Best Environmental Education Grants in Arkansas

501(c)(3) nonprofits in Arkansas can apply for U.S. Bank Foundation’s Community Possible grants to support economic and workforce advancement, safe and affordable housing, and community arts and culture. Organizations addressing multiple pillars like work, home, and play, advancing equity, and serving designated U.S. Bank communities may be especially competitive, including those with environmental education components.

Arkansas 501(c)(3) nonprofits with innovative approaches to human and social services, environment, health, or related fields can access funding through Creag Foundation to tackle pressing social problems. Organizations must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year, and environmental education initiatives with creative solutions may be considered through a letter of inquiry.

Arkansas environmental education and youth-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofits can access funding through Dan Paul Foundation to support programs serving children’s health, education, development, and welfare. Grants up to US $15,000 may assist projects in environmental education, clean air and water, poverty and homelessness, child advocacy, refugee enrichment, and related youth development initiatives worldwide.

Early-stage, impact-first nonprofits and mission-driven startups in Arkansas addressing social or environmental challenges can apply for Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation support, with awards up to US $300,000 over three years. Organizations delivering scalable environmental education or sustainability solutions that benefit underserved communities and can reach at least 10,000 people may be competitive.

Nonprofit organizations in Arkansas working on arts and culture, education, environmental sustainability, financial literacy, or health and human services can apply for program support through First Horizon Foundation. The foundation funds eligible groups in Northeast Arkansas, Northwest Arkansas, and Little Rock, which may include environmental education initiatives within its broader environmental sustainability and education priorities.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) cultural institutions with audited expenses over $2 million can apply for the Hearst Foundation’s Culture Grant, awarding more than US $100,000 for arts and science programs. Arkansas organizations offering arts education, STEAM initiatives, or youth-focused cultural programming may be eligible for program, capital, or limited general and endowment support.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

Nonprofit organizations working in health, education, or community services in Arkansas may be eligible for funding to expand equitable care, education, and local support programs. Focused on health and welfare, education, and community needs, the Labcorp Charitable Foundation supports efforts like food pantries, healthcare for underserved populations, STEM education, and healthy lifestyle initiatives.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

Arkansas rural grassroots community groups using organizing strategies for social, economic, environmental justice, or education reform can access funding through Southern Partners Fund for small projects, capacity building, and travel. Organizations focused on environmental education within SPF’s 12-state Southern region may be eligible if they are self-governed by the rural communities they serve.

Arkansas 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on community development, basic needs, workforce education, arts, environment, or diversity initiatives can access funding through Bank of America Charitable Foundation’s sponsorship program. Organizations providing environmental education as part of preserving neighborhoods, supporting housing, jobs, or hunger relief may be competitive within its focus on housing, jobs, and hunger.

Nonprofit and community organizations serving residents of Miller County, Arkansas can seek T L L Temple Foundation support for environmental education, conservation, and related community programs. The foundation offers up to US $5,000,000 for project support, general operations, capital improvements, and capacity building that benefit its 24-county service area and help break cycles of poverty.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on environmental conservation and related education in Arkansas can seek support for their programs, projects, or services. With a mission to respect all life and the environment, Dudley T Dougherty Foundation provides flexible funding that may benefit community-based environmental education initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and qualified local government entities in Arkansas communities near Georgia-Pacific facilities can apply for Georgia-Pacific Foundation grants supporting education, environment, entrepreneurship, and community enrichment projects. Eligible environmental education programs may be funded if they meet the foundation’s investment priorities and serve communities within 30 miles of a Georgia-Pacific manufacturing facility.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Arkansas working on basic needs, youth education, workforce readiness, or domestic violence safety can apply for funding that supports vulnerable children and families. Focused on building better futures, the TJX Foundation invites eligible nonprofits within 15 miles of a TJX location to begin with an eligibility questionnaire and Letter of Inquiry.

Arkansas environmental and human services 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and libraries can access funding through Lawrence Foundation for general operating support or specific programs. U.S.-headquartered organizations working on environment, human services, disaster relief, or related causes may receive unrestricted awards of US $5,000 - US $10,000, with reasonable indirect costs allowed.

Nonprofit organizations in Arkansas offering environmental education, conservation, or wildlife programs can apply for grants from the Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation, with awards of US $1,000 - US $20,000. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) groups, including schools, museums, and community programs, may be competitive when a relatively small grant would make a significant impact.

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.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Arkansas working in wildlife conservation, environmental preservation, education, or wellness can apply for the J.W. Couch Foundation Storytelling Grant, with awards of more than US $50,000 to share their impact through storytelling. Grants from Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation help environmental education groups highlight their community and conservation work.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving communities where O’Reilly Auto Parts operates can seek project, general operating, or capital support to improve quality of life for underserved people. O'Reilly Automotive Foundation backs programs in economic stability, workforce development, health and social services, and disaster relief, which may benefit Arkansas organizations that incorporate environmental education into broader community initiatives.

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 

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations offering environmental education and related programs in Arkansas communities served by Union Pacific can apply for the Community Ties Giving Program’s local grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $30,000. With a mission to strengthen local communities, Union Pacific Foundation supports projects in environmental sustainability, safety, workforce development, and community vitality that advance DEI goals.

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.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.

Nonprofit organizations working on poverty alleviation, disability services, disaster relief, or other human and social services, including those in Arkansas, can seek US $5,000 - US $250,000 to help disadvantaged people become self-reliant. Gupta Family Foundation prioritizes smaller, non-sectarian organizations worldwide with strong founder-led leadership and high direct impact to beneficiaries.