Arkansas Grants

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Mississippi Valley Memphis District (USACE-MVM) environmental program, part of the Regional Planning and Environment Division, South (RPEDS), ensures U.S. Army civil works activities are conducted in compliance with all applicable environmental laws, regulations, and policies. 1.2 The purpose of this project is to determine the presence or likely absence of the tricolored bat (Perimyotis subflavus), proposed endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, at the two project areas. If other threatened or endangered (TE) bat species (i.e., Indiana Bat [Myotis sodalis] and northern long-eared bat [Myotis septentrionalis]) are detected during capture efforts, however, they will be subject to the appropriate similar guidance and deliverables as is outlined in in Sections 3.3 and 9.3 of this Statement of Objectives (SOO). 1.3 This work requires an onsite support person located at USACE-MVM. The work at the project areas shall be conducted by a Cooperator and will involve strategies to determine if tricolored bats (TCB) are present or likely absent, and whether roost trees are likely to be impacted due to planned tree clearing activities. This work includes mist net surveys, and if TCB or other TE bats are captured, the Cooperator will affix a radio transmitter on up to 3 of each species per survey site. The Cooperator will then conduct the radio-tracking surveys to locate likely roost trees within the project areas. Sampling methodologies will be in accordance with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Range-wide Indiana Bat & Northern LongEared Bat Survey Guidelines (2023), using northern long-eared bat level of effort, and the requirements set forth in the Description of Objectives. The Cooperator shall begin the survey on or as soon as possible after May 15, 2024, and end no later than August 15, 2024 (weather delays may require a modification of this timeframe). Cooperators will reside at lodging located near to the project areas and commute daily to the survey sites. 2 2.0 AUTHORITY This study is being conducted to fulfill regulatory requirements stipulated under the provisions of the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973 and associated regulations. Sections 7(a)(1) and 7(a)(2) of the ESA requires Federal agencies to ensure that actions authorized, funded, or carried out by them are not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of endangered or threatened species. In addition, the ESA of 1973 establishes as Federal policy that “all Federal departments and agencies shall seek to conserve endangered species and threatened species.” 2.1 This cooperative agreement will be awarded using the following authority: • 33 USC § 2339(a) Conservation and recreation management. Delegation of Authority under Section 213a of the Water Resources Development Act of 2000, dated 10 March 2015. In agreement with the above stated goals, the recipient agrees to provide the necessary personnel, equipment, and materials required to implement activities to support the USACE’s commitment toward environmental stewardship to manage natural and cultural resources in a responsible way that has the least impact on civil works and is beneficial to the region. In addition, the activities performed by the recipient must be completed in a manner conducive to guidelines outlined in the ESA (16 USC 1531 et seq.). USACE-MVM agrees to provide substantial involvement to include, but not limited to, the following: • USACE-MVM is involved in development of the Performance Work Statement/Scope of Work, and/or reviewing products provided by the Cooperator. • USACE-MVM actively participates and collaborates in carrying out the project plan of work, reviews and approves activities, and coordinates accordingly with the appropriate U.S. Fish and Wildlife (USFWS) office. • USACE-MVM incurs in-kind or direct expenditures in carrying out the activities specified in the project agreement. Examples include, but are not limited to, the following:  Providing per diem for Cooperators  Providing staff time to work on the project. 3.0 DESCRIPTION OF OBJECTIVES 3.1 Task 1: Field Work Coordination The Cooperator will contact USACE MVM point of contact, Jennifer Hiltonsmith (901-579-7473) as soon as the Cooperator has selected the sampling days but no later than 2 weeks prior to any field work. This coordination will help in assessing field conditions, water levels, and site access. 3.1.1 Additional Personnel The Cooperator should anticipate 1-2 USFWS and/or USACE-MVM employees 3 to participate in the field work as observers. The Cooperator should not expect the observers to handle any live bats or be asked to carry out any duties outlined in this Statement of Objectives. Observers may place acoustic equipment to assist in building data sets. The Cooperator will not be responsible for set up or retrieval of Government equipment at any time. 3.2 Task 2: Habitat Assessment (Day 1) Suitable summer bat habitat has been determined to be present at several sites within each proposed project area. Survey sites have been designated by USACEMVM biologists based on habitat, accessibility, and USFWS survey guidelines (Exhibits 1 & 2). The Cooperator shall visually survey the preselected survey sites to confirm they are appropriate for mist netting. The Belle Fountain area project totals approximately 9 linear kilometers of potential habitat. The 15-Mile Bayou project totals approximately 6.3 linear kilometers of potential habitat. Suitable TCB summer habitat consists of a wide variety of forested/wooded areas where they roost, forage, and travel and may include some adjacent and interspersed non-forested areas such as emergent wetlands and adjacent edges of agricultural fields, old fields, and pastures. This includes forests and woodlots containing trees with potential roost substrate (i.e., live, and dead leaf clusters of live and recently dead deciduous trees, Spanish moss [Tillandsia usneoides], and beard lichen [Usnea trichodea]), as well as linear features such as fencerows, riparian forests, and other wooded corridors. TCB will roost in a variety of tree species, especially oaks (Quercus spp.), and often select roosts in tall, large diameter trees, but will roost in smaller diameter trees (e.g., 4-inch [10- centimeter] diameter at breast height [DBH]) when potential roost substrate is present. TCB commonly roost in the mid- to upper canopy of trees although males will occasionally roost in dead leaves at lower heights (e.g., <16 feet [5 meters] from the ground) and females will occasionally roost in Spanish moss of understory trees. TCB seem to prefer foraging along forested edges of larger forest openings, along edges of riparian areas, and over water and avoid foraging in dense, unbroken forests, and narrow road cuts through forests. TCB may roost and forage in forested areas near anthropogenic structures and buildings (e.g., suburban neighborhoods, parks, etc.) (USFWS 2023). Information gained in the habitat assessments shall assist the Cooperator to determine sites for mist netting surveys (Section 3.3). The Cooperator shall include a description of the areas and their potential TCB habitat in the final reports. The Cooperator shall use professional judgment to determine if an area has suitable habitat for mist netting sites. 3.3 Task 3: Mist netting for presence/absence determination Immediately following each habitat assessment, the Cooperator shall confirm survey sites for netting locations or contact the Technical Manager (Jennifer Hiltonsmith) to discuss altering net placement. The Cooperator will follow the northern long-eared bat recovery unit-based protocols for the amount of time (i.e., 4 netting nights) deemed appropriate from habitat surveys for TCB. Mist net surveys should be conducted in the best suitable habitat possible in each kilometer. 