Grants

General Assistance and Innovative Projects

The General Assistance and Innovative Projects line item is designed to provide Cities and Counties with the opportunity to apply for grant assistance for a variety of projects that are not covered under other funding categories.

The Arkansas Economic Development Commission is accepting proposals for grant funding under the General Assistance and Innovative Projects line item of the Arkansas Community and Economic Development Program.

Only non-entitlement cities and counties are eligible to apply. All projects must address a national objective for the Community Development Block Grant program (CDBG): benefit to persons of low to moderate income, elimination of conditions of slum and blight, or assistance in addressing an urgent community need.

Grants will be for an amount between $50,000 and $200,000. Priority will be given to innovative projects, to communities with lower average incomes, and to projects that address priorities cited in the state's Consolidated Plan. Proposals must be submitted no later than 4:30 p.m. on March 31. Grant awards will be made before July 1.

Since grants may only be made to cities or counties, interested parties should contact their Mayor or County Judge about sponsoring an application. All funded grants will be required to employ a professional administrator. Administrative fees will be paid from the grant. It is strongly recommended that applicants seek assistance in completing the application from the Planning & District that serves their area, or from a private professional administrator who has received training from the Arkansas Economic Development Commission.

For a listing of additional public and private grant sources, please call 501-682-1211