Community Investment Grants

Community Investment Grants

Geographic Scope: Pulaski, Lonoke, and Saline Counties, Arkansas

Overview: Heart of Arkansas United Way awards Community Investment Grants to eligible 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations serving the designated counties. Grants support programs aligned with United Way's strategic focus areas.

Focus Areas and Priorities

• Youth Opportunity - helping young people realize their full potential through tutoring, mentoring, and after-school enrichment
• Financial Security - fostering financial strength through education, tools, and training
• Healthy Community - improving mental health and well-being for all

Target Population: Individuals and families living below the ALICE threshold and/or those living below the Federal Poverty Line

Funding Range and Timeline

• Award Amount: $3,000-$12,000 for half-year, with opportunity to renew after site visit in winter 2026
• Payment Schedule: Two payments made in September and December
• Renewal Opportunity: Winter 2026 site visits; if successful, two additional payments in March and June (contingent on United Way campaign results)

Timeline

• June 16, 2026: Grants Available
• July 18, 2026: Grant Applications Due
• Late August 2026: Grant Announcements Made
• September and December 2026: Grant Payments Made
• Winter 2026: Site Visits
• February 2026: Renewal Grant Announcements Made

Eligibility Requirements

All applicants must meet and provide evidence of the following:

• Recognized 501(c)3 non-profit, tax exempt organization and/or a tax-exempt entity by the IRS
• Locally based volunteer board of directors or management body that meets at least quarterly, makes policy decisions and holds election of officers
• Registered with the Arkansas Secretary of State, if required
• Compliance with all applicable anti-terrorist financing and asset control laws as outlined by the federal Patriot Act
• Serve or operate in Pulaski, Lonoke, and/or Saline Counties
• Financial Requirements: Must submit a signed copy of their most recent IRS form 990 or 990 EZ

What Heart of Arkansas United Way Does NOT Typically Fund

• Arts and Culture
• Sports teams and recreation
• Environmental projects
• Capital expenditures such as building, plans, construction, or renovation
• Proselytization or direct religious activities
• Capital campaigns or solely for reserve funds

Grant Guidelines

• Organizations may apply for funds to start a new program or support an existing program
• Awarded funds will not have restriction on use toward administrative expenses associated with the program (with noted exceptions)
• Applicants should be prepared to demonstrate how requested expenses will lead toward program outcomes
• Applicants should meaningfully demonstrate how their work impacts ALICE individuals and families, and/or those living below the Federal Poverty Line

Contact Information

Mollie Palmer
mpalmer@heartaruw.org

Heart of Arkansas United Way
1400 West Markham, Suite 301
Little Rock, AR 72201
501.376.4567