Arkansas Arts Grants

This funding supports established nonprofit arts organizations in Arkansas that significantly contribute to the state's cultural and economic vitality by providing essential operational resources.

This grant provides financial support to established nonprofit arts organizations in Arkansas to strengthen their administrative and operational functions.

This grant provides funding to U.S.-based non-profit organizations to support projects that promote Japanese arts and culture, particularly in areas with limited access to such events.

The Heartland Regional Food Business Center is offering Business Builder Subawards ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 to support small food and farm businesses in selected states and counties, aiming to expand local and regional food markets, increase business acumen, and strengthen food systems in response to COVID-19, with projects to be completed within a year.

The City of Leavenworth's 2025 General Fund Grant Program offers funding to non-profit organizations to benefit its residents. This program is rooted in the city's commitment to enhancing community well-being and development, aligning with a broad mission to support local initiatives. The funding, sourced from the city's General Fund, is strategically allocated to address various community needs and foster a vibrant, supportive environment within Leavenworth. The program primarily targets non-profit organizations that serve the Leavenworth community, with a focus on youth and seniors, event and activity implementation, organizational development, capacity building, and capital improvements. The overarching impact goal is to improve the quality of life for Leavenworth residents through a diverse range of projects and services. This includes expanding youth programs, supporting essential services like food assistance, strengthening non-profit infrastructure, and investing in community-benefiting capital projects. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly defined. It emphasizes Youth and Senior Services, aiming to support non-profits that specifically benefit these demographics. Another key area is Events and Activities, providing funding for the operational costs of programs and services, such as food assistance. Organizational Development and Capacity Building is also a focus, supporting community-focused education and program planning. Finally, Capital Improvements are supported for projects that directly benefit the Leavenworth community. Expected outcomes include an increase in available services for youth and seniors, more robust community events and activities, enhanced organizational capabilities for non-profits, and tangible capital improvements within the city. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed, the program's structure suggests a focus on the successful implementation and reach of funded projects. The strategic priority is to allocate a total of $62,000, with a maximum grant request of $5,000 per applicant, not exceeding 50% of the program cost. This ensures a broad distribution of funds and encourages co-investment from applicants. The theory of change is that by investing in non-profit initiatives that directly benefit residents, the city can foster a stronger, more supportive, and enriched community.

Grant Name: Regional Touring Program Grants Donor: Mid-America Arts Alliance Location: Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas Grant Type: Grant Deadline: Ongoing Grant Size: Up to $5,000 Details: The Regional Touring Program grants by Mid-America Arts Alliance support presenting organizations in showcasing the work of artists from within the M-AAA region. Presenters can receive up to 50% of the artist's fee for booking an artist listed on a state touring roster and up to 25% for booking an artist from the region not listed on a touring roster. Rural presenters may receive an additional 10% of the artist's fee. Projects must engage regional audiences through exposure, interaction, and outreach engagement. Eligible projects must feature in-region artists from outside the presenter's home state and include public-facing events between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2024. The grant does not cover indirect project costs or expenses associated with benefits or fundraiser events. Eligibility Criteria: Applicant organizations must be tax-exempt non-profit organizations or federally recognized tribal communities incorporated in one or more states in the M-AAA region. They must have a valid EIN and UEI ID and commit to M-AAA's Grantee Assurance of Compliance and Federal Suspension and Disbarment Policy. Organizations may submit a maximum of three applications per fiscal year. For more information, visit M-AAA's website.

