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The holiday season is the perfect time to reflect on our blessings and find ways to give back to our communities. With Giving Tuesday and the end of the year approaching, it’s an ideal time to support Arkansas nonprofits in creating lasting impacts in their focus areas. Whether through financial donations, volunteer time, or sharing their mission with others, every contribution helps.
Many organizations invite donations year-round and offer volunteer opportunities for individuals, families and team building. While reading the lists below, consider how these organizations represent your community or interests. How could you contribute to or further the mission of organizations you’ve benefited from or believe in the power of their mission?
Fighting Food Insecurity
Food insecurity continues to be a pressing issue in Arkansas, with many families relying on food banks and pantries to make ends meet. Supporting organizations that tackle hunger is one of the most impactful ways to help those in need.
- Arkansas Foodbank: serving over 33 counties in the state, Arkansas Foodbank works tirelessly to ensure no family goes hungry. Donations help stock food pantries in the Feeding America Network and provide meals to needy families. Volunteering at their warehouse to sort and pack food is another way to make a tangible difference.
- The Pack Shack: known for its fun, high-energy Feed the Funnel parties, this organization provides nutritious meals for food-insecure communities across Arkansas.
- Meals on Wheels Arkansas: serving seniors and homebound individuals, ensuring nutritious meals are delivered to those who may otherwise go without. Supporting them through donations or volunteer delivery services can help combat hunger among one of Arkansas’s most vulnerable populations.
- Seeds That Feed: rescues surplus produce and distributes it to needy families through local partnerships. They aim to reduce food waste while increasing access to fresh, nutritious food for underserved communities.
- Feed Local Inc. addresses food insecurity by distributing nutritious meals to needy families through backpack programs and feeding libraries across the community.
Hunger Relief Resources in Arkansas
Arkansas Food banks, statewide
Supporting Families in Need
Nonprofits serving families provide critical resources, from shelter and safety to education and mental health support. Giving to these organizations, you help create brighter futures for Arkansas families.
- The Station Shelter provides a safe and supportive space for homeless teens and young adults. It offers essential services such as meals, shelter, and access to resources for rebuilding their lives. The shelter’s mission is to foster dignity and hope while addressing the immediate and long-term needs of those experiencing homelessness.
- Our House: This Little Rock-based nonprofit empowers families experiencing homelessness through housing, job training and childcare. Donations help provide essential services that give families the tools they need to achieve self-sufficiency.
- CASA of Arkansas (Court-Appointed Special Advocates): CASA volunteers advocate for children in foster care and represent them in court proceedings. Your support can help these children find safe, permanent homes.
When we surround youth with unconditional relationships, a vision for their restored future and Tools that anticipate their needs and dreams, we create a climate for healing, growth, and transformation. – Immerse Programs
- Ronald McDonald House Charities of Arkansas: provides housing and support for families with children receiving medical care so they can stay close during challenging times.
- Grace’s Toy Closet NWA provides toys, books, and other essentials to children in Northwest Arkansas who are facing medical challenges and staying at Arkansas Children’s Hospital Northwest.
- The CALL (Children of Arkansas Loved for a Lifetime) Arkansas recruits, trains, and supports foster and adoptive families to provide safe, loving homes for children in foster care. Its mission is to inspire a statewide movement to meet the needs of vulnerable children through community—and faith-based partnerships.
Strengthening Communities
Nonprofits focused on community development work to create strong, sustainable neighborhoods. Their work includes everything from housing assistance to promoting economic opportunities.
- Arkansas Community Foundation supports local nonprofits by managing donor funds and providing grants. Donations to its endowment funds go directly toward creating long-term change in Arkansas communities.
- Habitat for Humanity of Central Arkansas: builds affordable housing for needy families. It relies on donations and volunteers to construct homes and improve communities.
- Delta Regional Authority (DRA): a federal-state partnership that invests in economic development, infrastructure, and workforce training to support growth in the Mississippi River Delta region. By fostering collaboration and providing grants, DRA works to reduce poverty, enhance opportunities, and improve the quality of life in underserved communities.
- City of Hope Outreach (CoHO): empowers underserved and marginalized communities through education, housing and holistic support programs. By fostering relationships and providing resources, CoHO works to break poverty cycles and create sustainable growth and development opportunities.
- Excel by 8: focused on ensuring children under eight have access to the resources they need for healthy development and academic success. Working with communities, policymakers and organizations aims to improve statewide early childhood education, health care, and family support systems.
- The Van delivers essential supplies directly to people living on the streets in Little Rock. Donations of money, clothing, or supplies make a critical difference.
Promoting the Arts in Arkansas
The arts enrich our communities and inspire creativity, yet they often struggle for funding. Supporting arts-focused nonprofits ensures that creativity thrives across Arkansas.
- Wildwood Park for the Arts: hosts events, performances and outdoor educational programs to create community through nature and art. Their intentional focus on lifelong learning and using imagination incorporates visual, performing, culinary, and horticultural arts.
- Delta Cultural Center: Located in Helena-West Helena, this nonprofit preserves and promotes the Arkansas Delta’s rich musical and cultural heritage.
- THEA Foundation brings the arts to schools across Arkansas by providing grants, scholarships and creative programs that inspire students and educators. By championing the importance of arts in education, THEA helps unlock students’ potential, improve academic outcomes, and foster lifelong creativity.
- Southwest Arkansas Arts Council promotes artistic expression and cultural enrichment throughout the region by offering educational programs, performances, and exhibitions. It aims to foster a vibrant arts community that enhances creativity and connects people of all ages to the arts.
- LifeStyles, Inc. offers individuals with disabilities the opportunity to explore their creativity through various artistic mediums, including visual arts, music and performance. The program promotes confidence, independence, and community engagement with local artists by fostering self-expression and skill development.
Meeting Unique Needs
- Heifer International empowers families to end hunger and poverty through sustainable agriculture. Supporting them helps communities around the world—and right here in Arkansas.
- Arkansas Hospice provides compassionate care for individuals at the end of life and supports patients and their families during challenging times.
- While We’re Waiting is a faith-based nonprofit that offers compassionate support and encouragement to parents who have lost a child. Retreats, support groups, and resources offer a safe space for healing and connection with others who understand their journey.
- GiveCamp NWA is a volunteer-driven organization that connects local nonprofits with skilled tech professionals to provide free websites, apps, and other digital solutions. Its mission is to empower nonprofits to serve their communities better through innovative technology.
- Ability Tree supports individuals with disabilities and their families through recreational, educational and community programs. By creating inclusive environments and providing resources, they aim to empower families and foster a culture of acceptance and belonging.
- Group Living, Inc., provides housing, vocational training, and support services for individuals with developmental disabilities. Its mission is to empower residents to lead fulfilling lives with dignity, independence, and community inclusion.
Other Arkansas organizations to consider supporting
- Brandon Burlsworth Foundation
- Rockin’ Baker
- Music Moves
- Humane Societies of Arkansas
- R.I.S.E Reading programs
- Sheep Dog Impact Assistance
- Arkansas Gives
- Arkansas Storm Recovery Team
- Women’s Foundation of Arkansas
How You Can Help
There are many ways to support Arkansas nonprofits this Giving Tuesday and beyond:
- Donate: Financial contributions make a significant impact, regardless of size. Many nonprofits offer monthly giving programs to sustain their missions year-round.
- Volunteer: Giving your time is a meaningful way to support nonprofits by sorting donations, serving meals or supporting community events.
- Raise Awareness: Share information about your favorite nonprofits on social media, encouraging others to get involved and give back.
By supporting Arkansas nonprofits, you invest in the people, families, and communities that make our state unique.
Cover image provided by the Arkansas Community Foundation.
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