Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation Forms Partnership to Impact the Pulaski County Foster System

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (January 16, 2023) – Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation has forged a partnership with Arkansas’ Division of Children and Family Services (DCFS), and Public Knowledge to disrupt the pipeline into the child welfare system in Pulaski County. The partnership will provide funds to select community-based entities to offer various supports, preventive services, and alternative resources to help strengthen and preserve families. 

Through a request for proposals (RFP), the group seeks to contract with up to three Pulaski County-based community groups – particularly those that can directly engage with families and youth at-risk of separation or involvement with the child welfare system. WRF will provide grants of  $40,000 each for two years, with DCFS and Public Knowledge participating in funding decisions and providing input into their work. 

“Over the past two years, the number of children in foster care in Pulaski County has nearly doubled – and the number of Black children in the system has grown exponentially,” said WRF Senior Equity Officer Rev. Shantell Hinton Hill. “As the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation seeks ways to address the effects of poverty on the well-being of children, youth and families, we are excited to partner with the Division of Children and Family Services and Public Knowledge to create a community-based support network designed to provide resources and support that will help families to remain safely united.” 

Groups (faith-based/church-related, school and education-based programs, civic-oriented groups, health-care providers, non-profit organizations, and other non-governmental organizations serving families in communities) interested in responding to the RFP should submit a written or video proposal and cover letter to Christie Matlock at cmatlock@pubknow.com by February 17, 2023 (midnight ET). Organizations must be nonprofits with 501(c)3 designations or provide a 501(c)3 fiscal agent.

View RFP details and guidelines.

###

About the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation

The Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation exists to relentlessly pursue economic, educational, social, ethnic, and racial equity for all Arkansans. Established in 1974, the private, nonprofit foundation affirms the legacy of its founder who envisioned a thriving and prosperous Arkansas that benefits all Arkansans.