Arkansas Community Foundation exists to engage people, connect resources and inspire solutions to build community. Right now, the need for stronger communities and solutions is greater than ever. We stand with all of the victims and their families and to everyone in our country who has to fear each day for their own safety, as well as the safety of their loved ones.
We join our community and the rest of the nation in mourning the death of George Floyd and all those who are victims of systemic racism and social injustice. We feel despair at the frequency of these tragic events and know that more work must be done to address inequity and bring our communities together.
We hear the voices of Black Arkansans and other people of color and know that change is necessary and must be lasting. We will continue to listen, learn and work with our nonprofit and collaborative networks fighting for social justice and to make diversity, equity and inclusion a cornerstone of all our efforts.
There is much more to be done as individuals and collectively, to combat racism and build a more just society. The Community Foundation is committed to this work.
If you’re looking for ways to take local action, consider making a charitable contribution or volunteering to support one of the many Arkansas-based organizations working to promote justice and equity.
For example, if you’re interested in criminal justice reform, take a look at DecARcerate, a collaborative working to end mass incarceration in Arkansas through education, advocacy and empowering leaders personally affected by the criminal punishment system.
If you’re looking for thoughtful community programs on dismantling racism and resources for social justice and advocacy, take a look at the Social Justice Institute at Philander Smith College.
Interested in supporting organizations that provide training on diversity and inclusion? Visit the IDEALS Institute at the University of Arkansas or Just Communities of Arkansas, two organizations that help businesses, schools and nonprofits learn about and create plans to implement diversity and inclusion practices.
Want to aid Arkansans in need of legal assistance? Take a look at Arkansas Access to Justice or Legal Aid of Arkansas.
Visit our nonprofit directory to search by county or issue for 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in your area. www.arcf.org/directory
There are numerous other organizations working locally throughout our state, and we’re continuing to listen to understand more about them and their needs. We’ve compiled a short list of local organizations here. Please contact us if you are aware of other organizations or nonprofits that are taking the lead during this time. We’d like to know more about their work.