The Faulkner County office of the Arkansas Community Foundation (ARCF) recently presented $25,000 in ARCF Giving Tree Grants to 13 nonprofit organizations in Faulkner County. “As the needs of our state increase, unrestricted funding sources become fewer,” said Heather Larkin Eason, president and CEO of ARCF. “To help meet some of these needs, the Arkansas Community Foundation established Giving Tree Endowments to make discretionary grants that capitalize on opportunities as well as respond quickly to pressing needs arising throughout the state.”
Eric Hutchinson, chairman of the local foundation board, made the presentations. “It is a pleasure to celebrate the work that each organization represented does in our community,” he said. “The Arkansas Community Foundation in Faulkner County is excited to present these grants to help further that good work that means so much to so many people.”
Organizations receiving grant awards:

20th Judicial District/5th Division Court  – For an electronic interactive parenting program, a laptop computer and other software for tracking success or recidivism.
Arkansas Rice Depot – To purchase, distribute and oversee all areas involved in getting food to the 24 Food for Kids schools in Faulkner County.
Bethlehem House Shelter – For bicycles, plus all items needed for the maintenance of the bicycle and safety of the rider. The bicycles will be checked out to both residents and non-residents for transportation to work, school or appointments to help break the cycle of homelessness.
CAPCA – For a small turkey for 300 Christmas food boxes for low-income families, offering a nutritious and traditional holiday meal.
City of Greenbrier – For a free summer day camp for 30 kids entering 3rd through 5th grade.
Conway Cradle Care – For parenting and child development educational materials and age appropriate books for the teen parent’s home.
Conway Interfaith Clinic – To further the Patient Assistance Program for uninsured who need maintenance medications.
Conway Sanitation/Recycling – To publicize the upcoming EcoFest, an event designed to help educate residents about environmental issues so they can make more informed decisions.
Faulkner County Literacy Council – For computers to be used by a tutor/student pair in a private, designated learning area.
Faulkner County Senior Citizens Program – For a vehicle to deliver meals in Conway on a daily basis to homebound elderly.
Make A Child Smile of Central Arkansas – To provide 400 children in grades sixth through 12th the back to school necessities that every child deserves, including hygiene products, haircuts, shoes and clothing as well as school supplies.
Pine Street Free Clinic – To cover fees for medically essential laboratory tests and X-rays for low income, uninsured patients receiving diagnosis and treatment at the clinic.
Faulkner County Single Parent Scholarships – Funds to help individuals continue their education.
“The ARCF/Faulkner County board is happy to provide these grants, in hopes of making a difference in the quality of life for many people served by these outstanding organizations,” Hutchinson said.
Any IRS 501(c)3 public charity, public school, government or hospital in Faulkner County was eligible to apply for the grants, but grants were not made to individuals.
The next grant cycle will begin in January 2010.
Arkansas Community Foundation has the capacity to engage communities in a thoughtful exploration of critical issues and can help assemble the resources to implement solutions.
Arkansas’ statewide community foundation has more than $105 million in assets and has provided more than $61 million in grants since it began operation in 1976.
Contributions to ARCF, its funds and any of its 26 local affiliate offices are fully tax deductible. For more information, contact Julie LaRue, community director, at [email protected].