Little Rock, Ark. (January 21, 2026) – Arkansas Community Foundation is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a bold investment in the state’s future with more than $1 million in grants to Arkansas nonprofits and supporting a wide range of community needs in every corner of the state.
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 grantmaking took place on January 21 at the Foundation’s headquarters in Little Rock. The event featured remarks from Linsley Kinkade, Chief Program Officer, along with 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. From rural to urban, Delta to 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 Linsley Kinkade, chief program officer for Arkansas Community Foundation. “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 is available at arcf.org/50.
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.
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For 50 years, Arkansas Community Foundation has helped Arkansans turn local generosity into statewide impact. Since 1976 the Community Foundation has made more than $600 million in grants to support Arkansas communities and manages more than $1 billion in assets. As part of its 50th anniversary year, the Foundation is making transformational statewide grants and ushering in new leadership to guide its long-term vision for impact. Working through 29 local affiliates, the Foundation partners with donors, professional advisors, nonprofits and community leaders to engage people, connect resources and inspire solutions to build stronger Arkansas communities, forever.