The Artists 360 Creative Impact Award, offered by the Mid-America Arts Alliance (M-AAA), is designed to uplift and empower artists in Northwest Arkansas. The program provides grants, entrepreneurship skill development, and networking opportunities within a dynamic regional artist community. While the description doesn't explicitly detail the M-AAA's overarching mission or theory of change, the Artists 360 program aligns with a strategy to strengthen the artistic ecosystem of Northwest Arkansas by investing directly in its creative talent. The program's structure suggests a belief that direct financial support combined with professional development and networking will lead to more robust artistic careers and a deeper, more vibrant arts community. The target beneficiaries of this award are mid-career or established artists based in Benton, Carroll, Crawford, Sebastian, or Washington counties in Arkansas. These artists must demonstrate exceptional work, be recognized professionally within Arkansas and nationally, and have contributed significantly to Northwest Arkansas's cultural landscape. A key focus is on artists who lack longstanding institutional support, emphasizing an equitable approach to fostering artistic growth. The program prioritizes artists committed to building and supporting the local arts community, fostering a collaborative and interconnected environment. The primary impact goal is to strengthen the artist’s career and deepen the arts community in Northwest Arkansas. This is achieved through unrestricted funds of $25,000, which provide significant financial support, and professional development opportunities. The program's priorities include identifying artists who exhibit a high level of artistic excellence, have a history of community impact, and possess a vision for leadership and mentorship within the regional artistic community. This holistic approach aims to cultivate not just individual artists but also the broader cultural infrastructure. Expected outcomes include enhanced artistic practices, developed entrepreneurship skills among artists, and a more connected regional artist network. Measurable results are implicitly tied to the artists' participation in structured professional development activities, such as the Artists 360 Retreat, the Artists 360 Alumni Retreat, and the Full Circle Showcase. These events facilitate network building, provide platforms for sharing work and insights, and offer opportunities for leadership. The commitment to participate in these activities for a full grant year (October 2024 through October 2025) underscores the program's dedication to sustained engagement and long-term impact on the artists' careers and the community.

The Mid-America Arts Alliance (M-AAA) is offering Graduate Student Artist Grants through its Artists 360 program, aiming to support creative practices and career advancement for graduate student artists in greater Northwest Arkansas. This initiative aligns with M-AAA's mission to elevate and energize the regional arts community by fostering artistic talent and entrepreneurial skills. The program provides financial support and professional development opportunities to ensure artists can sustain and grow their creative practices, ultimately enriching the cultural landscape of the region. The target beneficiaries of the Artists 360 Graduate Student Artist Grants are graduate students enrolled in accredited post-secondary institutions within Benton, Carroll, Crawford, Sebastian, or Washington counties in Arkansas. These students, regardless of their academic major, must be at least 18 years old, U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or non-residents with a valid Social Security Number. The program aims to impact these artists by providing them with the necessary resources and skills to develop enduring creative practices and advance their careers, fostering a dynamic regional artist network. The program prioritizes artists who demonstrate artistic excellence, a deep commitment to their work for at least three years, and a motivation to evolve their practice. It also focuses on individuals ready to advance their careers, engage in strategic management, and share their work within a peer learning environment. The grants are designed to support a wide range of artistic disciplines, including dance, film, literary, music, theatre, and visual art. Additionally, a balanced cohort is considered to ensure diverse representation of perspectives, disciplines, and experiences among the selected fellows. Expected outcomes include enhanced creative practices and career advancement for the grant recipients. Fellows will receive $5,000 grants, which they can use flexibly for various needs such as equipment, travel, studio space, childcare, professional services, research, supplies, or contingency savings. Measurable results include participation in peer-based learning experiences like an in-person retreat, one-on-one mentorship, and ongoing small peer group discussions. These activities are designed to develop entrepreneurial skills and expand the artists' professional networks, contributing to a more vibrant and sustainable arts ecosystem in Northwest Arkansas.

The Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation's Community Grant opportunity is designed to provide statewide support to communities and nonprofit organizations throughout Arkansas. Its primary mission alignment is to focus on oral health education and services, specifically targeting underserved and uninsured Arkansas residents. This grant program is a direct reflection of the foundation's strategic priority to increase access to oral health care, particularly through community partnerships that fund preventative services and/or treatment. The target beneficiaries of these grants include underserved individuals of all ages, ethnicities, genders, and socio-economic statuses in Arkansas. The overarching impact goal is to improve oral health outcomes by increasing access to dental care and promoting good oral health practices. The program supports transactional projects and services that aim to achieve this goal, aligning with the foundation's theory of change that by funding preventative services and treatment, health disparities can be reduced and overall community well-being enhanced. The grant program has two main focus areas: Prevention and Treatment. Under Prevention, the grants aim to provide preventive and basic oral healthcare needs for the community. Under Treatment, the focus is on treating at-risk or low-income populations with existing oral health conditions. The grant-making focus specifically supports projects centered on increasing access to both treatment and preventative care, as well as services that promote good oral health practices. Expected outcomes include providing oral health treatment, education, and disease prevention services; increasing access to oral health services for underserved Arkansans; and promoting collaboration across a wide range of health providers in the state. While measurable results are not explicitly detailed in terms of specific metrics, the prioritization of grant requests incorporating a clear oral health focus, a detailed project plan, active collaboration, inclusion of diverse groups, referral protocols, wrap-around support, and the initiation of oral health programs in underserved counties all point to an emphasis on tangible, community-level impact. Community Grants range from $2,500 up to $40,000 per organization, and funds can be used for programmatic, operational, capital needs, and dental clinic expenses.

