December 2, 2025
Every year, Americans give nearly 2% of the nation’s GDP to charitable causes—a testament to the generosity that fuels more than a million nonprofits. At the Community Foundation, we’re grateful for your trust as we help steward your giving with care and integrity. Our commitment is twofold: (1) to provide a home for your charitable […]
Read Post
November 2025
Little Rock, Ark. (Nov. 21, 2025) – The Board of Directors of Arkansas Community Foundation today announced the selection of Jessica Hughes Ford as the Foundation’s next President and Chief Executive Officer. Ford succeeds outgoing CEO Heather Larkin, who will retire after 27 years of service to the Foundation. The leadership transition will take effect […]
Read Post
If you work with business owners, it’s worth recognizing when a “charitable exit” opportunity arises. These rare but rewarding situations allow a client to give closely-held business interests to charity before a sale—often creating significant tax and philanthropic benefits. How it worksWhen a business owner donates shares to a donor advised fund at the Community […]
Read Post
As tax laws shift under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) remain one of the most effective strategies for clients age 70½ and older to give wisely while managing taxable income. Why QCDs matter IRA assets—totaling nearly $18 trillion nationwide—are among the most heavily taxed upon withdrawal and inheritance. QCDs […]
Read Post
Financial advisors know donor advised funds (DAFs) are powerful tools for clients who want to give strategically. What’s less known is how a DAF at the Community Foundation can serve as the foundation of a client’s entire charitable portfolio—combining flexibility, tax advantages, and community impact. Organize annual giving A DAF offers a simple way to […]
Read Post
October 23, 2025
by Jessica Hughes Ford At Sylvan Hills High School in Sherwood, the future doesn’t feel distant. It hums in the hallways and feels very much present in the here-and-now. Students run gel electrophoresis in the lab, complete CPR and financial management training, and sit for mock interviews with local professionals. It is all part of […]
Read Post
October 8, 2025
What inspired Hytrol and the other manufacturing partners to establish the Workforce Training Consortium Endowment?This endowment began with my grandfather’s belief that workforce development was the key to long-term community success. He understood that Hytrol’s investment in the workforce solely for the benefit of our company wouldn’t create the larger impact our region needed. By […]
Read Post
October 8, 2025
by Jessica Hughes Ford At the Johnson County Library in Clarksville, books are just the beginning. Today, the library has become a lifeline for residents seeking the skills and confidence to enter or reenter the workforce. For library manager Jimmy Ritchie, the mission is rooted in home. He grew up visiting this library with his […]
Read Post
October 8, 2025
by Andrew Parker, Executive Director at Be Pro Be Proud Arkansas Be Pro Be Proud Arkansas is a statewide workforce initiative designed to change perceptions of technical professions and connect students with high-demand, high-wage career opportunities. Founded in 2016 by the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and the Associated Industries of Arkansas, the program addresses […]
Read Post
By Jody Dilday, Philanthropic Advisor Many people are surprised by the wide range of giving options available at the Community Foundation, including donor-advised funds (DAFs). If you already have a DAF with a national financial institution, you can even transfer it here. Why choose a donor-advised fund at the Community Foundation? All the basics you […]
Read Post