Best Little Rock Grants for Nonprofits in Arkansas

About PLTW Computer SciencePLTW Computer Science students are technology trailblazers who are empowered through transportable skills and prepared to start their career, whether that is in computer science or not.3M has partnered with PLTW to ensure students and teachers have the tools, resources and knowledge they need to succeed in STEM. 3M inspires the next generation of science leaders through the following goals:

• Increasing STEM exposure in K-12 classrooms
• Supporting experiential learning opportunities enhancing the quality of STEM teaching
• Providing professional development opportunities for students

Program Requirements:

• Grantee must use their grant funds to expand their existing PLTW Computer Science program.
  • Example expansion activities include but are not limited to adding an additional PLTW Computer Science  course not previously offered,
  • and/or adding additional class periods of an existing PLTW Computer Science courses previously offered,
  • and/or training additional teachers in PLTW Computer Science courses for the 2027-2028 academic year. 

Grant Award and Distribution Schedule:

• Total Award: $5,000
  • 2027-2028: $5,000

Mobile Beacon's Connect for Success program addresses the digital divide by providing schools with essential technology resources. This initiative offers up to 25 laptops and 4G devices with 12 months of complimentary high-speed internet service. By targeting students and communities facing digital inequities, the program ensures that all students can complete homework and access educational content from home. With ongoing support options available post-grant, Mobile Beacon is committed to fostering equitable learning environments and empowering educators to enhance digital inclusion.

Student and faculty research teams in aerospace-related fields can seek up to US $90,000 to support collaborative space science and engineering projects in Little Rock, Arkansas and across the state. Arkansas Space Grant Consortium supports interdisciplinary work that builds workforce capacity, advances space-related technologies, and positions projects for larger federal or industry funding.

Nonprofit conservation and environmental organizations in Little Rock, Arkansas, and the broader Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley can seek National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) grants of US $150,000 - US $750,000 to restore bottomland hardwood forests and wetlands, improve working agricultural lands, enhance aquatic connectivity, and build community resilience for people and wildlife.

Nonprofit childcare and child welfare organizations serving dependent, neglected, indigent, emotionally disturbed, or foster children in Little Rock, Arkansas can seek operating support through the Marion and Miriam Rose Fund. With a mission to strengthen services for vulnerable children, this fund prioritizes organizations with budgets under $1 million and typically awards one-year grants.

Nonprofit and community organizations in Little Rock, Arkansas working on safety, youth development, social services, or environmental stewardship may be eligible for Enbridge’s community grants. Focused on safe, vibrant, and sustainable communities, Enbridge offers US $1,000 - US $10,000 in donations, sponsorships, or in-kind support within its nearby operating areas.

Nonprofits and other organizations in Little Rock, Arkansas focused on workforce training, job readiness, or career preparation can apply for the Delta Workforce Grant Program, with awards from US $50,000 - US $300,000. Funding from Delta Regional Authority supports projects that build long-term community capacity and strengthen local talent pipelines in the broader Delta region.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and schools in Pulaski County, including Little Rock, Arkansas, can seek event sponsorships or charitable contributions for community needs, conservation, and youth leadership programs. With a mission to strengthen communities, Black Hills Corporation Foundation provides support for critical needs, environmental stewardship, and future leader development within its utility service territory.

Female students pursuing a business degree at a college or university in Pulaski County, including Little Rock, can receive scholarship support for higher education costs. Arkansas Community Foundation’s Abigail Robertson Scholarship assists women studying business, and applicants can use the Foundation’s scholarship portal quiz to determine their eligibility and apply online.

The Ferguson Cares Grant is an essential aspect of Ferguson's Sustainability strategy, focusing on social challenges and community wellbeing. This grant supports nonprofit organizations in the U.S. dedicated to affordable housing, skilled trades workforce development, clean water access, and enhancing local economic quality of life. Ferguson aims to create lasting partnerships that drive positive impact within their operational regions, reflecting their commitment to social responsibility and community support.

