Arkansas Science and Technology Grants

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.

The Mid-America Arts Alliance is accepting applications for Creative Impact Award. Donor Name: Mid-America Arts Alliance State: Arkansas County: Benton County (AR), Carroll County (AR), Crawford County (AR), Sebastian County (AR), Washington County (AR) Type of Grant: Awards and Prizes Deadline: 05/24/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Artists 360 is designed to elevate and energize greater Northwest Arkansas artists by providing them with: grants to support creative practices; learning opportunities to develop entrepreneurship skills; and connections to a dynamic regional artist network. The Artists 360 Creative Impact Award provides one exceptional artist based in Northwest Arkansas with unrestricted funds of $25,000 and professional development opportunities, including retreats that facilitate network building. This award is designed to strengthen the artist’s career and deepen the arts community in Northwest Arkansas through participation in the Artists 360 Retreat, conversations with the Artists 360 peer network, and at the annual Full Circle Showcase. Eligibility Criteria  To be eligible for the Artists 360 Creative Impact Award, you must: Be considered mid-career or established in your artistic practice. Make exceptional work and be recognized as a professional in your field both within Arkansas and nationally. Have noted contributions to Northwest Arkansas’s cultural ecosystem. Be without access to longstanding institutional support and resources. Be committed to building and supporting the arts community in Northwest Arkansas. Create work that may come from any artistic discipline, including but not limited to dance, film, folk, music, theatre, and visual art. Commit to participating in peer-to-peer professional development activities during the grant year, including: the Artists 360 Retreat at the 21C Museum Hotel in Bentonville, AR from 9:00 a.m. Saturday, October 19, 2024 through 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 20, 2024 (meals and private lodging provided); the Artists 360 Alumni Retreat at the 21C Museum Hotel in Bentonville, AR on Saturday, April 26, 2025 and give a 60-minute keynote presentation about their art practice with Q&A (meals and private lodging provided); and the Artists 360 Full Circle Showcase at Crystal Bridges in Bentonville, AR on Sunday, April 27, 2025 and give a 10-minute workshare presentation (meals and private lodging provided). Be a resident of the State of Arkansas and have established residency of at least one year at the time of application in one of the following counties: Benton, Carroll, Crawford, Sebastian, or Washington. Retain residency within the five-county region for the duration of the award period (October 2024 through October 2025). Must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or have non-resident status and provide a valid Social Security Number if selected for funding. May not be currently enrolled in a degree seeking program. May not have previously received an Artists 360 Creative Impact award. May not have received a grant or award of $1,000 or more through any other M-AAA granting program during its 2024 or 2025 fiscal years (July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2025). Not be a full-time employee of Mid-America Arts Alliance or an immediate family member of a full-time employee of Mid-America Arts Alliance. Review Criteria  Creative Impact awards will be reviewed using the following criteria: Artistry: Selected artists will demonstrate a high level of artistic excellence and show a deep commitment to their work. Selected artists will be advanced in their practice, considered mid-career or established, make exceptional work, and be recognized as a professional in their field both within Arkansas and nationally. Community Impact: Selected artists will have noted contributions to the Northwest Arkansas cultural ecosystem and have a history of commitment to building and supporting the arts community in Northwest Arkansas. Leadership: Selected artists will have a vision for using this opportunity to provide leadership and mentorship in the further development of the Northwest Arkansas artistic community. For more information, visit Mid-America Arts Alliance.

