Endowment Foundation of Cross County     1751 Quail Run Dr.     Wynne, AR  72396 Phone:  (870) 740-4453 Email:   emilymneller@hotmail.com Emily Neller, Executive Director

The Endowment Foundation of Cross County (EFCC) was formed in 2003.  In EFCC's six years, the foundation has granted out over $100,000 to 58 Cross County nonprofits, formed 30 funds, and has helped local citizens and organizations establish endowments to meet their charitable goals.

Board Members:

Joy Shepherd, Chair	Stan Bradshaw	Ashley King
Brenda Slabaugh, Vice Chair	Joyce Brown	Debbie Meyer
Matt Boone, Treasurer	Kevin Duke	Fredric Smith
Darlene Andrews	Curt Hagler	Sy Robinson
Trent Beaton	Neall Jackson	Lori Ridge
George Anne Draper

YAC Adult Advisors:  Debbie Meyer and Lori Ridge

History:  Incorporated in 1976, Arkansas Community Foundation (ARCF) has grown to $120 million held in 1,200-plus charitable funds with $70 million in grants having been made.  ARCF employs professional investment management companies and an independent investment consultant assists the ARCF Board in monitoring performance. Cross County people who have served on the ARCF statewide Board of Directors are Harold Hardwick and the late Tom B. Smith.

EFCC became an affiliate of the ARCF and a participant in the PARTNERS Program in June of 2003.  The PARTNERS Program matches most of the contributions made to the EFCC and provided initial operating funds and grantmaking funds.  EFCC graduated from  PARTNERS in July having garnered the maximum matches of the program.

EFCC serves three roles in Cross County:  
   • assisting people achieve their charitable goals,
   • serving as an information hub for donors and community nonprofits,
   • and providing grants to help local nonprofits make a difference in Cross County.

As of December 2009, EFCC has earned $700,464 in grant and match money from sources outside Cross County.  Except for $55,000 used for operations and grant, all of these funds have been placed in permanent endowments that will provide a permanent source of grants for Cross County.

YAC:  Youth Advisory Council (YAC) is an exciting endeavor of EFCC led by Debbie Meyer and Lori Ridge with assistance from EFCC Board Members.  The youth have made grants totaling over $8,000.  In just nine months, this teen group developed $10,000 that was matched by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.  With the Hays Food Town YAC Fund and a grant from Southland Park, these compassionate teens have permanent grant making power of at least $2,000 annually.  With ARCF management the grant money available should grow each year.

Operating Endowment:  Perhaps the most urgent current need of EFCC is growth of an adequate operating endowment.  The annual income provided from the endowment is vital to EFCC's ability to maintain optimal service through Cross County with the increasing number of funds and grants. 

Individuals and businesses are invited to become part of EFCC's Founders' Circle by pledging support. Giving levels are

   • $5,000 per year,
   • $1,000 per year,
   • $250 per year,
   • and $100 per year.

The EFCC Board invites you to become a part of this exciting endeavor!


Click here to learn about Grants and News of the Endowment Foundation of Cross County.

Click here to learn about Funds of the Endowment Foundation of Cross County.