OVERVIEW: This funder supports healthcare and education in Arkansas. To a lesser extent, it supports nonprofits in Oklahoma, Kansas, and Missouri as well. It accepts unsolicited grant applications during two time periods each year.
IP TAKE: This foundation is a family-run affair, but it has supported Arkansas nonprofits for over two decades. Unfortunately, it lacks transparency and maintains a minimalist website that doesn’t give much information beyond application guidelines and contact details. Luckily, this is an approachable funder that encourages grantseekers to reach out to discuss their project before applying.
PROFILE: Based in Fayetteville, Arkansas, the Willard and Pat Walker Charitable Foundation is an independent funder that supports nonprofits in Arkansas. It states that its purpose is to support “charitable, religious, scientific, literary, or educational endeavors, either directly or by contributions to organizations.” The foundation was established in 2003 and funded in 2004 after assets were transferred from the Willard and Pat Walker Charitable Foundation Trust. Like many locally focused family foundations, the heirs seek to honor the legacy of the founders with ongoing grantmaking. Pat Walker passed away in September 2016.
Raised during the Great Depression, Willard and Pat Walker earned a fortune as early investors in Wal-Mart. The couple’s priority was support for healthcare and education, which remain the foundation’s funding priorities. Arts and culture is also a priority.
Grants for Public Health and Access
Health is a significant funding area, and the foundation supports a lot of different organizations focused on children and community health. Arkansas Children’s Hospital received $25 million in 2023. Other grantees include Childrens Safety Center, Mercy Health Foundation Northwest Arkansas, Welcomehealth, Circle of Life Hospice, Baptist Health Foundation, and Hope Cancer Resources.
Grants for Arts and Culture
The arts are a funding priority for the foundation and it has given grants to Walton Arts Center Council, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Fayetteville Public Library, The Midland Theater Foundation, Country Music Foundation, and TheatreSquared.
Grants for K-12 and Higher Education
Education is the third largest area of support.
- The Walkers gave a large sum to the Walker Student Center and Bill George Arena and established an endowed scholarship for the Biblical Studies division. The endowment was established as part of a $10 million challenge and increased as part of the $20 million challenge.
- The foundation and Walker family have also consistently supported the University of Arkansas and Razorback athletics.
- It also supports preparing students to become youth ministers, family counselors, advocacy workers, chaplains, pastors, and international relief workers.
- Grantees include University of the Ozarks, Jesus Chapel School, Fayetteville Public Education, Thaden School, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Soar After School Program, Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund Program, and Sunshine School & Development Center.
Important Grant Details
At the end of a recent year, the foundation had over $334 million in assets and had given out over $12 million in charitable contributions. Many grants range between $1,000 and $50,000, but they have gone as high as $5 million. The most common amount is $10 million.
- Grant seekers can access current grant guidelines on the funder’s website.
- Grantmaking is typically restricted to Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, and Kansas.
- The foundation’s board is mostly composed of family members.
- It typically reviews requests from January 15 to March 1 for spring/summer funding, and August 15 to October 1 for fall/winter funding.
- Contact staff to discuss your project at least 30 days before submitting an application.
- Direct questions to staff at (479) 582-2310 or info@walkerfoundation.org.
PEOPLE:
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