International Paper Grants focus on community engagement, emphasizing education, hunger relief, health & wellness, and disaster relief. They support nonprofit organizations that demonstrate good financial standing and effective management. Eligible organizations must operate in areas where International Paper has facilities. The foundation prioritizes local needs, particularly critical and environmental issues, while encouraging employee involvement. Ineligible entities include private foundations and those without a local presence. Applications are accepted through mid-September in the U.S. and Canada.

Nonprofit organizations in Little Rock, Arkansas can apply for First Horizon Foundation’s grants to support arts and culture, education and leadership, environmental sustainability, financial literacy, and health and human services programs. Eligible 501(c)(3)s serving Pulaski County communities may benefit from this funding for local initiatives and community-strengthening projects.

The Saint-Gobain Corporation Foundation Direct Grants program provides support to non-profit organizations in focus areas including STEM education, sustainable construction, and workforce development. The foundation aims to foster community development and environmental stewardship. Eligible applicants include IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) organizations and accredited educational institutions in the U.S. The Foundation prioritizes partnerships that allow employee involvement and volunteer support, aiming to build meaningful relationships with grantees.

Male high school seniors from public schools in Pulaski County, Arkansas with financial need planning to attend a four-year HBCU can apply for the LeBlanc/Baker Scholarship for Change, awarding up to US $4,000 for 2026–2027. Administered by United Negro College Fund, the scholarship is renewable for up to four additional years if criteria are met.

Project Lead the Way inc.

School and district leaders need a solution that cultivates confidence and career readiness—and PLTW checks all the boxes. As a nonprofit organization founded by educators and driven by education leaders, we've spent more than 28 years equipping students with the technical knowledge, transferable skills, and career confidence they need to thrive—through programs that integrate real-world industry partnerships, best-in-class teacher training, and our proven activity-, project-, problem-based (APB) instructional model. At PLTW, we're on a mission to create a transformative learning environment and empower students to develop in-demand knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in an evolving world. 

PLTW Engineering

PLTW Engineering students adopt a problem-solving mindset, are engaged in compelling, real-world challenges that help them become better collaborators and thinkers, and are prepared with skills to step into any career path they take. Each PLTW Engineering course engages students in interdisciplinary activities like working with a client to design a home, programming electronic devices or robotic arms, or exploring algae as a biofuel source. These activities not only build knowledge and skills in engineering, but also empower students to develop essential skills such as problem solving, critical and creative thinking, communication, collaboration, and perseverance.

PLTW Engineering - New Program (3M) 

3M forms lasting partnerships with communities and provides resources to help them succeed and grow – ensuring a more interconnected and thriving world. 3M inspires the next generation of science leaders through the following goals:

• Increasing STEM exposure in K-12 classrooms
• Supporting experiential learning opportunities
• Enhancing the quality of STEM teaching
• Providing professional development opportunities for students

3M has partnered with PLTW to ensure students and teachers have the tools, resources and knowledge they need to succeed in STEM.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Little Rock, Arkansas focused on food access, hunger relief, or education may be eligible for funding and in-kind product donations that advance Hormel Foods’ Giving Pillars. Focus areas include food security, community support, and impact programming such as DE&I, environmental protection, education, and broader social issue initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations promoting safe sports or outdoor activities, or supporting first responder programs, in Little Rock, Arkansas may be eligible for in-kind donations such as gear or event support. Academy Sports + Outdoors provides Arkansas recreation and first responder groups with donations for collective initiatives like leagues, associations, and school districts; apply at least 90 days before events.

Project Lead the Way inc.

School and district leaders need a solution that cultivates confidence and career readiness—and PLTW checks all the boxes. As a nonprofit organization founded by educators and driven by education leaders, we've spent more than 28 years equipping students with the technical knowledge, transferable skills, and career confidence they need to thrive—through programs that integrate real-world industry partnerships, best-in-class teacher training, and our proven activity-, project-, problem-based (APB) instructional model. At PLTW, we're on a mission to create a transformative learning environment and empower students to develop in-demand knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in an evolving world. 

