To research and understand how the foundation can use philanthropy to engage with local institutions to positively impact public safety in Phillips County, Arkansas and Coahoma County, Mississippi.
Support for piloting of an intensive College Access Initiative designed to increase and improve access to post-secondary opportunities to 450 tenth through twelfth grade first-generation, low-income students in the following Home Region school districts: Bentonville, Fayetteville, Rogers, Springdale, Siloam Springs, and Gravette.
Three unique water quality projects: (1) the completion of priority best management practice (BMP) maps for Beaver Lake's 7 sub watersheds; (2) installation of low-impact development demonstration projects throughout the watershed in priority areas; and (3) implementation of a best management practice research project to address stormwater retention near critical infrastructure.
To fund the creation of ~13 miles of natural surface trail at Hobbs State Park in Benton County, Arkansas including a bridge, a tunnel under State Hwy. 12, a trailhead, branded wayfinding and educational signage, 6 trail camping shelters, 1 mile of mountain biking flow trail, and at least 2 trail spurs to take advantage of unique views and experiences within the park.
To support grantee's establishment of the first public charter school in Clarksdale, MS tentatively named Clarksdale Collegiate, in an effort to build additional capacity in the Delta region.
To expand the number of participants enrolled in grantee's after school-based academic enrichment and youth development programming by 45 seats over three years, doubling in size to 90 students.
Support for grantee's core operating expenses and its initiatives to: 1) expand its ability to offer the community both experiences and events, with the intention to broaden reach and increase the diversity of participants; 2) engage community partnerships/memberships with local business and nonprofit organizations; 3) provide a higher level of support and structure for downtown businesses through social media workshops, small group meetings, and 1-on-1 business support as needed; and 4) explore more opportunities to partner with local corporations in executing their recruitment and retention programs.