One of the very best characteristics of the capital city is that it’s packed with nonprofits and charitable organizations. Those missions, however, can only reach as far as we’re willing to take them.
Whatever your passion, find one that fits you as we explore some of the groups giving back to LR below.
Arkansas Children’s Hospital Auxiliary
Supporting: Arkansas Children’s
One of the best-known groups in the city, the ACH Auxiliary offers hands-on volunteer programs and raises funds for patients and families receiving care from Arkansas Children’s. These efforts range from hosting the Race for a Healthier Tomorrow 5K to putting on the black-tie Miracle Ball every December.
Info: archildrens.org
Facebook: Arkansas Children’s Hospital Auxiliary
Instagram: @achauxiliary
Ambassadors of Hope
Supporting: The Centers
The Centers is one of the oldest nonprofits in Arkansas, and the Ambassadors of Hope work to keep it headed into the future. Members offer up their time and talents to host activities for kids in The Centers’ residential programs, toy drives and popular fundraisers like BrunchFest and the Centers Classic Golf Tournament.
Info: thecentersar.com
Arkansas Outdoor Society
Supporting: Arkansas Game & Fish Foundation
The AOS has three main objectives: initiating and maintaining interest in the outdoors, raising awareness of wildlife conservation issues and creating sustaining supporters of the preservation of the state’s hunting, fishing and wildlife heritage. Membership includes access to exclusive social events, service opportunities and outdoor excursions, as well as a subscription to Arkansas Wildlife magazine.
Info: agff.org
Instagram: @arkansasoutdoorsociety
Arkansas Symphony Orchestra Guild
Supporting: Arkansas Symphony Orchestra
Audience growth for the ASO and music education across the state are at the core of everything this guild does. They host fundraising events and musical programs, often serving as ushers during performances or working with students to spread the love of the symphony.
Info: arsymphonyguild.org
Facebook: Arkansas Symphony Orchestra Guild
Instagram: @asoguild
Ballet Arkansas Guild
Supporting: Ballet Arkansas
Also known as “Friends of the Ballet,” this organization brings the art of movement to the masses by providing volunteer backstage assistance and helping with the dance troupe’s fundraising efforts. Likewise, members receive exclusive benefits like discounted tickets and invitations to open rehearsals.
Info: balletarkansas.org
CARTI Auxiliary
Supporting: CARTI
This longstanding group came together under the banner of “[dedication] to the care of cancer patients,” which it executes through acts like volunteering at the CARTI Gift Shop and presenting the always-anticipated, three-day Festival of Trees to kick off the holiday season.
Info: carti.com
The Envoys
Supporting: UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute
This dedicated team is where science and community come together. Envoys endeavor to promote the work of WRCI to keep locals informed, build connections between medical leaders and encourage the next generation of groundbreakers. (WRCI also has its own dedicated auxiliary that raises funds, hosts events and aids in patient support services.)
Info: cancer.uams.edu
OFF THE CLOCK: Spend your 9-to-5 in the nonprofit world? You may want to check out the Arkansas chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.
Over the Hill Gang
Supporting: Habitat for Humanity
There’s no age cap on giving back. This gang of retired volunteers works on prefabricated homes at the Habitat offices, taking it easy on the knees and backs by building on tables with nail guns and table saws.
Info: habitatcentralar.org
Wild Club
Supporting: Arkansas Zoological Foundation
Lovers of lions, tigers, bears and all wild creatures flock to this group to help expand the Little Rock Zoo while educating the public on animals and wildlife conservation. Wild Club members have access to exclusive benefits and activities, including lending a hand with the popular Wild Wines and Zoo Brew events.
Info: littlerockzoo.com
SPREAD THE WORD: Outside of official organizations, several nonprofits like the Arkansas Foodbank have ambassador teams that not only provide hands-on volunteer assistance, but also act as representatives for the cause within their own communities.
Young Professionals Groups
Young pros are often viewed as the next generation of philanthropic leaders, but this generation is already taking the reins of much of central Arkansas’ nonprofit scene.
PSA: Most young professionals groups are tailored for ages 21-40, though many will accept members outside of the dedicated age range. Remember, it never hurts to ask if you’re interested.
The 4300 Club
Supporting: Home for Healing
If hands-on service is what you’re after, look no further. In its mission to house cancer patients and NICU families receiving care nearby, Home for Healing depends on help from volunteers to keep residents comfortable and happy. That includes monthly service nights at the Home, as well as execution of fundraising events like its annual golf classic.
Info: homeforhealing.org
Facebook: The 4300 Club
Instagram: @the4300club
Arkansas State House Society
Supporting: Old State House Museum
History gets real with ASHS. This organization offers special exhibit previews, discounts and events while helping preserve the first home of the Arkansas State Capitol.
Info: arkansasheritage.com
Instagram: @arstatehousesociety
Create Little Rock
Supporting: Little Rock Regional Chamber
Designed as a way to get young professionals interested and invested in the city, Create Little Rock (pictured above) offers networking experiences, leadership programming, educational opportunities and more. One of the group’s best known initiatives, Serve the Rock, showcases dozens of local nonprofits to attendees eager to serve.
Info: createlittlerock.com
Facebook: Create Little Rock
Instagram: @create.littlerock
The Guardians
Supporting: Easterseals Arkansas
Easterseals Arkansas’ mission is to help children and adults with disabilities achieve independence, and The Guardians’ mission is to make that mission a reality. Members achieve this not only through volunteering for Easterseals programs and events like the beloved Fashion Event, but also by training to be advocates for the nonprofit in their own circles.
Info: eastersealsar.com
Peacekeepers
Supporting: Women & Children First
The nonprofit dedicated to empowering victims of domestic abuse is boosted by the dedicated work of The Peacekeepers. The group hosts volunteer opportunities at the WCF shelter throughout the year, including holiday and birthday parties for residents. The Peacekeepers are also known for hosting fundraisers like the popular Pop-Up Shop.
Info: wcfarkansas.org
Instagram: @peacekeeperswcf
Rotaract Club of Little Rock
Supporting: Rotary Club
“Lead. Unite. Serve.” That’s the mission of Rotaract, the young professionals branch of the Rotary Club. The group exists to provide personal growth through service, education and networking in the form of monthly meetings, volunteer opportunities and events.
Info: rotaractlr.org
Facebook: Rotaract Club of Little Rock
Instagram: @rotaractlr
MORE OPPORTUNITIES: Didn’t see a group you’re interested in? There are many more in the metro, so time to do some homework. For starters, check out the Arkansas Giving Guide.