Arkansas Community Foundation

Meridith Armstrong, an 8th grade history teacher at Goza Middle School in Arkadelphia, was awarded $5,000 from The AHEAD Fund on January 27 at the Arkansas Department of Education building in Little Rock.

January 27 marks International Holocaust Remembrance Day, commemorating the victims of the Holocaust. In 2021, thanks to the efforts of former Governor Asa Hutchinson, Arkansas passed a state law requiring Holocaust education be taught in all public schools for grades 5-12. In 2023, Governor Sarah Sanders signed legislation into law that designates the last week in January as Holocaust Education Week in Arkansas.

The AHEAD Fund (Arkansas Holocaust Education Award Donation) is held at Arkansas Community Foundation. The fund recognizes Arkansas educators who go above and beyond in teaching the powerful lessons of the Holocaust.

Click here to learn more about The AHEAD Fund.

David Ronnel, Founder of The AHEAD Fund and Meridith Armstrong, 2025 Winner

“We are thrilled to celebrate one of Arkansas’s finest educators, Meridith Armstrong. Her passion for teaching the Holocaust is inspiring,” said David Ronnel, Founder of The AHEAD Fund. “Her grandfather, a World War II veteran, instilled in her the importance of Holocaust education and remembrance. In her Arkadelphia classroom, Meridith brings creativity and energy. Holocaust survivors have spoken to her students and she assigns research projects and Ted Talks on the Holocaust. She incorporates Holocaust-specific art, music and food into her lesson plans while also helping her students gain empathy, understanding and appreciation for the things that makes us different, unique and most of all, human.

“On this day, 80 years ago, Allied troops march into the concentration camp known as Auschwitz. They witnessed unimaginable scenes of horror surrounding the systemic murder of more than 11 million people,” said Ronnel. “These liberators were heroes, freeing innocent men, women and children who somehow survived these atrocities.

“Today, the AHEAD Fund serves to honor the memories of the victims, survivors and liberators of the Holocaust. At the beginning of Arkansas’ second annual Holocaust education week, we are encouraged, knowing that more schools across Arkansas are teaching students about humanity’s darkest hours, so that it is never forgotten and never repeated.”

David Ronnel, Meridith Armstrong, Jacob Oliva, Arkansas Secretary of Education and Keith Brooks, State Representative

“Holocaust education is important because it can teach students to speak up against injustice, and act as allies to those who are unjustly targeted and marginalized,” Ronnel said. “It can create a more tolerant outlook by helping students become more open to viewpoints that might be different from there own. And, with the flood of misinformation online, including a growing number of claims denying that the Holocaust ever even happened, its important now more than ever, that students learn from the horrible mistakes of the past.”

A quasi-endowed fund was designed for people and organizations that want to enjoy the excitement of giving larger grants now along with the benefit of investing for future growth. These funds are invested in the markets to keep them growing, but there’s no limit on the amount that can be granted from your fund to the organizations you choose. A quasi-endowment requires a $100,000 minimum to start and the balance must remain above $50,000 for the first three years.

Download this one-pager to learn more about about how a quasi-endowment works.

A recent example of a quasi-endowment in action is held by Habitat for Humanity of Central Arkansas. Like many other nonprofits, Habitat relies heavily on annual giving and donations of all sizes year-round from their donors, but the use of a quasi-endowment allows them to access funds for emergency use and for special initiatives to boost their impact. The pandemic proved a prime example of this. It showed Habitat (and many nonprofits) the importance of growing and maintaining a strong reserve.

“Just like our homeowners must save for the closing costs of their new home, we must save for when a once-in-a lifetime opportunity presents itself to us as well,” said Kelly Fleming, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Central Arkansas.

Because of a quasi-endowment, Habitat is able to have an impact now, and preserve funds for future use.

In addition to quasi-endowments, the Community Foundation helps donors manage three types of funds depending on the amount they want to donate, desired impact and time horizon. Learn more about the multiple ways to give here.

Arkansas Community Foundation is honored to receive the 2022 Advancing Equity Award from the Clinton School of Public Service and their Center on Community Philanthropy.

