WRF Invests $3.6M to positively impact Arkansans | Q2 Update

This past June, the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation Board approved a record amount of grants to positively impact Arkansans across the state. The board meeting was held in Forrest City, Arkansas, in conjunction with the Arkansas Black Mayors Association.

THE NEWEST INVESTMENTS IN SUPPORT OF THE AR EQUITY 2025 STRATEGIC DIRECTION INCLUDED:

$1.08M to create the H.E.A.L. (Humanize, Elevate, Advocate, Learn) Narrative Lab which brings together 6 mission-aligned nonprofits to increase their communications capacity to shift perceptions, behavior, and policy reflecting a more equitable Arkansas.

$800K to help strengthen the ability of our nonprofits partners to change the systems that don’t work well for all Arkansans. New partnerships were created with:

• Resilia, Catchafire, Ioby – to make available support for every non-profit in the state
• Arkansas Black Mayors Association & KKAC Foundation – to support small town mayors in accessing federal and state grants for their communities
• Hispanics in Philanthropy – to provide leadership development training for latinx leaders in Arkansas

$730K to support innovation and learning in Arkansas through:

• Arkansas Construction Education Foundation
• Arkansas Food Bank
• Pulaski County Foster Care System Reform Pilot

$945K in operating support for partners critical to making Arkansas a state that works better for all residents:

• Arkansas United Community Coalition
• El Centro (Jonesboro)
• DecARcerate
• Restore Hope AR
• Women’s Foundation of Arkansas

“We’re proud to be able to make such a significant investment in helping to create the conditions where all Arkansans can thrive and prosper,” said Chris Cardona, WRF Board Chair.

“These grants represent our continued commitment to the legacy of Governor Winthrop Rockefeller and our appreciation for the organizations across the state who are leading the way to a better Arkansas.”

Learn more about AREquity 2025 and WRF’s relentless pursuit of equity for all Arkansans.