The Mid-America Arts Alliance is excited to announce the Community Activator Grants. Donor Name: Mid-America Arts Alliance State: Arkansas County: Benton County (AR), Carroll County (AR), Crawford County (AR), Sebastian County (AR), Washington County (AR) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/10/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: This grant program is designed to elevate and energize greater Northwest Arkansas artists by providing them with: $17,500 grants to creative practices and career advancement; Peer-based learning opportunities to develop entrepreneurship skills and build sustainable creative practices; and Connections to a dynamic regional artist network. The Community Activator grants are awarded annually to five individual artists with creative practices focused on collaboration. Fellows in this category must have a demonstrated history of providing opportunities to other artists, helping to create an active community of peer support in the Northwest Arkansas region. Community Activator fellows receive practice-based financial support and participate in peer-based learning experiences, including an in-person retreat, One-On-One mentorship, and small group discussions. These experiences develop entrepreneurial skills, while expanding a network of leading regional artists. Eligibility Requirements To be eligible for the Artists 360 Community Activator program, you must: Be a resident of the State of Arkansas and have established residency of at least one year at the time of application, in one of the following counties: Benton, Carroll, Crawford, Sebastian, or Washington. Retain residency within the five-county region for the duration of the grant period (October 2024 through October 2025). Commit to participating in peer-to-peer professional development activities during the grant year, including the Artists 360 Retreat at the 21C Museum Hotel in Bentonville, AR from 9:00 a.m. Saturday, October 19, 2024 through 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 20, 2024 (meals and private lodging provided). Be 18 years of age at the time of application. Must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or have non-resident status and provide a valid Social Security Number if selected for funding. Be a practicing artist that creates work in any discipline, including, but not limited to dance, film, literary, music, theatre, and visual art. Show a demonstrated commitment to building and supporting the arts community in Northwest Arkansas through collaboration, providing opportunities to other artists, and community engagement. May not be currently enrolled in a degree seeking program. May not have previously received an Artists 360 Community Activator grant. May not have received a grant or award of $1,000 or more through any other M-AAA granting program during its 2024 or 2025 fiscal years (July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2025). Not be a full-time employee of Mid-America Arts Alliance or an immediate family member of a full-time employee of Mid-America Arts Alliance. Review Criteria  Community Activator Grants will be reviewed using the following criteria: Artistry: Selected artists will demonstrate artistic excellence, broadly defined by the practitioners and norms in their discipline, and show a deep commitment to their work. Selected artists will have an active creative practice for a minimum of three years and show motivation to continue and further evolve. Collaboration: Selected artists have a demonstrated history of collaboration, providing opportunities to other artists, and helping to create an active community of peer support in the Northwest Arkansas region. Program Readiness: Selected artists will have the desire to advance their career and deepen their practice, engage in an active strategic management process surrounding their practice, as well as an interest in sharing their work and process as part of a network of artists in a peer learning environment. Impact of Funding on Practice: Selected artists will clearly identify the ways in which Artists 360 funds will impact their careers and creative practices. These identified impacts should relate to previous challenges and/or desired futures. Balanced Cohort: The overall balance of the group of fellows will be considered to ensure a broad representation of perspectives, disciplines, and experiences For more information, visit Mid-America Arts Alliance.

