Pope County Community Foundation P. O. Box 2112 Russellville, AR 72811 Phone: (479) 967-3083    Fax: (479) 968-5015 Email: wclagron@cswnet.com or artscenter@centurytel.net Betty LaGrone, Executive Director Cindy Hovis, YAC Advisor

Pope County Community Foundation Graduates from PARTNERS Program

The journey toward creating a fund that would bring positive change to the people of Pope County began with becoming an Affiliate of Arkansas Community Foundation and our acceptance into the PARTNERS Program. After six years, Pope County Community Foundation graduated from the PARTNERS Program having reached each of the milestones along the way through the generous, concerned giving of the people of Pope County.  The PARTNERS Program was made possible by a grant to Arkansas Community Foundation by the Walton Family Charitable Support Foundation.

Dr. Naccaman Williams, Betty LaGrone, Blake Tarpley and Pat Lile at PCCF's "Graduation" Ceremony

"Our affiliation with Arkansas Community Foundation and the PARTNERS Program was a major asset to our Foundation during the first formative years," said executive director Betty LaGrone.

"The matching funds provided by the Program were a great incentive to help Foundation Board members successfully publicize the intent and value of creating assets through the building of endowments.  Now and throughout the future, these endowments will continue to create grant funds For Good For Pope County For Ever."

Webster's dictionary defines journey as 'traveling from one place to another.'  Leaving the PARTNERS Programs means PCCF will be traveling another road without the help of the PARTNERS matching grants.  Going forward, the Board of Directors has mapped out a plan and renewed their pledge to continue working to build philanthropy in Pope County and to inspire people to 'Perpetuate Their Passion" by the power of endowments.

PCCF Makes it Easy to Leave Your Leagacy
Contributing to Pope County Community Foundation grantmaking fund, establishing your own endowed fund to benefit the charity of your choice, or leaving a legacy is very simple - contact your financial advisor (be sure to mention Pope County Community Foundation) or any member of the PCCF Board of Directors.  Arkansas Community Foundation has a CPA and attorney on staff that will complete the total transaction with no set-up costs to you.

PCCF Support Programs to Develop the Potential of Youths in Our Community
PCCF was one of the first community foundations in Arkansas to establish a Youth Advisory Council (YAC).  Pope County's YAC invites students from each of the school districts in the county to be involved in learning the joy and responsibility of philanthropy.  Pope County YAC has established a Pope County Community Youth Endowment which allows them to make grants to organizations, programs and projects that benefit youth.  JumpStart project at Wesley Foundation and the Russellville Skate Park are among the grants YAC has awarded.

PCCF also served in Group I of the ASTA Mini-Grant Program funded by the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation.  Ten science teachers in Pope County each received a grant of $500.00 for innovative teaching projects in their classrooms this year.  This number was double the 5 teachers who received grants last year and the Foundation hopes that number will continue to increase.

Click here to learn about Grants and News of the Pope County Community Foundation.

Click here to learn about Funds of the Pope County Community Foundation.