TEXARKANA - Every year, the Texarkana Area Community Foundation donates around $90,000 to local nonprofit organizations through its "Giving Tree Grants" program.
In 2020, TACF gave away that much to about 50 nonprofits despite the COVID-19 pandemic. And this year, they're looking to keep the annual tradition of giving going.
"For most nonprofits these grants are an ongoing blessing," Executive Director Ken Cox said. "Though not huge, erasing all financial challenges, they come regularly and can take care of some needed projects.
"For nonprofits emerging from COVID-19, it is an encouragement to keep going. We have survived, and so have they. So our partnership continues."
The online application process began July 10. Applications for "Giving Tree Grants" may be made online at the website of the Arkansas Community Foundation, arcf.org. The grant application deadline is Aug. 15.
Organizations that qualify for grants are IRS 501(c)(3) charities in Bowie County, Texas, and in Miller, Little River, Sevier, Howard, and Hempstead counties in Arkansas. Charities include food pantries, medical clinics, educational organizations and family help organizations.
Applications will be reviewed by a grant-making committee from the Texarkana area's local board of directors.
TACF has been in existence since 1986.
"These annual grants began shortly thereafter, but due to our capacity were limited to about $10,000 total per year, and only a few nonprofits benefited. Now we grant approximately $90,000 each year and are able to help about 50 nonprofits annually," Cox said. "Our capacity to grant continues to grow, and with that the significance of our annual program. Our November check presentation event is a high point of the year for us. It is such a positive time."
All applications are online. To apply, go to ARCF.Org and click on "Nonprofits." Then on the page that opens, scroll down to "Giving Tree Grants" and click on "Nonprofit Application." Enter your email address and password if you have applied before, or set up your account and complete the application.
(The website includes information about the type of grants that do and do not qualify. You may also contact Ken Cox by phone at 903-277-4730 or by email at [email protected].)