Arkansas Infrastructure Grants

This funding opportunity provides financial support for a variety of water and wastewater infrastructure projects, aimed at local governments, utilities, and organizations working to improve public water supply, sewer systems, and related environmental initiatives in Arkansas.

This funding opportunity is designed to strengthen research capabilities in eligible jurisdictions by supporting collaborations among academic institutions, government agencies, and private industry to develop sustainable research infrastructure.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to state transportation departments in rural U.S. states for the replacement and rehabilitation of multiple highway bridges to improve safety and efficiency.

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 National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is seeking proposals for the 2024 Monarch Butterfly and Pollinators Conservation Fund to advance pollinator conservation. Donor Name: National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) State: Selected States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/24/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 3 Years Details: The goal of the Monarch Butterfly and Pollinators Conservation Fund (Pollinator Fund) is to protect, conserve, and increase habitat for the monarch butterfly and other native insect pollinators.  The most competitive projects will demonstrate clear benefits to both monarch butterfly and additional at-risk native insect pollinator species (i.e., federally listed, candidate, or proposed native insect pollinator species). Special consideration will be given to projects benefiting rusty patched bumble bee, Franklin’s bumble bee, Karner blue butterfly, Dakota skipper, Poweshiek skipperling, and Mitchell’s satyr. Categories Grants will be awarded in two categories:  Technical Assistance for Private Working Lands Funding in this category will support implementation of technical assistance to increase the number of private landowners voluntarily engaged in monarch butterfly and pollinator conservation practices on private working lands. Up to $2 million is expected to be available for grants ranging from $150,000 to $500,000. Funding will be awarded for projects up to three years in length following finalization of the grant agreement. This category aims to support conservation planning and practice design with private landowners to advance voluntary conservation efforts on working lands that align with NRCS Working Lands for Wildlife frameworks or initiatives, and especially increase Working Lands for Wildlife participation among farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners in the Historically Underserved and Special Emphasis categories. The 2024 Pollinator Fund RFP will support projects that: Direct staff resources to help agricultural producers design and implement conservation practices. Increase Farm Bill program participation and conservation practice implementation among agricultural producers, especially farmers and ranchers in the Historically Underserved and Special Emphasis categories. Funding in this category will support the following two strategies: Hiring additional staff or contractors, based on demonstrated need, including staff to assist private landowners and NRCS with developing pollinator habitat management plans and implementation of new and existing NRCS financial assistance contracts. Targeting outreach to landowners and other partners to prioritize, plan, and deliver financial assistance available through the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), and other Farm Bill programs to improve pollinator habitat and support at-risk pollinator species. Habitat Improvement Funding in this category will support on-the-ground work to increase the quality, quantity, and connectivity of habitat for the monarch butterfly and other native insect pollinators. Up to $3.1 million is expected to be available for grants ranging from $200,000 to $300,000. Funding will be awarded for projects up to two years in length following finalization of the grant agreement. Applicants in this category should define a step-by-step restoration plan including site preparation, equipment used, planting techniques, size of the project area, description of target native plant community, and maintenance plan (e.g., prescribed burning, mowing, grazing schedules). Projects proposed to benefit other at-risk native insect pollinators should specify habitat needs for those species and how the proposed work will support their breeding, nectaring, nesting, or other habitat needs. Funding in this category will support the following two strategies: Restore and enhance pollinator habitat, with an emphasis on regionally appropriate milkweed and a diversity of native nectar plants. Increase native seed and seedling supply, with an emphasis on improving the sustainability and affordability of regionally appropriate, local ecotypes. Program Priorities  All proposals must specifically address how the proposed project will directly and measurably contribute to the accomplishment of the Pollinator Fund’s goals as outlined in NFWF’s Monarch Butterfly Business Plan. As such, all proposals must provide the number of acres restored or enhanced as a result of the project. Proposals must include plans to restore or enhance a minimum of 100 acres in California or 500 acres in all other eligible states. Acres may be counted from multiple sites; the sites do not need to be contiguous. Since 2015, successful proposals have included a median of 960 acres and an average of 2,120 acres restored or enhanced.  Funding Information The Pollinator Fund will award up to $5.1 million in grants in 2024: up to $2 million for Technical Assistance for Private Working Lands and up to $3.1 million for Habitat Improvement. Funding is provided by Bayer Crop Science, Danone North America, The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and U.S. Forest Service (USFS).  Geographical Areas  Technical Assistance for Private Working Lands  Grant funding will be awarded in the following eligible states: Arkansas, Arizona, California, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, and West Virginia. Within eligible states, priority will be given to projects located in the North Core, South Core, West Core, and Overwintering Monarch Conservation Units. Projects are restricted to private working lands. Habitat Improvement Grant funding will be awarded in the following eligible states: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Within eligible states, priority will be given to projects located in the North Core, South Core, West Core, and Overwintering Monarch Conservation Units. West of the Rocky Mountains, priority will be given to projects on or adjacent to the following: monarch butterfly overwintering sites, BLM lands, and USFS lands. Eligibility Criteria  Eligible and Ineligible Entities: Eligible applicants include nonprofit 501(c) organizations, U.S. federal government agencies, state government agencies, local governments, municipal governments, tribal governments and organizations, and educational institutions. Ineligible applicants include businesses, unincorporated individuals, and international organizations. For more information, visit NFWF.