Watch the announcement here.

The Advancing Equity Award is presented to organizations using innovative solutions to address racial inequalities in their communities and advance progress toward inclusion. The award recipients will receive support to continue and enhance their efforts. The National Day of Racial Healing (NDORH) is an opportunity for people, organizations and communities across the United States to call for racial healing, bring people together in their common humanity and take collective action to create a more just and equitable world. NDORH is a part of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation’s Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation (TRHT) effort – a national and community-based process to plan for and bring about transformational and sustainable change and to address the historic and contemporary effects of racism.

The largest grantmaker in the state, Arkansas Community Foundation is a statewide nonprofit organization that offers tools to help Arkansans protect, grow, and direct charitable dollars while learning more about community needs. The Community Foundation engages people, connects resources, and inspires solutions to build community. You understand your clients’ charitable goals. We understand smart giving. Partnering with the Community Foundation, you stay in control of your client relationships while we provide the tools and resources to make the philanthropic process simple, flexible, and efficient.

Here is what is going on and how the proposed changes might affect charitable giving strategies.

Under President Joe Biden’s proposed tax plan, taxpayers making more than $400,000 per year would be taxed at a top income tax rate of 39.6%, an increase from 37% under current law. That would mean charitable giving would become more advantageous under the new law for some taxpayers.

A separate provision in the proposed plan, however, would impose a 28% limit on charitable deductions for taxpayers who make more than $400,000 per year. This would mean that instead of avoiding income tax on charitable gifts at the rate of 39.6% as described above, these taxpayers would escape income tax only at a rate of 28%. (A similar provision was proposed, but never enacted, during the Obama Administration.)

The tax proposal also calls for increasing—from a maximum rate of 20% to 39.6%—the capital gains and dividend tax rates for taxpayers whose annual earnings exceed $1 million. For affected taxpayers, this change would create opportunities to avoid significantly more tax than is possible under current law for gifts of appreciated assets. An increase like this would create a huge incentive for philanthropists to support charitable organizations.

Next, the tax proposal calls for a 3% reduction of itemized deductions for taxpayers making more than $400,000 per year. This is reminiscent of the so-called “Pease Amendment” that was repealed in 2018. Although the reinstatement of this rule could have some negative effects on charitable giving, the rule’s impact would be blunted for taxpayers for whom the reduction is absorbed by other types of itemized deductions (mortgage interest payments, for instance).

Perhaps the component of President Biden’s proposal with the biggest potential impact on ultra-wealthy philanthropists is his intention to raise estate taxes and change the way capital assets are taxed after death.

Currently, the gift and estate tax exemption per person is $11.58 million and $23.16 million for a married couple. These amounts are effectively double what they were before the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA). The TCJA calls for an automatic sunset of these increases on December 31, 2025, at which point the exemption will drop back down to $5 million per person, as adjusted for inflation. Under Biden’s proposed tax plan, though, the estate and gift tax exemption and rates would be restored to the lower levels of more than a decade ago.

In addition, Biden’s proposal calls for substantial elimination of the step up in basis from the taxpayer’s cost to fair market value at the time of death, further complicating existing estate plans for many families. Some philanthropists have deferred charitable gifts to 2021 under the assumption that tax laws will change dramatically.

Despite the uncertainty about exactly what might happen with the tax laws in 2021 and beyond, there are still opportunities for you to advise your charitable clients with conviction that they are doing the right thing for themselves and for the causes they care about. To that end, keep in mind the changes to the charitable contribution deduction for 2021:

Extends until 2021 the above-the-line temporary charitable deduction that was included in the CARES Act. Non-itemizer individuals in tax year 2021 can deduct $300 for cash contributions to qualifying public charities, and non-itemizer couples filing jointly qualify for $600. Donations to donor advised funds and supporting organizations are not eligible for this deduction; however, we can create designated funds that qualify for the deduction.
Extends for one year the increased limit from the CARES Act on deductible charitable contributions for corporations and taxpayers who itemize. The limits for 2021 will be 100 percent of AGI for individuals and 25 percent of taxable income for corporations

As always, Arkansas Community Foundation can help you develop your clients’ charitable giving plans to maximize impact and tax savings. Contact us at 501-372-1116.