The Mid-America Arts Alliance is seeking applications for its Practicing Artist Grants to support creative practices and career advancement. Donor Name: Mid-America Arts Alliance State: Arkansas County: Benton County (AR), Carroll County (AR), Crawford County (AR), Sebastian County (AR), Washington County (AR) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/10/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: Artists 360 is designed to elevate and energize greater Northwest Arkansas Practicing Artists by providing them with: $10,000 grants to support creative practices and career advancement; Peer-based learning experiences to develop entrepreneurship skills and build enduring creative practices; and Connections to a dynamic regional artist network. Fifteen practice-based grants are awarded annually. Practicing Artist fellows receive financial support they may self-select how to best use. Funds may be used for any purpose that supports the continued development of their creative practice, including but not limited to equipment, travel, studio space, child care, professional services, research, supplies, and contingency savings. Fellows participate in peer-based learning experiences, including an in-person retreat, One-On-One mentorship, and ongoing small peer group discussions. These experiences develop entrepreneurial skills, while expanding a network of leading regional artists. What is a ‘Practicing Artist?’ A Practicing Artist will have an active and current artistic practice. Has specialized training in the field (not limited to academic training). Has demonstrated success in the arts through the creation of high-quality work and/or contributions to the field. Is recognized as a practicing artist by peers (artists working in the same discipline and by experts in the field). Eligibility Requirements  To be eligible for the Artists 360 Practicing Artist Grant program, you must: Be a resident of the State of Arkansas and have established residency of at least one year at the time of application, in one of the following counties: Benton, Carroll, Crawford, Sebastian, or Washington. Retain residency within the five-county region for the duration of the grant period (October 2024 through October 2025). Commit to participating in peer-to-peer professional development activities during the grant year, including the Artists 360 Retreat at the 21C Museum Hotel in Bentonville, AR from 9:00 a.m. Saturday, October 19, 2024 through 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 20, 2024 (meals and private lodging provided). Be 18 years of age at the time of application. Must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or have non-resident status and provide a valid Social Security Number if selected for funding. Be a practicing artist that creates work in any discipline, including, but not limited to dance, film, literary, music, theatre, and visual art. May not be currently enrolled in a degree seeking program. May not have previously received an Artists 360 Practicing Artist grant. May not have received a grant or award of $1,000 or more through any other M-AAA granting program during its 2024 or 2025 fiscal years (July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2025). Not be a full-time employee of Mid-America Arts Alliance or an immediate family member of a full-time employee of Mid-America Arts Alliance. Review Criteria  Practicing Artist grants will be reviewed using the following criteria: Artistry: Selected artists will demonstrate artistic excellence, broadly defined by the practitioners and norms in their discipline, and show a deep commitment to their work. Selected artists will have an active creative practice for a minimum of three years and show motivation to continue and further evolve. Program Readiness: Selected artists will have the desire to advance their career and deepen their practice, engage in an active strategic management process surrounding their practice, as well as an interest in sharing their work and process as part of a network of artists in a peer learning environment. Impact of Funding on Practice: Selected artists will clearly identify the ways in which Artists 360 funds will impact their careers and creative practices. These identified impacts should relate to previous challenges and/or desired futures. Balanced Cohort: The overall balance of the group of fellows will be considered to ensure a broad representation of perspectives, disciplines, and experiences. For more information, visit Mid-America Arts Alliance.

The Mid-America Arts Alliance is seeking applications for its Graduate Student Artist Grants. Donor Name: Mid-America Arts Alliance State: Arkansas County: Benton County (AR), Carroll County (AR), Crawford County (AR), Sebastian County (AR), Washington County (AR) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/10/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Artists 360 is designed to elevate and energize greater Northwest Arkansas Graduate Student Artists by providing them with: $5,000 grants to support creative practices and career advancement; Peer-based learning experiences to develop entrepreneurship skills and build enduring creative practices; and Connections to a dynamic regional artist network. Five practice-based grants are awarded annually. Graduate Student Artist fellows receive financial support they may self-select how to best use. Funds may be used for any purpose that supports the continued development of their creative practice, including but not limited to equipment, travel, studio space, child care, professional services, research, supplies, and contingency savings. Fellows participate in peer-based learning experiences, including an in-person retreat, One-On-One mentorship, and ongoing small peer group discussions. These experiences develop entrepreneurial skills, while expanding a network of leading regional artists. Eligibility Requirements To be eligible for the Artists 360 Graduate Student Artist Grant program, you must: Be enrolled for the 2024-2025 school year (part-time or full-time) in a graduate program at an accredited post-secondary institution located in one of the following counties: Benton, Carroll, Crawford, Sebastian, or Washington. (Graduate Student Artists do not have to be arts majors to be eligible for Artists 360.) Be 18 years of age at the time of application. Must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or have non-resident status and provide a valid Social Security Number if selected for funding. Create work in any artistic discipline, including, but not limited to dance, film, literary, music, theatre, and visual art. Commit to participating in peer-to-peer professional development activities during the grant year, including the Artists 360 Retreat at the 21C Museum Hotel in Bentonville, AR from 9:00 a.m. Saturday, October 19, 2024 through 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 20, 2024 (meals and private lodging provided). May not have previously received an Artists 360 Graduate Student Grant. May not have received a grant or award of $1,000 or more through any other M-AAA granting program during its 2024 or 2025 fiscal years (July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2025). Not be a full-time employee of Mid-America Arts Alliance or an immediate family member of a full-time employee of Mid-America Arts Alliance. Review Criteria  Graduate Student Artist grants will be reviewed using the following criteria: Artistry: Selected artists will demonstrate artistic excellence, broadly defined by the practitioners and norms in their discipline, and show a deep commitment to their work. Selected artists will have an active creative practice for a minimum of three years and show motivation to continue and further evolve. Program Readiness and Collegiality: Selected artists will have the desire to advance their career and deepen their practice, engage in an active strategic management process surrounding their practice, as well as an interest in sharing their work and process as part of a network of artists in a peer learning environment. Impact of Funding on Practice: Selected artists will clearly identify the ways in which Artists 360 funds will impact their careers and creative practices. These identified impacts should relate to previous challenges and/or desired futures. Balanced Cohort: The overall balance of the group of fellows will be considered to ensure a broad representation of perspectives, disciplines, and experiences. For more information, visit Mid-America Arts Alliance.

