Best Benton County Grants for Nonprofits in Arkansas

Grants from Ferguson help Benton County, Arkansas 501(c)(3) nonprofits fund affordable housing, neighborhood revitalization, skilled trades training, clean water, sanitation, and community wellbeing projects. Eligible organizations must be within Ferguson’s geographic footprint and based in the U.S., serving local communities through these focus areas.

K–12 schools and education-focused organizations in Benton County, Arkansas can seek funding for experiential conservation education, including field trip transportation, entry fees, and related curriculum or programming costs. Community Foundation of the Ozarks requires a 1:1 cash match from grantees, with applications reviewed on a rolling basis and decisions typically made within two weeks.

Student and faculty-led aerospace research teams at Arkansas Space Grant Consortium affiliate campuses in Benton County, Arkansas can seek funding for collaborative space-related projects that build workforce skills and academic capacity. Grants from the Arkansas Space Grant Consortium support interdisciplinary research that advances space science, engineering, technology development, and STEM education, helping projects compete for larger awards and commercial opportunities.

Arts-focused 501(c)(3) organizations in Benton County, Arkansas with at least three years of presenting quality arts projects can seek US $5,000 - US $30,000 for general operating, program, or project support. ArtsMemphis’ FedEx Arts Program prioritizes community engagement, youth development, workforce-related arts initiatives, and programs serving children and families in low to moderate income neighborhoods.

Faculty researchers at Arkansas higher education institutions in aerospace engineering or space science can seek up to US $90,000 for collaborative research involving at least two affiliate campuses in Benton County, Arkansas and across the state. Focus areas include space-related research, technology development, workforce development, and projects that can attract larger federal or industry funding and commercial opportunities.

Public middle schools running PLTW Gateway programs in Benton County, Arkansas can access funding through Project Lead The Way to expand their existing STEM curriculum. Grants of US $10,000 may cover PLTW participation fees, required technology, program equipment and supplies, and PLTW Core Training costs, including related travel, room, and board.

Landowners and conservation-focused entities in Benton County, Arkansas can apply for Arkansas Agriculture Department’s Forest Legacy funding; awards up to US $7,000,000 for conserving threatened forest land through fee title or conservation easement purchases. Eligible tracts must lie in designated Forest Legacy Areas, be environmentally important, and include a 25% non-federal cost share.

International Paper Grants focus on community engagement, emphasizing education, hunger relief, health & wellness, and disaster relief. They support nonprofit organizations that demonstrate good financial standing and effective management. Eligible organizations must operate in areas where International Paper has facilities. The foundation prioritizes local needs, particularly critical and environmental issues, while encouraging employee involvement. Ineligible entities include private foundations and those without a local presence. Applications are accepted through mid-September in the U.S. and Canada.

Nonprofit organizations in Benton County, Arkansas working on basic needs, education, economic development, or community safety can apply for grants from BOKF Foundation. Funding supports efforts that enhance quality of life and economic wellbeing in communities where the funder operates, and applications are accepted online throughout the year.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Benton County, Arkansas can access funding for community programs and systemic issue projects through Tyson Foods; awards range from US $500 - US $5,000. Tyson Foods prioritizes groups serving underserved, minority, and rural communities and requires support from the local Tyson plant facility for proposed initiatives.

Nonprofit organizations in Benton County, Arkansas working on community development, education, workforce readiness, or financial wellness can seek support for programs that build inclusive economic prosperity. Regions Bank partners with nonprofits, local businesses, and agencies to fund initiatives in economic and community development, education and workforce readiness, and financial wellness in communities it serves.

Nonprofit organizations serving Benton County, Arkansas can apply for First Horizon Foundation’s grants supporting arts and culture, education and leadership, environmental sustainability, financial literacy, and health and human services. Eligible 501(c)(3)s in Benton County and nearby Arkansas communities may benefit from project or program support aligned with these focus areas.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, government entities, and faith-based groups in Benton County, Arkansas can apply for Walmart Foundation’s Northwest Arkansas Giving Program; awards US $20,000 - US $100,000 for healthier food access initiatives. Funding supports nutrition education, improved access to federal nutrition programs, and innovative food recovery models serving underserved communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and schools in Benton County, Arkansas can seek sponsorships or charitable contributions for community events and programs that support thriving communities, conservation, or future leaders. With a mission to strengthen local communities, Black Hills Corporation Foundation provides funding for critical needs, youth education, environmental stewardship, and related initiatives within its service territory.

The Brinker International Charitable Giving Program focuses on giving back to communities through support for kids, hunger, and education. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501c(3) non-profits and submit requests at least six weeks prior to events. The program does not support individuals, political or religious organizations, or explicit discrimination policies. Funding is provided through monetary donations or in-kind contributions like dining certificates.

Nonprofit organizations in Benton County, Arkansas can apply for Walmart Foundation’s Northwest Arkansas Giving event sponsorships to support either fundraising galas or large-scale community events. Eligible 501(c)(3)s may receive sponsorship for one event per year in each category, with activities focused on engaging, educating, and celebrating residents in the Northwest Arkansas region.

Nonprofit organizations enhancing arts, culture, or recreation spaces in Benton County, Arkansas can apply for Walmart’s Strengthening Communities – Caring and Connected NWA Grant. This program supports projects that improve access to arts and recreation and strengthen community connections for residents of Benton and neighboring Washington County.

The Arkansas Space Grant Consortium (ASGC) is offering the Student Intensive Training (SIT) Award aimed at undergraduate students interested in aerospace research. This program supports multiple student projects within a single STEM study area, fostering collaboration and innovation. While several undergraduate projects may be funded, graduate students may have restrictions on participation. This initiative enhances educational opportunities and encourages exploration in critical aerospace topics.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Benton County, Arkansas that promote safety and responsibility in sports or outdoor activities, or support first responder programs, can access funding through Academy Sports + Outdoors. Eligible initiatives must serve collective groups and take place in a community with a local Academy store; proposals are due 90 days before the event.

