Best Plant Grants in Arkansas

Arkansas botanical conservation and forestry nonprofits restoring diminished native tree species through research, seed orchards, or forest land preservation can access funding through The Oak Hill Fund for project-specific work. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations in the continental U.S.; overhead directly tied to the proposed restoration project is supported.

About The American Chestnut Foundation:

Our mission is to return the iconic American chestnut to its native range.

Our vision is a robust eastern forest returned to its splendor.

Small Grants Program

Are you looking for funding to support your American chestnut research? External small grants offer recipients a variety of benefits such as professional development and an expanded network. Grant activities contribute to the continuous renewal and development of faculty and staff, to the education and motivation of students, and achievement of our mutual interest — restoration of the American chestnut. This is a small grants program. TACF does not ordinarily fund projects in excess of $10,000.

Tree Research and Education Endowment Fund (TREE Fund)

TREE Fund is a 501(c)3 nonprofit whose mission is to support scientific discovery and dissemination of new knowledge and best practices in the fields of arboriculture and urban forestry.

TREE Fund’s research and education programs shape industry best practices, improve workforce safety and contribute to the long-term sustainability of our communities in the following crucial ways:

• Improving the quality of nursery grown trees and overall tree survival through the development of hardier, drought- and disease-resistant species.
• Stopping diseases and pests while reducing pesticide use with the evolution of integrated pest management programs.
• Enhancing public and workforce safety with advanced tree risk assessment techniques and greater knowledge about why and how trees fail.
• Quantifying the benefits of trees which makes it easier for governments and businesses to project their return on tree care investment.
• Revolutionizing global best practices for growing strong, healthy landscape trees.
• Connecting youth with nature to promote environmental stewardship in the next generation and inspire them to consider careers in green industries.

Lucas Tree Experts Integrated Vegetation Management Endowed Research Fund

Since 1926, John Lucas Tree Expert Co. has worked with investor-owned utilities, electric cooperatives, municipalities, railroads, and pipeline customers throughout the United States and Canada. Innovation has always been a core value, and Lucas remains committed to innovation that makes the industry safer, greener, and more efficient. The Lucas Tree Experts Integrated Vegetation Management Endowed Research Fund is a new endowment fund of Tree Research and Education Endowment (TREE) Fund created to support research in Integrated Vegetation Management in the United States and Canada.

This fund program was created in 2026 to help celebrate Lucas Tree’s 100th anniversary. Lucas Tree’s anniversary marks a century of innovation, safety, and stewardship in utility vegetation management.

Projects are expected to be completed within one to three years. No project may receive more than one award from this program.

Application Requirements can be found here.

Graduate students in biology, horticulture, or related fields conducting botanical conservation research in the U.S., including work relevant to Arkansas, can apply for the Catherine H. Beattie Fellowship, awarding up to US $4,500 for conservation horticulture projects. Grants from Garden Club of America support research on rare and endangered plants, with preference for work in the Carolinas or the southeastern U.S.

Individuals studying or conserving native orchids in North America can receive US $500 to support their work, including those based in Arkansas. American Orchid Society provides botanical conservation researchers, students, amateurs, and professionals with recognition and funding for significant contributions to the study or preservation of native orchids north of Mexico.

The Bureau of Land Management's Plant Conservation and Restoration Program (PCRP) aims to enhance the native seed supply chain, crucial for restoring resilient public lands. By collaborating with various partners, PCRP seeks to improve rangeland health, restore wildlife habitats, and create job opportunities. In 2026, the focus will be on local seed collections, supporting farmers entering the native seed market, and developing innovative technologies to ensure effective restoration outcomes and ecological resilience.

Undergraduate students in the U.S. and Puerto Rico interested in botany careers can receive full support to attend the 2025 Botany conference, including travel, lodging, meals, and registration. Focused on botanical conservation, the Botanical Society of America invites students, including those from Arkansas, to join the Botany and Beyond: PLANTS III mentored pathway program.

Graduating high school seniors in Arkansas planning to study natural resources conservation, fish and wildlife management, forest management, or similar fields can seek scholarship support through the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation. With a mission to advance education, the foundation provides assistance to students pursuing conservation-related degrees who meet minimum grade requirements and can demonstrate financial need.

Undergraduate and graduate students conducting botany, plant ecology, or other plant-focused research in Arkansas and within the Northern California Botanists (NCB) geographic range can receive US $1,500 research scholarships. Northern California Botanists supports basic independent study, thesis, or dissertation projects that advance plant science and botanical conservation; students from any accredited college or university may apply.

This funding opportunity supports Arkansas students pursuing plant-focused studies such as horticulture, botany, forestry, agriculture, and environmental science. Administered by the Community Foundation of the Endless Mountains, it particularly aids high school seniors advancing to college programs that emphasize environmental education, landscape design, and botanical conservation within regional ecosystems.

PhD students at U.S. graduate institutions conducting plant-based scientific research can receive US $6,000 for research and outreach expenses through this fellowship, usable at sites in Arkansas or abroad. Grants from Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens help emerging scientists advance botanical conservation, sustainable agriculture, and public engagement with plant science.