3.3.1 Equipment - Mist nets to be used for TCB surveys should be the finest, lowest visibility mesh commercially available. Currently, the finest net on the market is 75 denier, 2 ply, denoted 75/2 (Arndt and Schaetz 2009); however, the 50 denier nets are still acceptable for use. The finest mesh size available is approximately 38 millimeter (~1 1/2 inch). Nets should be cleaned and disinfected following approved protocols (http://www.whitenosesyndrome.org/) and any additional federal or state requirements to minimize disease transmission (USFWS 2023). 3.3.2 Minimum Effort – An effective mist-netting effort should be used at locations best suited for capturing TCB. A minimum of 4 net nights per kilometer of suitable habitat is required by USFWS. Therefore, it is recommended that sites are placed approximately 1 kilometer apart, but selection of the best mist-net habitat is the priority. Once the Cooperator determines the appropriate sample site locations, each sample site shall be photographed (during daylight hours) and recorded using a global positioning system (GPS) unit. The Cooperator shall record all GPS data in Universal Transverse Mercator, North American Datum - 1983, Zone 16N. Recorded GPS and color photographs shall be included in the report. 3.3.3 Net Placement – Potential travel corridors (e.g., streams) typically are the most effective places to net (although other sites may also be productive; see Carroll et al. 2002). Place nets approximately perpendicular across the corridor. Nets should fill the corridor from side to side and from stream (or ground) level up to the overhanging canopy. Nets of varying widths and heights may be used as the situation dictates. If netting over water, ensure there is enough space between the net and the water so that the bat will not get wet upon capture. Mist netting shall begin at sunset and end 6 hours after the nets are in place. See Kunz and Kurta (1988) for additional discussion of net placement. 3.3.4 Checking Nets – Each net should be checked approximately every 10 minutes, never exceeding 15 minutes between checks. Capture and handling are stressful for bats. Emphasis should be on minimizing handling and holding bats for as short a time as possible to achieve research objectives. TCB, or any other TE bat should be they captured, should not be held for more than 30 minutes after capture. Federal and state permits usually specify maximum holding times (e.g., Recovery Permits issued by Regions 3 and 4 of the USFWS specify a maximum holding time of 30 minutes for most projects). 5 3.3.5 Weather and Light Conditions - Severe weather adversely affects capture of bats. Negative results combined with any of the following weather conditions throughout all or most of a sampling period is likely to need additional netting effort: (a) temperatures that fall below 10°C (50°F); (b) precipitation, including rain and/or fog, that exceeds 30 minutes or continues intermittently during the survey period; and (c) sustained wind speeds greater than 4 meters/second (9 miles/hour). It is typically best to set nets under the canopy where they are out of moonlight, particularly when the moon is ½-full or greater. 3.3.6 If, at the conclusion of each mist netting, no TCB or any other TE bats, have been captured, fieldwork is complete and that particular survey is finished. At each project area (Belle Fountain and 15 Mile Bayou), if one or more TCB or other TE bats are captured (up to 3 TCB, northern long-eared bat, or Indiana bat per site), Phase II radio-tracking surveys will be conducted by the Cooperator. The emergence survey protocol should not be used for radio-tracked TCB given the variability in roosting locations typically used by the species (e.g., roosting in dead leaf clusters in the canopy of live trees) and difficulty observing bats emerging. An emergence count may be attempted on the rare occasion that the surveyor is able to discover the exact roosting location of a transmitted TCB and believes he/she can observe the bat(s) emerging. Transmitter Attachment - A qualified and permitted biologist who is experienced in handling TCB and other TE bats and attaching radio transmitters must perform transmitter attachments. Attachment guidelines and protocols are outlined in the 2024 USFWS Range-wide Indiana Bat & Northern Long-Eared Bat Survey Guidelines. For each captured TCB (or other threatened or endangered bats should they be captured), the Cooperator shall attach radio transmitters to all female, juvenile, and adult male TCB or others captured at each site. Surveyors should be prepared to place transmitters on bats when they are captured to minimize holding times. The radio transmitter, adhesive, and any other markings ideally should weigh less than 5% of the bat’s pre-attachment body weight but must not weigh more than 10% of its total body weight (Kurta and Murray 2002). In all cases, the lightest transmitters capable of the required task should be used, particularly with pregnant females and volant juveniles. Bats carrying transmitters must be monitored daily for at least seven days, or until the transmitter falls off, whichever occurs first. 6 The purpose of radio tracking TCB and other TE bats is to determine their roosting locations. If radio tracking determines specific summer roosting or maternal colony sites (trees or other structures), the Cooperator shall use a GPS unit to record the specific locations. The Cooperator shall describe the sites and nearby surroundings in each survey report. 3.3.7 Radio Telemetry Equipment - Proposed radio telemetry equipment (e.g., receivers, antennas, and transmitters) and frequencies should be coordinated with the appropriate state natural resource agency and the USFWS – Missouri Ecological Services Field Office, Columbia, MO (Kris Budd, 573-507-8924 when conducting surveys in Missouri), or Arkansas Ecological Services Field Office, Conway, AR (Pedro Ardapple-Kindberg, 501-513-4470 when conducting surveys in Arkansas) after any night a bat is fitted with a transmitter. 3.4 Task 4: Post-Fieldwork Coordination with USACE-MVM The cooperator shall call the Technical Manager of this project (Jennifer Hiltonsmith, 901-579-7473) within 24 hours of the conclusion of field work conducted at each project location (Belle Fountain and 15 Mile Bayou) with all netting and transmitter information. Each project area will have its own draft report. Each draft report will document all capture results, photographs, maps, etc. performed at each location; and each draft report will be provided to the Technical Manager no later than one month after field work has been concluded at that specific area. More information about report submittals are provided in Section 9.2. 4.0 QUALIFICATIONS 4.1 The Cooperator shall possess a current USFWS threatened or endangered species recovery permit and both a State of Missouri collector’s permit and a State of Arkansas collector’s permit prior to starting the field work at each specific site. The Principal Investigator (PI) conducting the surveys should have a thorough understanding of the USFWS Range-Wide Indiana Bat and Northern Long-Eared Bat Survey Guidelines, should be familiar with the 2024 updates and the inclusion of Tricolored bat efforts. The Cooperator should have at least 3 years’ experience with mist-netting, handling, and identifying bat species including threatened and endangered species. Survey experience, academic background, and examples of prior reports should be submitted with your proposal.

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 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.

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.

This program provides financial support to LGBTQ+-owned and allied restaurants, cafes, and bars to help them thrive and recover.

The National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD), with other NIH Institutes and Centers (ICs) intends to promote a new initiative by publishing a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to solicit applications from National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Cancer Centers with existing community outreach and collaborations with American Indian and Alaska Native populations for research on improving cancer outcomes. This Notice is being provided to allow potential applicants sufficient time to develop meaningful collaborations and responsive projects. The NOFO is expected to be published in Summer 2024 with an expected application due date in Summer 2024. This NOFO will utilize the U01 activity code. Details of the planned NOFO are provided below.

This funding opportunity supports community art projects that engage underserved groups, particularly in rural areas, by providing financial assistance for new or expanded arts events.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Arkansas for hiring professional artists, helping to enhance community arts programs and events.

The objectives of this project fall under INRMP Goal 2: Manage JBER natural resources under the guidelines and principles of adaptive ecosystem management, which aim to maintain functional ecosystems and natural diversity including sustainable populations, native species, and ecological communities and Objective 2.1: Inventory and monitor JBERs natural resources, including soil, water, wetlands, flora, and fauna, to provide baseline information on ecosystem integrity and health, status of renewable resources, and status of threatened or sensitive species or communities. See full Funding Opportunity Description in Section I.

