Best Little Rock Grants for Nonprofits in Arkansas

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 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.

Nonprofits, schools, religious institutions, and government agencies in Little Rock, Arkansas can seek funding for program costs and related staff time addressing homelessness, STEM, veterans, or women and children. Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville’s MartinConnects Fund Grant awards US $2,000 - US $8,000 to qualified 501(c)(3) public charities and similar organizations in Pulaski County.

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.

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 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.

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 Gateway

PLTW Gateway (6-8) opens paths that create meaningful futures. It connects students to careers in areas they can, and can't, imagine. Through explorations of skilled trades, coding and robotics, flight and space, human body systems, and more, PLTW Gateway fuels students’ passion for discovery. As they engage in hands-on, collaborative problem solving focused on real-world challenges, students use and stretch their imaginations in brand-new ways that connect their learning to life. All the while, students step into roles spanning the career landscape—a crucial experience during this transitional time in their lives, long before they enter their degreed or skilled trade professions. 

PLTW Gateway - Program Expansion (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 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 Launch (PreK-5)

Young learners are naturally wired for discovery. PLTW Launch is designed with activities that let them see what they can be and build skills to discover what they can do. Students are immersed in hands-on activities, projects, and problems that build upon each other and relate to the real world. They experience integrated learning that blends computer science, engineering, biomedical science, and more. Throughout the modules, even the youngest learners apply their math and English Language Arts (ELA) skills, learn science to standards, and adopt skills that are foundational across disciplines.

PLTW Launch - Program Expansion (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.

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.

Faculty researchers at Arkansas colleges and universities collaborating across at least two affiliate campuses can seek up to US $90,000 for aerospace-related research and workforce development benefiting Little Rock, Arkansas and the state. Focused on aerospace engineering and space science, Arkansas Space Grant Consortium funding supports seed projects that lead to larger awards, commercialization, and industry partnerships.

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.

Undergraduate music majors at UNCF member colleges in Pulaski County, Arkansas, including Little Rock, can apply for the Joe Williams Music Scholarship, which awards up to US $6,000 for the 2025–2026 academic year. Eligible students must study visual and performing arts full-time with at least a 2.5 GPA.

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.

Undergraduate students from Little Rock, Arkansas attending accredited HBCUs can receive up to US $5,000 for higher education costs through the NBA Foundation San Francisco Bay Area Scholarship, administered by United Negro College Fund. Eligible applicants must be California residents from Pulaski County with a GED or high school diploma and at least a 2.5 GPA.

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.

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.

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

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

About PLTW GatewayPLTW Gateway (6-8) opens paths that create meaningful futures. It connects students to careers in areas they can, and can't, imagine.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:

• 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

Undergraduate and college-bound students attending UNCF member institutions, including those from Pulaski County communities like Little Rock, Arkansas, can receive scholarship support for higher education costs. Focused on educational opportunity, the United Negro College Fund and Foot Locker Foundation offer up to US $5,000 for tuition and related academic expenses at UNCF member colleges and universities.

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.

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 fire departments, EMS, 9-1-1 centers, ambulance services, emergency management, and law enforcement organizations can access funding through Enbridge for safety equipment, professional training, or safety education programs. Eligible agencies within 10 miles of Enbridge operations may receive US $1,000 - US $10,000, with higher support possible for national organizations impacting multiple regions.

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.

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.