21 Jan 2013 'Giving Tree Grants' available
Grants are available for local charitable initiatives through the Arkansas Community Foundation/Faulkner County.
Nonprofits in Faulkner County can go to arcf.org to download an application for Giving Tree Grants through ARCF/Faulkner County, a local affiliate office of Arkansas Community Foundation (ARCF). Applications must be submitted by Friday, Feb. 15.
“Our Giving Tree grant program gives nonprofit organizations a place to go for funding when they have a great idea or need a boost for an ongoing program,” said Heather Larkin, president and CEO of ARCF. “These grants enable us to respond to immediate needs in our communities and help promising programs get off the ground.”
Any IRS 501(c)(3) public charity, public school, government agency or hospital in Faulkner County is eligible to apply. Other applicants may be considered if the project has a clear charitable purpose for the public benefit. Grants are not made to individuals. Applications will be reviewed by a committee from ARCF/Faulkner County.
“Our Giving Tree grants generally range from $750 to $3,000,” said Julie LaRue, executive director of the Faulkner County affiliate. “It is inspiring to learn what our local non-profit organizations accomplish for our community with these grants.
“Since 2001, more than $146,000 in Giving Tree Grants has been awarded and put to work in Faulkner County.”
Grants are awarded in a variety of areas, including human services, education, community development, health, environment and arts and humanities.
In fiscal year 2012, the Arkansas Community Foundation and its 27 local offices awarded approximately $695,000 in Giving Tree grants across the state. Funding for the Giving Tree program comes from hundreds of Arkansas donors who support the work of the Community Foundation.
“Local philanthropists can consider gifts to the Faulkner County Giving Tree Endowment, which produces the grant money available each year,” said LaRue. “As the endowment grows, so grows the amount available for Faulkner County non-profits each year.”
Visit arcf.org to view Giving Tree Grant submission guidelines and begin the application process.
Arkansas Community Foundation makes grants to improve the quality of life in the state and collaborates with individuals, families and organizations to build local communities through philanthropy. At the close of fiscal year 2012, ARCF had more than $150 million in assets; the Foundation has provided more than $98 million in grants since it began operation in 1976. Contributions to ARCF, its funds and any of its 27 local affiliate offices are fully tax deductible.
