Best Social Justice Grants in Arkansas

Rural, community-based 501(c)(3) organizations using grassroots organizing for social, economic, or environmental justice in Arkansas and other Southeastern states can seek general or project support through the Hubert E. Sapp Regular Grant Cycle. Southern Partners Fund prioritizes small-budget groups building community power, leadership, and systemic change rather than direct services.

Rural grassroots community groups in Arkansas and the broader Southeast working on social, economic, or environmental justice can receive support for organizing, capacity building, and travel assistance. Southern Partners Fund’s Discretionary Fund prioritizes education reform, immigration rights, and voter engagement, offering up to US $3,500 per year across two requests for eligible rural organizations.

Grants from Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation help Arkansas social justice and equity-focused organizations fund narrative change, movement building, and policy and advocacy efforts. Eligible groups working to advance economic, educational, social, racial, and ethnic equity for ALICE families can seek multi-year, unrestricted support by initiating a funding request or connecting through a WRF convening.

U.S. 501(c)(3) public charities and fiscally sponsored projects rooted in BAMEMSA communities can secure general operating support for social justice, civil rights, and civic engagement work, including in Arkansas. With a mission to advance racial, gender, queer, and disability justice, Proteus Fund’s RISE Together Fund offers up to US $25,000 for community power-building and advocacy.

The Call for Kindness Grant, offered by Riley's Way Foundation, empowers young leaders aged 13-23 to launch impactful social projects focused on kindness and community connection. With grants up to $5,000, recipients receive essential mentorship, coaching, and community support. This initiative has already benefited over 3,500 youth nationwide, promoting values of empathy and social change. Applicants can pursue projects in diverse areas, including environmental justice, ensuring a broad impact in their communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and fiscally sponsored projects with national or broad multi-region reach can access funding for empathy-building work, including social justice and human rights, through Acton Family Giving. Arkansas-based groups with expansive reach that fit its Stories, Animal Connection, Areas of Exploration, or Good Fight priorities may be considered.

Arkansas social justice and human rights researchers enrolled as U.S.-based doctoral students can access funding through the Russell Sage Foundation’s Dissertation Research Grants to support all aspects of dissertation work. Projects must address U.S.-focused topics in areas like inequality, work, race, ethnicity, or immigration, with awards up to US $15,000 for one year.

Focused on social science research about economic mobility and inequality, this program invites early-career faculty in the U.S., including those in Arkansas, to propose one-year projects. Russell Sage Foundation’s Sheldon Danziger Pipeline Grants provide US $35,000 - US $50,000 for studies on social justice–related issues such as income, labor markets, education, immigration, and criminal justice.

Arkansas schools, local governments, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits can access funding through Safe Routes to School National Parternship to host Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day events. Grants of US $500 - US $1,000 support November activities that promote activism, anti-racism, anti-bullying, and student walking or rolling to school, benefiting social justice education efforts.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on social justice or education in Arkansas can seek support for forward-thinking programs. Baskin Family Foundation supports initiatives across the U.S., so Arkansas-based groups addressing social justice and human rights may be eligible to apply for this funding opportunity.

Graduate students from Kauai pursuing degrees in social justice, public or human service, education, or health can receive scholarship support from Hawai'i Community Foundation. Focused on these fields, the Inspired to Serve Scholarship Fund favors Hawaii residents intending to work in Kauai or elsewhere in the state, which may benefit future social justice leaders beyond Arkansas.

Education-focused unions and affiliates working on racial justice initiatives in Arkansas can apply for National Education Association Staff Organization’s CRSJ Racial Justice in Education Grant, awarding US $5,000 - US $75,000. Funding supports projects that advance racial equity in schools through awareness, capacity-building, leadership development for people of color, and organizational transformation for equitable policies.

Nonprofit and education-focused organizations working on K–12 student achievement and racial justice in Arkansas can seek support for community advocacy and partnership initiatives. With a mission to strengthen public education, National Education Association Staff Organization provides funding to mobilize community partners, engage trained union leaders, and build roles that advance social justice and equity in schools.

State Aspiring Educators organizations and campus chapters in Arkansas can apply for National Education Association Staff Organization’s CREATE grants, awarding up to US $2,000 for projects that strengthen AE programs and partnerships. Funding can support educator preparation, community engagement, education-focused political action, or social justice initiatives, with submission deadlines three times each year.

Education union affiliates working on student-centered advocacy and collective bargaining in Arkansas can seek grants to advance social justice, educational equity, and improved learning conditions. National Education Association supports projects by local and state affiliates that engage communities, influence board policies, and lift educator voices around safe, healthy, and well-funded schools, with awards up to US $50,000.

Recent humanities or interpretive social science PhDs authorized to work in the U.S., including Arkansas-based scholars, can receive more than US $142,000 in fellowship support for social justice work with nonprofits. American Council of Learned Societies places fellows in substantive roles at community-focused organizations, providing a two-year stipend, health insurance, relocation support for in-person posts, and professional development funding.

Arkansas social justice and education nonprofits can access funding through American Electric Power Foundation to support STEM learning, basic human needs like hunger and housing, and equity-focused programs. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) public charities or public institutions within AEP’s service territory or with regional or national reach benefiting the broader public.

Arkansas social justice and legal services nonprofits working on fair justice systems, reentry, or juvenile justice may be eligible for the Equal Justice Under the Law program, which generally funds in Colorado and the Bay Area but occasionally supports other areas. The Indigo Oak Fund backs programs advancing rehabilitation, civic engagement, and education for future attorneys and social justice workers.

Emerging 501(c)(3) and fiscally sponsored nonprofits in Arkansas focused on social justice or community services can access capacity-building training and up to US $4,000 in funding through this cohort-based incubator program. Mockingbird Incubator and Givebutter provide workshops, fundraising support, and potential seed and matching funds to help small organizations under $500,000 grow sustainably.

B.W. Bastian Foundation provides Arkansas social justice and human rights nonprofits with US $100 - US $15,000 for general operating support, projects, advocacy, and capacity building. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations that explicitly affirm equality for all Americans, including the gay and lesbian community, may be funded, with additional opportunities for nationally scoped U.S. initiatives.

Researchers studying community-led social justice and development in Latin America and the Caribbean, including those based in Arkansas, can receive US $20,000 fellowships to conduct rigorous field research. The Social Science Research Council and Inter-American Foundation support projects on issues like economic opportunity, migration, violence prevention, social inclusion, and disaster resilience in partnership with community organizations.

The Transformative Organizing Grants, funded by the Arch Community Fund, aim to bolster grassroots movements advocating for systemic change. These grants, ranging from $15,000 to $25,000, prioritize organizations with 501(c)(3) status and an annual budget under $1 million. The focus is on empowering community leadership through anti-capitalist solutions, promoting intersectionality, and addressing immediate needs while fostering long-term structural change. Eligible groups are encouraged to apply for support in their transformative organizing efforts.

The Pop Culture Collaborative offers Major Grants to support initiatives that promote long-term narrative change and social justice through pop culture. Targeting U.S.-based nonprofits, for-profits, and individuals, these grants aim to engage mass audiences in transformative experiences. With a focus on communities often marginalized, the Collaborative's efforts are designed to foster a pluralistic society where everyone belongs. Grants range from $20,000 to $200,000, depending on project scope and duration, with applications reviewed biannually.

Seattle Foundation

Seattle Foundation is an agent of change, igniting powerful, rewarding philanthropy to make Greater Seattle a stronger, more vibrant community for all.

At Seattle Foundation, we believe that community is more than a place. It’s the shared understanding that our joy and well-being are tied to one another. Every day we work with nonprofits, philanthropists, and partners like you to strengthen community by igniting powerful philanthropy and advancing long-term solutions. Because it takes all of us to create a joyful region where every person can thrive.

Theresa Earenfight Scholarship

The purpose of the Theresa Earenfight Scholarship is to support undergrad or graduate students who are passionate about the intersection of social justice and animal welfare within a historical context. Applicants should be studying history, in particular how history intersects with animal activism, animal rights, animal liberation, and other related topics. Preference will be given to students with strong financial need, students of color and those from historically marginalized communities, and/or students who may face barriers to receiving other scholarships. This is a $10,000 annual scholarship renewable through the completion of the student’s degree, assuming the student continues to meet the eligibility criteria. The scholarship may be applied to tuition and fees, or other academic expenses payable to the college or university.

Deb & John Quirk Memorial Scholarship

The Hastings Community Foundation is excited to announce the creation of the Deb and John Quirk Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship will provide a $10,000 annual scholarship and is renewable for a total award of up to $40,000. One scholarship will be awarded each year. This scholarship is only available to graduating seniors from Hastings High, Adams Central, or Hastings Catholic Schools. Applicants must be focused on impacting social justice through their education and future employment, as illustrated through an essay submitted to the scholarship committee.

The Leadership through Scholarship Fellowship is a yearlong program designed for early-career and mid-career faculty to enhance their scholarly writing and leadership skills. Participants will receive mentorship and training to develop personalized career roadmaps, navigate challenges, and create impactful research questions. The fellowship, costing $1200, also offers limited scholarships thanks to generous donations. It equips fellows with vital skills for academic advancement, promoting their potential for leadership roles in their institutions.

Leadership through Scholarship Fellowship

The yearlong Leadership through Scholarship Fellowship offers training and mentorship for early-career and mid-career faculty with a focus on developing scholarly writing skills for academic advancement and leadership.

Mid-Career Fellows

Mid-career fellows will benefit from tailored mentorship and guidance to reach the next milestone in their careers, including:

• Receive 1:1 mentorship specific to their challenges or roadblocks to promotion or leadership
• Participate in a detailed CV review to determine edits for promotion
• Work as a group with mentor faculty on challenges in scholarship to move forward with stuck projects
• Learn how to navigate mid-career leadership challenges

The tuition cost for fellows is $1200. A limited number of scholarships are available to cover the fellowship tuition due to a generous gift from Drs Marjorie Bowman and Robert Choplin.

Benefits of the Fellowship