Women’s Foundation of Arkansas
/OVERVIEW: The Women’s Foundation of Arkansas supports women and girls, education, economic security, health, poverty and human services in Arkansas.
FUNDING AREAS: Women and girls, education, economic security, health, poverty, human services
IP TAKE: This is a well-established women’s philanthropy group in Arkansas that has many different funding interests as part of its mission to improve the lives of local women and girls.
PROFILE: Established in 1998, the Women’s Foundation of Arkansas (WFA) is the only statewide foundation focused solely on women and girls. It is based in Little Rock, Arkansas. Arkansas Business Publishing Group CEO Olivia Farrell and Pat Lile, then President of the Arkansas Community Foundation, initiated the group’s first efforts to create a women-led, women-focused charitable fund. The foundation aims to "engage our community to promote women and girls in Arkansas so they can realize and achieve their full potential.” WFA funds local efforts for women and girls, education, economic security, health, poverty and human services.
The Women’s Foundation of Arkansas believes that an investment in women and girls is an investment in stronger families and communities. It works to break cycles of poverty that prevent Arkansas women and girls from accessing the social services they need and also higher education opportunities. The foundation awarded at least $206,419 to 81 programs during its first 19 years of operation. Interests of WFA include Black women-owned businesses in the state, empowering women, STEM education for girls and disaster relief.
Grants range between about $1,000 and $5,000. Learn more about this funder’s local giving by examining its recent tax records. Grantmaking focuses on the entire state of Arkansas. Past local grantees include Local First Arkansas, EAST Initiative and Go Forward Pine Bluff.
This foundation may accept unsolicited grant applications from nonprofits at certain times. However, it does not publish grantmaking guidelines or link to an online application on its website. Direct general questions to the staff at 501-244-9740 or via online form.
PEOPLE:
Search for staff contact info and bios in PeopleFinder (paid subscribers only).
LINKS:
