The Methodist Foundation for Arkansas is a 501(c)(3) religious nonprofit organization established in 1963 to support Methodist ministries across Arkansas. Headquartered in Little Rock, the Foundation creates and administers permanent charitable endowments that strengthen and expand Methodist ministries throughout the state. The organization operates as a public charity with donor-advised funds and maintains a network of relationships with over 170 churches across Arkansas.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$226.4M
+4.3% YoY
Annual Giving
$1.3M
-5.0% YoY
Grant Count
50
+47.1% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$26K
-35.4% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
Mission: The Methodist Foundation for Arkansas establishes and manages charitable funds to strengthen and expand Methodist ministries across Arkansas. By offering financial resources, the Foundation empowers Arkansas Methodist churches, individuals, and organizations to make a difference in the lives of others.
Primary Focus Areas:
- Clergy and lay leadership development
- Hunger relief and food security
- Children's ministries
- Support for the Arkansas Conference of the United Methodist Church and various churches within the Conference
- Educational support, including funding for Philander Smith University (an HBCU sponsored by the United Methodist Church) to provide quality education regardless of race, religion, sex, national origin, or ethnic background
- Community health initiatives, including support for the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences' 12th Street Clinic
Grantmaking
The Foundation operates a robust grant administration program through its Grant Administration Committee. In 2025, the Foundation demonstrated significant grantmaking activity:
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Methodist Foundation for Arkansas focuses exclusively on Arkansas, working with churches and Methodist-related institutions throughout the state.
Grant Distribution by State
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of 2024:
- Total Assets: $226 million
- Total Revenue: $6.75 million
- Total Expenses: $3.5 million
- Total Liabilities: $117 million
As of 2023:
- Total Assets: $217 million
- Total Revenue: $6 million
- Total Expenses: $3.6 million
Historical Growth:
- Founded in 1963 with initial assets of $100,000
- Assets grew to over $190 million by 2020
- Currently manages over $200 million in assets
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $226,412,419 | $217,049,129 | $198,653,001 |
| Revenue | $6,749,250 | $6,030,554 | $8,307,370 |
| Expenses | $3,502,468 | $3,605,185 | $3,618,153 |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | $3,041,496 | $2,028,936 | $3,543,205 |
| Distributable Amount | — | — | — |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
158 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include Arkansas Conference UMC ($417,569), Mt Eagle Retreat Center ($65,000), Hendrix College ($50,000).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Conference UMC Little Rock, AR | Religious | $417,569 |
| Mt Eagle Retreat Center Clinton, AR | Religious | $65,000 |
| Hendrix College Conway, AR | Religious | $50,000 |
| Philander Smith University Little Rock, AR | Religious | $50,000 |
| Methodist Family Health Little Rock, AR | Religious | $38,002 |
| The Manna Center Siloam Springs, AR | Religious | $35,000 |
| Imagination Library Little Rock, AR | Religious | $30,000 |
| Wesley College - Tanzania Clarksville, TN | Religious | $30,000 |
| The Centers Little Rock, AR | Religious | $25,000 |
| Mountain Home Food Bank Mountain Home, AR | Religious | $40,000 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
- Rev. J. Wayne Clark – President and CEO
- Jim Argue, Jr. – Former President and CEO (joined in 1981 when assets were $100,000)
- Cathy Hall – Contact person listed
The Foundation is supported by a nine-person staff and a network of consultants and advisors who assist in audit, investments, legal affairs, and technology.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rev Andrea Cummings | Board of directors | — | — |
| Dr Debby Fiser | Board of directors | — | — |
| Rev JJ Galloway | Board of directors | — | — |
| Mr Sam Gibson | Board of directors - Chairperson | 5 | — |
| Rev Phil Hathcock | Board of directors - secretary | — | — |
| Mr Bert Kell | Board of directors - vice chairperson | — | — |
| Mr Bill Kincaid | Board of directors | — | — |
| Mr Eddie Martin | Board of directors | — | — |
| Rev Ronnie Miller-Yow | Board of directors | — | — |
| Mr Gary Nutter | Board of directors | — | — |
| Ms Loria Oliver | Board of directors | — | — |
| Mrs Jill Penick | Board of directors | — | — |
| Mrs Jan Pugh | Board of directors | — | — |
| Rev Bud Reeves | Board of directors | — | — |
| Rev Judy Rudd | Board of directors | — | — |
| Mr Steve Shults | Board of directors | — | — |
| Mr Dewitt Smith | Board of directors | — | — |
| Dr Calvin White | Board of directors | — | — |
| Rev J Wayne Clark | President and CEO | 40 | $220,500 |
| Mr Clarence E Trice | Senior Vice President and CFO | 40 | $172,600 |
| Rev Lynn Kilbourne | Director of Development | 40 | $110,400 |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
**Q3 2025:** The Grant Administration Committee awarded 25 grants, bringing year-to-date total to $1.9 million, exceeding the previous year's full 12-month total of $1.8 million
Methodist Foundation for Arkansas disburses nearly $2 million in grants -**2023:** Received a $1.24 million grant from Lilly Endowment
Methodist Foundation for Arkansas disburses nearly $2 million in grants -The Foundation continues to expand its grant ministry through monthly meetings of the Grant Administration Committee
Methodist Foundation for AR Announces Grants Made in Q1 2025Contact Information
- Address: 601 Wellington Village Road, Little Rock, AR 72211-2294
- Phone: 501-664-8632
- Website: methodistfoundationar.org
- EIN: 71-0525462
- Tax-Exempt Status: 501(c)(3), tax-exempt since July 2006
Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Frequently Asked Questions
What does The Methodist Foundation for Arkansas fund?
**Mission:** The Methodist Foundation for Arkansas establishes and manages charitable funds to strengthen and expand Methodist ministries across Arkansas. By offering financial resources, the Foundation empowers Arkansas Methodist churches, individuals, and organizations to make a difference in the lives of others. **Primary Focus Areas:** • Clergy and lay leadership development • Hunger relief and food security • Children's ministries • Support for the Arkansas Conference of the United Methodi…
How do I apply for a grant from The Methodist Foundation for Arkansas?
The Foundation operates a robust grant administration program through its Grant Administration Committee. In 2025, the Foundation demonstrated significant grantmaking activity: • **Q3 2025:** Awarded 25 grants totaling over $1.9 million year-to-date, surpassing the previous year's 12-month total of just over $1.8 million • **Annual Distribution:** Distributes nearly $6 million annually to local church/institutional clients and grant recipients • **Grant Portfolio:** Manages over 800 accounts Th…
Where does The Methodist Foundation for Arkansas make grants?
The Methodist Foundation for Arkansas focuses exclusively on Arkansas, working with churches and Methodist-related institutions throughout the state.
What size grants does The Methodist Foundation for Arkansas award?
In 2024, The Methodist Foundation for Arkansas awarded 50 grants totaling $1.3M — an average of about $26K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
What is The Methodist Foundation for Arkansas's EIN?
The Methodist Foundation for Arkansas's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 71-0525462. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The Methodist Foundation for Arkansas's focus areas in our free grants database
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Data last updated June 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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