Entergy Arkansas gives almost $500,000 to Arkansas nonprofits in 2024

Little Rock-based utility Entergy Arkansas has awarded nearly $500,000 in grants to Arkansas nonprofits, government agencies and organizations this year. It’s on track to meet or exceed a goal of 25,000 volunteer hours that its employees have clocked.

According to a Wednesday (Aug. 28) news release, the company’s philanthropic, volunteer and advocacy efforts are focused on poverty solutions, education and workforce development, and environmental programs. Healthy families, arts and culture, and community enrichment are also significant to its contributions.

The company has awarded nearly $500,000 in shareholder profit and donations to Arkansas nonprofits this year. The money went to programs such as emergency response and relief services, scholarships, youth services, food pantries and community safety events. In 2023, Entergy Arkansas employees clocked 29,000 volunteer hours with a goal of 25,000 and hope to meet or exceed that number this year.

Some of the largest volunteer projects this year included education and literacy projects, such as a statewide partnership with the Arkansas STEM Coalition. Before the April 8 total solar eclipse, Entergy Arkansas worked with the coalition to purchase and distribute free eclipse glasses to all public schools in its service territory. An Entergy Arkansas grant helped to pay for more than 625,000 eclipse glasses for students, teachers and staff.

Other projects included collaborating with nonprofits to provide free tax return preparation, partnering with the Women’s Foundation of Arkansas for the Girls of Promise Full STEAM Ahead conference, and supporting arts and culture organizations.

Following are the organizations that can qualify for company grants or volunteer service.
• Public charity or private foundation that qualifies as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entity
• State or local government if the volunteer service or donation benefits the public
• School, hospital or religious institution that has a nonprofit status similar to that of 501(c)(3) organizations if the volunteer service or donation benefits the public
• Tax-exempt war veterans organizations, domestic fraternal societies, and volunteer fire departments.

Link here for information on applying for grants or creating volunteer opportunities for Entergy Arkansas employees.

Entergy Arkansas is a subsidiary of New Orleans-based Entergy Corp. and has about 730,000 customers in 63 counties.