Curtis H. Sykes Memorial Grant Program

The Curtis H. Sykes Memorial Grant Program supports initiatives that preserve and promote the heritage and history of African Americans in Arkansas. This grant is administered by the Black History Commission of Arkansas (BHCA), which operates under the Arkansas State Archives. Funded by the Arkansas General Assembly, the program has helped sponsor over 90 projects totaling more than $250,000 since its naming in honor of Curtis H. Sykes in 2009. Sykes, an educator and community activist from North Little Rock, served as the first chair of the Black History Advisory Committee and was a major advocate for integrating African American history into public education, notably pushing for Act 326 of 1997. His lifelong dedication to preserving African American history has left a significant legacy, which continues through this grant program. The primary objective of the Curtis H. Sykes Memorial Grant Program is to support projects that commemorate, preserve, and disseminate African American history in Arkansas. Eligible projects may include archival research, oral histories, documentary films, community exhibits, historical markers, cemetery documentation, and other forms of cultural heritage preservation. Grant recipients must ensure that materials generated or acquired during the project are deposited with the Arkansas State Archives, thereby contributing to the broader public record. Eligible applicants include organizations formed for nonprofit or not-for-profit purposes. Applicants are not required to hold official 501(c)(3) status. Projects that are collaborative, ongoing, or have a lasting impact on African American history in Arkansas are particularly encouraged. The program prioritizes proposals from first-time applicants and assesses each submission based on project feasibility, budget reasonableness, potential audience, and alignment with the program’s mission. Applicants should articulate a clear public benefit and demonstrate how their project will enhance historical understanding and access. The application process begins with submission through an online grant portal, where applicants must use the access code “BHCA.” After logging in and submitting a Letter of Interest (LOI), applicants may proceed to complete the full application. Application deadlines are quarterly, falling on January 2, April 2, July 2, and October 2. Late applications roll into the next cycle. Applications must follow current program guidelines and include a project description, budget summary, and a detailed budget justification. A strong application outlines the project's timeline, personnel roles, anticipated impact, and plans for dissemination and public outreach. Award amounts are capped at $3,500, and there is no matching funds requirement. However, applicants are encouraged to note in-kind or additional financial support in their budgets. Projects must be completed within one year from the award date, as defined in the grant contract. The grant is disbursed in two payments: 50% upon contract signing and 50% upon submission and review of a satisfactory six-month progress report. A final narrative and financial report is due within 30 days of the project’s conclusion, along with the required archival materials. For guidance, applicants are encouraged to contact Tatyana Oyinloye, African American History Program Coordinator, at 501-682-6892 or via email at [email protected]. Program guidelines and application materials are available on the Arkansas State Archives website. By supporting local projects rooted in African American heritage, the Curtis H. Sykes Memorial Grant Program continues to promote inclusive history and community engagement throughout Arkansas.

Include detailed budget justifications to avoid application delays.