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

This funding opportunity provides financial support to states and U.S. territories with high seismic risk to improve earthquake safety through mitigation, preparedness, and educational initiatives.

The Women’s Foundation of Arkansas (WFA) is launching its fifth Women’s Economic Mobility Hub (WEM Hub) cohort, a program specifically designed to support Black women-owned businesses. This initiative aligns directly with the WFA's mission to advance economic mobility for women, particularly focusing on a demographic that often faces significant barriers to business growth. By providing a comprehensive suite of resources, the WEM Hub seeks to address systemic inequities and foster sustainable economic empowerment. The primary target beneficiaries of the WEM Hub program are existing businesses that are at least 75% owned and operated by one or more Black women who are U.S. citizens. These businesses must be physically located and operating for over one year within Arkansas, and be in good standing with the Arkansas Secretary of State and current on all taxes. The program specifically excludes not-for-profit entities, focusing instead on for-profit corporations, partnerships, LLPs, LLCs, or sole proprietorships. The core impact goal is to scale these Black women-owned businesses through robust support and unrestricted grant funding. The WEM Hub program prioritizes technical assistance, offering a six-month intensive program that combines online training and in-person meetings. Key areas of focus include expert advice on accounting, financial management, business development, and legal services. Participants also receive ongoing mentorship, engage in peer-to-peer learning sessions, and gain training in communications, public relations, marketing, and leadership skill development. A significant component is the opportunity to establish relationships with participating financial institutions, which is crucial for long-term growth and stability. Expected outcomes include enhanced business acumen, improved financial literacy, and stronger market presence for participating businesses. The program aims for measurable results through the provision of $5,000 in unrestricted grant funds to each business, directly contributing to their scaling efforts. The WFA's strategic priority is to create a tangible pathway for Black women entrepreneurs to not only survive but thrive, thereby reducing economic disparities and contributing to the overall economic health of Arkansas. The underlying theory of change is that by equipping Black women business owners with tailored support, financial resources, and networking opportunities, their businesses will experience accelerated growth, leading to increased economic mobility and wealth creation for the entrepreneurs and their communities.

The 2024 Arkansas River Valley LGBTQ+ Fund has $10,000 available with a goal of funding two or more projects impacting the LGBTQ+ community of the Arkansas River Valley regional area. Donor Name: Chaffee County Community Foundation State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/08/2024 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: The fund will prioritize projects falling in the following focus areas. Applicants are encouraged to keep in mind the LGBTQ+ community includes people of all cultures, classes, and abilities. Supportive Space: Promoting a sense of belonging and acceptance for those identifying as LGBTQ+. This could include social, recreational or other supportive services that are designed to specifically be inclusive to the LGBTQ+ community. Inclusive Services: Increasing the inclusivity of existing programs to better serve the LGBTQ+ community. This could include program adjustments, introduction of new programs, staff training etc. that seek to specifically remove barriers for the LGBTQ+ community to access the services. Other: To promote innovation, the committee is open to other ideas that meet the stated values and goals of the fund. Please note that those projects that specifically address Supportive Spaces and Inclusive Services will be prioritized in their grant round. Grant Period Projects should take place between November 1, 2024 and December 31, 2025.  Eligibility Criteria  Applicants that demonstrate the following factors will be most competitive: Clearly defined activities that are meeting an identified community need Measurable outcomes, outputs, and impacts for proposed project Strong commitment to the Arkansas River Valley LGBTQ+ Fund values Type of Organizations: Applicants may be a 501c3, 501c4, 501c6 (or under the fiscal sponsorship of an eligible organization) in good standing with the IRS and State of Colorado. Government entities and grassroots organizations are encouraged to apply as well. All applicants must be up to date on previous grant reports and be able to commit to CCCF’s non discrimination statement. For more information, visit CCCF.

The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) announced up to $10.3 million in funding through the Grid Enhancement Grant. Donor Name: Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration State: Arkansas County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/19/2024 Size of the Grant: More than $1 million Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: DFA is seeking proposals for grid enhancement and resilience projects that will strengthen the resilience of the electric grid and/or reduce the impacts of electric outages in the state.  This program leverages allocated federal funds to enhance and modernize America’s power grid against natural disasters and expand economic development. This funding is provided through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and will be allocated to projects that deliver direct benefits to Arkansans by increasing grid resilience, protecting against outages during natural disasters, and encouraging investments into the state’s grid workforce.  Objectives The funds will be used to enhance the resilience of the electric grid and prevent electric outages by addressing three objectives: Increase the Reliability of the Arkansas Electric Grid – Reduce the frequency with which the grid experiences sustained interruptions and decrease the number of customers impacted by all-hazard events, especially those customers that experience higher-than-average frequency and duration of outages. Achieve Whole Community Impact – Ensure that these Grid funds benefit Arkansans, specifically those who reside in communities that are more susceptible or vulnerable to electric power outages. Support the Development of the State’s Grid Workforce – Support the development of the state’s workforce responsible for grid enhancement projects, potentially by means of offering additional professional development and/or workforce development opportunities. Consider additional efforts to help Arkansas train, attract, and retain a skilled workforce. Eligible Projects and Investments  Through this program, most of the state’s funding will be allocated to projects that strengthen the state’s electric grid through one or more of the following eligible enhancements: Adaptive protection technologies Advanced modeling technologies Fire-resistant technologies and fire prevention systems Hardening of power lines, facilities, substations, or other systems Monitoring and control technologies Relocation of power lines or reconductoring of power lines with low-sag, advanced conductors Replacement of old overhead conductors & underground cables Undergrounding of electrical equipment Use or construction of distributed energy resources (DERs) for enhancing system adaptive capacity during disruptive events, including microgrids and battery-storage subcomponents Utility pole management Vegetation and fuel-load management Weatherization technologies and equipment Eligibility Criteria Eligible applicants include all Arkansas electric utilities (e.g., investor-owned electric utilities, electric cooperatives, and municipal electric utilities). Electric grid operator- Maintains reliable and secure operation of the electric grid Electricity storage operator Manages and maintains energy storage system Electricity generator- Generates electricity for public use Transmission owner or operator- Maintains efficient and reliable transmission of electricity from electricity generators to regional/local distribution operators Distribution provider -Operates and manages local and/or regional energy distribution networks Fuel supplier- Supplies fuel used to generate electricity in the state For more information, visit DFA.

The Rural Advancement Foundation International (RAFI) is currently applications for the 2024 Infrastructure Grant Program. Donor Name: Rural Advancement Foundation International State: Selected States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/09/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: RAFI provides support to Historically Underserved farmers and ranchers  for projects that demonstrate an ability to increase farm viability; establish new markets for local products and services; develop new uses for existing structures and equipment; add value to existing farm products through processing, packaging or marketing; make optimal use of on-farm and natural resources; and Cultural/Heritage projects which are focused on preserving and continuing a specific agrarian tradition.  Funding priority will be given to proposals with: High expected impact on farm viability and sustainability Strong project feasibility and planning: a clear plan, detailed budget and timeline, and all supporting documentation included.  Farmers who earn a significant amount of their household income from the farm operation.  Individual financial need, or location in an economically disadvantaged area Project tangibly benefits the surrounding community Farm uses agroecological and/or or ancestral farming practices  Funding Information Applicants may request up to $10,000 in funding.  Eligibility Criteria You are a historically underserved farmer or rancher, as defined by NRCS.  You are applying as either an individual farmer owner/co-owner or as a farm cooperative If applying as a cooperative or collaborative, at least 50% of the cooperative or collaborative must meet eligibility criteria.  You are in at least your fourth full growing season of farming and have worked at least two years in your current farming operation and location.  You are a “livelihood” farmer/rancher or are seeking a long term career that financially supports you through agriculture  You complete and submit an application by the deadline. You submit only one application (as an individual or a collective). If you submit more than one application, neither will be considered. You have NOT received a RAFI infrastructure grant before (2020-2023).  Your farm is located in one of the following states AL, AR, DC, FL, GA, KY, LA, MD, MS, NC, SC, TN, or VA. For more information, visit RAFI.

The MartinConnects Grant Program supports the company’s effort in making a positive difference through organizations in their communities. Donor Name: MartinFed State: Alabama, Arkansas, Texas County: Harrison County (TX), Houston County (TX), Madison County (AL), Pulaski County (AR) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 09/25/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Focus Areas Homelessness STEM Veterans Women & Children Priorities Complement the MartinFed mission Hold a recognized reputation for integrity in program implementation, financial management, and project effectiveness Match one of the MartinConnects focus areas Funding Information $2,000 – $8,000. Eligible Expenses Program costs for new and/or existing programs Reasonable staff and/or volunteer time and training associated with the implementation of the program/project Geographic Focus Huntsville/Madison County, AL Little Rock/Pulaski County, AR Central Maryland/Washington, DC Starkville, MS Oak Ridge & Knoxville, TN Houston/Harris County, TX Eligibility Criteria All grants from this Fund must be made for charitable, scientific, literary, or educational purposes to any organization that is described in IRS code as a 501(c)3 public charity. Qualified organizations also include schools, religious institutions, or government agencies. For more information, visit MartinFed.

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 funding to under-resourced communities in the Mississippi River Delta and Alabama Black Belt regions to develop strategic plans that address local economic development challenges.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations, government entities, and schools in the Ozarks to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion through community engagement and leadership initiatives.

This program provides funding to artists and nonprofit organizations in six states to create and present innovative new works that engage the public and serve underserved communities.

This program provides funding to Arkansas cities, counties, towns, and nonprofits for community development projects like building or renovating public facilities and supporting operational needs.

This program provides financial assistance to historically underserved farmers in the southeastern U.S. for essential infrastructure improvements and support for new farming operations.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit baseball and softball programs in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, New Mexico, and Arkansas to improve facilities, purchase equipment, and support youth sports initiatives for children aged 18 and under.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in communities served by Union Pacific to support projects that enhance community safety, workforce development, and overall community vitality.