Arkansas Black Hall of Fame Foundation grants available for Arkansas nonprofits

LITTLE ROCK — The Arkansas Black Hall of Fame Foundation, in partnership with the Arkansas Community Foundation, is awarding grants to programs that benefit African Americans or other underserved populations in Arkansas. Nonprofits with programs focusing on education, health and wellness, youth development, strengthening families and small-business development are eligible to apply. Grants that mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on these areas will also be considered.

“This year, we are especially grateful to our donors, whose consistent support allows us to fund our grant program each year. We are excited to support organizations facing new challenges created by the pandemic. There are many nonprofits working tirelessly in communities throughout Arkansas to improve the quality of life for its citizens,” said Charles Stewart, ABHOF chair. “This grant program allows us to make our state a better place to live for these communities.”

Since 2004, the Black Hall of Fame Foundation has granted more than $624,000 to nonprofits across the state, with total community investment exceeding $1 million. Projects supported through this grant program range from mentoring efforts for promising young math and science students to exercise classes for low-income families in rural areas.

“Our long-standing partnership with the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame Foundation helps provide a support system for Arkansas nonprofits working to create positive change for underserved populations,” said Heather Larkin, president and CEO of the Community Foundation. “We’re proud of this investment and the programs that continue to support local people working to improve their communities.”

Grants will typically range from $1,000 to $2,500 but may approach $5,000 in special circumstances. Funds from the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame Foundation cannot be allocated for salary support or to support general operating budgets outside the specific proposal or project. Priority consideration will be given to the following:

• Requests that show multiple sponsoring agencies/organizations. • Requests that include evidence of local financial support, including, but not limited to, in-kind support.

• Requests that demonstrate collaborative ventures among organizations within the community.

• Requests that have promise for sustainability beyond the period of the grant.

• Requests that show an innovative approach to community challenges.

All geographic sections of the state are eligible to apply for the grants. Scholarship requests will not be considered. Only 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, hospitals, public schools and government agencies are eligible to apply through April 1 at Organizations that do not qualify for tax-exempt status are not eligible.