Community Investment Grants

Click here to access our grant portal

Beginning in 2026, additional weight will be placed on the ALICE component of our grant application, to ensure we're funding work focused on supporting ALICE in our community.

Community Investment Grants will open June 15. Community Investment Grants are available to organizations that serve or operate in Pulaski, Lonoke, or Saline Counties. For more information about using our grants portal, click on "How to Apply Using Foundant" below. Applications will be due Friday, July 17.

If you are interested in applying, click through the tabs below to learn more or download our summary document here. For more information or if you have any questions, please contact Mollie Palmer at mpalmer@heartaruw.org.

  • Funding Range: $3,000-$12,000 for half-year, with opportunity to renew after site visit in winter 2027.
  • Community Investment Grants will be awarded in August, based on volunteer review of grant applications, and paid out in two payments, made in September and December. In winter of 2027, volunteers will conduct site visits. Site visit and a brief report will serve as the opportunity to renew the grant for two additional payments in March and June, contingent on United Way campaign results.
  • Awarded funds will not have restriction on use toward administrative expenses associated with the program, with two exceptions: grant funds may not be directed toward capital campaigns or solely for reserve funds. However, applicants should be prepared to demonstrate how the requested expenses will lead toward program outcomes. 
  • Timeline:
    • June 15: Grants Available
    • July 17: Grant Applications Due
    • Late August: Grant Announcements made
    • September and December: Grant Payments Made
    • Winter 2027: Site Visits
    • February 2027: Renewal Grant Announcements made
Individuals and families living below the ALICE threshold are the target population for all grant funded programs. In 2026, additional weight will be added to the ALICE component of our application, to ensure we're meeting the needs of ALICE in our community. Applicants should meaningfully demonstrate how their work impacts ALICE individuals and families, and/or those living below the Federal Poverty Line. 
 
Click on our impact areas to download detailed one-pagers with our priorities.
 
Youth Opportunity – helping ALICE young people realize their full potential.
Financial Security – fostering financial strength for ALICE.
Mental Health – improving mental health and well-being for ALICE.
All applicants must meet and provide evidence of the following requirements (download guidelines and requirements here):
 
  • 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:

Agencies will be required to submit a signed copy of their more recent IRS form 990 or 990 EZ.
 

Grant Guidelines:

  • Organizations may apply for funds to start a new program or support an existing program.
  • 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.

To learn more about how to use our application portal, watch the videos below.