Springdale, AR - Northwest Arkansas Community Foundation (NWACF) announces its first round of unrestricted grants for nonprofit programs in Benton, Carroll, Madison, and Washington counties. NWACF anticipates making approximately 50 grants up to $1,000 during this cycle. Guidelines will be mailed out to all nonprofit organizations throughout the four-county region and will also be available on the website at www.nwacf.org.

Adrian Luttrell, chairman of NWACF, explained why the board made this decision to initiate unrestricted grantmaking.

"Our mission is to promote endowed philanthropy to meet the diverse needs of our region. This program allows us to invest in the future growth of organizations so they can contribute more to their particular communities," stated Luttrell.

Suzanne Ward, Executive Director of NWACF, concurred with Luttrell's remarks.

"The long-term health of northwest Arkansas depends upon the people who live here, and our ability to help ourselves. Even though our foundation has given out more $1.5 million from various funds, our board felt it was important to set an example of regional leadership in philanthropy," said Ward.

NWACF will make grants in the following areas:

• Arts and Culture — access to the arts and support to cultural resources. · Family and Community Service — support services to vulnerable populations with special focus on children, families, and the elderly.
  


• Economic Development — promotion of job development and effective economic growth of the region.
  


• Youth Programs and Education — development of successful students.
  


• Natural Resources and Conservation — protection of our environment and promotion of effective use of our natural resources.
  


• Animal Welfare — protection for domestic animals and promotion of animal health.

NWACF will accept requests for capital building and equipment expenditures, general operating support, professional development, seed funds for special projects, and technical assistance. Grants are for one year only.

Both Luttrell and Ward said the grant application form and process will be a very simple one. Key timeline for submission and review of proposals is as follows:

January 28	Town Hall meeting January 28 from 9-11a.m. at Writers' Colony in Eureka Springs and 1:30-3:30 p.m. in the Huntsville Senior Center (These two meetings are recommended only for programs in Carroll and Madison counties.)
February 21	Grants due to NWACF office in Springdale
April	Board review and approval of grants
May 1	Grant announcement to agencies
May 15	Grant will be available when the grant award letter is signed and returned

For more questions, contact NWACF office at 479.361.4624 to speak to Anita Scism or Jan Lightner.