Eight counties in TIFS readersghip area score a total of $3,409,608 in inaugrial AEDC Community Assistance Grant Program

Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, alongside the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC), today announced the recipients of the inaugural Community Assistance Grant Program.

The initiative, first unveiled on May 19, 2025, distributes $15 million to 40 organizations statewide to address funding gaps for services aiding crime victims, reducing poverty, promoting self-sufficiency, and revitalizing communities.

The awards were reviewed and approved by the Arkansas Legislative Council (ALC) today, with funds set to be dispersed in January 2026.The program saw overwhelming demand: 553 applications requesting over $319 million in total funding. Eligible organizations could apply for up to $1.5 million per fiscal year during the application window from May 19 to July 31, 2025

.“In the first year of the Community Assistance Grant Program, we received an overwhelming number of applicants that demonstrated real need, showing the demand for this sort of program in Arkansas,” said Governor Sanders. “While these grants can only meet a portion of that demand, we are excited to see the progress that comes from the organizations that are receiving funding. We hope to fund different projects that help change lives and lift Arkansans up through this program in future years.

”Many of the grants are going to child advocacy centers, victim support services, and prosecuting attorneys' offices focused on protecting vulnerable children and families – with significant awards in Northwest and Western Arkansas counties.Key Awards in Northwest and Western Arkansas:

• Benton County: Children's Advocacy Center of Benton County – $598,108

  
  

  This substantial grant will bolster services for child abuse victims in one of Arkansas's fastest-growing counties.

• Washington County (Fayetteville area):

  • Children's Safety Center – $442,000  

  • Northwest Arkansas Rape Crisis, Inc. – $202,956

• Sebastian County (Fort Smith area):

  • Hamilton Center for Child Advocacy – $315,000  

  • 12th Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney's Office – $105,786

• Crawford County (Van Buren area):

  • Morgan Nick Foundation – $282,902

    The foundation, dedicated to missing children and child safety, received strong support amid its ongoing advocacy work.

• Boone County (Harrison area):

  • Grandma's House Children's Advocacy Center, Inc. – $461,000

• Johnson County (Clarksville area):

  • Ozark Rape Crisis, Inc. – $126,428

• Montgomery County:

  • Montgomery County Arkansas Prosecuting Attorney – $67,785

• Polk County (Mena area):

  • Polk County Prosecuting Attorney – $101,861  

  • Ouachita Children's Center Inc. – $90,483

• Pope County (Russellville area):

  • 5th Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney – $170,499  

  • River Valley Child Advocacy Center – $267,500

    
    
  
  

The combined grants to organizations in Benton, Crawford, Boone, Johnson, Montgomery, Polk, Pope, Sebastian, and Washington Counties total $3,409,608.

These awards highlight a focus on child protection and victim services in the River Valley and Ozark regions, where organizations like child advocacy centers play a critical role in coordinated responses to abuse.

Statewide leaders praised the program:“All across Arkansas, there are hardworking people and organizations that lift up their fellow citizens, change lives, and make our communities better,” said Hugh McDonald, Arkansas Secretary of Commerce.

“AEDC’s ultimate goal is helping Arkansans lead better lives, and the Community Assistance Grant Program will provide support to help many people and communities across the state,” added Clint O’Neal, AEDC executive director.

Elizabeth Pulley, Executive Director of Children’s Advocacy Centers of Arkansas, expressed gratitude:

“This investment strengthens the coordinated response to child abuse statewide and allows CACs to continue serving child abuse victims with care, dignity, and a child-focused approach.”

Colleen Nick, Founder and CEO of the Morgan Nick Foundation in Crawford County, said: “This support empowers the Morgan Nick Foundation to stand beside families in their darkest hours, hold predators accountable, and bring hope to those facing unimaginable pain.

”David Ethredge, President-Elect of the Arkansas Prosecuting Attorneys Association, noted the grants will help retain Victim Witness Coordinators to assist crime victims through the justice system

.The full list of 40 recipients spans the state, with many supporting child advocacy, crisis intervention, and prosecutorial victim services. For more details, visit the AEDC website or the Governor's office.