The Arvest Foundation recently announced a total of $280,500 in grants were given in 2025 to 21 organizations in Fort Smith, Van Buren, Alma and Greenwood.
“These organizations are vital to our communities,” said Mike Jacimore, president of Arvest Bank – Fort Smith region. “On behalf of the Arvest Foundation, it’s an honor to help play a small part to support their incredible work.”
The following organizations received grants last year:
Arkansas Colleges of Health Education (ACHE) will use its funding to support scholarships.
Arkansas Family Alliance (AFA) used its funding to establish the Crawford County Care Portal to provide proactive assistance to families and children in crisis by connecting churches, businesses, and individuals to real-time needs.
Arkansas Game & Fish Foundation (AGFF) will use this multi-year gift to support renovations to the Huckabee Nature Center.
Cedarville Public Schools used its funding to purchase a book vending machine to reward good behavior and foster a love for reading.
Community Rescue Mission used its funding to purchase printers.
Crisis Center for Women used its funding to purchase commercial washer and dryer units for the Fort Smith shelter.
Downtown Fort Smith SERTOMA Club used its funding to provide hearing aid devices for the hearing impaired who cannot afford them.
Fort Smith Museum of History will use its funding to support building and exhibit renovations.
Fort Smith Night to Shine is a prom-like experience for those ages 14 years and older with special needs that includes a red carpet, limousine rides around the parking lot, dinner, dancing, karaoke and crowning Kings and Queens.
Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce will use its funding to support economic development in the Greater Fort Smith region.
Greenwood Adaptive Playground used its funding to purchase playground equipment for the new adaptive play area.
Greenwood Arts Academy used its funding to purchase equipment and mirrors for the ballet room.
Hometown Alma used its funding to purchase and install historical markers to display in downtown Alma that share the community’s story with residents and visitors.
Hope Campus used its funding to purchase a backup generator for the shelter and ensure continuous refrigeration and central power during emergencies.
Inventors Hall of Fame used its funding for underserved children in Fort Smith Public Schools to attend the organization’s Camp Invention summer STEM program.
Mercy Health Foundation used its funding to support construction of the new Mercy Fort Smith Cancer Center, which will help expand oncology care for patients and families in the River Valley.
Methodist Village used its funding to provide supplies for their community caregiver series.
New Start for Family & Children used its funding to purchase a new AC unit and make driveway repairs.
River Valley Nonprofits used its funding to host the organization’s annual nonprofit fair.
Sebastian County Opioid Taskforce used its funding to support the 2025 Sebastian County Opioid Task Force Summit for experts and community leaders to discuss the critical issues surrounding substance abuse, particularly the effects of opioids on youth, as well as strategies for prevention and intervention.
South Sebastian Literacy League used its funding to provide weekly programs for toddler and preschool story time and afterschool programs for school-age children and teens.
