Best Grants for Teachers Continuing Education in Arkansas

The AHC Helen T. Leigh Museum Field Trip Grant, offered by the Arkansas Humanities Council (HumanitiesAR), aims to provide schools with funding for guided tours and programming at the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History. This initiative encourages students in grades three through twelve to engage with the humanities, promoting understanding and appreciation of Arkansas's rich history through immersive educational experiences.

The Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation's Strategic Initiative Grants aim to enhance oral health equity for underserved populations in Arkansas. By funding innovative projects, the foundation seeks to empower communities, improve access to dental care, and promote systemic change. Eligible applicants include nonprofits and charitable organizations focused on addressing oral health disparities. The grants encourage collaborative efforts that demonstrate financial stability and a clear project plan, supporting initiatives that can be replicated for broader impact.

RBC Foundation – USA aims to enhance community quality of life by supporting non-profit organizations that promote diversity and positive change. In 2023, it awarded over $2.8 million in grants, prioritizing youth programs for ages 15-29, arts access for diverse populations, and mental well-being initiatives. The foundation encourages sustainable projects that foster economic independence, providing critical support for education, mental health, and cultural enrichment, thereby making a significant impact across various communities.

The Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program in Arkansas offers essential funding for rural areas to establish and improve drinking water systems, sewage disposal, and storm water drainage. Eligible applicants, including state and local governments and nonprofits, can utilize funds for various projects including construction, legal fees, and maintenance. This initiative aims to ensure access to clean water and effective waste management in underserved communities.

The Dogs for Joy Grant, funded by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, supports the integration of trained facility dogs in pediatric hospitals. These dogs provide emotional support, help children cope with medical procedures, and enhance overall well-being. The program aims to increase the presence of in-residence dogs, as research highlights their positive impact on reducing anxiety and improving patient outcomes. Grants typically cover multi-year funding, promoting innovative animal-assisted therapy approaches in healthcare settings.

The South-Central Section of the Geological Society of America provides competitive research grants for undergraduate students from institutions in Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas, and parts of Mexico. Eligible students must be members of the Geological Society of America and are expected to manage funds responsibly, submitting a report after their research. This initiative supports the development of future geoscientists by fostering research opportunities in the region.

The Dunkin' Joyful Spaces Grant supports children's hospitals and community health centers in creating joyful environments for pediatric patients. Launched in 2022, this initiative helps fund play areas, healing gardens, and other kid-friendly spaces, enhancing the hospital experience. Grants typically range from $25,000 to $65,000 annually, with a maximum of $150,000 over three years. This opportunity encourages creativity in designing spaces that provide comfort and joy to children and their families during hospital stays.

Arkansas Access to Justice Foundation

Arkansas Access to Justice exists to uphold a basic but essential principle: Arkansans deserve access to the legal help they need, no matter their income or background.

We work alongside partners, policymakers, courts, and communities to make the civil legal system more fair and accessible. Whether it’s through improving public policies, strengthening legal aid resources, supporting pro bono programs, or building tools for self-represented litigants, we are committed to bridging the divide between those who can afford legal help and those who cannot.

Administration of Justice Grants

Grants in this category support Specific Projects that advance systemic improvements to Arkansas’s civil justice system and promote meaningful, statewide access to justice. Priority will be given to initiatives that generate data, research, analysis, or tested models intended to inform changes to court rules, statutes, policies, or administrative practices affecting access to civil justice.

• Empirical studies or evaluations examining the impact of court rules or practices on case outcomes, efficiency, or fairness;
• Pilot projects testing innovative court-based or cross-sector approaches—such as simplified procedures, alternative service models, remote participation, or triage systems—that are designed to produce findings scalable at a statewide level;
• Development of model rules, forms, or administrative policies intended to reduce unnecessary complexity, improve consistency across jurisdictions, or increase usability for self-represented litigants.

Projects in this category must demonstrate the potential for statewide impact and must produce concrete outputs, such as written reports, data sets, evaluative findings, model rules or policies, or formal recommendations for reform. Examples of specific administration of justice projects are:

• A pilot introducing plain-language pleadings and guided forms in debt collection cases, measuring effects on default rates and case resolution to inform statewide adoption.
• A project to research and develop a standardized framework for secure online publication of warning orders.
• A project that implements court date text reminders and collects data on the text reminders’ impact on failure to appear rates.

The Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation Grant aims to promote economic, educational, social, ethnic, and racial equity for all Arkansans. By fostering bold ideas and community leadership, the foundation invests in strategies that influence public policy and build grassroots movements. They prioritize long-term partnerships through multi-year, unrestricted grants to empower grantees in advancing their missions, ultimately creating systems of fairness and belonging for ALICE families across Arkansas.

The Dunkin’ Prom Grant, provided by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, aims to bring joy to teenage patients unable to attend their own prom due to illness. By funding hospitals to host prom-like events, the program ensures these patients experience this significant milestone. Grants typically range from $20,000 to $50,000, supporting the creation of memorable events with themes, food, entertainment, and formal wear for the teens, making a positive impact in their lives.

The Connecting Joy Grant, provided by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, aims to enhance the hospital experience for children battling illness through engaging gaming programs. This initiative supports children's hospitals and nonprofits by funding equipment, staffing, and connectivity, ensuring children can enjoy gaming at their bedside. With grants ranging from $25,000 to $150,000, the program focuses on offering joy and distraction, helping young patients cope with their hospital stays while facilitating connections with peers.

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.

