Giving season, bright futures and more of the news worth noting in local nonprofits.
How to Give
The Arkansas Giving Guide is the most important section we publish each year, and it’s not a responsibility we take lightly. Here’s what’s inside.
NONPROFIT PROFILES: This year’s guide features 66 nonprofits, each profile highlighting key information about who they are, what they do and who they serve.
GIVING & VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: Every nonprofit has a different need, and every reader has a different capacity for helping. Once you find an organization you align with, choose from its list of needs to determine how you can help it succeed.
EVENTS: Save the dates and show up. This is a great way to learn about a nonprofit you aren’t familiar with or support one you already love.
CONTACT INFO: Websites, phone numbers, social media accounts — you’ll find everything you need to take the next step and get involved.
Happy giving, Little Rock!
Gifts, Grants & High Praise
The Arvest Foundation awarded $105,000 in grants to various education nonprofits and initiatives in central Arkansas, including AR Kids Read, Camp Aldersgate, Economics Arkansas, Junior Achievement of Arkansas and the Museum of Discovery.
Economics Arkansas presented its 2023-2024 Bessie B. Moore Teaching Awards to 10 teachers statewide, including Alundra Dickson of Central High School and Dave Massery of Catholic High School.
CARTI received a $30,000 grant from the Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation to assist high-risk patients requiring dental care before they can begin treatment.
Goodwill Industries of Arkansas received a $499,950 grant from the Arkansas Department of Human Services Office of Substance Abuse and Mental Health that will expand training and services for its Mental Health First Aid program.
UAMS received a $3 Million grant from the National Institutes of Health to address feeding practices at 80 early childhood care and education sites in Little Rock, Russellville and parts of Louisiana.
Bright Futures
Having celebrated its 10th anniversary last month, the Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub will soon be under the management and operation of the North Little Rock Public Library System.
“The acquisition of the Innovation Hub’s programming, equipment, staff and services represents a monumental step forward for our community,” NLRPLS Executive Director Crystal Gates says. “By merging the resources and expertise of our library system with The Hub’s innovative spirit, we will create a hub of learning, creativity and collaboration unlike any other.”
Across the river, Easterseals Arkansas broke ground on its new K-12 academy at 11801 Fairview Road, marking “the beginning of a significant journey toward creating a brighter future for our community.”
Big Moves
After five years heading the Baptist Health Foundation, Lena Hayes is returning to the Clinton Foundation as chief of philanthropy and partnerships in Arkansas. Hayes was formerly the deputy executive director of the Clinton Foundation, where she worked for 16 years.
The Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts added Dr. Jennifer Jankauskas as its newest curator and Jana Wolff as deputy director of advancement and strategy.
Mimi San Pedro is retiring from her role as chief strategy officer of The Venture Center.