Best Travel and Tourism Grants in Arkansas

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving Arkansas and the broader Southern region can seek support for programs in areas like poverty relief, children and families, education, disaster relief, and conservation. Focused on community hardship and wellbeing, Robinson Foundation invites established single-year projects that demonstrate tangible, meaningful impact and clear results, which may include tourism or ecotourism-related efforts.

Nonprofit and public-interest organizations working on ecotourism, private land conservation, or ecosystem restoration in Arkansas and other U.S. regions can seek funding support for conservation-focused projects. Grants from Biophilia Foundation help Arkansas ecotourism and conservation efforts with US $5,000 - US $25,000 awards, typically for biodiversity, restorative economies, and nature-based environmental policy initiatives on or involving private lands.

Timothy S.Y. Lam Foundation

The mission of the Timothy S.Y. Lam Foundation is to support research, education, and training within the hospitality industry by bestowing scholarships and grants to those seeking careers or advancement in the hospitality industry; funding education programs that promote the hospitality industry; and awarding research grants to those interested in blending academia with practical industry know-how. 

Primary Goals: To support the professional development and academic advancement of the hospitality industry by continuing to support the foundation’s current programs, promote recipients, maintain positive working relationships with associations, and provide support to underserved communities with individuals pursuing hospitality education, training, and job advancement. 

In 2024, TSYLF introduced new initiatives to support and empower underserved communities and underprivileged and underemployed individuals. We invite all hospitality associations, students, research teams, and professionals to explore how the Timothy S.Y. Lam Foundation can support your educational and professional endeavors in the field of hospitality. 

Research Grants

Grantmaking Focus

The foundation supports programs that are practical and directly benefit the hospitality industry. Of particular interest are efforts that apply rigorous academic research to solve practical hospitality issues. All grants are measured on the direct results of improved efficiency and efficacy for the hospitality industry. The Foundation emphasizes activities in the following areas and organizations that work in the following areas:

• Research programs that improve employment possibilities and career advancement for those entering or incumbents in the hospitality industry.
• Research programs that enhance efficiency in the hospitality industry.
• Articles or textbooks that contribute to the comprehensive body of knowledge and/or promote industry practices, standards, and ethics.
• Practical and applicable research projects with immediate benefit to the hospitality industry.

Grants are payable to the organization or institution and not to an individual.

Grant funding is dispersed in two payments. One payment will be made upon award approval and the second will be made once the research grant report has been submitted.

Research Grant funding should be used for the following:

• TSYLF funds should be used for research facility overhead and general maintenance.
• TSYLF funds can be used for reasonable software, computer systems or programs to organize, track and store data.
• TSYLF funds can be used for tangible research items such printed documents, writing utensils, books, office supplies or related tools and materials needed to document research and practical observations.
• TSYLF will fund equipment or materials used for hands-on training such as cleaning, and sanitation supplies, safety items or other personal protection, furnishings found in hotels, restaurants or other hospitality related facilities being used to observe applicable productivity or conditions.
• TSYLF funds can be used to obtain proper permits for conducting research or staging a practical observation or production space.
• TSYLF funds can be used be used for creating resource material and related distribution costs to hospitality professionals, businesses and educators.
• TSYLF funds can be used for support materials or services for hosting focus groups, interviews or other activities related to the research topic.
• TSYLF funds should be used wisely for reasonable and cost-effective accommodations for staff, research team and subjects such as meals, travel or lodging.
• TSYLF funds can be used for reasonable mileage or transportation fees for research subjects, team and special advisors.
• TSYLF funds can be used for reasonable travel accommodations related to research topic data collection.
• TSYLF funds can be used for reasonable compensation to the research team for their time in collecting, analyzing and organizing data related to the funded research topic.
• TSYLF funds can be used for reasonable compensation to the research subjects.
• TSYLF funds can be used for expenses related to community engagement.
• TSYLF funds can be used for fees related to attending a hospitality event that aligns with the funded research topic.

Students pursuing tourism or hospitality-related majors at accredited colleges, universities, or trade schools can receive scholarship support through the Visit Bucks County Tourism & Hospitality Scholarship. Bucks County Foundation supports higher and vocational education in tourism, which may benefit Arkansas-based students with ties to Bucks County interested in travel and hospitality careers.

