Arkansas's Governor announces a new program to help community agencies and cities.

The full release from the Governor's Office is below:

Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, along with the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, today announced the Community Assistance Grant Program to fill funding gaps for projects that reduce poverty, promote self-sufficiency, and revitalize communities. The Governor is also seeking approval from the Arkansas Legislative Council (ALC) for a $15 million allocation to fund the program.

The Community Assistance Grant Program allows eligible applicants, such as community-based nonprofits and cities, to apply for up to $1,500,000 per fiscal year to support programs that increase Arkansans’ quality of life. Funding through the Community Assistance Grant Program supports projects that fight childhood food insecurity, address unemployment, promote education, offer resources for victims of crime, and provide housing, nutrition, or emergency services to promote self-sufficiency and revitalize communities. Arkansas can further support the great work of its non-profit organizations like food banks, foster care support, crime victims’ advocacy, and more – the definition of the “neighbors helping neighbors” mentality that defines our state.

“If we’re going to help every corner of our state thrive, then the effort is going to come from the bottom up – not just from the top down,” said Governor Sanders. “The goal of the Community Assistance Grant program is to fund programs that are making a real difference in Arkansans’ lives. I look forward to continuing my administration’s support for community-based programs that address some of the toughest the issues facing our state.”

“Arkansas is on an upward trajectory with one of the fastest growing economies in the nation, low costs, and strong leadership. We are working to ensure that this momentum continues by supporting the growth of local communities with the Community Assistance Grant Program,” said Secretary of Commerce Hugh McDonald. “Governor Sanders and the Department of Commerce are committed to helping communities in all corners of the state, and this program will help communities and nonprofits make an impact on the lives of Arkansans in their region.”

“Across the state, we have great communities that need additional resources to revitalize and grow, which will boost Arkansas’ overall economic health,” said Clint O’Neal, executive director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. “Under Governor Sanders’ leadership, we are working to ensure that communities have these resources through the Community Assistance Grant Program – part of a statewide effort to improve quality of life in the Natural State.”

The application period will be open from May 19, 2025, through July 31, 2025. Funding awards are expected to be announced in early Fall 2025.

Applicants will be required to match grant awards with cash, in-kind labor, or in-kind land. Match amounts will be determined on a case-by-case basis during the application review process.

For more information and to apply, visit AEDC’s website linked here.