The Women’s Foundation of Arkansas (WFA) is seeking candidates for the fifth Women’s Economic Mobility Hub cohort. Donor Name: Women’s Foundation of Arkansas State: Arkansas County: All Counties Type of Grant: Program Deadline: 05/20/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The 2024 Women’s Economic Mobility HUB Program supports Black women-owned businesses by providing technical assistance along with additional resources, including $5,000 in unrestricted grant funds to help scale their businesses. An ideal WEM Hub participant will be able to commit to a six-month program in which Black women entrepreneurs can access tailored support services through a combination of online trainings and in-person meetings, including: Expert advice from leading industry professionals surrounding topics such as accounting and financial management, business development, legal services, and more; Ongoing mentorship support and counsel; Peer to peer learning sessions; Communications, public relations, and marketing training; Leadership skill development; and Opportunity to establish a relationship with participating financial institutions. Eligibility Determination Applicants will be selected based on the following criteria: Must be able to participate in (via teleconference and/or in person) six, two hour monthly WEM Hub sessions, which will include technical assistance and/or networking events. Please note that the required WEM Hub Orientation and Closing Sessions will be held in person in Central Arkansas on June 27 and December (TBD), respectively.  Exact location to be determined. Must be an existing business in which 75% is owned and operated by one or more Black women who are U.S. citizens. Must be a bona-fide registered business physically located and operating for more than one year within the state of Arkansas. Must be an entity operating as a for-profit corporation, partnership, LLP or LLC, or sole proprietorship. Not-for-profit corporations or similar non-profit entities are not eligible. Must be in good standing with the Arkansas Secretary of State and be current on all county, state, and federal taxes. For more information, visit Women’s Foundation of Arkansas.

The Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality runs an annual Electronic Waste Grants. This initiative aims to address electronic waste through projects focused on collection, transportation, processing, recycling, demanufacturing, and innovative approaches to disposal. Eligible projects are evaluated based on the sustainability and impact of their e-waste recovery efforts, including the minimization of e-waste volumes, job creation in Arkansas, and the effectiveness of investment in the projects. Eligible applicants include a wide range of entities within Arkansas, such as private industries, educational institutions, governmental bodies, non-profits, and regional solid waste management boards. This program operates on a reimbursement basis. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual opening/closing deadline: January 1st to June 1st

This funding opportunity provides financial support to universities in specific states and territories to enhance their research capabilities in science and engineering, aligning with the needs of the Department of Defense.

This program provides funding to universities in eligible states to enhance their research capabilities in science and engineering that support the needs of the Department of Defense.