Early Literacy grant

The Early Literacy Grant Cycle is one of the core funding opportunities administered by the Hot Springs Area Community Foundation (HSACF), a regional affiliate of the Arkansas Community Foundation. HSACF has been a committed partner in community philanthropy since 1991, with over $26 million in cumulative grants awarded across Garland and Montgomery counties. The Foundation supports a range of programs, with a consistent emphasis on improving quality of life through investments in education, health, arts, and food security. As part of its mission, HSACF also plays a key role in advancing the statewide Grade Level Reading Initiative. The Early Literacy grant aligns directly with this broader initiative, reinforcing HSACF’s commitment to ensuring that all children in Arkansas achieve reading proficiency by the end of third grade. The 2026–27 grant cycle specifically targets programs designed to build foundational literacy skills for children in Garland and Montgomery counties. Applicants are encouraged to submit proposals that address one or more of the following focus areas: (1) programs that ensure children are reading at grade level by third grade, (2) preschool initiatives that incorporate phonics and pre-K phonemic awareness curricula, particularly in partnership with childcare centers, and (3) after-school enrichment programs that support age-appropriate literacy development for K–3 students. The 2026 Early Literacy Grant Cycle opens on February 16, 2026, and will remain open through March 31, 2026. All applications must be submitted by midnight on the closing date. The grant award range is from $2,500 to $10,000, making it suitable for small to mid-sized organizations focused on early literacy. There is no pre-application requirement such as a letter of intent or concept paper, which makes this grant accessible to a wide range of applicants. Grants are expected to be for a one-year period, with no multi-year commitment indicated. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, public or private schools, childcare centers, after-school program providers, and other community organizations that are able to implement literacy programs aligned with the focus areas. All applicants must serve children residing in Garland or Montgomery counties. While no explicit exclusions or ineligible uses are listed, funding will likely prioritize proposals that demonstrate measurable literacy outcomes and strong community partnerships. Applications are reviewed by the local HSACF board and staff. While the evaluation criteria are not published in detail, it is reasonable to infer that proposals will be judged based on their alignment with the stated focus areas, potential for impact, and organizational capacity. Joyce Whitfield, Executive Director of HSACF, serves as the primary contact for this grant opportunity. Interested applicants can contact her by phone at 501-372-1007 or via email at [email protected] for further information. This grant cycle is part of HSACF’s recurring spring funding calendar and is expected to continue on an annual basis. Organizations that are not ready to apply in 2026 should consider preparing for the 2027 cycle, which will likely maintain a similar timeline and focus. The Early Literacy grant offers a targeted and impactful funding opportunity for organizations working to build a strong educational foundation for the youngest members of the community.