Blog

January 30, 2025

It all started in 1889 when Ernest Ritter decided to start a business in Marked Tree, Arkansas. There he laid a strong foundation combining business and philanthropy that would extend six generations. “He had grit. It took savviness and a strong work ethic to build E. Ritter & Company to what it is today,” said […]

January 30, 2025

Nestled in the north region of the Ozarks are two generations of financial advisors who continually refer clients to the Community Foundation and mindfully invest in the local community. In the spring of 2002, Sam Rhoades, then a financial advisor in Mountain Home, along with other leaders like Judy Loving, Ed Matthews, and Pat Lile, […]

January 29, 2025

That powerful quote is attributed to Nelson Henderson, whose son immortalized his father’s words in a book about growing up on their family farm. It reminds me that we have all benefited from the shade of trees planted by the generations before us, so we too are obligated to plant trees for the generations that […]

January 27, 2025

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 […]

January 23, 2025

Everyone knows—or should know—the importance of having a will. In Arkansas, if someone dies without a plan and leaves behind a spouse as well as descendants, they leave one-third of their personal property and one-third of real property (in the form of a life estate) to their spouse, while two-thirds of personal property and two-thirds […]

January 13, 2025

by Linsley Kinkade, Chief Program Officer In Arkansas, expanding access to safe, reliable, and affordable childcare presents an opportunity to strengthen families and increase the state’s economic potential. Arkansas Impact Philanthropy (AIP) recognizes the growing demand for infant and toddler childcare and continues to support efforts that ensure adequate care is available to meet the need. Investing in early childcare […]

January 10, 2025

The Southern California wildfires have been a devastating start to the new year – as of Thursday morning, the fires have burned about 45 square miles, destroying communities and forcing over 100,000 people to evacuate. We are sending love and support to the individuals, families, and communities impacted by the wildfires. During these difficult times […]

January 6, 2025

by Jody Dilday, Philanthropic Advisor The end of 2024 may have been hectic for you and your clients, but now is the perfect time to help families start planning their charitable giving strategies for 2025. While year-end giving often feels urgent, planning early in the year offers even greater advantages. Here are the benefits of […]

January 6, 2025

by Lesley Roberts, Philanthropic Advisor Advisors often share that their happiest clients are those who include charitable giving in their estate and financial plans. Whether philanthropy inspires happiness or happy people are drawn to giving, one thing is clear: incorporating charitable giving into financial planning delivers emotional and practical benefits. Advisors who embrace this conversation […]

January 6, 2025

by Ashley Coldiron, Chief Development Officer A new year and a new administration often bring the potential for significant changes. So, what’s on the legislative horizon that might affect your charitable clients? The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017: A Key Focus One major issue we’re watching is the possible extension or expiration […]