Best Craighead County Grants for Nonprofits in Arkansas

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 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 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 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 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.

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.

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 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 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 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 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 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.

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 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 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.

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 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.

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 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.

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 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.

About Community Foundation of South Alabama

Since its inception, the Community Foundation has grown to over 500 funds and awarded over $98 million in grants and scholarships throughout the eight counties of southwest Alabama, improving the lives of many residents in our corner of the world.

We amplify the gifts from generous donors through wise investment, support others in efforts to enhance our community, and lead and collaborate on initiatives which have a broad impact.

Scholarships

The more than 40 scholarship funds at the Foundation were created by generous donors who wanted to help the students in our community achieve a brighter future. We are committed to assisting the most promising students with scholarships for professional certificate programs, two and four-year undergraduate degrees and graduate school. The scholarship funds at the Foundation award grants to high school, community college and university students to be used for tuition, books, and fees.

Michael Malone Memorial Scholarship

For a resident of Baldwin County, AL. Graduate of any accredited high school including public schools, private schools, parochial schools and home schools. The student must be the son or daughter of a parent(s) who is an employed member of a Law Enforcement Agency that operates within Baldwin County or a student who plans to major in a Law Enforcement field, i.e., Forensic Science, Criminal Justice, etc. Students must have academic achievements necessary for entry into an accredited college or university. Students’ need, academic performance and community service will all be considered in the selection process.

The D.K. Shroyer & Alma Davenport Shroyer Memorial Scholarship, managed by the Beckley Area Foundation, aims to support students from Raleigh County, WV, who have completed two semesters of college with a strong academic standing. This need-based scholarship provides opportunities for students pursuing higher education in accredited institutions. The foundation is dedicated to fostering charitable giving to enhance educational success and community growth across Southern West Virginia.

The Delaney L. Wykle Nursing Scholarship, managed by the Beckley Area Foundation, aims to support nursing students from Raleigh and Summers counties in West Virginia. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, possess a minimum 3.0 GPA, and be enrolled in an accredited four-year nursing program. This scholarship helps empower students to achieve their educational goals while enhancing community health services in Southern West Virginia.

The monetary value of each scholarship award varies depending upon the amount available in each individual scholarship fund. Scholarship award amounts range from $1,000 - $5,000 for a single year.

GIAR Grandmother’s First-Generation Scholarship

This scholarship is established in the memory and honor of Gramie Georgina, Grandma Isabella, Grandmother Ann, and Grannie Ruth, all first-generation women who were never able to attend college. This scholarship is only accepting renewal applications for 2026.

Helps First-Generation Young Women living in Nevada or Hawaii.

The scholarship funds the undergraduate or graduate college education of first-generation young women of Portuguese, Mexican, Central American or South American ancestry, under the age of 25. The term first-generation is defined here as a young woman who has immigrated to the United States of America and become a naturalized citizen or the daughter of an immigrant of Portuguese, Mexican, Central American and South American Ancestry. The student must be a resident of Nevada or Hawaii.

This scholarship is a one-time award of up to $5,000 based on need (which will be verified through your attached FAFSA and Financial Aid documents). One scholarship may be awarded to cover the full cost of attendance at UNR (up to $25,000), also based on need. All awards have the potential to be renewed with reapplication.

Mission Statement

Our mission is to improve the health and well-being of all communities in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas by investing and serving as a catalyst for ideas, partnerships, medical education, research and programs. The Foundation defines health as a state of complete physical, mental, spiritual and social well-being.

Beverly Joyce White Memorial Scholarship for Hospice Nursing Staff

The scholarship is awarded to hospice nursing staff who are pursuing a certification in hospice palliative care or other related education offerings.