Arvest Foundation
Arvest Foundation is the charitable arm of Arvest Bank (based in Bentonville, AR) that supports local nonprofit activities across Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri and Kansas. The foundation awards grants based on recommendations from local Arvest Bank leadership and does not accept unsolicited funding requests.
Source: Website · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
Mid-sized or local nonprofits with direct community programs in Arvest markets (primarily Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Kansas) offering services like education, food security, youth development, basic health or local economic/community development.
Good Fit
- • Direct, demonstrable impact in a county or city where Arvest operates.
- • Programs focused on education, hunger relief, youth services, homelessness, or local economic development.
- • Requests for program or small capital/operating support consistent with typical grant sizes ($1K–$75K).
- • An introduction or recommendation from local Arvest Bank leadership or strong ties to local Arvest community initiatives.
- • Capacity to report concrete, local outcomes and use funds for specific, time-limited activities.
Geography
Grants appear across multiple states (11 distinct states observed in the latest year) with a clear regional focus in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri and Kansas; the pattern is multi-state rather than single-city.
Recipient Variety
The latest year shows over 500 distinct recipients funded (roughly 534), spanning many independent nonprofits and community groups rather than a tiny closed list.
New Applicants
Direct public application is explicitly not accepted and grants are made via recommendations from local bank leadership; although many first-time grantees appear each year, an unfamiliar applicant without an Arvest introduction is unlikely to enter the portfolio.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
