Arkansas Department of Rural Services: Rural Community Grant Program

Arkansas Economic Development Commission, Division of Rural Services and the Arkansas Rural Development Commission
The Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC), Division of Rural Services (DRS), is charged with assisting rural communities with a population of 20,000 and under. Established under Act 302 of 1991, and merged with the Arkansas Economic Development Commission under Act 8 of the 2015 First Extraordinary Session, DRS assists local agencies in rural areas with information and technical assistance. Currently, more than 80% of Arkansans live in rural areas.
The Arkansas Rural Development Commission (ARDC) is a group of citizens from rural Arkansas responsible for overseeing the programs of DRS. Seven of its members are appointed by the Governor, two are appointed by the Senate President Pro-Tem, and two are appointed by the Speaker of the House. Commissioners serve multiple-year terms and meet throughout the year to discuss rural issues that affect Arkansans.
The mission of these two groups is to "Enhance the quality of life in rural Arkansas."
One focus of the Division of Rural Services is to be a source of information for rural citizens and provide support services to rural communities. DRS publishes a quarterly newsletter that covers rural policies and topics. The Division also hosts an annual conference and local forums around the state throughout the course of the year.
DRS provides funding for worthwhile projects in rural communities through a variety of grant programs. One such program is the Arkansas Rural Community Grant Program (RCGP). Since this grant's inception, more than $12 million has been awarded to communities in all 75 counties.
General Information and Eligibility
Through the Arkansas Rural Community Grant Program (RCGP), the Arkansas Rural Development Commission and the Division of Rural Services strive to enhance quality of life in the state by providing incentive grants on a matching basis. The Rural Community Grant Program can assist with the improvement of local fire protection, including related emergency services and construction, along with the development and improvement of community facilities.
What Type of Projects are Eligible
Projects eligible for funding consideration under the Rural Community Grant Program include, but are not limited to:
Renovations, new construction or additions to publicly owned buildings such as civic or community centers, senior or youth centers, libraries, museums, and etc.Renovations, new construction, new equipment, or additions to parks and other publicly owned recreational facilities such as baseball or softball fields, landscape or beautification projects, park and picnic areas, jogging/walking trails, and etc.Purchase of storm sirens or construction of publicly owned storm shelters accessible to the citizens of the entire community.Renovations, new construction, or additions to fire facilities.The purchase of fire protection equipment and vehicles.The rehabilitation and/or retrofitting of newly acquired equipment and vehicles.