Curtis H. Sykes Memorial Grant Program

The Curtis H. Sykes Memorial Grant Program is administered by the Black History Commission of Arkansas (BHCA), a seven-member advisory board to the Arkansas State Archives. Funded by the Arkansas General Assembly, the program is dedicated to preserving, commemorating, and enhancing the heritage of African Americans in Arkansas. Named in honor of Curtis H. Sykes, a lifelong educator and activist who played a pivotal role in founding the BHCA, the grant supports projects that align with the commission’s mission to encourage historical research, collect relevant archival materials, and make public African American history in Arkansas. The grant aims to fund projects that preserve and share African American history within Arkansas, particularly those that produce long-lasting impact such as historical markers, exhibits, recurring events, and oral history projects. Projects must generate or acquire archival materials that will ultimately be donated to the Arkansas State Archives. Eligible applicants include groups or organizations formed for nonprofit or not-for-profit purposes; while 501(c)(3) status is not mandatory, the organization must not be for profit. Applicants may request up to $3,500, and there is no requirement for matching funds. However, applicants are encouraged to demonstrate in-kind support or additional financial backing. The grant does not fund operational expenses such as salaries, rent, or construction-related costs, and all project funds must be spent within the grant contract period. Projects must be completed within one year from the date of the award. To apply, organizations must first submit a Letter of Interest through the online portal hosted by the Department of Arkansas Heritage, using the access code BHCA. If the applicant has previously applied through this portal, they should not create a new account. Once the LOI is submitted, the grant coordinator will follow up with the applicant regarding the full proposal. Applications are accepted quarterly with deadlines on January 2, April 2, July 2, and October 2. The BHCA reviews submissions during its meetings in February, May, August, and November. Applicants are notified of funding decisions within two weeks of the quarterly meeting. Evaluation criteria include the applicant’s track record (if previously funded), likelihood of project completion within proposed timelines and budget, the reasonableness of costs, and whether the applicant is a first-time applicant, which may give priority. Project descriptions must outline the organization’s relevance to the work, project timeline, team credentials, community impact, and a plan for publicizing the project and distributing archival materials. For assistance or pre-submission feedback, applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the African American History Program Coordinator, Tatyana Oyinloye, at tatyana.oyinloye@arkansas.gov or 501-682-6892. Award recipients receive 50% of the funds upon contract initiation, and the remaining 50% after a satisfactory six-month interim report is submitted. Final reports are due within 30 days of project completion, and all documentation must be retained for five years for audit purposes.

Applicants are encouraged to contact the program coordinator for feedback before submission. Budget justification must align with summary and include adequate details.