Blog

June 9, 2025

by Ashley Coldiron, Chief Development Officer There’s been a lot of buzz around H.R. 1 (the “Big Beautiful Bill”)  which passed the U.S. House on May 22 by a narrow vote. As it heads to the Senate, changes are expected—so nothing is final yet. Still, it’s smart to be aware of provisions that could affect […]

June 9, 2025

by Lesley Robers, Philanthropic Advisor As charitable giving becomes a bigger part of life for individuals, families, and businesses, it can be overwhelming to navigate your options and decide where to start. The good news? Giving doesn’t have to be complicated. When you work with the Community Foundation, you get: Personalized service from real people […]

June 9, 2025

by Jody Dilday, Philanthropic Advisor The word “philanthropist” can sound lofty—reserved for billionaires like Bill Gates or MacKenzie Scott. But the truth is, anyone who makes an effort to improve the lives of others is a philanthropist, and that includes YOU. At the Community Foundation, we believe everyone can be a philanthropist. It’s at the […]

May 23, 2025

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 […]

May 22, 2025

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 […]

May 22, 2025

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, […]

May 22, 2025

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, […]

May 9, 2025

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 […]

May 9, 2025

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 […]

May 9, 2025

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 […]