The WNC Community Enhancement grants, offered by The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina (CFWNC), are designed to support projects that improve the physical appearance and pedestrian experience in downtowns, commercial corridors, or districts. This initiative aligns with the foundation's broader mission of enhancing community well-being in Western North Carolina by investing in local infrastructure and public spaces. The grants specifically target qualified charitable organizations or eligible public agencies operating within selected counties of Western North Carolina and the Qualla Boundary, aiming to foster vibrant and accessible community environments. The primary beneficiaries of these grants are residents and visitors to the targeted downtowns and commercial areas, particularly those in rural or under-resourced communities, which are given priority. The impact goals are centered on creating more attractive, functional, and pedestrian-friendly public spaces. Expected outcomes include tangible improvements such as enhanced pedestrian signals, decorative crosswalks, shade structures, public art, improved landscaping, better lighting, and the creation of spaces for economic activities like outdoor markets. These improvements are intended to directly contribute to the economic vitality and overall quality of life in these areas. The program prioritizes "stand-alone" projects that are distinct and achievable within a one-year timeframe. CFWNC anticipates projects will fall into broad categories: pedestrian/multi-modal improvements, beautification, infrastructure, and economic activities. Specific examples provided, such as bicycle racks, public art installations, stormwater management, and food truck parking, illustrate the diverse range of initiatives the foundation is interested in funding. The emphasis on rural or under-resourced areas underscores the foundation's strategic priority of equitable development and supporting communities with the greatest need. The foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change are evident in its focus on community-led enhancement projects. By funding initiatives that improve public spaces and stimulate economic activity, CFWNC aims to create a ripple effect that strengthens local economies, encourages community engagement, and ultimately fosters more resilient and thriving communities. The grant size, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 for projects not exceeding a total cost of $50,000, indicates a commitment to supporting impactful, yet manageable, projects that can demonstrate clear results within a year of the award. Through these targeted investments, the CFWNC seeks to catalyze local efforts and empower organizations to address specific community needs and opportunities.

The Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education (SSARE) Education Grants program is designed to fund education and outreach activities that benefit the sustainable agriculture community. This grant directly aligns with SSARE's mission to promote efforts in farmer innovations, community resilience, business success, agricultural diversification, and best management practices. The core objective is to support projects that develop sustainable agriculture systems or move existing systems towards sustainability. The primary beneficiaries of these grants are farmers and farming communities, including those involved in indigenous agriculture producing for community food systems. Academic institutions, non-profits, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), 1890 land-grant university faculty/extension cooperators, 1862 land-grant universities, other colleges and universities, and government agencies are eligible to apply, acting as facilitators for these educational initiatives. The impact goals are centered on fostering a more sustainable, resilient, and economically viable agricultural sector through knowledge dissemination and practical application. Education Grants prioritize projects that clearly articulate what is being taught, to whom, and how the goals will be accomplished. Focus areas include experiential learning (demonstrations, on-farm tours, field days, workshops), integrative approaches (conferences, seminars, course curriculum), and reinforcement methods (fact sheets, bulletins, videos, online technologies). SSARE also encourages proposals on quality of life topics, such as heirs property, farmers’ markets, food hubs, local/regional processing, and urban agriculture systems, emphasizing the social health of farming systems. Expected outcomes include the adoption of sustainable agriculture practices, enhanced farmer innovation, increased community resilience, improved business success for agricultural enterprises, and greater agricultural diversification. Projects should yield results that are realistic, acceptable to farmers, logical, and capable of leading to tangible actions and benefits described in the proposal. The grant projects are strictly focused on education and outreach, with no research component, and are paid by reimbursement of allowable expenses. The foundation's strategic priorities are evident in the grant requirements, which mandate that project outcomes focus on sustainable agriculture systems and clearly demonstrate how education and outreach efforts will be implemented and evaluated. The theory of change underpinning this program is that by providing targeted education and outreach, knowledge and best practices will be transferred to farmers and communities, leading to the development and widespread adoption of sustainable agricultural methods and improved quality of life within farming systems. Project maximums are $50,000, with a duration limited to two years. Applicants from the Southern region, including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, are eligible. Farmers involved in these projects must have farming/ranching as their primary occupation or part-time farming with at least $1,000 of documented annual income from their operation, with exceptions for indigenous agriculture.

