Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits in Arkansas

Arkansas nonprofit organizations, including schools, libraries, festivals, and churches, can receive up to US $2,000 to reimburse up to 40% of the cost of hiring professional artists from the Arts on Tour Artist Roster. Arkansas arts groups can access funding via Arkansas Heritage to bring literary, performing, and visual arts programming to their communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and government entities in Arkansas can apply for Arkansas Community Foundation’s Giving Tree – Early Literacy Grants to support early literacy programs and related professional development. Funding can back classroom instruction, teacher training, parent engagement, school readiness, attendance, summer learning, and whole-child supports in counties served by the foundation’s affiliate offices.

Educational institutions, government programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies in Arkansas can seek Good Neighbor Citizenship company grants to support safety, education, and community development initiatives. State Farm Companies Foundation funding may benefit organizations offering training, leadership development, or other capacity-building tied to auto and home safety, disaster readiness, housing, jobs, or education.

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 and charitable-equivalency organizations working in health, education, or community services in Arkansas may be eligible for funding that supports food pantries, healthcare access, STEM education, and healthy lifestyle initiatives. Focused on community well-being, Labcorp Charitable Foundation invites U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations to apply, with requests reviewed in March and September.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working in arts, humanity, education, or faith in Arkansas can seek program or project support that demonstrates strong leadership, impact, sustainability, and collaboration. Grants from Ted and Shannon Skokos Foundation help Arkansas nonprofits, especially those with ties to the founders, strengthen community services with sustainable, high-quality, and well-managed initiatives.

Arkansas nonprofits working on health, education, social justice, arts, or community enhancement can access funding through the Assisi Foundation of Memphis for programs serving the Mid-South region. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations must operate in Crittenden County and support inclusive participation; faith-based groups are welcome if they do not restrict services or board roles by religion.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Arkansas seeking support for education, arts and culture, health, or human services projects can apply for Kerr Foundation Grants to fund capital, program, or operating needs. Grants from Kerr Foundation help Arkansas nonprofits strengthen services, and organizations investing in staff or organizational capacity may be eligible when aligned with these program areas.

With a mission to promote the humanities, Arkansas Humanities Council provides Arkansas educators and nonprofit literary organizations with up to US $2,000 for humanities-based classroom projects and professional development. Funds can support PK–12 projects, conferences, workshops, seminars, webinars, and related costs like registration, travel, books, and teaching aids that strengthen humanities education and programming.

The Hansen Family Foundation Grant seeks to empower organizations that uphold the American values of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Focused on diverse causes like children, education, animals, environmental conservation, humanitarian efforts, and arts, the foundation is committed to supporting initiatives that create positive change. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits, while political campaigns and organizations with high budgets or overheads are ineligible. This grant fosters impactful contributions to society.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and aligned for-profits seeking to tell impactful stories about their work can apply for the Storytelling Grant, which supports communications projects across preservation, education, and wellness. Grants from Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation offer more than US $50,000 and may benefit Arkansas nonprofits investing in staff capacity and professional storytelling skills.

Arkansas 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking internal capacity building—such as staff or board training, technology upgrades, or planning—can access funding through the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis. Established organizations operating in the foundation’s multi-state service area may receive approximately US $15,000 for one-time projects tied to their strategic plan, with a required dollar-for-dollar cash match.

Public agencies and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Arkansas can access funding for historic preservation planning and education projects, with awards from US $2,500 - US $5,000. Grants from National Trust for Historic Preservation support activities like hiring preservation consultants, conducting feasibility studies, and building organizational capacity, which may include staff training and board development for local preservation organizations.

Nonprofits and educational institutions offering contemporary craft or visual arts programs in Arkansas can seek support for fellowships, residencies, scholarships, and professional development. Windgate Charitable Trust funds K–12 visual art-integrated learning, teacher training, and college-level visual arts initiatives, including materials, tools, equipment, and museum acquisitions of contemporary craft by living artists.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.

The Georgia-Pacific Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Metro Atlanta area, focusing on education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental sustainability. Established in 1958, the foundation prioritizes investments that align with its mission and values, promoting long-term well-being within communities where Georgia-Pacific operates. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities located within 30 miles of GP manufacturing sites.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

Arkansas 501(c)(3) public charities, public schools, and libraries can seek unrestricted support for environmental and human services programs, including professional development needs. Arkansas nonprofits can access funding through Lawrence Foundation, with typical awards of US $5,000 - US $10,000 for general operating or project costs within its stated areas of interest.

Nonprofits, schools, government units, churches, and hospitals in Arkansas can receive up to US $10,000 to host professional artists for after-school or summer arts residencies. With a mission to strengthen arts in education, Arkansas Heritage supports programs in community centers, housing projects, juvenile facilities, social service centers, and other community-based organizations.

Schools, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and government entities in Arkansas can apply for Arkansas Heritage’s Arts Curriculum Project mini-grants, awarding up to US $10,000 for arts-in-education workshops, training, and curriculum projects. Funding can support professional development and other activities that enhance or establish ongoing arts programming using artists from the Arts in Education Artist Roster.

Arkansas arts organizations, schools, and community or governmental partners in Arkansas can access funding through Arkansas Heritage to host in-school artist residencies that integrate arts into K–12 learning. The Arts in Education In-School Residency Program offers up to US $40,000 with a 1:1 match, supporting professional artists from the approved roster to work directly with students and educators.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Arkansas offering safety, workforce development, community vitality, or environmental sustainability programs can apply for Union Pacific Foundation’s Community Ties Local Grants, with awards of US $5,000 - US $30,000. With a mission to strengthen local communities, the foundation supports direct services and capacity-building that advance DEI and may include staff training or organizational development.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with programs for underserved youth, families, food security, or environmental stewardship in Arkansas and beyond can apply for Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards, offering US $30,000 - US $350,000. Focus areas include youth education and leadership, housing and family services, hunger relief, and community or environmental projects.

Public agencies and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Arkansas preserving battlefields, viewsheds, and related historic structures can use this grant for planning, staff support, and preservation education efforts. Grants from the National Trust for Historic Preservation help launch or strengthen initiatives, including professional development, capacity building, and outreach to new audiences. Awards range from US $2,500 - US $10,000.

Rural public entities and nonprofit organizations in Arkansas can use these grants to provide training, technical assistance, and other support for small rural businesses. USDA Rural Development funds projects such as business counseling, feasibility studies, leadership and entrepreneur training, rural business incubators, and community or technology-based economic development, with awards ranging from US $10,000 - US $500,000.

Nonprofit organizations in Arkansas with strong, replicable community partnerships addressing significant social issues may be eligible for national recognition and support through the Community Partnership Award. With a mission to honor exemplary collaboration, Mutual of America Foundation provides U.S. nonprofits a competitive awards program highlighting impactful, scalable models of cross-sector partnership.