Anything But Small: Community Mini-Grant Program Makes Big impact
Creativity and connection are popping up all over Bentonville, thanks to our collective can-do spirit. At Bentonville Moves Coalition, we’re honoring our community collaborations by sharing highlights from some of our latest mini-grant program recipients for 2025. Collectively, their projects had an impact on more than 8,000 people in our community in the first quarter alone. Their stories are spotlighted below.
The Coalition awarded nearly $32,000 to 20 grantees. We’re just getting started.
Through our mini-grant program, the Coalition funds civic groups, community leaders and individuals to develop events or projects that bring the city’s Bike and Pedestrian Master Plan to life. Grants are awarded twice a year and each range from $500 to $2,500.
Got a big idea for a small project?
Perfect timing: Our last mini-grant cycle of the year opened June 1. Help make Bentonville safer, healthier and more connected by bringing your idea to life through a mini-grant. Whether it’s a walkable event, a biking initiative or a neighborhood activation, we want to support you by offering $500 to $2,500 to fund these great local ideas.
Let’s get started! Enjoy reading about the Coalition’s latest mini-grant recipients. Their projects were selected in March for completion by May 2025. What great idea will they inspire within you? (Psstt! We want to hear all about it and possibly support you too.)
OFF-BIKE EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOP SERIES
Organized and hosted by All Bikes Welcome, these free and low-cost outdoor and cycling workshops make outdoor recreation more inclusive, educational and accessible for all in Northwest Arkansas. Up to 50 attendees have joined each workshop so far. All who have been surveyed in previous years’ workshops report a 100% increase in confidence in basic bike maintenance and other skills.
Here’s the 2025 workshop series. Come one, come all to our last two events of the year.
March 27: Preparing for Your First Bikepacking Trip: Planning, Safety & Logistics
May 22: Legislative Action with Sam Ephgrave
July 31: Mental Health in Times of Uncertainty with KC Cross
Nov. 20: Gearing Up for Winter Bike Commuting with Elysia Contreras Springer
HUFFMAN HALF MARATHON PARTY
This neighborhood cheer station brought residents together to support local runners during the Run Bentonville Half Marathon in April. With festive decorations, noisemakers, food and outdoor heaters for comfort, neighbors gathered in a fun and welcoming environment to cheer, connect and show solidarity—strengthening community bonds and creating a memorable shared experience.
#THISTOWN E-NEWSLETTER
With a subscriber base that includes city leaders and engaged residents, this weekly newsletter has become a trusted voice for initiatives like community events and civic issues, as well as Bentonville Moves socials, rides and access improvements. The Coalition’s grant helped offset the time investment required to keep this authentic, ad-free community resource going strong.
“Events like this not only promote healthy habits, but they strengthen our sense of belonging and pride in Bentonville.”
GOLD RUSH 5K & FUN RUN
Bentonville Moves Coalition served as a Diamond Sponsor for the 2025 Gold Rush 5K & Fun Run, held at Lawrence Plaza on May 2. The event supported the Bentonville Schools Foundation, funding innovative grants that enhance student achievement and recognize outstanding educators. The partnership contributed to a fun, family-friendly evening attended by nearly 3,000 people, promoting wellness, education and community connection.
FOR THE LOVE NEIGHBOR NIGHT BIKE RIDE
Funding from the Coalition supported a Neighbor Night Bike Ride—coinciding with NWA Gives Day—to encourage community members to try biking in a fun, welcoming environment. The event, held in May, featured multiple ride levels, free bike rentals for those without access and a Neighbor Night dinner served to over 300 community members. The grant helped cover bike rental costs and food, making the experience accessible and inclusive for all neighbors.
AIRSHIP: WILL WALK FOR COFFEE
Airship Coffee’s “Will Walk for Coffee” initiative in partnership with Bentonville Moves offered free coffee on Fridays throughout February to people who walked or biked to the café. The program promoted active transportation while encouraging community connection and healthy habits. Airship also leveraged the campaign to boost engagement with their coffee subscription service through a creative follow-up offer tied to newsletter signups.
SOLAR CROSSWALK SIGN FOR SCOTT FAMILY AMAZEUM
As a recipient of a Bentonville Moves Coalition mini-grant, the Amazeum installed a solar-powered crosswalk sign and 250 concrete poles at the museum to enhance pedestrian safety. This project will help create a safer, more walkable space for families, cyclists and pedestrians visiting the Amazeum.
BENTONVILLE MOVES URBANISM LIBRARY AT TWO FRIENDS BOOKS
The Coalition’s mini-grant supported a new free take-home library focused on active transportation and multimodal urbanism, with an initial order of two copies each of 18 curated titles. The shelf includes informational signage and a QR code linking to the Bentonville Moves Coalition website, helping connect readers to additional resources. Remaining funds will help replenish stock and add relevant new releases as interest grows.
Want to make your mark with a mini-grant? We’d love to help. Apply now.