Greenspace Enhancement Grant Program Our Greenspace Enhancement Grant Program extends our mission by providing financial support to nonprofit organizations that actively work towards improving and preserving outdoor environments. The grants focus on: Community Gardens: Creating, rehabilitating, and enhancing community gardens that provide educational opportunities and serve community needs. Neighborhood and School Beautification: Beautifying and enriching outdoor environments in economically disadvantaged areas, particularly around neighborhoods and schools. Parks and Greenspaces: Revitalizing parks and public greenspaces through planting and the addition or upgrading of efficient irrigation systems. Sustainable Impact: Projects that align with Toro's purpose of enriching the beauty, productivity, and sustainability of the land, impacting beautification, and increasing the utilization of public greenspaces. Community Engagement: Encouraging broad community involvement in project design and implementation, ensuring tangible and sustainable results. Eligibility Location: The benefiting organization must be located within 40 miles of a Toro Company location in the following cities: Arkansas: Batesville California: El Cajon, Riverside Florida: Sanford Michigan: Iron Mountain Nebraska: Beatrice Texas: El Paso, Abilene Wisconsin: Lake Mills The grant program seeks to empower communities to create and maintain beautiful, sustainable, and functional outdoor spaces, emphasizing those in need. Through these grants, The Toro Company continues to build on its long-standing tradition of giving back to the communities where our employees live and work.

The Maryland Department of Aging's Aging-In-Place Program offers competitive grant funding to support older adults in living safely, independently, and comfortably in their own homes and communities. This program aligns with the Department's commitment to ensuring that Marylanders, regardless of age, income, or ability, can maintain their identity and independence in familiar environments. The core mission is to promote the well-being of older adults by preserving familiarity, providing mental stimulation, reducing emotional stress associated with transitions, and offering the opportunity to live in a supported community, such as a Senior Village. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are older adults in Maryland, with a particular focus on those in historically underserved communities. These include Black, Latino, Indigenous and Native American persons, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, other persons of color, members of religious minorities, LGBTQ+ persons, individuals with disabilities, those in rural areas, and those affected by persistent poverty or inequality. The impact goals are to delay cognitive decline, improve quality of life, maintain emotional well-being, and enhance access to resources and supportive services for these populations. The program prioritizes projects that incorporate volunteers in the planning and delivery of services, serve historically underserved communities, propose multi-sector or multigenerational collaboration, establish new Senior Villages or expand existing ones into marginalized communities, and foster partnerships between Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) and Senior Villages. These strategic priorities aim to enhance capacity, extend reach, improve effectiveness, and achieve better outcomes for older adults across the state. The theory of change suggests that by supporting these initiatives, the Department can create more robust community-based support systems, directly leading to improved independence, health, and social engagement for older Marylanders. Expected outcomes include increased access to in-home personal care, education on maintaining community living, psychological, economic, or functional assistance, greater awareness of and equitable access to resources, improved supportive services and care coordination, reduced social isolation, affordable transportation options, and assistance with home modifications. Measurable results will likely involve tracking the number of individuals served, the types of services provided, the establishment and expansion of Senior Villages, and indicators of improved quality of life and independence among participants. The total funding available for this grant cycle is $100,000, with grants running from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025.

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.

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 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 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 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.

The SHARE Foundation offers annual grants focusing on enhancing the health and well-being of individuals in Union County, Arkansas, and surrounding areas. Through these grants, the Foundation aims to address critical areas such as health, education, economy, and social and community well-being. Focus areas include mental health treatment, substance misuse prevention, job readiness, education advancement, and neighborhood improvements. Grants are available for operations, projects/programs, and capital improvements. Eligible applicants include public agencies and tax-exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code, with a priority for those operating in or having a direct impact on Union County. The application deadline is October 15, annually. Grant renewed every year.

Deadline: May 31, 2024, at 4 p.m. CDT. Eligible Recipients: Not-for-profit organizations with preservation, conservation, cultural, historical, or archeological missions, including HBCUs, tribal nations, and government entities. Eligible Projects: Must be within the Delta Region, focusing on cultural heritage, public roads, regional music, museums, and more. Priority Criteria: Projects addressing immediate needs, new initiatives, completed within 18 months, and enhancing heritage tourism. Where: Projects within the Delta Region, not on federal property. When: Applications open April 15, 2024, and close May 31, 2024, at 4 p.m. CDT. Selected projects announced by September 2024. Webinar: Optional webinar on April 24 at 10 a.m. CDT. Register here. Contact: For project inquiries, email us. For technical support, contact [email protected].

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