Impact Investing

The Community Foundation seeks to invest in Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) and other financial intermediary organizations to improve quality of life in Arkansas. Through debt and equity investments, we aim to support these organizations in expanding or strengthening their programs in the areas of:

  • Entrepreneurship & job creation
  • Access to capital
  • Community development & revitalization
  • Education

We have a particular interest in partnering with organizations that:

  • Are based in Arkansas or have a significant on-the-ground presence in Arkansas communities.
  • Emphasize support for and outreach to individuals who have traditionally lacked access to financial services and capital; including rural communities; women entrepreneurs and entrepreneurs of color.

For more information about impact investing, call 501-372-1116.

Impact Investment Successes

The Community Foundation’s mission of building stronger Arkansas communities relies in part on bustling economies for rural areas. Small business owners drive the local economy, and our impact investments help these small businesses thrive.

Building a Business for the Next Generation

Misha Murphy is an entrepreneur, wife and mother of twins living in this Arkansas county town. She received a low-interest loan to start a food truck business from Communities Unlimited (CU), one of the Community Foundation’s impact investing partners.

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Ready to Roll

Antonio Reed, owner of ATV Trucking in Crossett, felt his business struggle when the pandemic led to the Georgia Pacific paper mill closing. Fewer goods to haul meant semi-trailers sitting idle. Impact investment funds through FORGE Community Loan Fund, Inc., and Arkansas Community Foundation enabled extra aid to small businesses like Reed’s.

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