OVERVIEW: The Arkansas Farm Bureau Foundation supports education, research, litigation and disaster relief in Arkansas.
IP TAKE: This funder has supported agriculture and rural communities in Arkansas for a decade. While it has a few different funding programs, the community grant program provides the best opportunities for support. Transparency is limited, but this is an approachable foundation that is committed to the communities in its interest areas.
PROFILE: Established in 2016, the Arkansas Farm Bureau Foundation (AFBF) is a foundation based in Little Rock, Arkansas. The Arkansas Farm Bureau was formed in 1935 and represents over 190,000 member families in the state. It is an independent, voluntary, grassroots organization that promotes and advocates for agriculture in the region. The foundation aims to “further understanding of agricultural and rural issues and to support the agriculture and rural community through financial support for education, research, litigation and disaster relief.”
Grants for Community Development and Human Services
The Arkansas Farm Bureau Foundation funds a variety of local efforts, but many grants are tied to the agricultural industry in some way. There are currently three funding opportunities:
- General Funding Request Program supports events, sponsorships, and donations from agricultural and rural community groups in the state.
- Educational Grant Program provides support for education programs “offered and developed” by the ArFB Education Department and Arkansas Ag in the Classroom.
- Community Grant Program invests in opportunities to “strengthen ties between agricultural and rural communities across Arkansas.” To receive up to $10,000 in support, programs need to relate to the ArFB Foundation’s overall mission and benefit rural communities.
- Funded projects examples are agriculture-related programs for children, state fair exhibits and virtual agriculture tours. Past local grantees include the American Red Cross-Greater Arkansas Chapter, Old State House Museum, Arkansas Hunters Feeding the Hungry, and Four States Fair Ag Learning Center.
- As a general rule, AFBR does not provide funding for political causes, fundraising events, athletic or social organizations, wages and benefits, construction or equipment purchases.
Important Grant Details
Grants typically range between about $1,000 and $100,000. The foundation awarded over $800,000 in grants in a recent year and held more than $1.26 million in assets.
- Grantmaking focuses on the state of Arkansas.
- AFBR accepts unsolicited grant applications from nonprofits.
- In the past, grant applications have been due at the end of March and the end of August.
- Grantseekers must request the application forms directly from the foundation and then complete application forms and submit them by email.
- Direct general questions to the foundation director, Amanda Williams, at williams@arfb.com or 501-228-1493.
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