Arkansas Department of Rural Services “Striving to Enhance the Quality of Life in Rural Arkansas”

DRS Staff Stephanie Neipling Interim Director Stephanie Neipling Interim Director Shana Fryar Grants Coordinator Rural Community Development Grant Rural Fire Protection Grant Shana Fryar Grants Coordinator Rural Community Development Grant Rural Fire Protection Grant Jennifer Simpson Administrative Assistant Beth Dennis Grants Coordinator County Fair Block Grant

Arkansas Rural Development Commission Bob Lucky – Chair Bob Lucky – Chair Dennis Donahou Dennis Donahou Sam E. Angel Sam E. Angel Marvin Exum Marvin Exum Roy Ferrell Roy Ferrell Lynn Hawkins Lynn Hawkins Wayne Nichols Wayne Nichols David Rainey David Rainey Peggy Williams Peggy Williams

Services Offered by DRS Grant Funding 1) Rural Community Grant Program 2) Rural Services Block Grant Program 3) County Fair Building Grant Program Temporary Grant Programs (dependant on availability of surplus money) 1)GIF-1 Community Enhancement Grant Program 2)GIF-2 Fire Protection Grant Program 3)GIF-3 County Fair Grant Program *No funds are currently available for this program. Check our website to stay current on availability.

1. Rural Community Development Grant 2. Rural Fire Protection Grant Rural Community Grant Program PURPOSE

Up to $15,000 is available 50/50 Match DRS has $500,000 to distribute each year Funds are distributed in three cycles per fiscal year in August, December, and March Rural Community Grant Program FUNDS AVAILABLE

 Community population of 3,000 people or less  Applicants must gain the approval of their local governing body. Rural Community Grant Program ELIGIBILITY

 Fire stations, fire trucks  Fire equipment, protective gear, jaws of life  Community buildings  Libraries  City or community parks  Tornado sirens  Baseball fields Rural Community Grant Program PROJECT EXAMPLES

 Construction or renovation of community centers and fire stations.  Fire trucks, fire equipment, protective gear, jaws of life Rural Services Block Grant PURPOSE

 Up to $75,000 available  10% Match  DRS has $700,000 to distribute each year Rural Services Block Grant FUNDS AVAILABLE

 Community population of 3,000 people or less  At least 51% Low to Moderate income  Must have a paid administrator approved by AEDC  Cities not currently a party to a categorical grant through the Arkansas Economic Development Commission and counties that are not currently a party to two categorical grants (AEDC and the Rural Services Block Grant) are eligible to apply. *PLEASE CHECK WITH AEDC OR DRS BEFORE BEGINNING THE APPLICATION PROCESS. Rural Services Block Grant ELIGIBLITY

 Purchase a fire truck  Protective gear worn by fire fighters or jaws of life  Renovation or construction of a fire station  Convert an existing building into a new community center Rural Services Block Grant PROJECT EXAMPLES

Funds projects that directly improve the county fair association’s buildings or services. County Fair Building PURPOSE

 Up to $4,000  50/50 match  Around $20,000 available per fiscal year  Awarded annually County Fair Building Grant FUNDS AVAILABLE

 County population of less than 55,000 people  County fair organizations must apply through their county judge’s office. County Fair Building Grant ELIGIBILTY

 Paint and repair existing buildings  Construct a new Exhibit Hall  Construct pens for animals in livestock barn County Fair Building Grant PROJECT EXAMPLES

*NO FUNDS AVAILABLE* City and county enhancement projects or those controlled by city or county government. GIF-1 Community Enhancement Grant PURPOSE

*NO FUNDS AVAILABLE*  Up to $150,000.  No match required  Funds are going to be distributed in one cycle.  Please note funds are limited, so ask for only what is needed. GIF-1 Community Enhancement Grant

 Communities must have a population of 20,000 people or less.  County projects do not have a population limit.  Non-Profit organizations are eligible, however they must apply through their city or county. GIF-1 Community Enhancement Grant ELIGIBILITY

 Purchase a patrol car  Community Centers  Purchase playground equipment for park  Municipal or County buildings  Purchase tornado/storm sirens  Call to see if your project is eligible GIF-1 Community Enhancement Grant PROJECT EXAMPLES

*NO FUNDS AVAILABLE* Fire Protection projects through city or county GIF-2 Fire Protection Grant PURPOSE

*NO FUNDS AVAILABLE*  Up to $50,000.  Funds are going to be distributed in one cycle. GIF-2 Fire Protection Grant

 Communities must have a population of 20,000 people or less.  County projects do not have a population limit. GIF-2 Fire Protection Grant ELIGIBILITY

 Purchase a fire truck  Construction or renovation of fire stations  Purchase firefighting equipment GIF-2 Fire Protection Grant PROJECT EXAMPLES

*NO FUNDS AVAILABLE* Projects to improve county fair projects such as exhibit halls, concession stands, and livestock buildings. GIF-3 County Fair Grant PURPOSE

*NO FUNDS AVAILABLE*  Up to $15,000  Funds are going to be distributed in one cycle GIF-3 County Fair Grant

 Construction/repair barns, livestock buildings or any building structure  Purchase of lawn mower  Lighting  No population limit GIF-3 County Fair Grant ELIGIBILITY

 Submit your application well before the deadline.  Make sure all the appropriate items are signed and dated.  If possible, type your application.  Put everything on the checklist in order and label all backup documentation.  Suggestion: Consult your Planning and Development District or another qualified grant administrator if you need help. When Applying for a Rural Services Grant:

Fiscal Year 2013 Application Deadlines FY13, Cycle 1 Deadline August 17, 2012 Rural Community/Fire Grant Program County Fair Building Grant Program FY13, Cycle 2 Deadline December 7, 2012 Rural Community/Fire Grant Program Rural Services Block Grant Program FY13, Cycle 3 Deadline March 15, 2013 Rural Community/Fire Grant Program

Contact Us At: Arkansas Department of Rural Services 101 East Capitol, Suite 202 Little Rock, AR Phone: (501) Fax: (501) Visit our website: