One of last year’s Giving Tree recipients was Friends For Life. They received $1,000 to help provide diapers, wipes, and formula for their clients. Pictured from left: WCCF Board member Bill Patton, Lori James, FFL Nurse Manager, Marty Maier, FFL volunteer, Kim Richards, FFL Executive Director, Larry Kircher, WCCF Board member, and Cassandra Feltrop, WCCF Board member.

Nonprofits in White County can go to arcf.org beginning January 10 to download an application for Giving Tree Grants through White County Community Foundation (WCCF), a local affiliate office of Arkansas Community Foundation (ARCF). Applications must be submitted by February 15.

“Our Giving Tree Endowment gives us an annual source of funding to help address immediate needs in White County,” said Kathy Murphy, Executive Director, WCCF.  “Many of the organizations that receive these grants provide vital services to our community and even small grants make a difference in the services they provide.

Any IRS 501(c)(3) public charity, public school, government agency or hospital in White 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 grantmaking committee from White County Community Foundation.

“Our Giving Tree grants generally range from $500 to $2,500,” said Kathy Murphy, Executive Director . “Last year we funded 15 different organizations most of which dealt with issues concerning children and families.”

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 our state and collaborates with individuals, families and organizations to build local communities through philanthropy. At the close of fiscal year 2011, ARCF had more than $150 million in assets; the Foundation has provided more than $90 million in grants since it began operation in 1976.

White County Community Foundation has helped donors establish 30 different endowments/funds totaling over $1,600,000 since its inception in 2003. More than $535,000 has been granted from these funds and 50 different White County nonprofits have received grants.  Contributions to ARCF, its funds and any of its 27 local affiliate offices are fully tax deductible.

For more information call Kathy Murphy at 501-827-4456 or email her at whitecounty@arcf.org.