Philanthropy

The summer months are a perfect time to check with donors to get feedback on your nonprofit or organization’s performance. Online surveys are the way to go, and they do more than just collect data.

As nonprofit and association executives become more intentional about recruiting board members and volunteers from underrepresented groups, the tendency arises to “count bodies” as evidence of an organization’s commitment to diversity.

Finding the right board member for your nonprofit can be daunting. Bring in people with different skills and ideas that represent your community.

End-of-year giving will kick off with #GivingTuesday, which falls on Nov. 27. It is time to make last-minute tax deductions to your favorite local nonprofit. To qualify for this calendar year, your gift must be received by Dec. 31.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, 821 million people in the world still suffer from hunger even though the world produces enough food to feed everyone. So, what can you do about it? Support World Food Day.

With so many great organizations to support, how do you pick just one and still make a lasting impact? There are a few things to consider before writing that check or volunteering.

Thea Paves the Way, Thea Foundation’s annual sidewalk chalk event, will be held on Saturday, Sept. 22, on the front lawn of the Clinton Presidential Library. The community event invites children and adults to join together and create vibrant chalk-based artwork all over the sidewalks.

Community leaders will display their best dance moves to fight for a great cause. The annual Children’s Tumor Foundation Dancing with Our Stars event is set for Sept. 6 at the Robinson Center ballroom. This year’s stars are:

The Mosaic Templars Cultural Center (MTCC) will celebrate its 10th anniversary on Saturday, Sept. 22. One of the highlights of the event will be a concert at Robinson Performance Hall with an international artist, who will be announced later this summer.

The 2018 Arkansas Woman of Inspiration event benefiting the Children’s Advocacy Centers of Arkansas is set for Friday, October 19. This year’s honorees are Shelley McMillon and Rep. DeAnn Vaught, who will receive the Blue Ribbon Award.

Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation is accepting applications for 2019 Community Grants of up to $30,000 to help improve the oral health of Arkansans. Grant applications are judged based on the innovativeness of the proposed project and its potential impact on the oral health of Arkansans. The foundation encourages Arkansas-based nonprofits, school-based and government agencies to apply.

The 2nd annual Urban Farm Fest is next week. Billed as “an evening of camaraderie and competition,” the event on Thursday, June 7, features food trucks, local brews, live music from local bands and lawn games such as Baggo, bowling, Connect Four and miniature golf. Guests can tour the Heifer Urban Farm and enjoy adult beverages created with ingredients straight from the source.

The 24th Arkansas Symphony Designer House is your chance to see the work of the state’s top designers under one roof. Located at 8 Valley Creek View in Little Rock, each room of the home is decorated under the inspiration of different designers, including Aric Phippin, Brittany Nixon Brun and more.

The core of great nonprofits is a strong, well-stated mission to serve as the navigational beacon as it searches for each goal. We face common challenges of new organizations, including how to serve immediate goals while planning for future goals.

The Easterseals Arkansas Fashion Event is back. The annual runway show will be held at the Statehouse Convention Center at 6 p.m. on March 1.

Get ready to downward dog and support a worthy cause. Donna Terrell’s Yoga Warriors event is set for 10 a.m., Saturday, April 14 at the Double Tree hotel in Little Rock.

The Centers for Youth and Families’ annual gala, Evolve, is set for Jan. 27. The event, themed this year as “A Night in the Jungle,” will honor 2018 Hero of Hope U.S. Rep. French Hill and the inaugural Champions of Hope class.

Heifer International announced the second annual Urban Farm Fest on June 8.

A nonprofit is launching to boost parks and recreational opportunities in the state.

As the end of another year approaches, many are taking the time to give back.

Looking for a place where you can do both your holiday decorating and gift shopping in one? Holiday House is made for you.

The best chefs in the region are coming together for good food and a better cause. The Oct. 16 Little Rock No Kid Hungry Dinner will aid No Kid Hungry Arkansas in its efforts to end childhood hunger in the state. Arkansas was once No. 1 in the country for food insecurity. Currently, one in four Arkansans struggles with hunger.

The Women’s Foundation of Arkansas annual Power of the Purse luncheon is quickly approaching. On October 3, women making strides in their fields will be honored as guests learn more about the WFA’s mission and will hear from keynote speaker, Krista Bourne.

Beyond the annual Power of the Purse Luncheon, the Women’s Foundation of Arkansas works through many events and programs that contribute to women in the Natural State.

• Girls of Promise®: Eighth-grade girls are introduced to STEM careers and encouraged to pursue them through courses and lectures from inspiring women scientists, welders and more.
• Women Empowered: An initiative aiming to strengthen the economic worth and well-being of women by collaborating with and supporting agencies, policies and programs working for women.
• Stories of Empowerment: In partnership with ESSE Purse Museum, the series brings women together through shared experiences and storytelling.

The Women’s Foundation of Arkansas’ annual Power of the Purse luncheon will take place Oct. 3. In honor of the event, The Arkansas 100 will cover aspects of the WFA through a series.

The Arkansas Cinema Society, formed in March and championed by writer/director and Little Rock native Jeff Nichols, has announced its first-ever event featuring film screenings and Q&A sessions with Adam Driver and David Lowery.

“Experteers” contrast “voluntourism” by making a conscious effort to train invested people for opportunities to use their professional skills in a volunteer setting.

The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra will launch its first ever membership program on August 1. The program will allow members to set up their accounts to auto draft $9 out monthly. In return, members are able to attend any and all ASO concerts for no additional cost.

The Women’s Foundation of Arkansas will honor Shayla Copas, Betty Clark Dickey and Sharon Tallach Vogelpohl at the Power of the Purse luncheon on Oct. 3.

Are you looking for the thrill of Spain’s famous Running of the Bulls without the fear of being trampled by a two thousand-pound animal? The second annual Running of the Bulls benefiting Family Promise of Pulaski County and The Van will take place in Little Rock on June 10.