The next round of the Rural Relief Small Business Grants Program is now open. As part of their continuing commitment to elevate their impact in rural America, OneLISC is inviting small business owners in rural locations across the country to apply for the LISC-Lowe’s Rural Relief Small Business Grants program. Applications are open 1/26/21 through 2/2/21.

To find who is eligible, how the application process works and to apply, visit the LISC website. Rural LISC is committed to the integrity of the grant application process and to the security of applicants’ information. A couple of things to keep in mind:

Valid grant applications are only accepted through the links posted on the LISC website.
We will never request copies of personal documentation such as driver’s licenses, passports, and/or green cards.
The application is easy to fill out, requiring basic business information – professional grant writing assistance will not increase the chances of selection.
Rural LISC works with 92 partner organizations creating sustainable rural communities across 45 states. Visit our website here and if you would like to sign up to receive the Rural eNews each month, click here.

Written by Missy Moore and Rainey Gibson Leathers – Friends of the Animal Village Board of Directors/Volunteers

Friends of the Animal Village (FAV) is a nonprofit organization that was created to supplement the needs of the Little Rock Animal Village (LRAV), the city shelter and home of Little Rock Animal Services. The LRAV staff provides excellent day-to-day care for all animals in their charge, as well as for the facility itself. Given that there are 200+ animals in their care at any given time, the nonprofit is stretched thin and unable to tend to all the animals in their care for daily socialization and training. That’s where our volunteers come in.

New volunteers are trained monthly by LRAV staff and FAV board members and provide crucial assistance in socializing and walking dogs, socializing cats, fostering kittens, taking and posting photographs to social media to boost visibility and adoption chances, handling cats and dogs at fundraising and adoption events, and transporting cats and dogs to other shelters and rescues around the country.

The shelter is constantly over capacity, and volunteers are needed more than ever. The demand puts a strain on resources, morale, and an already exhausted staff. Due to the nature of a municipal shelter, LRAV is required to accept every stray found within city limits. When the intake numbers are larger than the adoption numbers, as is often the case, the shelter runs out of space and heart-wrenching decisions must be made. No one wants to see amazing dogs not make it out of the shelter due to lack of space, but it is a devastating reality we face every week. It is often heartbreaking.

What are other ways to lessen the demand on local shelters? LRAV would benefit greatly from post-adoption follow up resources, microchip readers stationed in central locations around the city to help reunite chipped pets with their owners, additional staff, restoration of the mobile adoption unit, a larger facility with more kennels and increased pay for shelter staff. Training opportunities are also needed for staff members to become specialized in different domains, including consistent and thorough behavioral assessments to make sure animals are safe to adopt out. Many dogs do not leave the shelter due to perceived aggression, which is difficult to accurately assess in a crowded, stressful environment.

If you are anticipating significant life changes (moving, having a baby, etc.) or you do not feel you have adequate financial resources to provide food, shelter, and heartworm, flea, and tick preventatives for your pet, please consider volunteering rather than adopting. Pets are a significant commitment, and we see so many “owner surrenders,” sometimes immediately after adopting. The stress of these rapid changes can make even the most gentle dogs deeply anxious and unhappy, which leads to unpredictable behavior and negative outcomes.

We also hope for updated legislation for spay and neuter laws and harsher penalties for backyard breeders, dogfighting, hoarders, and situations involving abuse and neglect. With pit bull breeds remaining a hot-button issue that rears its head from time to time, it is crucial we find ways to protect both adopters and adoptees without unfairly vilifying large groups of dogs.

So how can you help? Most Arkansas communities have an animal shelter that can use more support. Reach out and ask what they need. Most, including LRAV, have an Amazon and Chewy wish list to browse, and are always in need of supplies and monetary donations. If you’re local to Little Rock, please consider joining us for volunteer orientation held the second Saturday of every month at 4500 Kramer St.

