Heart of Arkansas United Way
Heart of Arkansas United Way is a public charity based in Little Rock, Arkansas. It mobilizes resources and works with organizations and community members to support well-being, youth opportunity, families’ financial security, and community resiliency.
Heart of Arkansas United Way at a glance
In short: Heart of Arkansas United Way gave $511K across 26 grants in 2025 (avg $20K), mostly in Arkansas. 15% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $511,480
- +4.3% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 26
- -3.7% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $19,672
- +8.3% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $15,526
- Total assets
- $8,904,258
- +68.6% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 15% first-time grantees (4 of 26, 2025)
- Primary geography
- Arkansas (96% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Heart of Arkansas United Way
- Review Cycle
- The Community Investment Grants page lists applications as due Friday, July 17; the program listing gives July 18, 2026.
- Deadline
- The Community Investment Grants page lists applications as due Friday, July 17; the program listing gives July 18, 2026.
- Contact
Mailing address: PO Box 3257, Little Rock, AR 72203
Phone: (501) 376-4567
Website: https://heartaruw.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Heart of Arkansas United Way funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Our House Inc ($137K). Together the top 10 received $336K.
Grant Size Distribution
139 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 133 grants of 139 (96%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
Community Investment Grants are available to organizations serving or operating in Pulaski, Lonoke, or Saline Counties, Arkansas. In filing year 2025, 96% of grant dollars went to recipients in Arkansas, 2% to Oklahoma, and 1% to Florida.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 26 itemized grants.
Cities
Is Heart of Arkansas United Way open to new grantees?
15%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 4 of 26 grantees (15%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $10K; repeat grants $22K. How we count
Medians: $8K first-time, $16K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2020–2025). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $416K (2023) to $705K (2021). In 2025 it made 26 grants totaling $511K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Our House Inc Little Rock, AR | Siemer, Community Investment Grant & Designation Payment | $136,744 |
| Children's Protection Center Little Rock, AR | Community Investment Grant & Designation Payment | $24,828 |
| Immerse Arkansas Little Rock, AR | Community Investment Grant & Designation Payment | $24,614 |
| Ar Single Parent Scholarship Fund Little Rock, AR | Community Investment Grant & Designation Payment | $24,463 |
| Harmony Health Clinic Little Rock, AR | Community Investment Grant & Designation Payment | $24,000 |
| Boys and Girls Club of Central Arkansas North Little Rock, AR | Community Investment Grant & Designation Payment | $23,432 |
| Life Skills for Youth Little Rock, AR | Community Investment Grant | $20,750 |
| Vera Lloyd Presbyterian Family Services Inc Little Rock, AR | Community Investment Grant | $20,000 |
| City Year Little Rock Little Rock, AR | Community Investment Grant & Designation Payment | $19,095 |
| Women and Children First Little Rock, AR | Community Investment Grant & Designation Payment | $18,312 |
Ready to take the next step with Heart of Arkansas United Way?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $8,904,258 | $5,042,933 | $1,794,039 | $511,480 | 26 | $171,935 |
| 2024 | $5,282,620 | $4,113,266 | $1,902,523 | $490,423 | 27 | $50,337 |
| 2023 | $2,836,900 | $1,395,469 | $1,184,207 | $416,016 | 16 | $-7,014 |
| 2022 | $2,332,119 | $1,660,549 | $1,400,066 | $697,271 | 38 | $285,906 |
| 2021 | $2,692,474 | $2,163,879 | $1,413,551 | $704,655 | 32 | $138,980 |
| 2020 | $1,974,220 | $1,786,318 | $1,484,001 | $592,549 | 29 | $16,319 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The organization states that it invests in programs intended to make a measurable impact, engages the community in volunteer service, and develops partnerships to address community challenges. Its focus areas are Youth Opportunity, Financial Security, Healthy Community, and Community Resiliency. The grant application identifies individuals and families below the ALICE threshold and/or the Federal Poverty Line as target populations; the organization says additional weight will be placed on the ALICE component in 2026.
Examples of supported organizations illustrate the range of work represented among grantees. Our House says it empowers homeless and near-homeless families and individuals to succeed in the workforce, school, and life. Children’s Protection Center describes its work as protecting and treating child abuse victims and their families, preventing child abuse, and holding offenders accountable. Immerse Arkansas says it empowers youth from crisis through relationship-based coaching and therapy. These are the grantees’ descriptions of their own missions.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, the organization reported 26 grants totaling $511,480. Individual grants ranged from $5,331 to $136,744, with a median of $15,526. The largest reported grant was $136,744 to Our House, for a purpose described as “SIEMER, COMMUNITY INVESTMENT GRANT & DESIGNATION PAYMENT.” Other notable 2025 grants included Children’s Protection Center ($24,828), Immerse Arkansas ($24,614), Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund ($24,463), Harmony Health Clinic ($24,000), and Boys and Girls Club of Central Arkansas ($23,432).
