MISSION:
The Winthrop Rockefeller Institute is a nonprofit conference and retreat center carrying forward the collaborative approach to creating transformational change that Gov. Winthrop Rockefeller began on Petit Jean Mountain in 1953. We bring Arkansans together on his historic cattle farm to solve problems and find new opportunities. Some groups come for the meeting space itself, a place where focus can meet fresh air. Others come to dig deep into the issues that shape our state, like rural healthcare, civic engagement, agriculture and economic development.
Yet often the real work of the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute is more subtle. We teach people to listen to one another and to talk openly when it isn’t easy. With this and all of our work, we are guided by what we call the “Rockefeller Ethic,” which is the belief that diversity of opinion, respectful dialogue and collaborative problem-solving combine to create transformational change. The productive energy of our mountaintop campus, paired with the highest levels of hospitality, ensures everyone who comes here can do their best work. That is the purpose this place, a center for convening, has always served.
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES:
- Support the construction of the on-campus Winthrop Rockefeller Memorial Plaza
- Create new leaders through a scholarship gift for Arkansas Collegiate Civic Leadership Academy (ACCLA) participants.
- Host a convening or retreat on our Petit Jean Mountain campus. Every dollar is reinvested into the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute’s mission.
- Give to our Opportunity Fund to meet emerging needs, seize high-impact opportunities and subsidize facilitation for qualified groups.
- Establish a monthly donation to our program fund to support increased civic engagement in Arkansas.
OUR IMPACT:
- 100% of facilitation participants said their experience improved how they listen to and work with others who think differently.
- 92% of program participants were inspired to make a change on the important topic addressed.
- 30 students from nine Arkansas colleges and universities completed the inaugural ACCLA program cohort.
- 3,209 impact hours delivered through our professional development and team building workshop offerings in FY26.
FUNDING SOURCES:
- Endowment Revenue: 57%
- Program Revenue: 24%
- Grants & Gifts: 17%
- Other Revenues: 2%
1 Rockefeller Drive
Morrilton, AR 72110
501.727.5435 | rockefellerinstitute.org | Facebook | Instagram | X
Established: 2005
Employees: 77
Service Area: Arkansas
Leadership: Executive Director/CEO: Janet Harris
Board of Directors:
Dr. Deborah Baldwin, Chair
Dr. Deacue Fields, Vice Chair
Lisenne Rockefeller, Secretary
Carla Martin
Bob McKuin
William Rockefeller
Gus Vratsinas
Lisa Willenberg
Dr. Wendy Ward
The 2026/2027 Arkansas Giving Guide is presented by Wright Lindsey Jennings. Click here to read a letter from our sponsors.