by people of color and addressing multiple Work, Home, and Play pillars.

Arkansas 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting safety, workforce development, community vitality, or environmental sustainability can access funding through Union Pacific Foundation’s Community Ties Giving Program. Grants of US $5,000 - US $30,000 support direct services and capacity-building projects in Union Pacific–served communities, with emphasis on DEI and benefits for broad, diverse local populations.

Nonprofit organizations, schools, and eligible public entities serving Weyerhaeuser communities in Arkansas can seek funding for affordable housing, youth development, environmental stewardship, human services, and related community programs. Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund awards more than US $1,000, with local employee advisory committees helping set priorities for projects that broadly benefit residents and improve quality of life.

Nonprofit organizations serving women, children, and families with humanitarian, education, or self-sufficiency programs in Arkansas can access funding through The Father's Table Foundation. This highly selective grant supports projects such as homelessness services, job readiness, child welfare, health care, disaster relief, and microfinance that build resilience, sustainability, and long-term community strength.

Undergraduate-focused higher education institutions in Arkansas conducting biomedical and health-related research can apply for NIH AREA support for small-scale projects. US Dept. of Health & Human Services: National Institutes of Health provides up to US $375,000 to enhance research environments and offer research experiences for undergraduates at institutions with limited prior NIH funding.

Arkansas 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on economic mobility, workforce readiness, entrepreneurship, or affordable housing can access funding through Bank of America Charitable Foundation’s Neighborhood Builders Program. Selected organizations receive a two-year leadership development experience plus capacity-building support; applicants must serve eligible Bank of America markets and meet revenue, leadership tenure, and financial stability requirements.

Nonprofit organizations serving Arkansas residents with programs in aging, arts and culture, children and youth, education, or economic hardship can seek project support through the Carl B. and Florence E. King Foundation. Focus areas include seniors’ quality of life, child welfare and development, housing and homelessness, literacy, and strengthening nonprofit capacity.

Early-career clinical and public health researchers at low- or middle-income country institutions conducting human health studies can apply for the Emerging Global Leader Award, with approximately US $140,000 for mentored career development. Grants from the National Institutes of Health help Arkansas-connected nonprofits collaborating with eligible LMIC investigators advance research in cancer, cardiovascular disease, mental health, women’s health, and related fields.

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.

Early-career research scientists in low- or middle-income countries with junior faculty appointments at LMIC academic or research institutions can apply for the Emerging Global Leader Award, with approximately US $140,000 to support mentored health research career development. Arkansas-based nonprofits hosting or partnering with eligible LMIC investigators may be able to participate in proposed projects.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations can seek funding for education-focused programs such as scholarships, tutoring, literacy, journalism, and youth initiatives, including work in Arkansas. Focused on education and community enrichment, John Ben Snow Memorial Trust invites proposals for US $5,000 - US $20,000 to support new or enhanced programs and related arts, youth, and community projects.

Arkansas nonprofits and institutions hosting health-related congresses, events, or initiatives can seek sponsorship funding for tangible benefits like exhibits, banners, or other recognition. Biogen Foundation provides support across areas such as neurology, dementia, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, lupus, ALS, stroke, and related conditions, with decisions influenced by event details and location.

Nonprofit 501(c) or 170(c) organizations in Arkansas working on economic and community development, education and workforce readiness, financial wellness, arts and culture, veterans, or disability services can receive matched donations through this program. Regions Bank provides up to US $1,000 per recent retiree annually when they give $25 or more and request a match.

Nonprofit organizations in Arkansas working in economic and community development, education and workforce readiness, financial wellness, arts and culture, veterans, or disability services may be eligible for matching gifts through Regions Bank’s program. Gifts are triggered by donations from full-time associates or recent retirees and must be to qualifying 501(c) or 170(c) organizations.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, including those in Arkansas, can seek general operating support for grassroots work in regenerative agriculture, healthy food access, climate justice, and environmental health. Focused on community-centered change, Clif Family Foundation offers US $5,000 - US $50,000 one-year grants, with priority for U.S.-based groups with strong local ties and budgets under $8 million.

Nonprofit and conservation organizations supporting regenerative agriculture and habitat conservation in Arkansas can seek US $250,000 - US $750,000 to provide technical assistance on private lands. National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s Conservation Partners Program funds management planning, implementing best practices, Farm Bill program participation, and sharing lessons learned to enhance soil, water, and wildlife outcomes.

Free and charitable clinics in Arkansas that are NAFC members can apply for the NAFC Healthcare Services Expansion Fund, offering US $30,000 - US $50,000 for launching or expanding clinical programs. Funding can support services like behavioral health, women’s health, chronic disease management, telehealth, dental, vision, mobile clinics, and other patient-centered care expansions.

Students pursuing natural resource-related degrees in Arkansas can use this scholarship funding for full-time study in fields like ecology, forestry, hydrology, or environmental education. With a mission to support higher education in environmental and natural resource fields, Community Foundation of Northern Illinois provides scholarships that may benefit college-bound individuals connected to conservation-focused nonprofits.

The OECD Conference Sponsorship aims to enhance scientific knowledge and provide essential information to influence policy decisions on sustainable resource use in food, agriculture, forestry, and fisheries. It supports international events that showcase innovative research and developments, inviting applications from scientists in these fields. The event sponsorship encourages collaboration among policymakers, industry, and academia, ensuring that research insights are effectively communicated and utilized in decision-making processes.

The RNRF Implementation/Collaboration Grants support innovative projects that enhance collaboration among stakeholders to address critical challenges in environmental, social, and economic systems. Offering up to $200,000 for initiatives lasting 12 months or more, these grants aim to implement evidence-based practices and facilitate multidisciplinary teamwork. Eligible applicants must be from 501c3 organizations in the U.S., ensuring alignment with RNRF's mission and focus areas, fostering sustainable and impactful outcomes.

The RNRF Planning and Small Grants program provides funding up to $50,000 to support projects that enhance collaboration among community partners in addressing critical environmental issues. Eligible applicants must be 501c3 organizations in the U.S. and demonstrate multidisciplinary cooperation. Projects should align with RNRF's mission and focus areas, including air quality, biodiversity, and renewable energy. The initiative aims to create sustainable and impactful outcomes by bridging research and practical implementation.

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 Siletz Tribal Charitable Contribution Fund, established by the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, has distributed over $16.3 million in grants since 1999. It supports charitable organizations and local governments in eleven Oregon counties, as well as Native American initiatives across the U.S. The fund prioritizes education, health, public safety, addiction prevention, housing, arts, and environmental preservation, ensuring the Tribe's commitment to community support and cultural heritage.

Sanofi Philanthropic Donations support non-profit organizations aligned with Health Equity, STEM Education Equity, and Local Communities. Applications are accepted year-round, with a review process of 8 to 16 weeks. The initiative focuses on improving healthcare access, fostering innovation, and addressing social determinants of health. Sanofi emphasizes collaboration and sustainable solutions, advocating for equal opportunities in health and education, and nurturing future talent to tackle medical challenges.

The FY26 Defense Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (DEPSCoR) aims to enhance research capabilities in eligible states by increasing the number of university researchers and institutions conducting relevant science and engineering research. Sponsored by the Department of Defense, this program will fund multiyear awards to promote research aligned with national security needs. Applications require a multi-stage submission process, emphasizing early registration and timely proposal submissions.