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 AHC REACH Grant, offered by the Arkansas Humanities Council (HumanitiesAR), supports innovative humanities-based projects in Arkansas. These projects aim to connect communities to their history and promote understanding through various activities including storytelling, public programs, and education initiatives. While it encourages projects that engage diverse audiences, it excludes fundraising, political advocacy, and certain educational courses. The grant reflects a commitment to accessibility and inclusivity in the humanities.

The AHC Arkansas State Park Field Trip Grant allows educators to apply for funding to take K-12 students on field trips to one of Arkansas's 52 state parks. Educators must secure their trips through an Arkansas State Park Interpreter or Superintendent before applying. This initiative emphasizes educational experiences in nature, fostering student engagement while ensuring professional guidance during the trips.

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 Battlefield Preservation Fund Grant aims to support initiatives that preserve battlefields and related historic sites. This funding encourages planning and educational efforts, particularly those that engage new audiences in preservation activities. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofits in specified states. Grants can be used for staff support, consultant fees, and educational materials. Applicants must provide a one-to-one match for funding, ensuring strong community involvement in preservation efforts.

The Arkansas Heritage Grant aims to enhance the appreciation and enjoyment of the state's rich cultural heritage. It supports community-based initiatives that promote heritage-related programs and foster collaboration among local organizations, businesses, and government entities. The grant encourages the development of sustainable projects that contribute to heritage tourism and the overall quality of life in Arkansas, making it a vital resource for non-profits and community groups.

The Walker Charitable Foundation provides funding for charitable, religious, scientific, literary, and educational endeavors. Organizations must contact the Foundation at least 30 days prior to grant submission to discuss eligibility. The Foundation aims to support as many worthy organizations as possible, guided by its Executive Director and Board, primarily consisting of Walker family members. Over the years, it has proudly funded numerous organizations that have made significant contributions to their communities.

The Baptist Health Mobile Health Unit (MHU) provides essential healthcare services to underserved communities in Arkansas. This mobile clinic offers a variety of services, including preventative screenings, vaccinations, and health education. Staffed by a team of healthcare professionals, the MHU aims to enhance access to healthcare and improve the overall health of the community. By addressing health disparities, Baptist Health is committed to creating healthier lifestyles and ensuring that necessary medical services are available to all.

The Student Outreach Awards, provided by the Arkansas Space Grant Consortium, aim to support K-12 educators and organizations in Arkansas by funding projects related to aerospace and STEM fields. Eligible expenses include classroom supplies, science fair training tools, and educational materials, while unallowable costs encompass general office supplies and direct student compensation. This initiative fosters project-based learning, enhancing students' engagement with aerospace industries.

Mid-America Arts Alliance

Mid-America Arts Alliance (M-AAA) believes art can be a catalyst for expression, connection, collaboration, and community. This philosophy is reflected in our mission and values.

M-AAA is a nonprofit, regional arts organization representing Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas, and beyond. We focus on strengthening communities and improving lives by supporting artists, elevating arts organizations, and connecting people to extraordinary cultural experiences.

Artistic Innovations Grants for Individual Artists

Program Objectives

The Artistic Innovations program supports the development of new or original works of art across all disciplines, created exclusively by in-region individual artists and art-based organizations in M-AAA’s six-state region (Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas, and the Native Nations in this geography). Eligible applicants include individual artists and nonprofit 501(c)(3) arts organizations in the region.

Individual Artist Grant Considerations

The Artistic Innovations grant program supports direct project expenses incurred in the art-making process and production of public-facing engagements to individuals through private funds. These grants are funded through private support and, unlike Artistic Innovations grants to organizations, are not supported by the National Endowment for the Arts.

The Sumners Foundation Grant aims to engage and educate the public about self-government through various programs, including civic education, democracy reform, and teacher training. Grants are available to qualified 501(c)(3) organizations primarily in Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma, supporting activities that foster civic engagement and understanding of democratic principles. The Foundation emphasizes direct involvement in the political process and does not fund political activities or provide individual grants.

The Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence: Development Phase (COBRE-D) program aims to enhance biomedical research capacity in IDeA states, which historically receive low NIH funding. By providing critical support for early-career investigators and essential infrastructure, COBRE-D facilitates a long-term vision for institutions. This initiative not only supplements start-up packages for new hires but also establishes research facilities and improves administrative services, paving the way for less-resourced institutions to transition into the COBRE E/S program.

The Healthy Forests Reserve Program (HFRP) supports landowners in restoring and protecting forestlands on private and tribal lands through 10-year cost-share agreements and 30-year easements. This program aims to enhance biodiversity, improve habitats for endangered species, and increase carbon storage. Eligible landowners can receive significant financial assistance for approved conservation practices, making it a vital resource for ecological restoration and sustainable land management.

The Josh Turner Scholarship Fund for the Arts, established by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, empowers high school seniors from rural areas across ten southern states to pursue careers in music and the arts. This fund honors Josh Turner's journey in the music industry and aims to support students focusing on diverse opportunities within the music business, including performance, writing, and production, as well as various art disciplines.

The Rural Business Development Grants in Arkansas provide essential funding and support for small rural businesses, aiming to enhance economic growth in under-served areas. Designed for entities like towns and nonprofits, the program prioritizes technical assistance, training, and project funding without a maximum grant limit. Eligible projects include business counseling, infrastructure development, and community economic initiatives. This initiative is part of USDA's commitment to foster sustainable rural economies and improve living conditions in rural communities.