Best Grants for Grassroots Organizations in Arkansas

Arkansas 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on economic and workforce advancement, safe and affordable housing, or community arts and culture can apply for the Community Possible Grant Program from U.S. Bank Foundation. Grassroots organizations, especially those led by people of color and addressing multiple pillars of work, home, and play, may be competitive applicants.

Arkansas grassroots 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on children, education, or health and human services can access funding through Costco Foundation for monetary support of community programs. Eligible organizations must demonstrate clear community need, measurable outcomes, collaboration, and a broad base of financial support; applications are reviewed within 4–6 weeks and considered alongside local warehouse donation efforts.

Arkansas grassroots and other 501(c)(3) nonprofits with innovative approaches to social problems can access funding through the Creag Foundation to advance human services and related work. Organizations developing new ways to address issues in areas like health, community development, literacy, safety, or the environment may be invited to apply after submitting a letter of inquiry.

Arkansas grassroots organizations serving youth and children can access funding through the Dan Paul Foundation for programs advancing health, education, development, and welfare. 501(c)(3) nonprofits may receive up to US $15,000 for initiatives such as early childhood development, child advocacy, homelessness and poverty services, environmental education, refugee enrichment, and related youth-focused efforts.

Educational institutions, government programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies in Arkansas can seek funding for safety, education, and community development projects from State Farm Companies Foundation. Grants support auto and home safety, disaster preparedness and recovery, affordable housing, job training, financial literacy, food insecurity, and K-16 academic and career success initiatives.

Grassroots and other 501(c)(3) organizations working in health, education, or community services in Arkansas may be eligible for funding to expand equitable care and education. Focus areas for Labcorp Charitable Foundation include food pantries, healthcare for underserved populations, STEM programming, and healthy lifestyle initiatives, with requests reviewed in March and September.

Arkansas grassroots and other organizations working on education, children’s health, or family economic stability can access funding through the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation for project support or scaling efforts. Eligible applicants include a wide range of nonprofits, social enterprises, schools, and public entities in the U.S., with awards of more than US $50,000.

Grassroots and community-based organizations working on health, education, or humanitarian services in Arkansas and worldwide can seek support for programs serving marginalized communities. With a mission to empower the disaffected, Semnani Family Foundation provides funding for health care access, disaster relief, women and children’s health, literacy, and related human and social services initiatives.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in charitable, scientific, medical, or educational fields can apply for funding to support programs serving communities in Arkansas and nationwide. Grants from Sidney Stern Memorial Trust help tax-exempt organizations with broadly impactful services and projects that materially contribute to the general welfare within the U.S.

Arkansas grassroots, rural community groups using community organizing for social, economic, or environmental justice can access funding through Southern Partners Fund for activities in its 12-state Southern region. Support may cover small organizing projects, capacity-building and technical assistance, or travel for conferences and civic engagement, with a focus on education reform, immigration rights, and voter engagement.

Arkansas grassroots and other 501(c)(3) nonprofits can seek sponsorship support for community development, basic needs, workforce education, arts, and related initiatives. Bank of America Charitable Foundation’s regional U.S. sponsorships may benefit organizations advancing economic mobility, social progress, housing, hunger relief, and inclusive, culturally vibrant communities in low- and moderate-income areas.

Grassroots and community-based organizations advancing equity and systems change in Arkansas can seek funding to support narrative change, movement building, and policy and advocacy strategies. Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation offers primarily multi-year, unrestricted support for bold ideas and leadership that expand opportunity and build power for ALICE families across the state.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on community services, environmental conservation, or peacebuilding, including those based in Arkansas, can seek funding to advance their grassroots programs. With a mission to support positive change, Dudley T Dougherty Foundation provides flexible support for charitable initiatives that respect people, life, and the environment.

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.

Grassroots 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Arkansas supporting basic needs, at-risk youth education, workforce readiness, or domestic violence safety may be eligible for funding, if located within 15 miles of a TJX site and meeting mission and policy criteria. Focused on vulnerable families and children, TJX Foundation invites aligned organizations to begin with an eligibility questionnaire and Letter of Inquiry.

Arkansas grassroots 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and libraries working on environmental or human services programs can apply for unrestricted grants of US $5,000 - US $10,000. Arkansas community organizations can access funding through Lawrence Foundation to support either program/project costs or general operations within its stated areas of interest.

Friends of NRA

Friends of NRA is the National Rifle Association’s premier fundraising program, supporting the future of shooting sports. Since day one, Friends of NRA has been a 100% grassroots effort fueled by a united front to secure the Second Amendment and raise money for the shooting sports.

Committee volunteers are appointed to State Fund Committees to make recommendations for local grant funding in areas such as youth education, women-focused clinics, law enforcement training, hunter safety, range improvement, firearms and marksmanship training and safety. Recognizing the impact American youth has on the future of the shooting sports, State Fund Committees frequently recommend grants for youth programs, allocating the most significant portion of monies to this vital area.

Grant awards fund activities and support programs in the United States to promote firearms and hunting safety, to enhance marksmanship skills of those in the shooting sports, and to educate the public about firearms in their historic, technological and artistic context.

Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program - Arkansas

The Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program provides supplies, equipment, and financial support to a variety of qualified groups and programs at the local level; geared towards youth, women, law enforcement, veterans, the disabled, and the general public, including:

• General shooting programs
• Competitive shooting
• Education, training and safety
• Hunting and conservation
• Community outreach
• Historical education

Grant funding must be used to further a charitable purpose as defined by the Internal Revenue Code under section 501(c)(3) and accompanying rules, regulations, and other IRS law and materials.

Nonprofit organizations in Arkansas and across the U.S. can apply for US $1,000 - US $20,000 to support community-based programs and services. Grants from Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation help grassroots groups fund cultural and performing arts, education and youth programs, services for seniors and people with disabilities, environmental and wildlife efforts, and local institutions like museums, schools, and hospitals.

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 Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

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.

Grassroots 501(c)(3) nonprofits and aligned for-profit organizations in Arkansas can apply for the Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation’s Storytelling Grant to share the impact of their work. Grants of more than US $50,000 support storytelling projects for programs in preservation, education, or wellness, including wildlife conservation, historic preservation, mental health, and early childhood education.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits improving quality of life for underserved people through economic stability, workforce development, health and social services, or disaster relief can seek project, operating, or capital support, including Arkansas grassroots groups. O'Reilly Automotive Foundation prioritizes communities where O’Reilly Auto Parts operates and supports organizations that benefit their local community without discrimination.

Grassroots 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Arkansas can seek US $5,000 - US $30,000 to run direct-service projects in safety, workforce development, community vitality, or environmental sustainability. With a mission to strengthen local communities, Union Pacific Foundation provides local grants to programs primarily serving communities along its rail network and advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Grassroots, community-based 501(c)(3) organizations using organizing strategies for social, economic, or environmental justice in rural Arkansas can apply for the Hubert E. Sapp Regular Grant Cycle. Grants from Southern Partners Fund help build leadership, strengthen rural communities, and support general or project work for groups with operating budgets at or above $350,000.

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.

Grassroots nonprofits working on poverty alleviation, disability services, disaster relief, or other human and social services in Arkansas may be eligible for US $5,000 - US $250,000 to help disadvantaged people become self-reliant. Gupta Family Foundation supports smaller, non-sectarian organizations, typically 501(c)(3)s, that direct at least 90% of grant funds to beneficiaries.