Best Workforce Grants in Arkansas

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, government entities, and qualifying foundations in Arkansas can seek funding for STEM education, basic needs like hunger and housing, and social justice initiatives. Grants from American Electric Power Foundation help Arkansas organizations that may also offer workforce preparation and job readiness programs within AEP’s multistate service territory.

Nonprofit organizations in Arkansas counties where BOK Financial operates may receive funding for workforce development, job training, and broader economic development initiatives. Grants from BOKF Foundation help Arkansas workforce preparation and job readiness programs, as well as efforts in education, basic needs, health care access, poverty alleviation, and community safety.

501(c)(3) nonprofits in Arkansas working on workforce preparation, safe and affordable housing, or community arts and culture can apply for the Community Possible Grant Program. New and emerging organizations submit a letter of interest, while established partners apply by invitation. U.S. Bank Foundation prioritizes organizations in its service communities that advance equity and may address multiple pillars of work, home, and play.

Arkansas 501(c)(3) nonprofits with innovative approaches to human services and other social issues can access funding through the Creag Foundation to launch or expand creative solutions. Organizations working on workforce preparation and job readiness may be eligible if their programs introduce new ways to tackle employment-related challenges and have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year.

Arkansas workforce preparation and job readiness nonprofits serving youth can access funding through Dan Paul Foundation for programs that advance education, development, health, and welfare. 501(c)(3) organizations worldwide may receive up to US $15,000 for initiatives such as early childhood development, youth enrichment, scholarships, and support for underprivileged or refugee youth that align with the foundation’s mission.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

Nonprofit and NGO workforce programs using technology for job readiness, economic empowerment, or education in Arkansas and beyond can apply for Global Impact Cash Grants up to US $100,000. Focused on tech-enabled crisis response, education, and economic empowerment, Cisco Systems Foundation invites innovative, early-stage solutions serving mostly economically underserved communities.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

Nonprofit and community organizations focused on workforce preparation and job readiness in Arkansas and worldwide can seek funding to advance health, education, and humanitarian support for marginalized communities. With a mission to empower vulnerable populations, Semnani Family Foundation provides support for programs such as health care access, literacy, and social services that may complement workforce initiatives.

Arkansas 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on workforce preparation, basic needs, housing, or community development can access funding through Bank of America Charitable Foundation’s sponsorship program. Grants support job readiness, education for 21st-century careers, hunger and emergency shelter, neighborhood preservation, arts and culture, environmental initiatives, and diversity and inclusion efforts across low- and moderate-income communities in the U.S.

Arkansas workforce preparation and job readiness nonprofits serving the Southern region can access funding through the Robinson Foundation for programs that relieve hardship and support children, families, education, veterans, and poverty relief. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) public charities active for more than three years seeking single-year, non-capital support.

Nonprofit and community organizations improving workforce readiness, education, health, human services, arts, or conservation in Miller County, Arkansas can access funding from the T L L Temple Foundation. Grants up to US $5,000,000 support general operations, projects, capital improvements, and capacity building that help break the cycle of poverty and expand opportunity for local residents.

The Georgia-Pacific Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Metro Atlanta area, focusing on education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental sustainability. Established in 1958, the foundation prioritizes investments that align with its mission and values, promoting long-term well-being within communities where Georgia-Pacific operates. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities located within 30 miles of GP manufacturing sites.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Arkansas offering workforce readiness training or out-of-school opportunities for at-risk youth may be eligible for funding, if located within 15 miles of a TJX store, distribution center, or office. Focused on workforce preparation and basic needs, TJX Foundation invites aligned nonprofits with nondiscrimination policies to begin with an eligibility questionnaire and letter of inquiry.

Arkansas workforce preparation and job readiness nonprofits, public schools, and libraries can seek unrestricted funding for environmental, human services, disaster relief, or other community programs. Lawrence Foundation offers US $5,000 - US $10,000 program or operating grants to U.S.-headquartered 501(c)(3) public charities and similar organizations, with flexibility for reasonable indirect costs.

Nonprofit organizations in Arkansas offering workforce preparation, job readiness, or related community programs can apply for US $1,000 - US $20,000 in support. Grants from Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation also fund education, cultural programs, youth and senior services, disability services, health facilities, and environmental and wildlife initiatives across the U.S.

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.

Arkansas 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting workforce preparation, job readiness, or related basic needs may be eligible for these Ameriprise Financial grants, part of a national program. Grants from Ameriprise Financial help organizations addressing adult self-sufficiency, hunger, shelter, community development, and cultural enrichment, with priority for communities near Ameriprise employee centers and strong Ameriprise volunteer engagement.

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.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

Workforce development nonprofits in Arkansas can seek US $5,000 - US $30,000 to deliver job readiness, STEM, vocational training, and barrier-removal programs for underrepresented residents. With a mission to strengthen local communities, Union Pacific Foundation provides Local Grants across its rail-served communities for safety, workforce, community vitality, and environmental sustainability initiatives.

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 workforce and housing organizations with proven, ready-to-scale affordable housing innovations can access funding through Enterprise Community Partners, with five individual grants of US $2,000,000 available nationwide. Eligible nonprofits, mission-oriented for-profits, and qualified public or tribal housing entities may apply for projects in design and construction, finance, or service delivery and programs serving low- and moderate-income residents.

Nonprofit organizations across the U.S. that lead strong, replicable community partnerships can receive national recognition and support through the Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award. With a mission to honor exemplary collaborations, the foundation provides awards to initiatives addressing significant social issues; Arkansas workforce preparation and job readiness programs may be competitive if they feature robust cross-sector partnerships.

Nonprofit organizations helping disadvantaged people become self-reliant can seek US $5,000 - US $250,000 to support focused intervention and humanitarian programs, including in Arkansas. Gupta Family Foundation supports smaller, non-sectarian groups worldwide, with a strong preference that at least 90% of grant funds reach beneficiaries and leadership deeply committed to the mission.

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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.