Little Rock, AR – JonesboroRightNow.com – Craighead County, the City of Jonesboro, and local Northeast Arkansas nonprofits will soon have access to a major pool of state funding for community revitalization and economic development.

Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders and the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) announced that applications for the Fiscal Year 2027 Community Assistance Grant Program (CAGP) will open on July 1. Local municipalities and eligible 501(c)(3) organizations can apply for up to $1,500,000 per fiscal year.

The AEDC will distribute a total of $10 million statewide during this current award cycle. Because the program requires a 20% match from recipients—which can be fulfilled through cash, land, or in-kind labor and materials—any local applications will require a commitment of local resources or matching funds.

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Due to high demand, state officials noted in a funding announcement that they are prioritizing projects that address specific, localized challenges. According to the release, funding priorities will target:

  • Food Insecurity & Nutrition: Projects aimed at fighting childhood hunger.
  • Workforce & Education: Programs addressing local unemployment and promoting educational access.
  • Public Safety & Recovery: Resources specifically dedicated to supporting victims of crime.
  • Emergency Services: Housing, nutrition, or emergency services designed to promote self-sufficiency.

“A strong state starts with strong communities,” Governor Sanders said in the announcement, noting that the program is designed to support organizations directly impacting people who need help most.

AEDC Executive Director Clint O’Neal added that the program is a statewide effort to provide the exact resources local communities need to improve their overall quality of life.

The application window opens on July 1, 2026, and closes on August 15, 2026. Funding awards are expected to be announced in early Fall 2026. Local entities interested in applying can find guidelines and application portals on the AEDC website.

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