Best Craighead County Grants for Nonprofits in Arkansas

The Positively Memphis Community Grant focuses on enhancing educational opportunities in the Mid-South, providing grants between $1,000 and $25,000 to eligible nonprofit organizations and educational institutions. By prioritizing programs that improve access to learning resources, the grant aims to foster community growth and positive change. Applications are accepted quarterly, with specific focus areas to address the evolving needs of the community and ensure impactful support for local initiatives.

The Giving Tree – Early Literacy Grants, offered by the Arkansas Community Foundation, aim to enhance early literacy among children. These grants support initiatives that engage parents, improve school readiness, bolster classroom instruction, and address attendance issues. They are designed for 501c3 nonprofits, schools, and government entities. By focusing on various aspects of early education, these grants seek to ensure that every child in Arkansas has the resources and support necessary to thrive academically.

The AR Forest Legacy Program aims to protect threatened forest areas from conversion to non-forest uses through the purchase of conservation easements or fee simple titles. This federal program, funded up to 75%, is available to states with significant forest land, including Arkansas since 2004. The program prioritizes projects that maintain environmental integrity and economic viability, supporting sustainable forest management while enhancing biodiversity and recreational opportunities.

The First Horizon Foundation Grant Program in Arkansas focuses on improving community welfare through grants that support arts, education, environment, financial literacy, and health services. By investing in these key areas, the foundation aims to enhance the well-being of communities, promote the development of future leaders, and ensure a sustainable future. Organizations in Northeast, Northwest, and Little Rock, AR, are eligible, while individual support and certain types of organizations are excluded.

The Positively Memphis Community Grant supports nonprofits in the Mid-South, offering grants between $1,000 and $25,000 for initiatives that drive positive change. The program, linked to the FedEx St. Jude Championship, focuses on empowering organizations that align with community needs. Quarterly applications prioritize specific focus areas, ensuring targeted support to maximize impact. This grant aims to strengthen the Memphis community through collaborative efforts and meaningful engagement.

The Community Foundation of Greater Memphis offers Nonprofit Capacity Building Grants to enhance the organizational health of nonprofits in the Mid-South. These one-time financial grants, averaging $15,000 with a total of $210,000 available, are for projects that improve governance and management, rather than direct programming. Organizations must raise matching funds dollar-for-dollar to leverage additional resources. Eligibility requires a reviewed profile on LIVEGIVEmidsouth.org and meeting specific operational criteria.

The Positively Memphis Community Grant supports nonprofit organizations in the Memphis area, providing funding between $1,000 and $25,000 for initiatives that promote health, wellness, and sports. This grant aims to empower organizations that align with the mission of creating positive change and strengthening the Mid-South community. Applications are accepted quarterly, focusing on various priority areas to address community needs effectively.

Delta Workforce Grant Program

The Delta Workforce Grant Program (DWP) is an initiative designed to build long-term community capacity and increase economic competitiveness by providing grants to support workforce training and education programs throughout the lower Mississippi River Delta and Alabama Black Belt regions.

DWP supports projects and initiatives that create a more vibrant economic future for the Delta region by expanding opportunities to recruit, train, and retain a diverse and local workforce; aligning workforce and economic development strategies; creating sustainable talent pipelines; establishing or enhancing locally/regionally significant sector-based partnerships; and supporting enhanced workforce productivity through investments in innovative programming or services.

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.

The Entergy Micro Grants Program offers funding of up to $1,000 for various initiatives including arts, education, and community improvement. Eligible organizations are typically 501(c)(3) non-profits, schools, or government entities. Applications should be submitted at least three months in advance, as review times can take 8 to 12 weeks. Notably, grants will not be awarded to individuals or for capital projects, political activities, or religious purposes.

Academy Sports + Outdoors, a leading sporting goods retailer, supports community initiatives by providing donations to registered 501(c)(3) organizations. Their focus is on promoting safety and responsibility in sports and outdoor activities. Proposals must foster community engagement and must not be affiliated with religious or political groups. Events should take place in areas with Academy stores, ensuring a positive local impact while encouraging active lifestyles and connection among community members.

The BNSF Railway Foundation provides grants to enhance community quality of life across 28 states, focusing on educational, cultural, and social service initiatives. With over $150 million contributed since 2000, the foundation emphasizes projects with strong local engagement and BNSF employee involvement. Eligible organizations include public charities, local governments, and tribal governments, while ineligible entities encompass religious organizations and those with discriminatory practices. Priority is given to environmental, health, and cultural projects.

The Arkansas Space Grant Consortium invites applications for the Collaborative Research Program (CRP) aimed at fostering aerospace-related research. This initiative provides seed funding to support interdisciplinary projects that enhance workforce development and increase academic involvement in aerospace technology and education. The program emphasizes collaboration between at least two campuses in Arkansas, particularly encouraging participation from underrepresented groups in the field. Applicants are encouraged to leverage additional federal or industry funding for their projects.

United Way of Northeast Arkansas 

United Way seeks to improve lives across Northeast Arkansas by mobilizing the caring power of our community. From strengthening local resiliency to advancing health, youth opportunity, and financial security, United Way of Northeast Arkansas seeks to achieve a community where all can thrive. 

United Way offers an opportunity for donors to unite under one umbrella in order to create change. Its mission is accomplished through data collection and measurement, initiatives and collaborations, and the funding of local nonprofit programs. 

Community Impact Grant 

Community Impact Grants are available to organizations that serve or operate in Clay, Craighead, Cross, Greene, Jackson, Lawrence, Poinsett, Randolph, and Mississippi counties.

