Accepting donations to support victims, recovery efforts following mass shooting
Little Rock, Ark. (July 1, 2024) – Arkansas Community Foundation (ARCF) has established the Fordyce Survivors Fund in response to the devastating mass shooting event on June 21 in Fordyce, Arkansas. 100% of donations to the fund will provide financial support for survivors of the shooting.
“Like so many, we are shocked and saddened by this terrible tragedy. A shooting isn’t something you want to plan for,” said Heather Larkin, president and CEO of Arkansas Community Foundation. “But we have gained experience in helping rebuild communities following other disasters over the years, and we work with partners that have vast experience in mass shootings. The death of four Arkansans and the recovery needs of the survivors gives us an unfortunate reason to put some of the lessons we’ve learned to use.”
“We are heartbroken at this senseless violence, right here at home,” said Sen. Matt Stone, District 2. “None of us ever imagined we would have to respond in the aftermath of a shooting in a peaceful town like Fordyce. But we’re determined to rally around this community to help it recover and heal. Working with the Community Foundation is an important step in that recovery.”
Donations may be made to victims and survivors at arcf.org/fordycefund or by mail to:
Arkansas Community Foundation
Attn: Fordyce Survivors Fund
5 Allied Drive, Suite 51110
Little Rock, AR 72202
Contributions to the Fordyce Survivors Fund will be distributed with guidance from the Community Foundation and a community-led steering committee of Fordyce residents and local leadership.
The Community Foundation will be partnering with Victim’s First, a volunteer-led nonprofit helping with immediate needs, along with the Mass Violence Survivor’s Fund led by Jeff Dion, both national entities with experience serving communities following more than 50 mass shootings nationwide. The Community Foundation and these two organizations will ensure that the funds are managed in a way that is transparent, victim-centered and trauma informed.
The Foundation’s normal administrative fees will be waived and 100% of the donations will go to support victims. *A credit card company fee of approximately 3% will be applied to donations made by credit card.
For more information, visit arcf.org/Fordyce or contact Jessica Ford at 501-372-1116 or jford@arcf.org
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Arkansas Community Foundation, a statewide nonprofit organization, provides resources, insight and inspiration to build stronger Arkansas communities – communities where our kids will want to raise their kids. The Community Foundation is the largest grantmaker in the state in the number of grants made each year. Since 1976, the Foundation has provided more than $460 million in grants to nonprofits. The Foundation staff works directly with donors, professional advisors and nonprofits to help strengthen Arkansas communities through strategic philanthropy and focusing on local needs. Its assets rank among the top 60 out of more than 900 community foundations in the United States. Serving statewide and local initiatives, the Community Foundation helps connect those who want to give to the causes they care about. Contributions to Arkansas Community Foundation, its funds and any of its 29 affiliates are fully tax deductible.