Without community support, our efforts rapidly dwindle in the face of overcrowding, and without volunteers, the work is endlessly uphill. If you cannot make it to the shelter, citizens can ensure that their own pets are sterilized, “adopt don’t shop” or contact your nearest animal rescue and just ask, “How can I help?” There are always creative ways to support animal shelters.

For Ellon Cockrill of Little Rock, a lifetime of volunteerism has been more than a way to give back, it has been a masterclass in leadership, resilience and building community.

“Everything I learned through volunteering prepared me for where I am now,” Cockrill says. Today, she manages multiple farms in the Arkansas Delta, leading them toward profitability after years of struggle. She credits her volunteer experience with honing critical leadership skills: financial stewardship, strategic planning, communication, and the ability to build and lead strong teams. “I never thought I would be running a farm, but here I am.”

Cockrill’s decades of service span a wide range of organizations, many in central Arkansas, from the Centers for Youth and Families, the Women’s Foundation of Arkansas, the Alzheimer’s Association and the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance to Home for Healing. Her commitment has not only helped raise millions of dollars, like the $32 million she helped secure for UAMS’s Psychiatric Research Institute, far exceeding the original $3 million goal, but has also built a network of changemakers, many of whom have gone on to lead major nonprofits themselves.

Cockrill’s philosophy is simple: give 100% and surround yourself with people smarter than you. She believes that teamwork and the willingness to embrace change are key to meaningful progress. She says “Every time I’m asked to volunteer, I want to know: ‘Are you willing to do something different than you’ve always one?’ If the answer is yes, I’m usually in. There
is so much power in teamwork. Any success I’ve had as a volunteer or philanthropist is because of good teams around me.”

One of Cockrill’s favorite parts of volunteerism is witnessing the unexpected potential in people. “When it comes to volunteering, those you think can’t help often surprise you. I love when that happens.”

Her passion is especially evident in her work with vulnerable populations, like the homeless, the hungry and the addicted. “Those who are often forgotten or ignored are the ones I want to help most,” she admits.

Her commitment to help goes beyond volunteering, it also extends to her philanthropy. Through Arkansas Community Foundation, Cockrill pools her donations with others to maximize their impact. “I could never make my philanthropic dollars stretch so far on my own,” she says.

For Ellon Cockrill, volunteerism is not just a way to contribute, it’s a way to grow, to lead, and to transform lives, including her own.

A Circle of Welcome volunteer group stands in front of Christopher’s House in
Springdale. They provide comfort, resources and ongoing support to refugees.

Something extraordinary is happening in the heart of Northwest Arkansas — neighbors are welcoming the world. Since its beginning in 2015, Canopy Northwest Arkansas has grown from a grassroots charity into a vital refugee resettlement agency, helping 952 individuals rebuild their lives in a new land. The magic behind Canopy’s impact lies in its volunteer program, everyday people choosing to help.

Canopy was born from a belief that Northwest Arkansas could be a beacon of hope for families outside the U.S. fleeing conflict. Today, the organization provides support through case management, employment assistance, youth services, mentoring for newcomers, and various other forms of help. Yet it’s the human connections formed through their volunteer program that makes the biggest difference.

Central to Canopy’s mission is the Circle of Welcome program, a six-month commitment where a team of volunteers forms a support system for a newly arrived refugee family.

Kimberly Elder
Canopy NWA Circle of Welcome Director

As Kimberly Elder, the program’s coordinator, describes, “They’re like the family’s first friends.” These volunteers offer far more than logistical help; they provide emotional and social encouragement during one of the most overwhelming transitions a person can face. Elder gets emotional talking about when the families arrive from their country of origin. “When a family arrives at the airport, they’re greeted with flowers, handmade signs, and open arms. But before they even set foot in Arkansas, the Circle of Welcome has been at work,” she says. “They secure donated furniture, decorate the homes with personal touches, stock the pantry with culturally appropriate groceries and prepare a warm meal.”

But the support doesn’t stop there. Volunteers help families navigate life in the U.S., from job interviews and school enrollments to soccer practices and dinner gatherings, they become part of the family’s new community, often forming lasting bonds. “One team enrolled a young boy in a local soccer league,” Elder shares. “They take him to every practice because his mother has to work in the evenings, and they all show up for his games.”