Community Investment Grants are listed at $3,000–$12,000 for a half-year, with the possibility of renewal after a site visit. The organization says awards are made following volunteer review and paid in two installments. Applicants should provide a full description and budget for the proposed use of funds. The organization’s filing describes trained volunteers conducting on-site program evaluations, funded agencies entering into a memorandum of understanding, and interim and final reporting on outcomes and expenditures. Grant funds may support administrative expenses associated with the program, but may not be directed toward capital campaigns or solely toward reserve funds. Applicants are asked to show how requested expenses will contribute to program outcomes.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Jonathan Gray as board chair and Theresa Beiner as vice chair. Other listed officers and directors are Linda Barnes (strategic planning), Traci Baugh, Craig Berry (member at large), La'Twan Cheathem, Bryant K. Cranford, Ruby Dean (community volunteer), Chris Heitzmann, and Kelly McConnell.
Heart of Arkansas United Way is led by Valorie Lynn Pharr, CEO on the 2025 filing; 1 of 23 officers listed in 2025 is compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Valorie Lynn Pharr
CEO
New on the 2025 filing
40 hrs/week
$154K (2025)
Jonathan Gray
Board Chair
Community Investment → Board Chair, 2025
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Adam J. Henderson
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Bryant K. Cranford
Director
Treasurer → Director, 2023
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jay Wisener
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
John Rogers
Director
Director → Member at Large, 2023
Member at Large → Director, 2025
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kelly McConnell
Director
Director → Member at Large, 2023
Member at Large → Director, 2025
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Shayla Teater
Director
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Chris Heitzmann
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Traci Baugh
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
La'twan Cheathem
Director
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Maisie Miles Pruitt
Director
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Taylor Strack
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Tsanko Stoev
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Wendy Uhiren
Immediate Past Chair
Vice Chair → Board Chair, 2023
Board Chair → Immediate Past Chair, 2025
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
$71K (2020) → $0 (2025)
Cooper Meeks
Strategic Planning
Immediate Pa → Immediate Past Chair, 2022
Immediate Past Chair → Strategic Planning, 2023
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Craig Berry
Member at Large
Member at La → Director, 2022
Director → Member at Large, 2025
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
David Shindler
Community Volunteer
Director → Community Volunteer, 2025
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Heather Reed
Member at Large
Community Investment → Director, 2023
Director → Member at Large, 2025
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kevin Scribner
Treasurer
Director → Members at Large, 2022
Members at Large → Treasurer, 2023
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Linda Barnes
Strategic Planning
Strategic Pl → Strategic Planning, 2022
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Ruby Dean
Community Volunteer
Director → Community Volunteer, 2025
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Theresa Beiner
Vice Chair
Director → Vice Chair, 2025
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (18)
- Former: Lynn Pharr (2020–2024) — CEO
- Former: Malinda Taylor (2022–2024) — Immediate Past Chair
- Former: Evangeline Parker (2020–2023) — Director
- Former: Julie Munsell (2020–2023) — Director
- Former: Lisa Brumley (2020–2023) — Director
- Former: Anita Stafford (2022–2023) — Women United Chair
- Former: Jerald Martin (2022–2023) — Vice Chair
- Former: Cassandra Webb (2023) — Director
- Former: Scott Smith (2023) — Director
- Former: Kim Armstrong (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Samuel Maia (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Josh Caldwell (2022) — Director
- Former: David Stogsdill (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Joyce Taylor (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Justin Spencer (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Kenny Muhammad (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Malinda Taylor See (2020–2021) — Board Chair
- Former: Brad Robertson (2020) — CDO
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $154K, to Valorie Lynn Pharr (CEO).
Frequently asked questions about Heart of Arkansas United Way
How much does Heart of Arkansas United Way give each year?
Heart of Arkansas United Way gave $511K across 26 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $490K across 27 grants.
What is Heart of Arkansas United Way's typical grant size?
Heart of Arkansas United Way's median grant in 2025 was $15,526, and its average grant was $19,672, across 26 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from Heart of Arkansas United Way that year got $10K on average.
Where does Heart of Arkansas United Way give grants?
Heart of Arkansas United Way gives mostly in Arkansas: 96% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Little Rock, AR (20 grants).
Does Heart of Arkansas United Way give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 26 grants with a stated purpose on Heart of Arkansas United Way's 2025 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Community Investment Grant & Designation Payment" (17 grants) and "Designation Payment" (6 grants).
Who are Heart of Arkansas United Way's largest grantees?
Heart of Arkansas United Way's largest 2025 grantees include Our House Inc ($136,744), Children's Protection Center ($24,828) and Immerse Arkansas ($24,614), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. Together they received 36% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Heart of Arkansas United Way?
Heart of Arkansas United Way reported $8.9M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $5.0M.
What does Heart of Arkansas United Way fund?
The organization states that it invests in programs intended to make a measurable impact, engages the community in volunteer service, and develops partnerships to address community challenges. Its focus areas are Youth Opportunity, Financial Security, Healthy Community, and Community Resiliency. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Heart of Arkansas United Way?
Heart of Arkansas United Way has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check heartaruw.org for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is Heart of Arkansas United Way's EIN?
Heart of Arkansas United Way's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 71-0329790. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(7)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS May 18, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS May 15, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS May 15, 2025)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS February 25, 2026)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS April 29, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS May 16, 2022)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2025
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Heart of Arkansas United Way funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 5, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/heart-of-arkansas-united-way-morg_1d4246fd2129401f96ee3c90d03e6bc1
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_710329790_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Heart of Arkansas United Way funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/heart-of-arkansas-united-way-morg_1d4246fd2129401f96ee3c90d03e6bc1},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-05. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from Heart of Arkansas United Way's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
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