Grants for Seniors in Arkansas: Updated

You can access grants in Arkansas that directly support seniors’ well-being and community life. These funds help build and improve senior centers, healthcare access, and programs that keep older adults engaged and independent. If you’re with a city, county, or nonprofit, you likely qualify to apply for project-based support. Knowing which grants match your goals—and how to position your project—makes all the difference in securing support.

Key Takeaways

• Arkansas offers grants through the Community Assistance Grant Program for projects benefiting seniors, such as community centers and health facilities.
• Nonprofits and local governments can apply for funding to support senior-focused services like nutrition, housing, and emergency assistance.
• Eligible senior projects must show community need and align with quality-of-life goals, including health, safety, and self-sufficiency.
• Applicants must provide a 20% match of the grant amount through cash or in-kind contributions for the Community Assistance Grant Program.
• Applications for the 2025 cycle are due by July 31, 2025, and must be submitted online through the Arkansas Economic Development Commission portal.

Understanding the Arkansas Community Assistance Grant Program

What makes the Arkansas Community Assistance Grant Program stand out is its focus on empowering municipalities, counties, and nonprofits to drive meaningful community and economic development.

Your grant application should clearly meet funding eligibility criteria, including being a city, county, incorporated town, or eligible nonprofit owning or leasing property.

Projects can cover renovations or new facilities like healthcare or community centers.

Grant application tips include submitting a detailed project description, budget, and effectiveness metrics by July 31, 2025.

Who Can Apply for Community Assistance Grants

Eligible applicants for the Arkansas Community Assistance Grant Program include cities, incorporated towns, unincorporated communities, counties, non-profit organizations, and other governmental entities within Arkansas.

To succeed in the application process:

1. Confirm you’re an eligible applicant as defined by the state.
2. Own or lease the property where the project will take place.
3. Verify your project meets community and economic development criteria.
4. Plan to meet the 20% match requirement for the grant award.

The AEDC awards funding based on eligibility, available funds, and program demand, with awards up to $1,500,000 per project.

Eligible Community and Economic Development Projects

While considering your project for funding, keep in mind that projects focused on the construction, renovation, or improvement of public and nonprofit facilities qualify if they serve community and economic development goals.

Eligible projects include health care facilities, childcare centers, community centers, libraries, museums, courthouses, fire stations, and recreational parks.

Your funding criteria require demonstrating how your project addresses community needs and economic development objectives. You’ll need to provide a 20% matching contribution to the grant award.

Ineligible projects include state or private fairgrounds and entertainment expenses.

Confirm your nonprofit organization owns or leases the property involved, and your project aligns with established grant agreements.

Eligible Non-Profit Organization Projects

You can use grant funds for eligible non-profit projects like renovating or building community facilities such as health centers, childcare centers, and libraries to boost local development.

To qualify, your organization must own or lease the property and provide a 20% match of the grant award to show community investment.

When you apply, include a clear project description, detailed budget, and how you’ll measure the project’s impact.

Project Types Eligible

If your nonprofit serves Arkansas seniors, you can use grant funds to renovate, upgrade, or expand facilities you own or lease—like senior centers, health clinics, or community centers—so long as the project supports community and economic development.

These eligible projects open real funding opportunities for your organization.

1. Renovate or build senior centers, libraries, or community centers.
2. Upgrade health care or childcare facilities serving seniors and families.
3. Construct or improve emergency shelters or senior housing.
4. Develop parks, sports fields, or other recreational facilities for seniors.

Your project can get up to $1.5 million, but you’ll need to cover 20% of the grant amount.

Matching Fund Requirements

Non-profit organizations seeking grant funds through the Arkansas Community Assistance Grant Program must commit to a 20% matching contribution of the total grant amount requested.

You’ll need to demonstrate matching fund sources such as donations, sponsorships, or other grants, all requiring thorough documentation and verification.

Effective matching fund strategies include combining cash, in-kind labor, or materials to meet this requirement.

This matching guarantees you have a vested interest in the project, aligning with community and economic development goals, ultimately fostering sustainability and deeper community engagement in your initiative.

Application Documentation

Grant applications for eligible non-profit projects in Arkansas demand comprehensive and well-organized documentation.