Canopy’s volunteers step in to fill some of the gaps that come with relocation, like translation, transportation and emergency childcare. The work isn’t always easy, but volunteers gain a new perspective, build lasting
friendships, and witness firsthand the resilience of the human spirit. In turn, refugee families find safety, stability and a sense of belonging.

“Sandra“ legally arrived recently after fleeing unimaginable violence in Central America. Due to extreme corruption and violence, she was forced to seek safety outside the country. She made her way to Northwest Arkansas with her teenage daughter and an adult son with developmental delays. Her husband, grown daughter and grandchildren are still in Central America.

Sandra is still processing the traumas that she experienced and reeling from so much change. “Her children are deeply affected,” says Elder. “They are sensitive to loud voices and aggressive body language. Volunteers and staff are sensitive to these dynamics.” When she first arrived, Sandra was placed in an apartment. But it quickly became clear that as a single mother supporting a teenager and 26-year-old son with developmental needs, she would struggle to make ends meet on her own.

That’s when a door opened, literally and figuratively.

Christopher’s House, a modestly restored transition home made possible by the First United Methodist Church of Springdale, became available after another family moved out. The Circle of Welcome volunteers decorated the house with care and warmth, turning it into a sanctuary for Sandra and her kids. When she walked in and saw the space for the first time, she turned to her case manager and asked, stunned, “This is for us?”

After settling into Christopher’s House, Sandra and her children began to heal. Volunteers and case managers describe her as becoming part of the fabric of their new community little by little, building trust, confidence and
hope. Her story is a reminder of the stakes involved in refugee resettlement. These are not statistics — they are mothers, daughters, and sons seeking refuge, safety and dignity.

“While families like Sandra’s give me hope,” remembers Elder, “the road to resettlement is growing increasingly difficult because of shifting policies and funding structures that underpin the work Canopy does every day.”

Canopy is facing one of its most severe challenges to date as 68% of their revenue comes from federal sources. The organization has had federal contracts terminated, leading to concerns about future program delivery. The most recent scare came in January, when a stop-work order for the
Reception and Placement (R&P) Program was issued, stopping essential services to refugees within their first 90 days in the United States. This decision left 25 newly arrived families, about 65 individuals, without the support they had been promised, during the most critical window of their
resettlement journey.

Thanks to years of careful stewardship, committed volunteers and diversified funding, Canopy was able to pull from emergency reserves, funds that would have otherwise supported staff salaries and operations.

Amid the uncertainty, Canopy’s team and the community surrounding it have shown unwavering resolve. “The outpouring of support from the local community has been incredible,” says Elder. “Many of these volunteers continue to volunteer long after their official commitments end. Their love doesn’t come with an expiration date.”

To learn more or help Canopy’s mission, visit www.canopynwa.org.

The staff and volunteers at Opportunity House provide a refuge and respite for
those experiencing homelessness in the Pine Bluff community.

In downtown Pine Bluff, a modest building buzzes quietly each morning with the work of compassion. This is Opportunity House, an organization dedicated to helping the unhoused population of Pine Bluff get back on their feet. Core to their mission is meeting people where they are — whether it’s under a bridge, in an unlit, unheated home, or in emotional despair.

Opened in spring of 2024, Opportunity House is marking a year of deeply impactful work for their clients. “Our primary goal is helping people find housing,” says Chris Taylor, program director. “But first, we meet basic needs — meals, showers, laundry. Then we create individualized plans to get people back on track.”

It’s a simple formula rooted in dignity: meet basic needs, then address the deeper struggles. Each participant is paired with a case manager, who serves as a conduit for accessing other services. Together they build a personalized action plan, whether that means regaining access to public benefits, employment training or seeking addiction counseling.

Taylor will never forget an early success story. “Our very first participant walked in with nowhere to go. He had lost his wife and just didn’t know how to take care of himself in fundamental ways. He was homeless for the first time in his life. Through our case manager, within 15 days his veterans’ benefits were restarted, and we found him a home in DeWitt. Now he has reconnected with his daughter and grandchild. He just needed someone to show him what was available and give him a little help to get there.