About Us

The Arkansas Development Finance Authority (ADFA) is dedicated to promoting economic growth and community development across the state. Since 1985, ADFA has provided affordable financing options for business expansion, affordable housing, infrastructure, public health initiatives, and higher education funding.

Request for Proposals

Administration and Implementation of the Single-Family New Construction Program Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR 2025)

The Arkansas Development Finance Authority (ADFA) is seeking proposals from qualified firms to administer and oversee the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) 2025 Single-Family New Construction (SFNC) Program.

The successful firm must demonstrate direct experience in the design and implementation of CDBG-DR or other HUD-funded housing programs, including housing development, construction oversight, environmental compliance, and long-term recovery program management. Expertise in federal requirements established under 2 CFR Part 200, 24 CFR Part 58, 24 CFR Part 570, and 24 CFR Part 75 will be viewed as an added benefit.

The selected firm will be responsible for assisting the State in the design and for implementation of all aspects of the Single-Family New Construction Program in alignment with the Arkansas CDBGDR 2025 Action Plan and the HUD Universal Notice (90 FR 1754, March 19, 2025 as amended).

East End Neighborhood Association Scholarship Fund

Mission Statement

The sole purpose of this fund shall be to support agencies and other charitable causes as recommended by the Fund Advisors and approved by the Board of the Community Foundation.

Rene Hernandez Scholarship Fund

Hispanic graduating seniors in Travis and Williamson county.

Awards

• (1) $2,000.00

YWCA Chester County Fund

Mission Statement

A primary focus of the YWCA Chester County Fund is to provide scholarships to women, primarily non-traditional students, to continue their education.

National Academy of Construction

Purpose: The purpose of the Academy is to establish a body of acknowledged construction industry leaders and to provide them recognition through election to the National Academy of Construction. It also offers their collective experience and expertise for the improvement of the industry. The Academy shows recognition to fresh and novel industry achievement with appropriate awards programs. Another important purpose of the Academy is to provide a network system of linkage between past and present participants in the construction industry.

NAC Scholarship

• Members of the National Academy of Construction (NAC) established this scholarship to provide funding for undergraduate and graduate students pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in construction or a closely related field and who intend to pursue a career in the construction industry.
• NAC’s mission is to recognize and honor individuals from all disciplines in the industry for their distinguished contributions to the industry and to share this reservoir of expertise as a service to the nation, including service contributions. It is one of the nation’s esteemed construction industry institutions, characterized by its extensive and diverse expertise, proven leadership, and trusted judgment.
• NAC is committed to diversity and inclusiveness in the construction industry. The intent of this scholarship is to provide financial support for two semesters for deserving students who plan to pursue careers in the construction industry, thus giving back to the profession some of the benefits that its members have received.

Since the scholarship program’s inception in 2020, NAC has awarded 36 scholarships worth over $203,000 to students from across the country.

Only one applicant is permitted from each university. There are no exceptions to this requirement. If more than one application is received from a university, the university will be notified and asked to choose one applicant.

Scholarship recipients will be invited to attend the NAC Annual Meeting. NAC will cover registration for this event and work with the recipients, their universities and others to identify sources of funding to cover travel expenses to attend. Attendance at the Annual Meeting is not required.

W. Thomas Musser Memorial Charitable Fund

Mission Statement

This fund has been initiated in memory of W. Thomas Musser (Tom Musser) and will provide grants to charitable organizations whose missions and activities most closely reflect those that Tom believed in and supported during his life time. A component of the fund will also be used to provide scholarships to individuals pursuing post-secondary education.

Scholarship

The W. Thomas Musser Memorial Scholarship Fund has been established to honor the life and legacy of W. Thomas (Tom) Musser. Tom believed deeply in the importance of education and life-long learning. 

John L. and Linda D. Bohnel Scholarship Fund

Must be attending a college or university that partners with Upswing.

Awards

• (5) $1,000.00

Scott Elliott Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Scott Elliott Memorial Scholarship was established in 2019 by the family and friends of Scott Elliott after he lost his courageous battle against cancer. As a way to honor his legacy, the Scott Elliott Memorial Scholarship incorporates Scott’s life-long passion and commitment to swimming and education. He swam competitively for most of his life, and eventually would go on to become a swimming coach and mentor for 20 years at various clubs and programs around West Chester.

Scott’s impact on the West Chester swimming community is unmatchable. He was able to transform a pool deck into a magical place for so many people—a place where the strongest friendships were formed, the most intimidating obstacles were overcome, and new realizations of one’s potential began to take hold. The lessons Scott taught will not be forgotten, the memories he forged will not diminish.

The level of dedication Scott showed for swimming was only exceeded by his devotion to his wife and two children, Trevor and Piper. Scott was a very involved, loving parent and partner. He led by example through his commitment to bettering the community, his charismatic and approachable personality, his dedication to the sport of swimming, and his ever-relenting ability to persevere given any circumstance. Along with the many memories Scott’s friends and family will share along the way, the Scott Elliott Memorial Scholarship Fund will serve as a constant reminder of their father’s giving nature and very beloved personality.

In Scott’s tenure as a coach and mentor, he encouraged positive development among his swimmers both in and out of the pool. This scholarship embodies Scott’s commitment to helping others become the best version of themselves.

In addition to the Scott Elliott Memorial Scholarship Fund, supporters can remember and honor Scott by participating in the Annual Run to Find a Way #ScottStrong. The most recent run was held on June 4th, 2022. Visit the Run Sign Up Website by clicking here to register for this event.