Undergraduate juniors, seniors, and graduate students studying plant sciences, conservation, environmental sciences, or landscape architecture can receive scholarship support that may benefit those in Arkansas focused on botanical conservation. The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region uses a universal application so eligible students can be considered for multiple academic scholarship programs at once.

Students pursuing natural resource or botanical conservation-related degrees who reside in specific northeastern Illinois counties can receive scholarship support through the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois. With a mission to support higher education in environmental fields, this scholarship aids future professionals in areas like botany, ecology, forestry, hydrology, soils, and pollution control.

Arkansas environmental nonprofits working on climate and clean energy policy or climate change education can access funding through the Mayer and Morris Kaplan Foundation for general operating or program-specific support. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations focused on reducing fossil fuel use or providing scientifically accurate climate education for young adults may be eligible.

Nonprofit ministries working on evangelism, leadership development, holistic services, Christian media, stewardship, or youth programs, including those in Arkansas, can seek project support through the Festus and Helen Stacy Foundation. Grants are for 501(c)(3) organizations, with geographic priorities in South Florida, national initiatives, and emerging nations, and applications are accepted year-round.

AFL Community Grants aim to empower education, youth, and life advancement through targeted community support. The program is designed for non-profit organizations, focusing on STEM education, youth development, and the LEAP initiative for adult self-sufficiency. With grant applications opening in 2025, AFL Global seeks to make a lasting impact in communities by addressing their greatest needs and fostering growth through education and development initiatives.

Nonprofit organizations and educational institutions in Arkansas working on food system issues like sustainable agriculture, animal welfare, or food justice can apply for Stray Dog Institute’s grants, typically US $2,500 - US $10,000. Funding may be unrestricted or project-based and can support research, advocacy, public outreach, and other transformation-oriented initiatives, including work intersecting plant-focused conservation.

Nonprofits, mission-oriented for-profits, and eligible housing entities with scalable affordable housing innovations can seek US $2,000,000 grants to expand their impact, including in Arkansas. Enterprise Community Partners and Wells Fargo fund proven solutions in design and construction, finance, or service delivery that increase housing affordability for low- to moderate-income residents.

Arkansas nonprofits providing nutrition education, food access, or culinary arts training can seek support for programs that teach healthy eating and food pathways. Focused on nutrition and healthy eating, the Ann B Zekauskas Family Foundation invites 501(c)(3) organizations across the U.S., including Arkansas, to collaborate on educational and community-based initiatives that empower students, families, and underserved communities.

Nonprofit organizations and public institutions working on botanical conservation and broader ecosystem restoration in Arkansas can seek funding for biodiversity and habitat projects. Grants from Biophilia Foundation help U.S. groups, especially in priority regions, with US $5,000 - US $25,000 for private land conservation, watershed restoration, restorative economies, and conservation policy initiatives that enhance biodiversity.

Nonprofits, university researchers, and conservation-focused individuals in Arkansas and across the U.S. and Canada can seek US $3,000 - US $20,000 for ecosystem restoration, biodiversity, and stewardship projects. Focused on habitat and ecosystem health, W.L. Gore invites proposals that improve natural systems, support hunting access and education, and foster collaborative conservation.

The Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Corridor Community Grants, provided by Keep America Beautiful, aim to empower communities to revitalize and beautify MLK corridors across the U.S. These grants support various projects, including murals, community gardens, and cleanup efforts, contributing to the initiative's goal of beautifying 25,000 communities by 2026. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, local governments, and community organizations, with a focus on sustainable impacts and local engagement.

Non-governmental and not-for-profit organizations with climate action projects in Arkansas and other eligible Americas countries can seek up to US $500,000 to implement two-year initiatives advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals. HCL Technologies supports efforts like biodiversity and wildlife conservation, land and ocean protection, clean energy, climate advocacy, and risk reduction that may benefit plant-focused conservation work.

The Ash Grove Charitable Foundation Grant supports public charities with 501(c)(3) status, focusing on capital projects that enhance community life in states where Ash Grove operates. With a commitment to environmental sustainability, education, and human services, the Foundation prioritizes funding for renovation and construction projects. Grants typically reach up to $25,000, aiming to foster better living standards and support local initiatives that are vital for community growth and resilience.

The Regenerative Agriculture Foundation Grant supports organizations that promote regenerative practices, emphasizing the value of people, plants, animals, and the planet. With a focus on BIPOC-led initiatives, the foundation encourages systemic change in agricultural systems through collaborative funding. Grants are available to U.S.-based organizations that align with RAF's vision and engage in transformative efforts. The competitive grantmaking process is by invitation only, ensuring targeted support for impactful projects.

The KidsGardening Youth Garden Grant supports organizations in the U.S. or U.S. Territories that aim to enhance youth gardening programs. With a focus on underserved communities, the grant provides resources to develop or improve garden projects for youth aged 0-18. This initiative not only promotes educational opportunities but also fosters community engagement through gardening. Recipients receive a variety of supplies, including seeds and gardening tools, to help cultivate sustainable gardening practices.

The Plant America Community Project Grant, offered by the National Garden Clubs, supports initiatives that enhance public spaces and community gardens. Grants of up to $2,000 are available for projects that educate and engage both adults and children in gardening. Since 2017, over 250 grants have been awarded, totaling more than $225,000. Eligible applicants include member clubs, focusing on beautification, restoration, and environmental education.