Blog

December 17, 2024

Dolly Parton was inspired to start the Imagination Library after learning her father couldn’t read or write. It started in 1995 as a local effort in Parton’s home state of Tennessee and has grown to every state and five countries. She wanted to ensure that all children had access to books, regardless of their family’s […]

December 16, 2024

Investing in early literacy is a passion for Cathy Seilhan. Arkansas Community Foundation makes it possible for her to invest in children’s future. “When I was little, my parents and grandparents would read to me, tell me stories and nursery rhymes. We went to the library and our birthday and Christmases always included books,” said […]

December 9, 2024

OP-ED by Cindy Whitaker, Second Grade Teacher Sheridan Elementary School In the 1980s and 90s, most Arkansas teachers used something called the whole language curriculum. It focused on helping children develop reading and language skills by making connections between reading and real life. But whole language teaching methods did not include much phonics instruction. I […]

December 3, 2024

Here are some reminders for making sure that your gifts are recognized for the 2024 tax year: ADD TO AN EXISTING FUND To learn more about the various assets you can give, review our guide to Contributing to a fund. In order for charitable gifts into a fund to qualify for a charitable income tax deduction […]

December 3, 2024

As you approach or settle into retirement, you may find yourself reflecting on how charitable giving can play a more prominent role in this next chapter of your life. With more time, resources, or both now available, it’s a great opportunity to explore the charitable giving strategies that resonate most with retirees. The Community Foundation […]

December 3, 2024

As the year unfolds, consider whether updates to your estate and tax plans make sense. Now is an excellent time to lean on the team at the Community Foundation. Together with your attorney, CPA, and financial advisor, we can help you explore strategies that fit your unique circumstance. Here are three charitable planning strategies we’d […]

November 26, 2024

Principal Christie Cremo has reduced chronic absenteeism by more than 20% at Leverett Elementary with simple solutions and culture change. Christie Cremo gets it. As principal of Leverett Elementary School in Fayetteville, she understands that to make change in today’s educational environment, you have to be tenacious and creative. Her staff love that tenacity. “It […]

November 20, 2024

Family philanthropy is a meaningful way to support the causes you care about while strengthening family bonds. By coming together around shared experiences and values, families can deepen their understanding of one another and build lasting relationships. It’s important to note that different generations may have different priorities and approaches to giving: from traditional grantmaking, […]

November 1, 2024

Mary McLeod was a tireless advocate for children in Arkansas. In recognition of her lifelong dedication to youth and mental health, a $50,000 endowment was established in April 1978 in Mary’s memory donated by former Governor Winthrop Rockefeller’s estate. The fund was named the Mary McLeod Memorial Fund for Youth Home. Youth Home is a […]

October 8, 2024

The Community Foundation often gets reports back from grantees and donors. Some stories stand out and move us in a special way. Our staff were pleased to receive the following story from Emily Ironside with the Jones Center telling us about their newest launch and a special donor that helped make it happen. This is […]