Money moves, going green and more of the news worth noting in local nonprofits.
Going Green
The Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance hosted a day of transformative service at the Woodruff Community Garden. Volunteers planted fruit bushes, installed a wash station, built raised garden beds and more to create a sustainable space that provides fresh produce and educational opportunities. The day was sponsored by Tito’s Handmade Vodka as part of its Block to Block program.
Gifts, Grants & High Praise
The Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority hosted its annual South Central Regional Conference in Little Rock last month, which included a tour and donation of $20,000 to the Child Advocacy Centers of Arkansas.
Cappy and Charlie Whiteside donated $1 million to Arkansas Children’s Hospital for its expansion efforts.
On its annual ASO Giving Day, the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra exceeded its goal by raising $226,661 to help grow its music education programs.
A $7.5 million gift from the Windgate Foundation to UA Little Rock established a permanent endowed scholarship fund and provided immediate-use funds while the endowment grows.
Providence Park received a $100,000 grant from CHI St. Vincent Common Spirit to improve community health and health equity through its work with homeless individuals in Pulaski County.
Karyna Johnson, a music specialist at Otter Creek Elementary, was named the 2025 Arkansas Fine Arts Teacher of the Year by Arkansans for the Arts.
Get Listed
The Arkansas Giving Guide is an annual resource highlighting local nonprofits and what they need for continued success. The publication runs in the October issue of Soirée, as well as in our sister publication, Arkansas Business.
If your nonprofit is interested in being part of the 2025-2026 Giving Guide, email Mandy Richardson at mrichardson@abpg.com
Big Moves
Arkansas PBS Executive Director and CEO Courtney Pledger stepped down from her position in May.
Our Blood Institute appointed Dr. Jesse McCool as its new chief operating officer.
The Arkansas 4-H Foundation added Sara Gardner Hedgecock and Amanda Simpson Weaver to its board of directors.
Rodney Shepard and Edie Stewart joined the board of Forward Arkansas.
The Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame appointed Sharon Tallach Vogelpohl as its new president, the first woman to serve in the role.
Goodness Village hired Jen Holman as its new grants manager and added Matt Gross to its board of directors.
The Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund added Leighia Hammond as its new development officer for annual giving and Austin King as community engagement coordinator.