To guarantee your application process runs smoothly and qualifies for grant eligibility, remember to include these essentials:

1. Submit a detailed project description, budget, and metrics measuring effectiveness.
2. Apply through your board president or director with all necessary approvals.
3. Demonstrate a 20% matching fund contribution with supporting documentation.
4. Provide proof of property ownership or lease for the project site.

Additionally, retain all invoices and expenditure documentation for at least three years or until audited.

Precision in these steps secures your grant eligibility.

Projects That Are Not Eligible for Funding

While many projects qualify for Arkansas’s grant programs, you’ll want to understand what expenses and initiatives won’t receive funding support.

State or private fairgrounds are ineligible expenses under the Community Assistance Grant Program, so don’t count on grants for those.

Principal and interest on financed debt fall under strict funding restrictions, as do entertainment costs like event meals and activity fees.

You also can’t use grant money for alcohol purchases or undocumented expenditures.

Any lobbying or costs benefiting areas outside Arkansas are off-limits.

Always check the grant agreement for other ineligible expenses and specific program rules.

Matching Requirement for Community Assistance Grants

You’ll need to provide a 20% match for any Arkansas Community Assistance Grant awarded, so a $1,500,000 project means you must contribute $300,000 in cash or documented in-kind services.

This matching requirement shows your community’s real commitment and helps prove your project is feasible.

When you apply, be ready to clearly calculate and document your match—it directly affects how your project is funded.

Matching Funds Requirement

To qualify for the Arkansas Community Assistance Grant Program, your project must include a 20% match of the total grant award, meaning you’ll need to cover that portion with local funds, private donations, or other grants.

This matching requirement strengthens community investment and shapes smart funding strategies.

1. Match at 20% of the grant amount (e.g., $300,000 for a $1.5M award).
2. Use cash, in-kind labor, materials, or land as matching sources.
3. Document all matching funds thoroughly with bank statements, estimates, or appraisals.
4. Remember: missing the match can make your project ineligible.

Calculation and Documentation

Impact on Project Funding

1. Secure matching funds from local government budgets, private donations, or other grants to meet the 20% threshold.
2. Document and present these funds clearly at application time to prove your project’s feasibility.
3. Foster community collaboration, leveraging collective resources and support.
4. Improve project sustainability by demonstrating active community investment and involvement.

How to Apply for the Community Assistance Grant Program

Since the Community Assistance Grant Program is now open, you can apply online from May 19 through July 31, 2025, by submitting the required application form and all supporting documents through the Arkansas Economic Development Commission’s online portal.

You’ll need a clear project description, solid project budget strategies, and measurable outcomes. Cities and counties apply through mayors or county judges; nonprofits through board presidents or directors.

Remember, a 20% match is required. Use grant application tips: keep it focused, realistic, and well-documented.

All spending must finish within 24 months, and you must submit a final report with proof of expenses within 60 days after your project ends.

Application Requirements for Cities and Counties

You’ll need to submit a clear project description, a detailed budget, and specific metrics to show how your project will succeed.

Make sure your mayor or county judge formally approves the application and all future expenditures.

Keep every invoice and record on file for at least three years, or until any audit is complete.

Application Documentation Required

What does it take to get your city or county’s grant application approved? Nail the application checklist and follow these documentation tips.

For the Arkansas Community Assistance Grant Program, you must submit:

1. A clear project description and statement of need.
2. A comprehensive budget with all cost estimates and funding sources.
3. Proposed metrics showing how the project will boost community and economic development.
4. Required signed documents, including a resolution and certification letter from the mayor or county judge.

Keep original proposals, invoices, and all project records for at least three years or until audited.

Local Official Approval

To get your city or county’s grant application approved, the local governing official—either the mayor for incorporated areas or the county judge for unincorporated areas—must formally endorse and submit the application.

This approval process guarantees accountability and compliance with state requirements. Your local officials won’t just sign off; they’ll present your application to the city council or county quorum court for authorization.

This governmental endorsement strengthens your proposal’s credibility. When seeking grants for seniors in Arkansas, keep in mind that obtaining local official approval isn’t merely procedural—it’s fundamental to demonstrating community commitment and establishing the legitimacy necessary for funding consideration.