This funding opportunity supports Arkansas-based nonprofit organizations focused on projects that promote agricultural and rural community development.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations, schools, churches, hospitals, and government entities in Arkansas to improve access to locally grown foods, particularly in underserved areas.

The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) is offering up to $10.3 million through the Grid Enhancement Grant program, leveraging federal funds from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). This initiative aims to enhance and modernize America's power grid, particularly in Arkansas, by strengthening its resilience against natural disasters and reducing the impact of electric outages. The program is aligned with a broader mission to improve the reliability of the electric grid, protect against outages, and support economic development through grid infrastructure improvements. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant are the residents of Arkansas, especially those in communities more susceptible or vulnerable to electric power outages. The impact goals are to increase grid resilience, reduce the frequency and duration of sustained interruptions, and decrease the number of customers affected by all-hazard events. The program also seeks to encourage investments into the state’s grid workforce, thereby supporting the development of a skilled workforce responsible for these enhancement projects. The DFA's priorities and focuses for this grant are clearly outlined through three main objectives: increasing the reliability of the Arkansas electric grid, achieving whole community impact, and supporting the development of the state’s grid workforce. These objectives aim to reduce outages, ensure benefits reach vulnerable communities, and foster professional and workforce development opportunities for grid enhancement. Expected outcomes include a more resilient electric grid, fewer and less impactful electric outages, and a stronger, more skilled workforce to manage and maintain grid infrastructure. Measurable results would involve a reduction in outage frequency and duration, particularly for high-impact customers, and an increase in the number of trained and retained individuals in the state's grid workforce. The program's strategic priorities are to deliver direct benefits to Arkansans, increase grid resilience, protect against outages during natural disasters, and encourage investments into the state’s grid workforce. This aligns with a theory of change that by investing in adaptive protection, advanced modeling, hardening infrastructure, and workforce development, Arkansas can create a more robust and reliable electric grid that better serves its communities and fosters economic stability.

The T.L.L. Temple Foundation is dedicated to fostering a flourishing East Texas by combating poverty and expanding access and opportunities for all residents. Their grant program aligns directly with this mission, inviting applications from organizations committed to this vision. The foundation's support spans various critical areas, including general operating support, project support, capital improvements, and organizational development, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to empowering its grantees. The foundation's programmatic focus is structured around six key areas: Education, Economic Opportunity, Health, Human Services, Arts and Culture, and Environment and Conservation. These areas reflect the foundation's strategic priorities, aiming to address multifaceted challenges within the community. While the overall goal is to alleviate poverty and create opportunities, the specific impact goals within each program area would likely involve improving educational attainment, increasing economic stability, enhancing community well-being, supporting cultural enrichment, and promoting environmental stewardship. The target beneficiaries of the T.L.L. Temple Foundation's grants are primarily residents of the designated East Texas counties, along with Miller County, Arkansas. The foundation explicitly states its service area to include a specific list of Texas counties, and notably, it only funds organizations in Harris County if there's a direct benefit to residents of the rural counties, underscoring its commitment to the rural communities within its service area. The foundation's theory of change appears to be rooted in a belief that by investing in these core areas and supporting organizations that directly serve these communities, they can create a ripple effect, leading to a more prosperous and equitable East Texas. While the provided text does not explicitly detail expected outcomes and measurable results, it is reasonable to infer that within each program area, the foundation would anticipate tangible improvements. For example, in Education, outcomes could include improved test scores or graduation rates; in Economic Opportunity, increased employment or small business creation; and in Health, better health outcomes or access to care. Organizations applying for grants would likely be expected to propose clear, measurable objectives aligned with these broader impact goals to demonstrate the effectiveness of their proposed projects and contribute to the foundation's overarching mission.

