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Rural Community Grant Program is sponsored by Arkansas Economic Development Commission, Division of Rural Services. This program provides grants to rural Arkansas communities and local public agencies for various community facility projects and improvements. While not exclusively focused on literacy, it supports projects that enhance the quality of life for rural Arkansans.
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| Contact Business Development Arkansas Rural Development Commission Rural Services Block Grant Rural Community Grant Program Applications Available for Fiscal Year 2026 Rural Community Grant applications are now available for Fiscal Year 2026 from the Division of Rural Services. You may download the application or you may request one by calling 501-682-3292.
Download the Rural Community Grant Program Application Rural Community Grant Program Applicants from incorporated towns of less than 3,000 in population and unincorporated rural areas are eligible for up to $15,000 in matching funds under this program. The match ratio on the program is 50/50. Communities wishing to apply for projects under the program must provide one half of the cost of the project as match.
Match may be comprised of in-kind labor, in-kind materials or cash and must be available at the time of application. Applications for this program are accepted August through March of each year. Communities in the past have received funding for baseball/softball fields, community centers, walking tracks, park and playground equipment, pavilions, picnic tables, and library shelving.
Fire departments have received funding for new fire stations, additional bays for existing stations, turn-out gear, communications equipment, fire trucks, SCBA's, extrication equipment and brush trucks.
Director of Rural Services, Becca Caldwell: (501)-682-3292 Fiscal Year 2026 Deadlines are: Cycle I - August 14, 2025 Cycle II - March 12, 2026 Click on the following link to download the documents necessary to close out your grant: Rural Community Grant Program Closeout Documents Answer 5 questions about our new website. Answer 5 questions about our new website.
According to the current listing, eligibility includes: Rural Arkansas communities and local public agencies. Confirm the full requirements in the official notice before applying.
Rural Community Grant Program is funded by Arkansas Economic Development Commission, Division of Rural Services. Verify program details on the funder's official page before applying.
This opportunity targets applicants in Arkansas. If your organization operates elsewhere, check the official notice for location requirements.
Applications go through the funder's official portal — the Apply Now link on this page goes there directly.
Past winners and funding trends for this program
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