Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, together with the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC), has announced the 40 recipients of the Community Assistance Grant Program, a statewide initiative designed to fill critical funding gaps for organizations serving crime victims, reducing poverty, promoting self-sufficiency, and revitalizing communities.
The program, unveiled on May 19, 2025, received overwhelming interest from across the state. The Arkansas Legislative Council (ALC) approved $15 million for the first year of grants, allowing eligible groups to apply for up to $1.5 million per fiscal year. In total, 553 applicants requested more than $319 million, demonstrating widespread need for community support programs. Funding for selected recipients will be distributed in January 2026.
Leadership Responds to the Demand
Governor Sanders said the volume of applications reflects the growing demand for resources across Arkansas communities.
“We received an overwhelming number of applicants that demonstrated real need,” Sanders said. “While these grants can only meet a portion of that demand, we are excited to see the progress that will come from the organizations receiving funding.”
Arkansas Secretary of Commerce Hugh McDonald praised the work of the nonprofit and community groups receiving support, while AEDC Executive Director Clint O’Neal emphasized that the program will help Arkansans “lead better lives” by addressing funding gaps for essential services.
Leaders from several funded organizations—including the Children’s Advocacy Centers of Arkansas, the Morgan Nick Foundation, and the Arkansas Prosecuting Attorneys Association—expressed their gratitude and stressed the positive impact the grants will have on victim support, safety efforts, and community well-being.
2025 Community Assistance Grant Recipients
Funding spans nearly every region of the state, with awards supporting child advocacy centers, victim witness programs, crisis resources, addiction recovery, housing support, and youth organizations.
Selected applicants include:
CASA of the 10th Judicial District — Ashley County — $80,000
Children’s Advocacy Center of Benton County — Benton County — $598,108
Grandma’s House Children’s Advocacy Center — Boone County — $461,000
Percy & Donna Malone Child Safety Center — Clark County — $395,500
Northeast Arkansas Children’s Advocacy Center — Craighead County — $480,000
Morgan Nick Foundation — Crawford County — $282,902
Mending Hearts Child Safety Center — Crittenden County — $190,000
Children’s Advocacy Alliance — Faulkner County — $200,000
Children’s Advocacy Center of Independence County — Independence County — $131,651
Wade Knox Child Advocacy Center — Lonoke County — $135,000
Into the Light — Marion County — $750,000
River Valley Child Advocacy Center — Pope County — $267,500
Women and Children First — Pulaski County — $900,000
Children’s Advocacy Centers of Arkansas — Pulaski County — $1,020,000
Arkansas Baptist Children’s Homes & Family Ministries — Pulaski County — $500,000
Our House, Inc. (Projects 1 & 2) — Pulaski County — $1.8 million total
Central Arkansas Development Council — Saline County — $425,000
Arkansas Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs — Saline County — $750,000
Hamilton Center for Child Advocacy — Sebastian County — $315,000
Children’s Safety Center — Washington County — $442,000
White County Children’s Safety Center — White County — $625,000
A complete list of all 40 awardees is available in the full release.
Strengthening Arkansas Communities
The Community Assistance Grant Program is designed to expand services, protect vulnerable residents, and support local organizations that often struggle to meet growing community needs. State leaders say they hope the program will continue in future years to broaden its impact.
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