PLTW Computer Science

PLTW Computer Science students are technology trailblazers who are empowered through transportable skills and prepared to start their career, whether that is in computer science or not. Empower your students to become creators of the technology all around them. PLTW Computer Science engages students in collaborative projects that help them develop in-demand computer science knowledge as well as transportable skills like creative thinking and communication. And whether they’re creating an online art gallery or using automation to process and analyze DNA-sequence data, PLTW Computer Science students are seeing how their learning connects to the real world.

PLTW Computer Science - New Program (3M)

3M forms lasting partnerships with communities and provides resources to help them succeed and grow – ensuring a more interconnected and thriving world. 3M inspires the next generation of science leaders through the following goals:

• Increasing STEM exposure in K-12 classrooms
• Supporting experiential learning opportunities
• Enhancing the quality of STEM teaching
• Providing professional development opportunities for students

3M has partnered with PLTW to ensure students and teachers have the tools, resources and knowledge they need to succeed in STEM.

Project Lead the Way (PLTW) provides innovative, hands-on learning experiences for students in PreK-5, fostering confidence and career readiness. With support from 3M, PLTW Launch aims to enhance STEM education by increasing exposure, supporting experiential learning, and improving teaching quality. This partnership ensures that students and teachers have the necessary tools and resources to thrive in a rapidly evolving world, empowering the next generation of leaders in science and technology.

Brinker International provides Little Rock, Arkansas 501(c)(3) nonprofits with monetary or in-kind dining certificate support for programs serving children, youth services, hunger relief, and early childhood development. Eligible nonprofits in Pulaski County must apply online at least six weeks before their event, and may receive one donation per calendar year.

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.

About PLTW EngineeringPLTW Engineering students adopt a problem-solving mindset, are engaged in compelling, real-world challenges that help them become better collaborators and thinkers, and are prepared with skills to step into any career path they take.3M has partnered with PLTW to ensure students and teachers have the tools, resources and knowledge they need to succeed in STEM. 3M inspires the next generation of science leaders through the following goals:

• Increasing STEM exposure in K-12 classrooms
• Supporting experiential learning opportunitiesEnhancing the quality of STEM teaching
• Providing professional development opportunities for students

Program Requirements:

• Grantee must use their grant funds to expand their existing PLTW Engineering program.
  • Example expansion activities include but are not limited to adding an additional PLTW Engineering course not previously offered,
  • and/or adding additional class periods of an existing PLTW Engineering courses previously offered,
  • and/or training additional teachers in PLTW Engineering courses for the 2027-2028 academic year. 

Grant Award and Distribution Schedule:

• Total Award: $10,000
  • 2027-2028: $10,000

PLTW Gateway - New Program (3M)

3M forms lasting partnerships with communities and provides resources to help them succeed and grow – ensuring a more interconnected and thriving world. 3M inspires the next generation of science leaders through the following goals:

• Increasing STEM exposure in K-12 classrooms
• Supporting experiential learning opportunities
• Enhancing the quality of STEM teaching
• Providing professional development opportunities for students

3M has partnered with PLTW to ensure students and teachers have the tools, resources and knowledge they need to succeed in STEM.

Program Requirements:

• The purpose of this grant is to assist the grantee's implementation of the PLTW Gateway program.
• Grantee must offer at least one PLTW Gateway unit in the 2027-2028 academic year.
• Grantee may implement any PLTW Gateway unit of their choosing.

Grant Award and Distribution Schedule:

• Total Award: $10,000
  • 2027-2028: $10,000

Cox Enterprises Scholarship Program

A need-based scholarship for students attending UNCF member institutions with preference given to students majoring in STEM.

Individual Award

• Up to $5,000

Little Rock, Arkansas 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public institutions, qualifying government entities, veterans groups, and volunteer fire departments can access funding through Entergy Charitable Foundation for small projects in arts and culture, education, environment, community improvement, economic development, literacy, and healthy families. Micro Grants offer up to US $1,000, with priority for specified counties and parishes in Entergy’s service area.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and eligible public agencies in Little Rock, Arkansas can apply for Sparklight’s Charitable Giving Fund to support education, digital literacy, food insecurity, and community development initiatives. Funding can back special projects, capital campaigns, or capacity-building efforts that benefit local families in Pulaski County and other Sparklight service areas.