“Access to affordable housing is a problem in Pine Bluff,” says Taylor. “Some of our clients live in abandoned or decrepit homes. They simply have nowhere else to go.”

The economic landscape has added additional strain, ramping up the demand for Opportunity House’s services. As Taylor explains, the south side development in Pine Bluff of big-box retailers and the construction of bypass highways redirected commerce — and people — away from the city’s core.

“We lost our downtown businesses. Now, there’s little reason for travelers to pass through Pine Bluff,” he says. “Over time, that put a quietstranglehold on the local economy.” Efforts are underway. City programs, the federal housing authority, and local real estate agents are working to create affordable housing but progress is slow.

That’s where Opportunity House, with a growing volunteer program, is working to fill in some of the gaps to serve those in need.

“Volunteers are absolutely essential,” Taylor emphasizes. “The volunteers run the front desk, serve meals, sort clothing — everything. We couldn’t function without them.” Groups from local churches, the United Way, and soon AmeriCorps, show up week after week to help the house run smoothly, but more are needed.

Some volunteers help every now and then; others, like Colleen Sandal, become pillars of the organization.

Colleen Sandal volunteers every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

“Colleen is our point guard,” Taylor says with a smile. “She’s been at our front desk since the beginning every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Everyone calls her ‘grandmother.’ She brings cookies, teaches soft skills like manners, and builds relationships with people who maybe haven’t experienced kindness in a long time. We couldn’t do this without Colleen.”

Volunteer roles vary, and all are critical. Mornings start with a hot breakfast, often prepared and served by volunteers who may be the only friendly faces participants see that day. Other volunteers help maintain the clothing closet, organize donations and help work the front desk.

“We are building community,” says Taylor. “You get to know the regulars, and they get to know you. It’s beautiful.

“The volunteers are vital,” he continues. “But equally important is the case manager here, Melissa Brock. Our clients work directly with her to figure out their barriers, then build a plan from there.”

Brock is the only case manager for the entire organization.

The process doesn’t happen overnight. “You’re not going to find out everything in that first session,” Taylor says. “Some folks just need one-time assistance, but others need consistent support.”

Brock builds trust with the clients, often uncovering underlying issues like undiagnosed learning disabilities, mental health concerns, or a lack of financial literacy that have contributed to their homelessness.

Every person who walks through Opportunity House’s doors has a unique story — some marked by loss, others by trauma, addiction or sheer bad luck.

“Everything the staff and volunteers do here is about showing people that someone cares. Whether it is Melissa working on an action plan with a client, or Colleen greeting clients with a smile,” says Taylor, “Our job is to listen, understand and make a way.”

By Lesley Roberts, Philanthropic Advisor

As 2025 unfolds with uncertainty, philanthropy remains a powerful strategy for your clients—especially during economic shifts. Here are three key trends to watch as you help clients stay focused on long-term impact.

1. Clients Still Want to Give

While overall giving may dip in tough times, committed donors typically continue supporting the causes they care about. In fact, giving often rebounds as the economy recovers. Donor advised funds (DAFs), in particular, have proven resilient during downturns, offering flexible, stable support for nonprofits. This matters because economic hardship often increases demand for services. Through the Community Foundation, your clients can see their giving make a local difference—right when it’s needed most.

2. Legislation Is in Motion

The pending expiration of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act at the end of 2025 could reshape charitable planning. Meanwhile, new proposals are gaining traction:

The Death Tax Repeal Act of 2025 aims to eliminate the federal estate and GST taxes.
Proposed legislationwould allow Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) to be made to donor advised funds for individuals over 70½—an expansion of current rules.

These developments could significantly impact giving strategies.

3. Long-Term Giving Is Gaining Momentum

Some clients may question the long-term effectiveness of their giving. The answer? It matters—especially now. “Big bet” philanthropy is growing: donors are pooling resources to fund solutions to deep-rooted challenges. These long-haul efforts take time, trust, and collaboration. The Community Foundation is uniquely positioned to help your clients turn ambitious goals into sustained impact.

