Investor Education Grant Program

The Investor Education Grant Program is administered by the Arkansas Securities Commissioner through the Arkansas Securities Department. The program was established following the Arkansas Legislature's passage of Acts 39 and 948 of 2003, which appropriated funds for a grant-award program focused on investor education. Grants support programs in Arkansas that provide securities and investment education to teachers and students, specifically education concerning the securities industry, stock markets, and investment decision-making. Proposals are considered only for these areas. The current grant opportunity supports projects for the 2026-2027 school year. For context, 54 schools and seven nonprofit organizations received a combined total of nearly $250,000 for the 2025-2026 school year, but the source does not state the total funding available or individual award limits for the 2026-2027 cycle. Grant funds may be used to purchase appropriate educational resources, software materials, or equipment. Applicants must certify, in accordance with Arkansas law, that grant funds will not be used to teach, advocate, or promote a "divisive concept" as defined by Arkansas Code Ann. Section 25-1-901. All awarded funds should be spent or returned to the Arkansas Securities Department. Unused funds of less than $100 may be used for classroom supplies in accordance with the Grant Rules, while unused funds exceeding $100 require approval from the Department. No applicant cost-share or matching requirement is stated in the provided grant information. Eligible applicants are Arkansas public schools and nonprofit groups that provide financial literacy and investment education to Arkansas students in grades five through twelve. The program information identifies qualifying nonprofit organizations as IRC Section 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations. The application permits an applicable nonprofit applicant to upload its IRS 501(c)(3) status determination letter. The educational focus must serve students in grades 5 through 12 and address the program's specified financial literacy, securities, and investment education purposes. Applicants must complete the Arkansas Securities Department's online grant application. The Grant Application Form and W-9 Form must be submitted through the online process, and the Department states that a submission missing required items will be considered incomplete and declined from consideration. The application requests the name and address of the school or organization and contact information for the project leader, including name, email address, and telephone number. A completed W-9 must be uploaded. An IRS 501(c)(3) status determination letter is applicable to nonprofit applicants, and the form also permits an additional supporting file. The substantive application requires a brief description of the school or organization and its past securities or investment education, a description of the educational needs the project will address including the student population, student learning objectives, and a specific project description. The project description must address the project time period, time dedicated to the project, learning activities, and benefits. Applicants must also describe measurable outcomes and identify other school resources that will be dedicated to the project. An itemized project budget is required, together with cost estimates for each requested item. The Commissioner determines awards based on the merit of the program, other school resources, and the number of students educated. Grant submissions are open for the 2026-2027 cycle, and proposals are due September 30, 2026. Projects must be completed by March 31, 2027. A final report must be submitted to the Arkansas Securities Department no later than April 30, 2027. The final report must contain measurable project outcomes, a financial accounting of actual program expenditures, and receipts or invoices. Failure to submit the required final report and receipts or invoices will result in forfeiture of consideration for future grant awards. Questions about the grant may be directed to James Rouse at james.rouse@arkansas.gov or (501) 324-8692.

Address the Commissioner's evaluation factors directly by demonstrating program merit, identifying other school resources, and clearly quantifying the number of students who will be educated. Ensure all required forms and application components are submitted because incomplete submissions are declined from consideration. Build measurable outcomes into the project because they must also be reported after completion.