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 offering the 2024 Monarch Butterfly and Pollinators Conservation Fund (Pollinator Fund) to advance pollinator conservation. The core mission of this fund is to protect, conserve, and increase habitat for the monarch butterfly and other native insect pollinators. This aligns with NFWF’s broader Monarch Butterfly Business Plan, indicating a strategic, long-term commitment to these species. The fund aims to support both technical assistance for private working lands and direct habitat improvement projects. The target beneficiaries of this grant program include monarch butterflies and other at-risk native insect pollinator species, such as the rusty patched bumble bee, Franklin’s bumble bee, Karner blue butterfly, Dakota skipper, Poweshiek skipperling, and Mitchell’s satyr. The program also indirectly benefits private landowners, farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners, especially those in Historically Underserved and Special Emphasis categories, by providing resources and incentives for conservation practices on their lands. The overall impact goal is to significantly enhance the quality, quantity, and connectivity of pollinator habitat across eligible states. The Pollinator Fund has two main categories of focus. The first is Technical Assistance for Private Working Lands, which prioritizes increasing voluntary engagement of private landowners in conservation practices through staff resources and targeted outreach for Farm Bill programs like CSP and EQIP. The second category, Habitat Improvement, focuses on on-the-ground restoration and enhancement of pollinator habitat, emphasizing regionally appropriate milkweed and diverse native nectar plants, as well as increasing the supply of native seeds and seedlings. These priorities align with NFWF's strategic goal of fostering sustainable ecosystems through direct habitat restoration and incentivizing private land stewardship. Expected outcomes and measurable results are central to this program. All proposals must demonstrate how they will directly and measurably contribute to the Pollinator Fund's goals, specifically by providing the number of acres restored or enhanced. A minimum of 100 acres in California or 500 acres in all other eligible states must be restored or enhanced. Historically, successful projects have averaged 2,120 acres, indicating a substantial scale for expected impact. The program's theory of change posits that by providing financial assistance and technical support, and by focusing on key geographical areas and species, NFWF can effectively reverse declines in monarch and other native pollinator populations, thereby contributing to broader ecosystem health and biodiversity. The total funding of up to $5.1 million in 2024, contributed by a diverse group of partners, underscores the collaborative and impactful nature of this strategic initiative.

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, established by the Chaffee County Community Foundation (CCCF), offers $10,000 to support two or more projects benefiting the LGBTQ+ community in the Arkansas River Valley. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission to foster a sense of belonging and acceptance, as demonstrated by its focus on supportive spaces and inclusive services for the LGBTQ+ community. The fund is open to innovation, encouraging diverse ideas that meet the stated values and goals of the fund while prioritizing projects that directly address supportive spaces and inclusive services. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are individuals identifying as LGBTQ+ within the Arkansas River Valley regional area. The fund aims to create a more inclusive and supportive environment by promoting a sense of belonging and acceptance. Impact goals include increasing the inclusivity of existing programs and services, removing barriers for the LGBTQ+ community to access essential services, and fostering a community that embraces all cultures, classes, and abilities within the LGBTQ+ spectrum. The fund prioritizes projects falling into two key focus areas: Supportive Space and Inclusive Services. Supportive Space initiatives aim to promote a sense of belonging and acceptance through social, recreational, or other services specifically designed to be inclusive to the LGBTQ+ community. Inclusive Services focus on increasing the inclusivity of existing programs through adjustments, new program introductions, or staff training to remove barriers for LGBTQ+ individuals. While these two areas are prioritized, the committee also welcomes innovative "Other" ideas that align with the fund's values and goals. Projects funded by the 2024 Arkansas River Valley LGBTQ+ Fund are expected to run between November 1, 2024, and December 31, 2025. Successful applicants will demonstrate clearly defined activities that address identified community needs and present measurable outcomes, outputs, and impacts. The CCCF emphasizes a strong commitment to the Arkansas River Valley LGBTQ+ Fund's values. Eligible organizations include 501c3, 501c4, and 501c6 entities (or those under fiscal sponsorship), government entities, and grassroots organizations in good standing with the IRS and the State of Colorado. All applicants must be current on previous grant reports and adhere to CCCF’s non-discrimination statement.

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 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 MartinConnects Grant Program is an initiative by MartinFed that aims to make a positive difference in the communities where the company operates. This program supports organizations dedicated to charitable, scientific, literary, or educational purposes, aligning with MartinFed's broader mission of community engagement. The grants are specifically directed towards 501(c)3 public charities, including schools, religious institutions, and government agencies, ensuring that funds reach legitimate and impactful organizations. The program's commitment to community betterment reflects a strategic priority of MartinFed to foster positive social impact. The program targets specific beneficiaries through its focus areas, which include homelessness, STEM education, veterans' support, and initiatives for women and children. By concentrating on these critical areas, MartinConnects seeks to address pressing societal needs and improve the quality of life for vulnerable populations. The impact goals are implicitly tied to the success of programs within these focus areas, aiming to provide support, resources, and opportunities to those who need them most. For example, supporting STEM initiatives can lead to improved educational outcomes and future career opportunities, while aiding veterans and homeless individuals contributes to their well-being and reintegration into society. Key priorities for grant recipients include complementing the MartinFed mission and demonstrating a recognized reputation for integrity in program implementation, financial management, and project effectiveness. Organizations must also ensure their work aligns with one of the MartinConnects focus areas. This rigorous selection process ensures that funding is directed towards highly effective and trustworthy organizations that can maximize the impact of the grants. The funding information indicates that grants range from $2,000 to $8,000, with eligible expenses covering program costs for new and existing programs, as well as reasonable staff and volunteer time. While specific expected outcomes and measurable results are not explicitly detailed as quantifiable metrics, the program's structure implies a theory of change focused on supporting established, effective programs that align with MartinFed's values. The geographic focus areas—including Huntsville/Madison County, AL; Little Rock/Pulaski County, AR; Central Maryland/Washington, DC; Starkville, MS; Oak Ridge & Knoxville, TN; and Houston/Harris County, TX—indicate a strategic approach to local community investment. The emphasis on integrity, mission alignment, and specific focus areas suggests that MartinFed's strategic priority is to empower organizations that have a proven track record of making a tangible difference within these targeted communities and fields.

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 not-for-profit organizations serving low-income communities in Jonesboro, Arkansas, for new or expanded public services and infrastructure improvements.

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.