Small communities across Arkansas continue receiving support through grant programs and leadership training administered by the Arkansas Economic Development Commission’s Division of Rural Services.
Division Director Becca Caldwell said the program focuses on helping Arkansas towns with populations under 3,000 by providing financial assistance, guidance, and leadership resources.
Among the division’s largest programs is the Rural Community Grant Program, which offers up to $15,000 for projects including park improvements, community centers, fire equipment upgrades, and sidewalk repairs.
The Rural Services Block Grant provides up to $100,000 for eligible communities with low-to-moderate income populations and can help fund fire stations and emergency response equipment.
Caldwell highlighted a recent project in McNeil where residents worked together to help meet matching requirements for a new community center through volunteer labor and donated services.
The division also oversees the Wildlife Education Conservation Grant Program, funded through Arkansas Game and Fish violation fines and supporting school-based archery, shooting sports, and habitat restoration projects.
State officials are also preparing for the 2025 Rural Development Conference scheduled May 20 through May 22 in Little Rock at the DoubleTree and Robinson Center.
The conference will feature discussions on outdoor recreation, cybersecurity, Arkansas’s growing lithium industry, and entrepreneurship opportunities through the state’s 75Strong program.
Officials say the event is open to Arkansas community leaders representing towns with populations under 20,000.
More information is available at arkansasedc.com.
Leave a Reply