By Jody Dilday, Philanthropic Advisor

There are nearly 150,000 private foundations in the U.S., holding over $1 trillion in assets. So, it’s common for people to consider starting one when planning their charitable giving. You probably have clients who already have a private foundation.

But donor advised funds (DAFs) are growing fast—there are almost 2 million of them now, and they give out around $50 billion in grants each year. More and more, people are using both private foundations and DAFs. Some clients are even thinking about moving their private foundation’s assets to a DAF at the Community Foundation to make things easier while keeping the family’s mission alive.

If you’re working with clients considering this, here’s a quick guide:

1. Think About the Work Involved

Running a private foundation takes a lot of time. As future generations take over, managing it can become a burden. Many families find it takes focus away from helping nonprofits.

2. Understand the Tax Issues

Private foundations must follow strict IRS rules. Things like investments, payouts, and avoiding conflicts of interest (“self-dealing”) can get complicated. If a client wants to donate a family business, it’s usually better to use a DAF—doing it through a private foundation could lead to tax problems.

3. Get Help from the Community Foundation

We can guide you and your client through closing a private foundation and moving the assets to a DAF. First, the foundation’s board needs to approve the move and record it in meeting notes.

4. Start the Donor Advised Fund

The client can create a DAF with a name like “Smith Family Foundation Fund.” The people who advise on grants can stay the same, just like the private foundation’s board.

5. Transfer the Money

The private foundation will give most of its assets to the new DAF. Make sure enough money stays behind to pay any final bills before officially closing the foundation.

6. Finish the Process

As long as the foundation is in good standing with the state, closing it for tax reasons is simple when assets go to the Community Foundation. The foundation just needs to file a final tax return and follow any steps required by the states it’s registered in.

Whether your client is ready to make the move now or just exploring options, we’re here to help!

by Ashley Coldiron, Chief Development Officer

If you’ve represented charitable families over the years, you’ve certainly heard the term “charitable remainder trust,” sometimes called a “CRT.” You might have even helped clients set them up.

For most attorneys, CPAs, and financial advisors, CRTs don’t come along every day. Because a CRT can be such an effective planning tool in certain situations, it’s useful to have at least a basic level of knowledge about how they work.

Here are six important points to keep in mind.

What is it? Your client establishes a CRT as a standalone trust. The trust pays an income stream to the client (and potentially other beneficiaries such as a spouse or children) for life or for a period of years. According to the trust’s terms, whatever assets are left when the income stream ends will pass to a charity, or to your client’s fund at the Community Foundation.

Where does the charitable deduction figure in? Because the transfer of assets to the CRT is irrevocable, your client is eligible for an up-front charitable income tax deduction in the amount of the present value of the charity’s future interest, calculated according to IRS-prescribed rules and interest rates. Remember that assets held in a CRT are excluded from your client’s estate for estate tax purposes.

Who is it for? The ideal client to establish a CRT is typically someone who owns highly appreciated assets, including marketable securities, real estate, or closely-held business interests. That’s because a CRT allows these assets to be sold within the trust without triggering immediate capital gains taxes, enabling the proceeds to be reinvested.

Why are some trusts called CRATs and CRUTs? A “charitable remainder annuity trust” (“CRAT”) is a type of CRT that distributes a fixed dollar amount each year to the income beneficiary. Your client cannot make additional contributions to a CRAT. A “charitable remainder unitrust” (“CRUT”), on the other hand, is a type of CRT that distributes a fixed percentage (at least 5%) annually based on the balance of the trust assets (revalued every year). Your client can make additional contributions to a CRUT during lifetime.

When is a CGA a better fit? The tax laws permit a client over the age of 70 ½ to make a once-per-lifetime transfer from an IRA of up to $54,000 (2025 limit) to a CRT or other split-interest vehicle, such as a charitable gift annuity (CGA). This is sometimes called a “Legacy IRA.” Because the cost of setting up a CRT usually means that a $54,000 CRT is impractical, a client who wants to leverage the Legacy IRA opportunity may lean toward a CGA instead.

