State grant brings funding boost to Children’s Advocacy Center of Independence County

An Independence County non-profit that serves child abuse victims is getting new state support.

The Children’s Advocacy Center of Independence County is set to receive $131,651 in state funding as part of a new Community Assistance Grant Program aimed at helping organizations that serve crime victims and strengthen communities across Arkansas.

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and the Arkansas Economic Development Commission announced the grant recipients on Friday, following approval by the Arkansas Legislative Council. The Independence County center was among 40 organizations selected statewide to receive funding from the program’s first year.

The Community Assistance Grant Program was unveiled May 19 and backed by a $15 million allocation approved by legislators. Eligible applicants were allowed to seek up to $1.5 million per fiscal year to support projects that provide services to crime victims, reduce poverty, promote self-sufficiency, and revitalize communities.

Applications closed July 31 after drawing significant interest. State officials said 553 organizations applied, requesting more than $319 million in total funding, far exceeding the amount available. Funding for approved projects is scheduled to be distributed in January.

Sanders said the volume of applications highlighted widespread need across the state.

“While these grants can only meet a portion of that demand, we are excited to see the progress that comes from the organizations that are receiving funding,” she said in a statement, adding that the administration hopes to support different projects in future years.

Arkansas Secretary of Commerce Hugh McDonald said the awards will help organizations expand their reach and impact communities statewide, while Arkansas Economic Development Commission Executive Director Clint O’Neal said the program is designed to address funding gaps that affect quality of life for Arkansans.

Several statewide organizations that serve crime victims and vulnerable populations also received grants, including other Children’s Advocacy Centers of Arkansas, the Morgan Nick Foundation, and multiple prosecuting attorneys’ offices that support victim witness programs.

The Children’s Advocacy Center of Independence County joins other child advocacy centers and victim service organizations across Arkansas benefiting from the new grant program, which state leaders say is intended to support frontline services and strengthen communities.