Students in Arkansas studying aviation or hospitality can receive higher education support through the NetJets Scholarship, funded by The Columbus Foundation. Grants from The Columbus Foundation help U.S. travel and tourism students with strong academics pursue aviation or hospitality degrees full-time, offering US $25,000 awards and encouraging careers in business aviation and service-focused travel industries.

American Indian and Alaska Native undergraduate juniors and seniors in tourism, gaming, financial, or hospitality fields, and graduate students in business or gaming/hospitality-related programs in Arkansas can access funding through Native Forward Scholars Fund. The Wells Fargo American Indian Scholarship offers need-based awards ranging from US $2,500 - US $5,000 for full-time study at accredited institutions across the U.S.

The FY26 Bureau of Land Management Invasive and Noxious Plant Management program focuses on preventing and controlling invasive species that threaten public lands and native plant communities. These invasive plants impose significant economic burdens and disrupt ecosystems. The program aims to enhance detection, rapid response, and education on invasive species, while also promoting rehabilitation efforts and biological control to protect valuable resources on public lands.

Arkansas nonprofits and other 501(c)(3) organizations working in health, education, or community services can access funding through Labcorp Charitable Foundation to support programs and services. Grants may benefit tourism-related efforts that improve local community well-being, such as food access, healthcare for underserved populations, STEM education, or healthy lifestyle initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Arkansas working on community development, housing, jobs, hunger, or related basic needs can seek sponsorship support to strengthen local economic and social vitality. With a mission to advance economic mobility, Bank of America Charitable Foundation also considers arts, culture, environment, and diversity initiatives that help build vibrant communities and support tourism-related activity.

Arkansas tourism and ecotourism nonprofits can access funding through Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation’s Storytelling Grant to share the impact of their work through compelling media and narratives. Eligible 501(c)(3)s and aligned for-profit organizations in preservation, education, or wellness may receive more than US $50,000 to tell stories that highlight their community and conservation efforts.

Arkansas nonprofits leading strong, replicable community partnerships can access recognition and support through the Mutual of America Foundation’s national Community Partnership Award. Organizations collaborating with public, private, or social sector partners to address significant social issues may be eligible, including those whose tourism or ecotourism initiatives strengthen local communities.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Arkansas working on basic needs, community vitality, or volunteer-driven programs can seek support for hunger relief, housing, economic development, arts access, and adult self-sufficiency initiatives. Focused on strengthening communities, Ameriprise Financial invites applicants that demonstrate measurable outcomes, financial stability, and strong volunteer engagement, with grants available across the U.S.

Educational institutions, government programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies in Arkansas can apply for State Farm Companies Foundation’s Good Neighbor Citizenship grants to support safety, education, and community development initiatives. Projects that strengthen neighborhoods, improve public and home safety, or enhance local education may benefit tourism and broader community vitality.

With a mission to help community-based programs, this funder provides Arkansas nonprofits with US $1,000 - US $20,000 for museums, cultural and performing arts, environmental and wildlife protection, and community services. Organizations promoting tourism or ecotourism through cultural institutions, environmental attractions, or local experiences may be eligible if they are IRS-qualified U.S. nonprofits.

Focused on basic needs and economic mobility, Nordstrom invites Arkansas 501(c)(3) nonprofits to apply for unrestricted grants of US $5,000 - US $20,000. Organizations serving youth and families with food, shelter, clothing, workforce development, or mentorship in communities near Nordstrom stores may be eligible, including those with tourism-related community programs.

Organizations serving children or youth in urban low-income communities in Arkansas and across the U.S. can apply for Michael & Susan Dell Foundation grants; awards more than US $50,000 for education, children’s health, and family economic stability projects. Eligible entities include nonprofits, social enterprises, schools, governments, and other mission-aligned organizations seeking project support or scaling funds.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Arkansas that support children, education, or health and human services may be eligible for program funding, not capital or equipment. Costco Foundation supports these community-focused efforts by considering monetary requests that demonstrate clear community need, measurable outcomes, collaboration, and a broad base of financial support in areas where Costco operates.

Nonprofit organizations working to help disadvantaged people become self-reliant, including those addressing poverty, disability, social exclusion, or disaster relief, can apply for Gupta Family Foundation support in Arkansas and other eligible countries. Gupta Family Foundation provides US $5,000 - US $250,000 for smaller, non-sectarian organizations, typically 501(c)(3)s, with most funds reaching direct beneficiaries.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.