Latest news with #CommunityAssistanceGrantProgram
Axios
2 days ago
- Axios
NWA nonprofits grapple with federal victim aid reductions
Northwest Arkansas nonprofits are facing budget concerns because of a depleted federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) fund, and the region stands to receive a disproportionately low amount of grant money compared to other parts of the state. Why it matters: The organizations at risk provide services to domestic violence and child sex abuse victims, some of NWA's most vulnerable populations. State of play: Just under $7 million is available in total for Arkansas for October 2025 through September 2026, compared to $13 million four years ago, according to documents on the state Department of Finance and Administration's website. Case in point: Springdale-based Peace at Home Family Shelter, which offers emergency shelter, counseling and legal services for domestic violence victims, received $1 million a year prior to 2021, executive director Teresa Mills told Axios. But the most any organization can apply for this year is $250,000, according to the state. Peace at Home has launched an endowment campaign to try to make up for the shortfall, and other organizations are also ramping up fundraising and applying for the Arkansas Economic Development Commission's new Community Assistance Grant Program. VOCA funding accounts for about 17% of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Northwest Arkansas' $1.7 million budget, and the organization anticipates losing the funding will hurt its ability to serve children in foster care, according to CASA's website. The state supplemented some of the VOCA money using federal American Rescue Plan Act funding during the last application cycle in 2023, but Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration spokesperson Scott Hardin confirmed the state will not supplement grants this year. By the numbers: The Children's Safety Center of Washington County's 18 staff members provide free services like counseling and forensic interviewing for children suspected of experiencing sexual abuse that cannot be done by volunteers, executive director Elizabeth Shackelford told Axios. About 740 children received services last year. The Children and Family Advocacy Center in Benton County has applied for $80,000 this year, despite receiving about $280,000 in the past, executive director Natalie Tibbs told Axios. The organization primarily sees children suspected of experiencing abuse and also has a shelter for families, most of whom have experienced domestic violence, Tibbs said. Friction point: While the northwest region includes 14 counties home to a third of the state's population, it will receive a sixth of the remaining VOCA funding because the state is now divided into six geographic regions, compounding the challenge. "We have to turn, in a sense, competitive against each other," Shackelford said, speaking of the other child advocacy centers that typically collaborate with one another as they have a common cause. What they're saying: "VOCA's federal guidelines prohibit direct awards to victims, which is why population levels do not determine award amounts," Hardin told Axios in an email. Flashback: VOCA started in 1984 and is funded by fines paid by people or entities convicted of federal crimes, which have decreased in recent years and resulted in a depleted fund. Former President Biden signed a bill with a plan to give the fund a new source of revenue.
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders announces merit pay increases for state employees in executive branch
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced Monday that some state employees will receive a merit pay raise based on their performance in the workforce. Sanders authorized a 1% base salary increase for employees who received a three on their evaluation and a 3% base salary increase for employees who received a four on their evaluation. Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders initiates Community Assistance Grant Program The governor said the raises will only apply to state employees who have worked in the executive branch for at least a year and who have worked at their current executive department since Jan. 2. 'You are the engine that keeps Arkansas state government running,' Sanders said. 'My administration has tasked you with improving services for the people of Arkansas while saving money, and over the past year, you have stepped up and delivered. I am grateful for your hard work.' Not bad pay for government work: What Arkansas government officials have the top salaries Sanders also mentioned Act 499, which is legislation that will raise the pay of two-thirds of executive branch employees. It will go into effect on July 1. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders delivers remarks at L'Oréal 50th anniversary event
NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders was joined by the Arkansas congressional delegation and other VIPs at the L'Oréal 50th anniversary event in North Little Rock on Wednesday. L'Oréal opened its flagship cosmetics facility just off Interstate 40 in 1975. What was then the Maybelline facility was one of the first international companies to call central Arkansas home. Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders initiates Community Assistance Grant Program Speakers thanked the company for its continued success, focus on safety, and product excellence. The governor pointed out the company inspired hundreds of others to set down roots. 'It has been an anchor for our state and this entire region, and now we're home to many multinational companies right here in central Arkansas, but that wouldn't have happened, and it wouldn't have been possible without the presence of your company.' Gov. Sanders vetoes two bills on last day of legislative session L'Oréal acquired Maybelline in 1996 in a $585 million transaction. Both companies have a history in cosmetics dating back to the early 20th century. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Axios
21-05-2025
- Business
- Axios
Arkansas launches community grant program
The Arkansas Economic Development Commission will administer a new Community Assistance Grant Program to help reduce poverty and promote self-sufficiency. Why it matters: The program is designed to fill funding gaps for "projects that fight childhood food insecurity, address unemployment, promote education, offer resources for victims of crime, and provide housing, nutrition or emergency services to promote self-sufficiency," according to a news release Monday announcing the effort. State of play: Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders will ask the Arkansas Legislative Council for $15 million to fund it, but it's not yet listed on the council's agenda. Eligible community-based nonprofits will be able to apply for up to $1.5 million per year. Yes, but: Applicants will be required to match grant awards with cash, in-kind labor or in-kind land. What they're saying:"If we're going to help every corner of our state thrive, then the effort is going to come from the bottom up – not just from the top down," Sanders said in the news release.
