Best Youth Sports Grants in Arkansas

The Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) in Arkansas provides crucial funding for nonprofit organizations at high risk of terrorist attacks. With up to $2,400,000 available in 2025, individual awards can reach $200,000. This program focuses on enhancing security measures, closing capability gaps, and fostering collaboration among community representatives and government agencies. It aims to strengthen community preparedness through effective planning, training, and awareness campaigns, ensuring a comprehensive approach to safety and resilience.

The Southern Equality Research Grant, offered by the Campaign for Southern Equality, aims to empower students and early career researchers to conduct crucial studies on LGBTQ+ issues in the South. With over a third of LGBTQ+ Americans residing in this region, there is a significant need for research to address legal protections and social inequities. This initiative seeks to elevate the voices and experiences of LGBTQ+ Southerners, fostering a deeper understanding of the policies affecting their lives.

About Regions

Regions Financial Corporation is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation's largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas.

Regions Foundation

Regions Foundation supports community investments that positively impact the communities served by Regions Bank. The Foundation engages in a grantmaking program focused on priorities including economic and community development; education and workforce readiness; and financial wellness. The Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation funded primarily through contributions from Regions Bank.

Matching Gifts Program

Full-time associates and recent retirees (up to 5 years after retirement) of Regions and its affiliated companies can request a Regions Matching Gift to eligible organizations. The recipient organization must be a 501(c) or 170(c) organization located in the Regions footprint (except for accredited educational institutions, which may be located anywhere in the United States) and has a primary mission that clearly fits one of these categories:

• Economic and community development: Supporting economic prosperity through affordable housing, job creation, small-business development, homebuyer education and retention, neighborhood revitalization and stabilization, food security/hunger relief.
• Education and workforce readiness: Supporting career prosperity through student competency and skill building, college and career readiness, educational access and success, credential building and employment and educator training and resources.
• Financial wellness: Supporting financial prosperity through K-12 and college financial education, adult and workforce financial empowerment.
• Arts and culture: Organizations that promote visual or performing arts, historic or science museums, zoos, botanical gardens, libraries, parks or public radio and television.
• Service members and Veterans: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting U.S. military service members and veterans.
• Individuals with disabilities: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting individuals with disabilities.

Regions Matching Gifts for Full-Time Associates

Regions supports organizations important to our associates through the Regions Matching Gifts Program. This program, which is open for use for all full-time Regions associates, affiliate associates and recent retirees, allows you to make an even greater difference to your favorite charities by doubling your tax-deductible contributions to these organizations. 

The Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation Mini Grants support innovative community-based oral health initiatives across Arkansas. With grants up to $2,500, eligible non-profits can implement projects focused on providing oral health supplies, education, prevention, and treatment services. Applications are accepted year-round and evaluated bi-monthly, ensuring timely funding for impactful solutions in oral health. This initiative aims to enhance oral health awareness and access to care in local communities.

The Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation’s Community Grant program aims to enhance oral health across Arkansas by supporting nonprofit organizations and community initiatives focused on education and access to dental care for underserved populations. Since its inception in 2008, the program has prioritized projects that provide preventive and treatment services, ensuring equitable access to oral health resources for individuals of all ages and backgrounds in need.

Investing in Our Communities

Regions Bank and Regions Foundation are committed to helping individuals, families, and businesses achieve financial success.

We work alongside nonprofit organizations, local businesses, government and service agencies to address social and economic issues, assist in building inclusive economic prosperity and help more members of our communities benefit from the rewards of a growing economy.

We make strategic and disciplined community investments in programs that seek to achieve three target outcomes:

Economic and Community Development

• Affordable housing
• Job creation
• Small business development
• Homebuyer education and retention
• Neighborhood revitalization and stabilization

Education and Workforce Readiness

• Student competency and skill building
• College and career readiness
• Educational access and success
• Credential building and employment
• Educator training and resources

Financial Wellness

• Financial education to youth, adults, and vulnerable populations
• Financial planning tools and resources, including Regions Next Step®
• Integrated asset-building

The Small Museum Grants Program aims to support Arkansas's cultural heritage by providing up to $2,500 in funding to community-based museums. Eligible organizations include history museums, historical societies, and military museums, among others. The program prioritizes museums with operating budgets of $250,000 or less and emphasizes educational programming that benefits the public. This initiative enhances the preservation and presentation of Arkansas's rich history and cultural resources.

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.

The FY26 Defense Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (DEPSCoR) Capacity Building opportunity aims to enhance the capabilities of university researchers in eligible states. Managed by the DoD, this initiative focuses on increasing the number of researchers capable of conducting relevant science and engineering research. The program also seeks to strengthen institutions of higher education and improve their competitiveness for federal research funding, ultimately fostering long-term growth in financial assistance for scientific research.

TC Energy’s Build Strong program supports vital organizations in communities near its operations. By providing grants, scholarships, and in-kind support, the program aims to enhance safety, education, environmental protection, and community well-being. Eligible applicants include non-profits and community groups addressing local needs. Ineligible activities include operational expenses and for-profit endeavors. The program prioritizes projects demonstrating measurable community impact, fostering a collaborative relationship between TC Energy and local stakeholders.

The Arkansas Access to Justice Foundation offers grants aimed at improving civil legal aid for low-income individuals in Arkansas. With $100,000 in total funding available, organizations can apply for up to $50,000 to provide direct legal services, develop self-help resources, or promote alternative dispute resolution. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government entities in good standing. This initiative seeks to enhance access to justice for those who cannot afford legal representation.

The MFA Oil Foundation Grant offers cash support to nonprofit organizations focused on enhancing communities where MFA Oil operates. With a mission to bolster rural areas, the foundation prioritizes initiatives that develop youth leadership, agricultural education, and community problem-solving. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt nonprofits and accredited educational institutions. However, grants are not available for operating expenses, political lobbying, or individual support. This initiative seeks to empower organizations that create sustainable change in their communities.

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 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 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 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 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 Curtis H. Sykes Memorial Grant Program supports African American historic preservation and public programming projects in Arkansas. It welcomes applications year-round for initiatives such as historical research, exhibits, and community heritage projects. Key focus areas include projects that enhance African American history, document heritage, and promote collaborative efforts. The program prioritizes first-time applicants and has specific criteria for eligibility and funding restrictions to ensure impactful and sustainable projects.

The Historic Preservation Restoration Grant, provided by the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program, supports the restoration of properties listed on the Arkansas Register of Historic Places and cemeteries on the National Register. Grants range from $5,000 to $10,000, requiring a cash match for funding. The program emphasizes maintaining historical integrity and promotes community engagement through revitalization efforts, ensuring that Arkansas's cultural heritage is preserved for future generations.

The Bank of America Charitable Foundation focuses on supporting organizations that empower communities through basic needs, income creation, and stable housing. By investing in health and job opportunities, they aim to enhance economic mobility for low- and moderate-income families. Their partnerships target vulnerable populations, ensuring equitable access to resources that foster community vitality and resilience. This initiative emphasizes the importance of stable housing as a foundation for personal and communal growth.

The Arkansas Historic Marker Program Grants, initiated by the Division of Arkansas Heritage in 2017, aim to preserve and promote Arkansas's cultural and historic resources. By commemorating significant people, places, and events, the program fosters community engagement and educates the public about local history. Markers serve as lasting tributes to Arkansas's heritage, with a focus on both statewide and local histories, ensuring that the state's rich narrative is acknowledged and celebrated.

The Arkansas Black Hall of Fame Grant, provided by the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame Foundation, aims to support Arkansas nonprofits that positively impact underserved populations, particularly African Americans. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, hospitals, and public schools focusing on education, health, youth development, and economic growth. Proposals demonstrating community benefit, organizational capacity, project evaluation, sustainability, and collaboration are favored, especially those addressing COVID-19 impacts.

The Arkansas Community Foundation is offering the Access to Local Foods Grants, aimed at enhancing local food access in Arkansas. This competitive grant program will award eight grants of $15,000 each to projects that support minority specialty crop farmers, innovative aggregation strategies, and collaboration within the local food ecosystem. Eligible applicants include 501c3 public charities and organizations with significant operations in Arkansas, focusing on community food access and overcoming barriers in local food production.

The Region VIII Scholarship, offered by ASHRAE, is a one-year award for undergraduate pre-engineering or engineering students attending accredited institutions within Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma, and Mexico. Eligible applicants must maintain a GPA of at least 3.0 or rank in the top 30% of their class. Scholarships support students pursuing degrees related to HVAC&R, fostering future leaders in sustainable built environments.

The FUN Park Grants, managed by the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, aim to enhance local outdoor recreation facilities for small communities with populations of 7,500 or less. Grants can provide up to $100,000, with a focus on projects like playgrounds, sports courts, and pavilions. Emphasizing accessibility, these grants prioritize projects that balance active and passive recreation, ensuring they cater to all community members while adhering to ADA guidelines.

The Globe Life Texas Rangers Baseball and Softball Grant Program supports nonprofit baseball and softball initiatives across five states, including Texas and Arkansas. This program aims to enhance youth sports by providing funding for essential needs such as field renovations, equipment, and uniforms. Since 2012, it has awarded over $1.1 million to more than 150 organizations, ensuring children have access to the joy and community of sports. Grants are available to 501(c)(3) organizations serving youth aged 18 and under.

About QuikTripQuikTrip believes in investing in the communities in which our employees live and work. Every year, QuikTrip donates 5% of our annual net profit to qualified 501c3 non-profit agencies, which includes our United Way campaign match, support for National Safe Place agencies, Folds of Honor scholarships and many other agencies that support at-risk youth and early childhood education.Mission: To wisely invest dollars in community efforts that will help impact (in measurable terms) individuals in our society who are dependent on the charitable support of others. We believe the most effective way to do that is to invest our contribution dollars and volunteers in strategic efforts that help those at risk reach their functional capacity as successful, independent citizens.About QuikTrip Charitable GrantsQuikTrip funds 501c3 agencies located in the cities in which we have stores and our employees live and work. Funding can include: “in-kind” products (coupons, gift cards or product donation), formal grants, fundraiser/event sponsorships and employee volunteer time.Focus Areas:

• Creating Safe Communities
  • First Responders: QuikTrip is proud to partner with law enforcement and first responders in every market we serve, making sure that they have the tools, training and support they need to keep our communities safe and to return home safely to their families after each shift.
  • Homeless Outreach & Alternatives to Police Response: To significantly reduce non-emergency calls and help people in crisis get back on their feet, QuikTrip funds dedicated homeless outreach teams across our communities. These teams engage individuals experiencing homelessness and living in encampments – connecting people to services, shelter, detox and long-term care.

• Creating Strong Communities
  • Ending Homelessness: We support emergency, transitional and permanent supportive housing, diversion and prevention programs, and more.
  • Mental Health & Substance Abuse : We know that healthy communities are safe communities, which is why we invest in detox and substance abuse treatment centers, and behavioral health centers and services to end the perpetuation of cycles of trauma and addiction.
  • At-Risk Youth: We especially prioritize services for at-risk youth – those aging out of foster care, justice-involved or without stable support systems.
• Additional Community Commitments
  • United Way: Employee donation matching in all markets.
  • Folds of Honor: Scholarships for families of fallen or wounded service members and first responders.
  • National Safe Place: QT stores serve as Safe Place locations for youth in crisis, with trained staff ready to assist.