Arkansas Community Foundation began accepting grant proposals again March 30 for $1,000 mini-grants for organizations responding to the immediate needs of those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Applications are accepted at www.arcf.org/covid19. Nonprofit organizations with 501c3 status, churches, hospitals, schools or government entities based anywhere in Arkansas are eligible to apply.
Thanks to generous donors across the state, the foundation reopened its grant portal to accept more proposals, according to a news release.
“We will keep the portal open until resources are no longer available,” according to the release. “These applications will be reviewed and approved on a first-come-first-served basis. If you have already applied, you do not need to apply again.”
The criteria hasn’t changed. The grants will help organizations maintain their operations and respond to increased demand from clients during this first phase of pandemic relief.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Priority will be given to organizations that:
• Provide human services and emergency assistance (for example, food, shelter, transportation, living expenses, rent/utility assistance, etc.)
• Primarily serve vulnerable populations, including children who are out of school and families without childcare, people who have lost a source of income due to the pandemic, people who are at high risk medically, people who are homeless or incarcerated and individuals who lack paid sick leave or health insurance.
• Disseminate factual safety and response information to vulnerable communities such as non-English speaking residents, rural residents, senior citizens, etc.
Organizations may use funding to:
• Support clients’ basic needs;
• Cover costs associated with decreased staffing or remote-working due to quarantine/social distancing;
• Provide mental health programming for clients or staff;
• Coordinate/facilitate in-kind donations to sites and organizations that provide human services and serve vulnerable populations.
Other needs will also be considered. Businesses and individuals are not eligible to apply.
To apply or for details, visit www.arcf.org/COVID19 .