Mini Grant Program Guidelines
Required Reading & Acknowledgement
These guidelines must be read and acknowledged before submitting a Mini Grant application. Applications that do not meet the requirements outlined below will not be considered.
1. Program Purpose
The Mini Grant Program is designed to support community-centered projects that strengthen local connections, improve coordination, and encourage constructive participation. Funded projects should promote respectful, lawful, and practical engagement that benefits the broader community.
Mini grants are intended to help move ready-to-implement ideas forward and support projects that can demonstrate clear outcomes within a defined timeframe.
2. Grant Cycle & Timing
Mini grants follow a quarterly cycle with rolling application intake.
Awarded projects must be completed within three (3) months of award date.
Projects proposing a duration longer than three months may be considered only if a clear schedule with milestones is provided, including identifiable progress within the initial three-month period.
Submission of an application does not guarantee funding.
3. Project Eligibility
At this time, Mini Grants are only available for projects located in Bentonville, AR and Bella Vista, AR.
Eligible projects may include, but are not limited to:
Community events or activations
Educational or outreach initiatives
Pilot programs or demonstrations
Temporary infrastructure or placemaking efforts
Projects must:
Be community-facing and benefit the public
Take place within Bentonville or Bella Vista, Arkansas
Be feasible within the proposed timeline
Demonstrate readiness to proceed upon award
4. Public Property & Permissions (Required)
For any project taking place on public property, all required permissions must be secured prior to application submission.
This may include approvals from:
Cities or municipalities
Parks, trails, or facilities departments
School districts, POAs, or other governing entities
Applications that rely on pending, speculative, or future approvals will not be considered. Mini grants are intended to fund projects that are ready to move forward immediately upon award.
5. Non-Discrimination & Community Standards
We do not fund projects that discriminate against individuals or groups or that undermine community cooperation.
Funded projects must:
Be open to the general public or clearly defined community audiences
Encourage respectful participation and constructive collaboration
Align with applicable laws, local policies, and community standards
Projects that promote exclusion, harassment, or harm are ineligible for funding.
6. Political Activity Restrictions
Mini grants may not be used to support political campaigns, candidates, or partisan advocacy.
This includes, but is not limited to:
Campaign events or materials
Endorsements
Political fundraising
Advocacy for or against a specific candidate or ballot measure
Nonpartisan educational or informational activities may be considered if they are clearly related to the project purpose and comply with all other guidelines.
7. Budget & Use of Funds
Applicants must:
Clearly state the amount requested
Provide a brief budget narrative
Demonstrate that funds will be used solely for the proposed project
Funds may not be used for purposes outside the approved scope of work.
8. Required Post-Award Deliverables
All awarded grantees must submit the following within 30 days of project completion:
1. Project Summary
A brief written summary (1–2 paragraphs) describing what was completed
2. Photos
A minimum of three (3) high-quality photos with permission for use
3. Participation Metrics
Estimated number of participants or people reached
4. Impact Quote
One short quote from an organizer, partner, or participant reflecting on the project’s success
5. Timeline Confirmation
Confirmation that the project met its proposed schedule, or a brief explanation of any changes
Failure to submit required deliverables may impact eligibility for future funding.
9. Acknowledgement & Certification
By submitting an application, the applicant certifies that:
All information provided is accurate and complete
All required permissions for work on public property are secured prior to submission
The proposed project complies with applicable laws and community standards and does not discriminate against individuals or groups
The proposed project does not support or promote political campaigns or candidates
The applicant agrees to all reporting and deliverable requirements
Applications that do not comply with these guidelines may be disqualified or required to return awarded funds.