LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (February 10, 2025)—The Methodist Foundation for Arkansas (MFA) has announced a grant program that will provide EV charging stations to 14 local United Methodist congregations or affiliated institutions in Arkansas that hold at least one account with MFA.
The chargers and their delivery will be funded using $50,000 of MFA’s own grant budget combined with $50,000 awarded for this purpose by Wespath Benefits and Investments, a nonprofit agency of the United Methodist Church. MFA will work with Benton-based ACDI and their Energy Services division to provide the units, which can charge two vehicles at a time. The grant recipients will be responsible for installation and upkeep.
“We at the Foundation have had a two-vehicle charging station in our parking lot since 2018, and we have encountered many of our neighbors using this gift we offer to the community,” said MFA President and CEO the Rev. Wayne Clark. “We chose to offer it at no charge to drivers because we want to model a spirit of generosity and show our appreciation for those seeking cleaner-energy alternatives to fossil fuels. Becoming friendlier neighbors and better stewards of God’s creation are goals we embrace here at MFA, and we are excited to help others pursue those same goals.”
The grant application window will be open from 9 a.m. CST Friday, February 28, to 4 p.m. CDT Friday, March 28, 2025. All completed applications will be evaluated after the application window has closed. The request for proposal is currently available at methodistfoundationAR.org/charging-station-grants, and the online application form will be linked from the RFP page as of February 28.
Recipients of the stations can choose whether to charge a fee for the use of their charging unit. If churches charge, MFA will recommend that they consult with an attorney to ensure the earnings do not jeopardize their nonprofit status. The expense of providing charging services may vary depending upon location, time of day, and other factors.
ACDI Energy Services has a 50-member support team for EV drivers and charging station owners, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so the churches and organizations receiving these grants will have robust backing for keeping the stations up and running.
“We are humbled to help foster the mission of the Methodist Foundation for Arkansas by partnering to supply EV charging stations,” said Josh Lane, President and CEO of ACDI. “This initiative goes beyond clean energy; it’s about providing for needs. Whether the foundation is giving out food from their food pantries or charging electric vehicles for free, the theme of giving back is something that our organization is proud to stand behind.”
Churches and United Methodist-affiliated organizations who have questions as they consider applying for one of these grants should visit the link above or contact the Rev. Mackey Yokem, 501-664-8632 or myokem@methodistfoundationAR.org.
About the Methodist Foundation for Arkansas
With a mission to establish and manage charitable funds to strengthen and expand Methodist ministries across Arkansas, the Methodist Foundation for Arkansas manages over $220 million in endowment funds and other charitable assets that benefit local churches and other United Methodist ministries. Founded in 1963, the Foundation has grown into one of the largest United Methodist foundations in the country, managing more than 800 funds that support Methodist ministries. To learn more, visit methodistfoundationAR.org.
About ACDI
Since 1994, office equipment suppliers have trusted Access Control Devices, Inc. (ACDI) to provide industry-leading capture, print management, electric vehicle (EV) charging, and cost-recovery solutions to streamline office technology and the document lifecycle. From hardware payment solutions, proximity card readers, and EV charging stations to digital workflow automation, fleet management, and analytics software, ACDI’s extensive portfolio pairs seamlessly with its industry-leading project coordination, installation, marketing, and sales expertise. These solutions drive efficiency and productivity for thousands of organizations across education, healthcare, government, and beyond through global channel distribution and development partnerships with the most prominent copier and printer manufacturers. For more information, visit www.acd-inc.com.
SOURCE ACDI
