Youth Advisory Council (YAC) Grant

The Hot Springs Area Community Foundation (HSACF) is a regional affiliate of the Arkansas Community Foundation, dedicated to supporting the philanthropic goals of individuals, organizations, and businesses in Garland and Montgomery counties. Since its founding in 1991, the Foundation has worked to create a lasting impact in its service area by helping establish over 128 charitable funds. These funds contribute to a wide range of causes that address both immediate community needs and long-term improvement efforts. With more than $26 million awarded in cumulative grants, HSACF has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to community development, health, education, the arts, and food security, among other areas. One of the key initiatives supported by HSACF is the statewide Grade Level Reading Initiative. This collaborative effort involves nonprofits, government agencies, educators, business leaders, and families working together toward the goal of ensuring that all Arkansas children are reading at grade level by the end of third grade. HSACF’s active participation in such collaborative programs underscores its role not just as a grantmaker, but also as a facilitator of systemic change in the region. Each year, HSACF administers multiple grant cycles. One of the primary seasonal cycles is the Youth Advisory Council (YAC) Grant Cycle, which opens in the spring. This particular grant opportunity supports nonprofit programs specifically designed to benefit the youth and children of Garland County. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, schools, churches, hospitals, and government agencies, provided that their programs directly support this target population. The YAC program empowers local youth to be involved in the grant review and decision-making process, making it both a funding opportunity and a youth leadership development initiative. For the 2026 cycle, the YAC Grant Application will open on February 16, 2026, and close on March 31, 2026, with all applications due by midnight. Grant amounts typically range from $100 to $2,000, allowing smaller-scale and grassroots projects to receive critical funding. No pre-application steps, such as letters of intent or concept papers, are required, which simplifies access for organizations seeking to apply. The grant review process is managed locally, and while detailed evaluation criteria are not explicitly stated, applicants can reasonably infer that programs demonstrating clear benefit to youth and children in Garland County will be prioritized. There is no indication of a required matching contribution, and there is also no mention of indirect cost limitations or multi-year funding structures. Contact for this cycle is Joyce Whitfield, who can provide further guidance to potential applicants. The YAC grant cycle recurs annually during the spring, making it a consistent opportunity for youth-focused programs in Garland County. Organizations that may not be ready in time for the 2026 deadline are encouraged to plan ahead for the 2027 cycle, which is expected to follow a similar timeline. With its emphasis on youth empowerment and local impact, the HSACF YAC grant represents a valuable source of funding for organizations committed to making a difference in the lives of children and families in the region.