[Arkansas Community Foundation](https://www.arcf.org)

November 2026 (Full application deadline, projected)

Eight 1-year grants of $15,000 each (competitive cycle)

Supports Arkansas nonprofits expanding access to local foods and strengthening the local food ecosystem through production, distribution, and collaboration initiatives.

Only 501c3 organizations or equivalents with a significant Arkansas presence are eligible.

--- ## Description This grant program aims to increase Arkansans’ access to locally grown and produced foods and to strengthen the local food ecosystem. Funding supports nonprofit-led projects that help farmers, gardeners, or growers provide fresh produce to food desert communities, pilot innovative aggregation or distribution strategies, or foster collaboration among stakeholders in local food production and distribution. Projects should address barriers faced by small farmers, demonstrate partnerships, and be led by personnel with relevant experience in food systems, production, or marketing. --- ## Due Dates - November 2026 (Full application deadline, anticipated/projected) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Eight grants of $15,000 each are available per annual cycle. - Grants are for a 1-year project period. - Highly competitive; not all applicants will be funded. --- ## Eligibility - 501c3 public charities and organizations treated as such under IRS regulations (including schools, churches, hospitals, and government entities) are eligible. - Applicants must be based in Arkansas or have a significant on-the-ground presence in Arkansas. - All geographic areas of the state are eligible. - Projects must focus on increasing community access to locally grown food, not solely on gardening education or personal-use gardens. - PK-12 school gardens focused primarily on education are not eligible. --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted through the [online portal](https://www.ARCFgrant.com) during the open application window. - Review the full program details and FAQs before applying. - Proposals should clearly demonstrate: - Direct impact on food access in Arkansas food desert communities. - Evidence of partnership and broader ecosystem connections. - Relevant experience of project personnel in food production, marketing, or local food systems. --- ## Additional Information - The program defines a food desert as an urban area where residents travel more than one mile or a rural area where residents travel more than 10 miles to access fresh, nutritious food. - The USDA [Food Access Research Atlas](https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/food-access-research-atlas/) can help determine if your project serves a food desert. - Sign up for the [nonprofit newsletter](https://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/manage/optin?v=001UxqbawIW3JUA3LeXa4Q9jktQZQ_WY7Z8ELO724RDi5NfjfxG25olCBTBJf2QzPg0QAuXmtPdAniGJZO5YvSyR9bh2M8a0fRPlETeZCIozwrVSHPkq6RDFg%3D%3D) for updates about future grant cycles. --- ## External Links - [Program Page](https://www.arcf.org/apply/nonprofits/access-to-local-foods-grants-2) - [FAQs (PDF)](https://www.arcf.org/app/uploads/2024/09/FAQ-Access-to-Local-Foods-Grant-2024.pdf) - [Online Application Portal](https://www.ARCFgrant.com) - [USDA Food Access Research Atlas](https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/food-access-research-atlas/) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Email | Phone | Purpose | |------------------|---------------------------|--------------|-------------------------------------------------------| | Annetta Tirey | atirey@arcf.org | 501-372-1116 | Grant opportunity and eligibility questions | | Jane Jones | jjones@arcf.org | 501-372-1116 | Technical/application portal questions | | General Inquiries| arcf@arcf.org | 501-372-1116 | General questions | For more information, visit the [contact page](https://www.arcf.org/contact/).

Access to Local Foods Grants

Sign in to see full grant listing