07.08.2009 -  A total of $1,066,529.56 in 529 Arkansas Community Foundation (ARCF) Giving Tree Grants have been awarded throughout the state  to meet community needs.  Giving Tree grants averaging just over $2,000 each were made to nonprofits through a competitive grant process. 

“Given today’s economic pressures, it is essential that grants from our Giving Tree Endowment are available to respond to immediate needs,” said Heather Larkin Eason, President and CEO of ARCF.  “Made possible by our family of philanthropists throughout the state, these grants are at work in our community helping Arkansans who are hungry obtain the food they need for themselves and their families, sustaining our environment, funding summer reading programs and much more.”

ARCF’s Board of Directors selected grants at the statewide level with an emphasis on hunger, nutrition and related issues. Additionally, local advisory boards for ARCF’s 26 local offices across the state also made grants to support a wide range of causes.  Grants awarded by category include:

Animal Welfare                                   $8,753.00                    8 grants

Arts and Humanities                           $59,610.00                  41 grants

Community Development                   $152,935.00                72 grants

Education                                            $171,920.57                123 grants

Environment                                       $16,235.00                  7 grants

Health                                                 $70,760.00                  32 grants

Human Services                                  $565,877.49                230 grants

Religion                                               $11,108.50                  8 grants

Other                                                   $9,330.00                    8 grants

To download a complete listing of ARCF's FY2009 Giving Tree Grants, click on the icon below.