Our Focus and Priorities

Successful applicants will present programmatic needs and demonstrate how grant funding would strengthen the work of their agency within United Way's focus areas:

• Youth Opportunity - We create pathways for young people to reach their goals, from early childhood education to college and career success. Together, we are helping young people realize their full potential.

• Financial Security - We connect people to education, tools, and job training so they have financial freedom and peace of mind. Together, we can create a stronger financial future for every generation.

• Healthy Community - We improve access to nutritious food and quality health education and services, so people have the resources they need to lead healthy lives. Together, we can improve health and well-being for all.

• Community Resiliency - We help communities prepare for, prevent, and respond to challenges, from crisis support and disaster relief to environmental protection. Together, we can address urgent needs today for a better tomorrow. 

In addition, grant applicants must demonstrate how their work identifies and directly impacts one or both of our target populations:

• Individuals and families living in or below the ALICE threshold (visit www.unitedforalice.org/arkansas for more information)
• Those experiencing racial/ethnic disparities 

The Black Hills Charitable Giving Program supports community growth by providing sponsorships and donations to eligible organizations. Focused on thriving communities, conservation, and nurturing future leaders, it invites applications from 501(c)(3) organizations and schools. Funding priorities include critical needs like food security and education, while requests benefiting individuals or political causes are generally not funded. Applications are accepted year-round, with decisions made within 120 days.

The Giving Tree Grants by the Arkansas Community Foundation support impactful projects across the state and immediate local needs. Eligible applicants include 501c3 public charities, hospitals, and government agencies serving specific areas. The grants focus on capacity building and project support, empowering organizations to enhance their effectiveness and serve communities better. For details on eligibility and grant cycles, visit their website.

The Carl B. and Florence E. King Foundation supports community grants in Arkansas and West Texas, focusing on areas such as aging populations, arts and culture, children and youth, economically disadvantaged individuals, education, and nonprofit capacity building. Grants aim to enhance the quality of life, promote independence, and ensure access to essential services for vulnerable groups. Eligible applicants are local organizations that align with the foundation's mission and geographic focus.

The Collaborative Research Program (CRP) - Faculty, managed by the Arkansas Space Grant Consortium, offers seed funding for aerospace-related research. This initiative encourages faculty from underrepresented groups and aims to diversify Arkansas’s aerospace industry. It promotes collaboration among at least two affiliate campuses, supports workforce development, and seeks projects that can attract larger funding and enhance technological competitiveness in various academic disciplines, including engineering and sciences.

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.

The Bayer Fund: Food & Nutrition Grant supports high-quality programs that combat malnutrition and improve access to nutritious foods, particularly for underserved communities and families with young children. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government units. The fund prioritizes long-term behavioral change towards healthy eating and nutrition, with grants typically not exceeding 25% of an organization's operating budget. International requests start at $25,000, fostering sustainable food security and education initiatives.

The Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley Restoration Fund RFP aims to provide grants for projects that restore and maintain bottomland hardwood forests and wetlands, enhance agricultural lands for better soil health and wildlife habitat, promote aquatic connectivity, and improve community resilience. Grants range from $150,000 to $1,000,000, depending on project scale, and applicants are encouraged to consult NFWF for proposals outside this range. This program follows an annual application cycle.

The Seaboard Foundation Grant aims to enhance education, ensure food security, and foster animal welfare in communities where Seaboard operates. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations with a U.S. Federal Tax ID. The Foundation's mission is broad, allowing for flexibility in focus and grant-making activities as determined by its Board of Directors. Applications are encouraged to be submitted early, adhering to the specified deadlines for consideration.

Eldon & Mary Jean Jensen Family Scholarship

The Jensen Family Scholarship was established by Eldon and Mary Jean Jensen to inspire graduating seniors to return and contribute to their hometown communities. Throughout their lives, Eldon and Mary Jean have dedicated themselves to serving and supporting the communities of Faith, Lemmon, Bison, Hettinger, and beyond— with a spirit of generosity and community commitment. 

Awarded fall semester of sophomore year.

To provide financial support to graduates of high schools in the Lemmon, SD area.

David Webb Memorial Scholarship

To provide financial support for graduates of Cheyenne-Eagle Butte, Faith, Dupree, Timber Lake, Mc Laughlin and McIntosh High School.

Elaine Lonneman Scholarship

To provide financial support to family members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 426.

CRST Wicozani Wiwokiaye Oyate Scholarship for Nursing

To provide financial support to Native American students pursuing a registered nursing degree.

For a Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe (CRST) member aiming to earn a nursing degree, if there are no eligible CRST candidates, the scholarship will be accessible to another tribal member. Proof of tribal enrollment is required for both applicants. This scholarship is available to students in their second through fifth years who have sustained a GPA of 2.0 or above. When applying for this scholarship, articulate how your nursing education will contribute to enhancing the health outcomes of Native American communities.

(Pronunciation is: Wee-Cho-Zan-Ee, Wee-Woke-Ee-Eye-Aye, Oh-Yah-Tay. Which is Lakota for "Health Helpers Society")

Community Lutheran Church - Hill City Scholarship

The scholarship is available to graduating seniors and home-schooled, non-traditional, and currently enrolled students from Community Lutheran Church in Hill City, SD. Additionally, please reflect on what the mission statement of Community Lutheran Church means to you.

To provide financial support to students from Community Lutheran Church in Hill City, SD.