Community Foundation of Lee County
130 Robertson Ave.
Marianna, AR 72360
870-295-5504 • leecounty@arcf.org

Lucy Smith, Executive Director

Community Foundation of Lee County was established in 1991 and is located in one of Arkansas' richest counties - rich in volunteer spirit.  The Community Foundation belongs to the people of Lee County and makes it possible for county residents to invest in their community.  The Foundation's assets have grown from $10,000 in 1991 to over $1,000,000 today.  These investments generate grant funds that benefit the area by funding worthy projects that are important to Lee County residents.

Challenge Grant Helps Feed Students

As the only food bank in Marianna, Delta Dream Food Pantry knows how to stretch dollars when times are tough and funds are low. “Around the holidays the food pantry always has such a heavy demand,” explained Nancy Apple, executive director of the Community Foundation of Lee County (CFLC).

The Foundation often makes grants to Delta Dream, but this past holiday season CFLC wanted to give a little something extra to help the food pantry. “We’ve found that our community really likes to take advantage of matching programs,” said Apple. So CFLC issued a matching challenge: the Foundation would contribute $1,500 if community members would match the contribution dollar for dollar. “We sent out a year-end letter and asked donors for their help in supporting the food pantry,” Apple said.

Lee County residents rose to the challenge, exceeding the match and raising a total of $4,000 to support Delta Dream’s backpack program, which provides nonperishable food items for children to take home to eat in the evening and on weekends. “This program serves a vital need; some of the children might not get to eat without the backpack program,” Apple said.