The Rural Advancement Foundation International (RAFI) is offering its 2024 Infrastructure Grant Program, which aligns with its mission to support the viability and sustainability of historically underserved farmers and ranchers. This program aims to foster projects that enhance farm viability, create new markets for local agricultural products and services, develop innovative uses for existing farm infrastructure, add value to farm products through processing, packaging, or marketing, and optimize the use of on-farm and natural resources. Additionally, the grant supports cultural and heritage projects dedicated to preserving and continuing specific agrarian traditions, reflecting RAFI's broader commitment to a resilient and equitable food system. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are historically underserved farmers and ranchers, as defined by NRCS, who are in at least their fourth full growing season and have operated their current farm for at least two years. The program specifically targets "livelihood" farmers and ranchers who depend on agriculture for their financial support or are pursuing a long-term career in farming. Eligibility extends to individual farmer owners/co-owners or farm cooperatives, provided at least 50% of the cooperative members meet the individual eligibility criteria. The grants range from $1,000 to $10,000 and are available to farms located in specific states: AL, AR, DC, FL, GA, KY, LA, MD, MS, NC, SC, TN, or VA. Funding priorities are given to proposals demonstrating a high expected impact on farm viability and sustainability, strong project feasibility, and comprehensive planning, including a clear plan, detailed budget, timeline, and all necessary supporting documentation. RAFI also prioritizes farmers who derive a significant portion of their household income from farm operations, individuals with financial need, or those located in economically disadvantaged areas. Projects that tangibly benefit the surrounding community and farms utilizing agroecological and/or ancestral farming practices are also highly favored, reflecting RAFI's strategic priorities for holistic agricultural development and community engagement. The expected outcomes of the Infrastructure Grant Program include increased farm viability and sustainability for historically underserved farmers, the establishment of new and diversified markets for local products, and the preservation of valuable agricultural traditions. Through these grants, RAFI aims to support projects that lead to concrete improvements in farm infrastructure, expanded income streams for farmers, and a stronger connection between agricultural practices and community well-being. By focusing on these outcomes, RAFI reinforces its theory of change, which posits that targeted financial support and capacity building for underserved farmers will lead to a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable agricultural landscape.

The Mid-America Arts Alliance (M-AAA) is offering Undergraduate Student Artist Grants through its Artists 360 program, made possible by the Walton Family Foundation. This initiative is designed to provide practice-based grant funding to undergraduate student artists across all disciplines who are attending post-secondary institutions in specific Arkansas counties: Benton, Carroll, Crawford, Sebastian, and Washington. The core mission of Artists 360, and by extension this grant, aligns with energizing and elevating student artists in the greater Northwest Arkansas region, fostering their creative development and career advancement. The target beneficiaries for this grant are undergraduate student artists aged 18 or older, enrolled for the 2024-2025 school year in an accredited post-secondary institution within the designated Arkansas counties. This includes part-time or full-time students, regardless of their major, as long as they create work in any artistic discipline (e.g., dance, film, literary, music, theatre, visual art). The program specifically excludes those who have previously received an Artists 360 Student Grant or certain other M-AAA grants. The impact goals are to support individual artists' creative practices and career advancement, addressing their self-identified challenges and desired futures within the arts. The program prioritizes artists who demonstrate a well-developed creative practice, a deep commitment to their work, and a clear motivation to evolve. Review criteria focus on "Artistry," assessing the quality of work and process, and "Impact of Funding on Practice," requiring artists to articulate how the $2,500 grant will specifically benefit their careers. A key focus is also on achieving a "Balanced Cohort," ensuring a broad representation of perspectives, disciplines, and experiences among grant recipients. The expected outcome of the Artists 360 Undergraduate Student Artist Grants is the direct support and advancement of student artists' creative endeavors in Northwest Arkansas. While specific measurable results beyond the allocation of $2,500 grants per artist are not explicitly detailed, the program's emphasis on identifying the impact of funding on an artist's practice implies a focus on qualitative outcomes related to artistic growth and career trajectory. The Walton Family Foundation's support underscores a strategic priority to invest in regional artistic talent and cultural development, contributing to a vibrant arts ecosystem through direct funding to emerging artists.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Arkansas, North Texas, and West Texas to support initiatives that assist vulnerable or underserved populations in areas such as education, arts, and community development.

This grant provides financial support to place professional artists in community-based after-school and summer programs across Arkansas, enriching the lives of K–12 students through arts education.

This program provides financial support to individual craft, folk, and traditional artists across the U.S. to purchase essential tools and equipment that enhance their artistic practices.