Many view young professionals as the next generation of philanthropic leaders. But the truth is, this generation is already taking the reins of much of central Arkansas’ nonprofit scene. Find one that fits you here.
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 Monster Bash.
► Facebook | Instagram
Arkansas Outdoor Society
Supporting: Arkansas Game & Fish Foundation
Signature event: Arkansas Outdoor Hall of Fame
The AOS has three main objectives: initiating and maintaining interest in the outdoors; raising awareness of wildlife conservation issues in Arkansas; 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.
► agff.org | Facebook | Instagram
Arkansas State House Society
Supporting: Old State House Museum
Signature event: Southern Spring Social (formerly the Seersucker Social)
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.
► oldstatehouse.com | Facebook | Instagram
Create Little Rock
Supporting: Little Rock Regional Chamber
Signature event: Serve the Rock
Designed as a way to get young professionals interested and invested in the city, Create Little Rock offers networking experiences, leadership programming, educational opportunities and more. One of the group’s best known initiatives, Serve the Rock, showcases more than 70 local nonprofits to attendees eager to serve.
► createlittlerock.com | Facebook
Emerging Leaders
Supporting: The Centers
Signature event: BrunchFest
The Centers for Youth and Families is one of the oldest nonprofits in Arkansas, and the Emerging Leaders 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 citywide fundraisers like the Centers Classic Golf Tournament and BrunchFest, which raised more than $45,000 at its June event.
► thecentersar.com
Generation Zoo
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. Generation Zoo members have access to exclusive activities, including lending a hand with the popular Wild Wines and Zoo Brew events.
► littlerockzoo.com | Instagram
The Guardians
Supporting: Easterseals Arkansas
Signature event: Chef's Table
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, but also by training to be advocates for the nonprofit in their own circles.
► easterseals.com
Habitat Young Professionals
Supporting: Habitat for Humanity
It’s not all hammers and nails for these young pros. Members of this group tackle everything from marketing to fundraising to education, and yes, building a few homes along the way.
► habitatcentralar.org
The Harvesters
Supporting: Arkansas Foodbank
Arkansas ranks top five in the nation for food insecurity, meaning the Arkansas Foodbank needs all the help it can get in its fight against hunger. The Harvesters young professionals group aids the cause through efforts like volunteering at food pantries, fundraising and advocating at all levels for government support.
► arkansasfoodbank.org | Facebook | Instagram
The Peacekeepers
Supporting: Women & Children First
Signature event: Pop-Up Shop
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 their popular fundraisers WCF Pop-Up Shop, Caribbean Cabaret and Vegas on the Rocks, of which the latter two have yet to return after 2020 cancellations.
► wcfarkansas.org | Instagram
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.
► Facebook
Sharp
Supporting: Arkansas Symphony Orchestra
Audience growth and sustainability for the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra are at the core of everything Sharp does. This group’s offerings include networking and community connection events, as well as engaging programming and discounts on tickets and subscriptions.
► arkansassymphony.org | Facebook
Stage Door Social
Supporting: Arkansas Repertory Theatre
After a brief intermission, The Rep's young professionals group is back with a new look. Members get tickets to every mainstage production, plus exclusive events that put fun at center stage. As The Rep puts it: "This ain’t your grandparents’ night at the theater."
► therep.org
Tomorrow’s Leaders
Supporting: Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Tomorrow’s Leaders shares the foundation's mission to find a cure for cystic fibrosis, but also to increase the quality of life for those with CF and their families. This group does just that through events, education and programs that build connections and raise awareness for the nonprofit’s goals.
► cff.org
Urban League Young Professionals
Supporting: Urban League of the State of Arkansas
If equity is at the top of your priority list, this group will help you get there. Community service, social justice and networking are key tenets of the Urban League, which this group supports through everything from promoting voter literacy to collecting donations of school supplies and feminine hygiene products.
► urbanleagueark.org | Facebook
Young Professionals for the American Cancer Society of Central Arkansas
Supporting: American Cancer Society
Signature event: Cattle Baron’s Ball
Also known as YPACS, this volunteer group works to support the American Cancer Society’s mission to “eliminate cancer through research, education, advocacy and service.” YPACS is a hands-on organization that not only serves as a networking opportunity, but also a chance to fundraise and volunteer.
► Facebook
Spend your 9-to-5 in the nonprofit world? You may want to check out the Arkansas chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.
MORE OPPORTUNITIES
Didn’t see a group you’re interested in? Time to do some homework. We’ll get you started with a few more groups without age qualifications.
ACH Auxiliary
Arkansas Children’s Foundation
► archildrens.org
Allegro Guild
Ballet Arkansas
► balletarkansas.org
Red Shoe Crew
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Arkansas
► rmhcarkansas.org
Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute Auxiliary
UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute
► cancer.uams.edu
