Non-profits in Jefferson County can go to www.arcf.org beginning today to download an application for Giving Tree Grants through The Pine Bluff Area Community Foundation (PBACF), a local affiliate office of Arkansas Community Foundation (ARCF). Applications must be submitted by Aug. 15.
“Our Giving Tree Endowments give us an annual source of funding to help address immediate needs across the state,” said Heather Larkin, president and CEO of ARCF. “Many of the organizations that receive these grants provide vital services to our communities but aren’t large enough to compete for national grants. The Giving Tree program gives us the ability to provide small grants that help stock the shelves of our local food pantries keep the lights on at free clinics and provide supplies for after school programs all over Arkansas.”
Any IRS 501(c)(3) public charity, public school, government agency or hospital in Jefferson County is eligible to apply. Other applicants may be considered if the project has a clear charitable purpose for the public benefit. Grants are not made to individuals. Applications will be reviewed by a grant-making committee from The Pine Bluff Area Community Foundation.
“Our Giving Tree grants will generally range from $500 to $3,000,” said Christopher Castoro, executive director of PBACF. “Last year, our competitive application process resulted in total grant awards of $35,550. The median grant size was $1,525, with a low value of $500 and a maximum of $3,000. Typical among the grants last year were a $500 award to Pine Bluff Downtown Development to support the Old Town Christmas program, and a grant of $3,000 to the Pine Bluff Symphony Orchestra to provide assistance in producing the annual educational concert.”
Visit www.arcf.org to view Giving Tree Grant submission guidelines and begin the application process.
Arkansas Community Foundation makes grants to improve the quality of life in our state and collaborates with individuals, families and organizations to build local communities through philanthropy. At the close of fiscal year 2011, ARCF had more than $150 million in assets; the Foundation has provided more than $90 million in grants since it began operation in 1976. Contributions to ARCF, its funds and any of its 27 local affiliate offices are fully tax deductible.