Application Requirements for Non-Profit Organizations

When applying for grants in Arkansas as a non-profit, you’ll need to own or have a long-term lease on the property tied to your project, since funders like the Arkansas Community Assistance Grant Program require this for eligibility.

Use these application tips and funding strategies to strengthen your request:

1. Submit a clear project description, detailed budget, and measurable effectiveness metrics.
2. Apply through your board president or director using the online portal.
3. Provide a 20% match (cash, in-kind labor, or land) for the grant amount requested.
4. Keep all expenditure records for three years to guarantee transparency and accountability.

Community Assistance Grant Application Timeline

Applications for the Arkansas Community Assistance Grant Program open on May 19, 2025, and must be submitted by July 31, 2025, using the designated online portal.

After your initial submission, you’ll receive a unique link to provide detailed documentation, including a project description, budget, and effectiveness metrics.

The grant application funding timeline requires that all project expenditures be completed within 24 months of award, with a final report due within 60 days after project completion.

Meeting these deadlines guarantees compliance with Arkansas Economic Development Commission guidelines and maximizes your funding opportunity.

Reporting Requirements and Grant Responsibilities

Since you’re responsible for managing the grant, you must keep all project expenditures and invoices on file for three years or until audited, whichever is later, and have them approved by the mayor, county judge, or director to confirm proper use of funds.

To meet reporting guidelines and ascertain accurate grant tracking, follow these key requirements:

1. Finalize all project expenditures within 24 months of the award date.
2. Submit a final report with canceled checks and receipts to the Arkansas Economic Development Commission within 60 days after project completion.
3. Retain documentation of all funds spent for accountability.
4. Submit the Follow-Up Survey Log within 90 days post-approval to maintain grant eligibility.

Family Caregiver Support Programs in Arkansas

One key way to ease the burden of caring for an older loved one in Arkansas is through the state’s Family Caregiver Support Program, which offers grants and services directly to family caregivers.

You can get financial support for respite care, home modifications, and other caregiving costs. Eligibility usually depends on your loved one’s diagnosis and need for help with daily tasks, verified through local Area Agencies on Aging.

You also gain access to free caregiver resources like support groups, counseling, and training, helping you manage stress and provide better care.

How to Find a Family Caregiver Support Program in Your Area

You already know the Family Caregiver Support Program can help with respite care, home modifications, and other caregiving costs through grants and services.

To find help in your area:

1. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging—they connect you with local resources and explain eligibility.
2. Ask specifically about the Family Caregiver Support Program and available financial assistance.
3. Share the care recipient’s diagnosis and age so they can verify eligibility.
4. Inquire about free support groups and respite care to ease caregiver challenges.

They’ll guide you to the right help fast.

State-by-State Grants for Seniors

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Get Free Grant Money?

You can get free grant money through free funding opportunities in Arkansas. Start by researching available grants and completing grant applications that match your needs and eligibility.

What Benefits Do Seniors Get in Arkansas?

You get senior benefits in Arkansas through programs offering caregiver grants, in-home care, respite services, Meals on Wheels, utility bill aid, and home modifications. Support groups and care coordination also help seniors stay independent.

Who Is Eligible for the Arkansas Future Grant?

You’re eligible for the Arkansas Future Grant if you’re an Arkansas resident who graduated from an Arkansas high school, home school, or GED program—or lived in Arkansas three years before applying—and enroll part- or full-time in a STEM or regional high-demand program at an approved institution. You must also complete the FAFSA and maintain satisfactory academic progress for continued eligibility. Senior eligibility depends on meeting these criteria before or after graduation.

What Not to Say When Applying for a Grant?

When applying, avoid grant application mistakes like vague goals, ineligible funding requests, overstated impact, ignoring matching requirements, and neglecting community input. Follow funding request tips by being specific, realistic, and demonstrating compliance clearly.

Conclusion

You shouldn’t let funding opportunities slip through your fingers—Arkansas offers several grants specifically to boost seniors’ quality of life through community centers, healthcare, and recreational programs. By applying through eligible nonprofits or municipalities, you can secure essential support to address seniors’ needs and foster community engagement. Just make sure your project meets the criteria, including property ownership or lease conditions, to hit the nail on the head with your application.