How can I learn more? As is the case with any question you encounter from a client about charitable giving techniques, consider the Community Foundation your first call. We can help you navigate the options and identify strategies that are likely to best meet a client’s needs, and we are always happy to assist.

We look forward to working with you!

Pine Bluff, Ark. (Apr. 9, 2025) – Arkansas United Methodist, in partnership with Arkansas Community Foundation will be hosting a disaster case management training over the coming weekends. The two-part training will take place at Lakeside United Methodist Church on Saturdays April 26 and May 3. The training will offer a unique opportunity for volunteers that want to help out following disasters.

After a major disaster event like a flood, tornado or fire, many nonprofit organizations are often there to help with immediate needs—making sure that those affected have shelter, food, clothing and other necessities.. After those organizations leave and the media cycle passes, communities still have many needs to continue rebuilding. That is often a long and sometimes lonely road. Disaster case managers work with families and households to fully recover. Having trained disaster case managers is especially important as for spring in Arkansas, and the severe weather and heavy rains that can come along with it.

In especially widespread events, disaster case managers may even be paid positions. This training may be valuable for those interested in supporting communities across the state.

Training participants will learn how to help victims of disasters to get connected with resources, work with local disaster committees, navigate through insurance and FEMA appeals, and connect with experts that have disaster case management experience. Training is $10 per person.

Anyone wanting to make a real difference in helping communities get back on their feet after a disaster can register by contacting Lauren Morris at lmorris@arcf.org or at 501-372-1116.

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Arkansas Community Foundation, a statewide nonprofit organization, provides resources, insight and inspiration to build stronger Arkansas communities – communities where our kids will want to raise their kids. The Community Foundation is the largest grantmaker in the state in the number of grants made each year. Since 1976, the Foundation has awarded more than half a billion in grants to nonprofits. Serving local communities through a 29-affiliate network along with statewide initiatives, the Foundation staff works directly with donors, professional advisors and nonprofits to help strengthen Arkansas communities through strategic philanthropy and focusing on local needs. Its assets rank among the top 60 of community foundations in the United States with more than $800 million in charitable assets under management.

By Lesley Roberts, Philanthropic Advisor

Incorporating philanthropy into your child’s birthday celebration can be both fun and meaningful. Instead of gifts, kids can collect donations for a favorite cause, such as books for a children’s hospital or pet supplies for an animal shelter. Beyond the party, teaching kids about giving fosters lifelong generosity.

Here are some additional ways to instill charitable values:

Be Intentional: Make giving a family tradition to help children see wealth as a tool for positive impact.
Make It Tangible: Show kids how their contributions help. Explain how $100 can feed a family for a week or $1,000 can provide classroom supplies.
Let Them Choose: Kids engage more when they get to choose the causes they care about. Our Arkansas Nonprofit Directory offers insights into local nonprofits and AspireArkansas.org offers information on community needs.
Get Hands-On: Volunteering as a family reinforces the value of giving. Whether it’s a food bank visit or a neighborhood drive, these experiences help make philanthropy real.

The Community Foundation is here to help families cultivate a spirit of giving. We’re honored to support all generations in building a stronger community.

By Jody Dilday, Philanthropic Advisor

When disaster strikes, the urge to help is natural. Yet, effective crisis giving requires thoughtful planning. Here’s how to ensure your donation makes the greatest impact:

Verify the Charity: Give to reputable organizations with a proven track record. Check our nonprofit directory to find and verify organizations you’re considering.
Cash is Best: While supplies like food and medical aid are essential, cash donations allow charities to purchase exactly what’s needed and support local economies.
Beware of Pressure Tactics: Avoid high-pressure appeals that lack transparency. Predatory fundraising behavior often emerges following disasters when emotions and needs are high.

The Community Foundation is here to help. We can guide you in making informed decisions, protecting your gift from fraud, maximizing tax benefits, and ensuring your donation supports both immediate relief and long-term recovery.

Whether you have an established fund or are considering one, we are honored to assist you in making a meaningful impact when it matters most.