Arvest Foundation Gives $102K to Organizations in Central Arkansas

(Arvest Foundation)

The Arvest Foundation recently announced a total of $102,000 in grants to help 16 organizations in central Arkansas.

The funds support organizations that are “actively working to create positive change for others,” the foundation said in a news release. Major areas of focus include K-12 education, economic development and enhancing the quality of life throughout the foundation’s footprint.

Grant recipients are:

Arkansas Prostate Cancer Foundation will use its grant funds to continue providing free services such as educational outreach and health screenings, patient navigation services, monthly peer group support, and financial assistance to those in need.

Arkansas Special Olympics for its Legacy Campaign to build a new facility in North Little Rock to store sports equipment, provide functional space for meeting space, serve as a hub for offering  more resources for stakeholders, and enhance the athlete leadership program.

Arkansas State Police for its Randy and Betty Hedge Spouses’ Auxiliary Scholarship Fund that awards $4,000 per semester to trooper and auxiliary member’s dependents for higher education.

Boys and Girls Club of Central Arkansas will use its grant funds to provide safe and positive spaces for young people, giving them access to educational programming, mentorship, and resources to help them reach their full potential.

Building Bridges Developmental and Community Services, Inc. will use its grant funds to purchase Chromebooks for use in its Ready to Work program in Cabot. The program is focused on independent living skills and preparing participants for the workforce. The Chromebooks are used to access learning platforms and classes as well as to fill out job applications.

Carti Foundation Inc. to support its clinical research program.

City Year will use its grant funds to support students both academically and emotionally, helping to bridge gaps in achievement by providing personalized assistance in areas like math, literacy, and social-emotional skills.

Habitat for Humanity of Central Arkansas to fund its home program that allows the organization to build safe, decent, affordable houses for low- to moderate-income individuals who may not otherwise qualify for a traditional mortgage.

Heart of Arkansas United Way will use its grant funds to invest in programs that serve the needs of whole families, providing services to children as well as the adults in their lives.

L.C. and Daisy Bates Museum Foundation will use its grant funds to support the preservation of the Bates’ home, a significant landmark, and actively engage in initiatives that honor her contributions to the civil rights movement.

Lonoke County Safe Haven will use its gift to support emergency shelter operations costs that include $75 a day per shelter resident, $50 a week for transportation, and $100 for a month of crisis counseling.

S H E Build Inc. will use its gift to help empower women reentering society after incarceration by providing comprehensive support and resources for achieving lasting stability, self-sufficiency, and family well-being.

University District Development Corporation to assist in the revitalization efforts of the neighborhood and commercial areas around the University of Arkansas at Little Rock campus.

Urban Promise Arkansas uses its donation to employ teen StreetLeaders who serve as role models for 75 1st-8th grade peers in the organization’s summer camp and after-school program.

Wade Knox Children’s Advocacy Center will use its donation to continue providing victim services such as victim advocacy, forensic interviewing, trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy and/or educational programs.

Women’s Foundation of Arkansas will use its grant funds to promote philanthropy among women and to help women and girls achieve their full potential.