The anniversary grantmaking recognizes both the Foundation’s historic role in building  community philanthropy across the state and its forward-looking commitment to data driven funding. These grants seek to address the highest need areas and strengthen  Arkansas communities for generations to come. 

A press conference announcing the 50th anniversary gifts took place on January 21 at the  Foundation’s headquarters in Little Rock. The event included remarks from Chief  Program Officer Linsley Kinkade and President and CEO Jessica Ford, and featured  representatives from the Foundation’s board of directors, staff, affiliate leaders from  across Arkansas, and nonprofit partners representing this year’s grantees. 

“For 50 years, Arkansans have shown that local generosity, multiplied statewide, creates  lasting change,” said Tracy Cude, board chair for Arkansas Community Foundation.  “These anniversary grants honor that legacy while investing in the next half-century of  community leadership.” 

Grants will support 47 nonprofit organizations through three distinct grant tiers, designed  to recognize long-standing nonprofit leaders, rising nonprofits showing innovation and  promise, and nonprofits locally chosen by each of the Foundation’s 29-affiliates: 

• “Legacy Grants” were awarded to nine organizations receiving $50,000 each.  These nine grants celebrate nonprofits with a proven record of statewide or  regional impact. 

• “Rising Nonprofit Grants” were awarded to nine organizations receiving $30,000  each. These nine grants highlight new, emerging organizations shaping Arkansas’  future through innovative approaches and impact.

• Twenty-nine $10,000 locally chosen affiliate grantees were each selected by the  Foundation’s local affiliate boards to meet the most pressing needs in their  communities. 

The grantees represent a cross-section of Arkansas. They are from rural to urban, Delta  to the Ozarks, and address a spectrum of issues including education, food security,  health, childcare, workforce development and more. 

“Every grant tells a story of impact, whether it’s helping students succeed, improving  health outcomes, or addressing food insecurity,” said Kinkade. “By combining statewide  data with local insight, we’re ensuring that these anniversary investments create lasting  value across Arkansas.” 

A full list of nonprofits receiving these grants can be found here. 

Grant decisions were guided by Aspire Arkansas data, the Foundation’s publicly available  community indicators resource. This data-informed process ensures equitable investment  across regions and focuses funding on areas of documented community need. 

This month, the Community Foundation is also ushering in new leadership following the  retirement of longtime CEO, Heather Larkin. Jessica Ford, formerly the Foundation’s chief  communications officer, has stepped into the role of president and CEO.  

“The Foundation enters this leadership transition and milestone from a position of fiscal  health and a culture built on local trust and statewide collaboration,” said Larkin. “This  moment represents not an ending, but a new beginning for Arkansas philanthropy, and I  am confident in Jessica’s leadership.” 

“I am honored to step into this role and to build on the strong foundation Heather and our  statewide network have created,” said Ford. “Our 50th anniversary is a powerful reminder  of what Arkansans can achieve together, and I’m committed to carrying that momentum  forward. 

To learn more about the history of Arkansas Community Foundation and to find more  information about each grantee, visit arcf.org/50.