Best Recycling Grants in Arkansas

Arkansas nonprofits supporting children, education, or health and human services can access funding via Costco Foundation for monetary program needs. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations requesting cash support only. Recycling or environmental programs that primarily serve youth, education, or human services in Arkansas communities may be considered if they meet these priorities.

Arkansas 501(c)(3) nonprofits with innovative approaches to human and social services, community development, environment, or related issues can access funding through Creag Foundation to address pressing social problems. Organizations with creative recycling or waste-reduction programs that represent new solutions or tackle previously unaddressed needs may be invited to submit a letter of inquiry.

Early-stage, impact-first nonprofits and mission-driven startups in Arkansas tackling urgent social or environmental problems can apply for Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation support; awards up to US $300,000 for scalable solutions. Organizations should serve underserved communities, operate post-pilot and pre-scale, and demonstrate potential to reach at least 10,000 people within five years.

Nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations using technology for crisis response, education access, economic empowerment, or climate resilience can apply for Global Impact Cash Grants, with awards up to US $100,000. Focused on innovative, tech-enabled solutions for underserved communities, Cisco Systems Foundation invites programs worldwide, including Arkansas, that address significant social challenges and serve predominantly economically underserved populations.

Educational institutions, government programs, and eligible nonprofits in Arkansas can seek funding for safety, education, and community development projects from State Farm Companies Foundation. With a mission to build safer, stronger communities, State Farm provides support for initiatives like disaster preparedness, affordable housing, financial literacy, job training, and K–12 or higher education programs across the U.S.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) cultural institutions with audited expenses over $2 million can apply for the Hearst Foundation’s Culture Grant, awarding more than US $100,000 for arts and science programs. Arkansas organizations offering arts education, STEAM initiatives, or artist development that reach large populations and show measurable impact may be competitive.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on health, education, or community programs in Arkansas may be eligible for support that strengthens local services and opportunities. Focused on community well-being, Labcorp Charitable Foundation funds efforts like food pantries, healthcare for underserved populations, STEM education, and healthy lifestyle initiatives, which may complement recycling or sustainability-related community projects.

Arkansas education and youth-focused organizations can access funding through Michael & Susan Dell Foundation to support or scale programs serving urban children and families in poverty. Eligible U.S. entities include nonprofits, schools, social enterprises, governments, and other charitable organizations requesting more than US $50,000 for education, health and wellness, or family economic stability initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations funding charitable, scientific, medical, educational, or recycling-related work in Arkansas can apply for grants that must be used in the U.S. Grants from Sidney Stern Memorial Trust help well-managed groups expand services with broad impact and materially improve the general welfare of the communities they serve.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on environmental conservation, community services, or peacebuilding in Arkansas may be eligible for support from the Dudley T Dougherty Foundation. With a mission to respect all life and the environment, this private foundation provides funding for charitable initiatives that advance positive change in a changing world.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and qualified local government entities in Arkansas communities near Georgia-Pacific facilities can apply for Georgia-Pacific Foundation grants to support education, environment, entrepreneurship, and community enrichment programs. Eligible Arkansas recycling and waste-reduction initiatives may be competitive if they advance environmental stewardship and the long-term well-being of local GP communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Arkansas addressing basic needs, at-risk youth enrichment, workforce readiness, or domestic violence services may be eligible for funding, if located within 15 miles of a TJX site. Focused on community support, TJX Foundation invites aligned nonprofits to submit an eligibility questionnaire and, if qualified, a letter of inquiry.

Arkansas 501(c)(3) public charities, public schools, and libraries can seek $5,000 - $10,000 in unrestricted operating or program support for environmental and human services work. Arkansas organizations with recycling or broader environmental programs may be eligible for national funding from the Lawrence Foundation.

Nonprofit organizations in Arkansas and across the U.S. can seek US $1,000 - US $20,000 to support community-based programs and facilities. Grants from Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation help fund museums, cultural and performing arts, schools and hospitals, youth and senior services, disability programs, environmental and wildlife protection, and related initiatives.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Arkansas can seek project funding in education, social services, health care, civic and cultural, or environmental programs via the Dr Scholl Foundation. Focused on broad community improvement, this annual grant program offers US $5,000 - US $25,000 for one-year initiatives, with most awards going to U.S.-based applicants.

Nonprofit organizations in Arkansas working on wildlife conservation, food and waste management, or related environmental efforts can use this grant to tell powerful stories about their impact. Grants from Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation help eligible 501(c)(3)s and aligned for-profits create storytelling projects that highlight preservation, education, or wellness initiatives; awards are more than US $50,000.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Arkansas working on recycling and broader environmental sustainability can apply for Union Pacific Foundation’s Community Ties Local Grants, offering US $5,000 - US $30,000 for program-specific projects. Funding supports initiatives like waste reduction, community recycling, environmental stewardship, and related education in communities served by Union Pacific.

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.

Arkansas environmental and conservation-focused 501(c)(3) organizations serving communities below the Mason-Dixon line can access funding through the Robinson Foundation for programs in nature and wildlife conservation, disaster relief, or poverty relief. Eligible nonprofits must be at least three years old, seek single-year program support, and demonstrate tangible, meaningful impact rather than capital projects.

Nonprofit organizations across the U.S. that lead strong, replicable community partnerships can apply for the Community Partnership Award, which recognizes collaborative solutions to significant social issues. With a mission to strengthen communities, Mutual of America Foundation provides national recognition that Arkansas recycling and sustainability initiatives may leverage to highlight impactful cross-sector partnerships.

Non-sectarian nonprofits supporting disadvantaged people through poverty relief, disability services, social services, or disaster relief in Arkansas and other eligible countries can apply for Gupta Family Foundation grants. Awards of US $5,000 - US $250,000 support smaller organizations, typically 501(c)(3)s or qualified foreign entities, with strong founder-led leadership and high direct-benefit impact.

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.

Small Arkansas municipalities and sponsored unincorporated communities can receive up to US $100,000 to build or renovate public outdoor recreation facilities such as playgrounds, courts, trails, and picnic areas. Administered by the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, this no-match FUN Park Grant may benefit parks that incorporate recycling stations or waste-reduction features.