Blog

June 2, 2026

Over the last several years, communities across the country, including our own, have faced significant challenges. From natural disasters and economic uncertainty to housing shortages and growing mental health needs, the demand for charitable support continues to grow. As a result, many donors are asking how their philanthropy can make the greatest impact right now. […]

April 20, 2026

Arkansas Community Foundation has transitioned to a new database for fundholders and grantees. Detailed instructions, including a user guide for logging into the new portal, were emailed on June 1. The user guide also can be accessed on this page. Thank you for your patience as we improve our systems to best serve you. Be […]

April 1, 2026

Nonprofits play a vital role in nearly every aspect of community life—and their importance often grows during times of economic uncertainty. As many watch the markets this spring, it’s natural to feel cautious. At the same time, community needs tend to increase during challenging periods, making continued philanthropic engagement more important than ever. This may […]

April 1, 2026

Now is one of the best times to reflect on your charitable giving—while tax season is still fresh. After the deadline has passed, it’s tempting to move on and not revisit these decisions until later in the year. But the weeks immediately following filing your tax return are actually one of the best times to […]

April 1, 2026

Thoughtful giving is important—but it isn’t always easy. With so many worthy causes and urgent needs, many donors simply want confidence that they’re making the greatest possible impact. That’s where the Community Foundation can help. Our team serves as a trusted partner, offering local insight and a deep understanding of the issues shaping our region. […]

March 31, 2026

Celebrate 50 Years of Impact with Arkansas Community Foundation on April 16 In 2026, Arkansas Community Foundation marks 50 years of strengthening communities across our state. We began this milestone year in a big way, awarding $1 million in grants to 47 nonprofits serving Arkansans in critical areas like food security, childcare, and access to […]

March 3, 2026

By Ashley Coldiron, Chief Development Officer As an attorney, CPA, or financial advisor, you probably work with several clients who own a family business. You’ve likely also considered the role of strategic philanthropy in family business succession planning to help clients get ready for an eventual exit. So how does strategic philanthropy actually play out […]

March 3, 2026

By Jody Dilday, Philanthropic Advisor Recent rulings reinforce a familiar but critical message: charitable tax benefits depend on strict compliance. Strict substantiation matters.In Gibson v. Commissioner, a substantial noncash charitable deduction was disallowed—not because the gift lacked charitable intent, but because substantiation requirements were not met. Contemporaneous acknowledgments, qualified appraisals, and Form 8283 thresholds are […]

March 3, 2026

By Lesley Roberts, Philanthropic Advisor Because its Women’s History Month, March offers a natural moment to reflect on the evolving role of women in philanthropy. According to Indiana University’s Lilly Family School of Philanthropy’s Women Give 2024: 20 Years of Gender & Giving Trends, women are increasingly leading charitable decisions. This happens both gradually, as […]

February 5, 2026

A few thoughtful steps early in the year can bring focus and confidence to your giving: Review your 2025 giving. We can help you understand the impact of your past gifts, identify patterns, and explore opportunities for the year ahead. Talk with your advisors early. New tax laws make early coordination especially important. This is […]