The Methodist Foundation for Arkansas
The Methodist Foundation for Arkansas is a Little Rock-based public charity that establishes and manages charitable funds to strengthen and expand Methodist ministries across Arkansas. It provides financial support for Methodist churches, organizations, and ministries, with grant funding drawn from endowment income.
The Methodist Foundation for Arkansas at a glance
In short: The Methodist Foundation for Arkansas gave $1.3M across 50 grants in 2024 (avg $26K), mostly in Arkansas. 75% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $1,321,078
- -5.0% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 50
- +47.1% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $26,422
- -35.4% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $15,000
- Total assets
- $226,412,419
- +4.3% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 75% first-time grantees (36 of 48, 2024)
- Primary geography
- Arkansas (97% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to The Methodist Foundation for Arkansas
- Contact
Mailing address: 601 Wellington Village Rd, Little Rock, AR 72211
Phone: (501) 664-8632
Website: https://methodistfoundationar.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who The Methodist Foundation for Arkansas funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Arkansas Conference UMC ($418K). Together the top 10 received $792K.
Grant Size Distribution
158 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 134 grants of 158 (85%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Foundation’s mission focuses on Methodist ministries across Arkansas. In 2024, 97% of reported grant dollars went to recipients in Arkansas, 2% to Tennessee, and 1% to Texas.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 50 itemized grants.
Cities
Is The Methodist Foundation for Arkansas open to new grantees?
75%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 36 of 48 grantees (75%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $15K; repeat grants $65K. How we count
Medians: $10K first-time, $33K repeat.
- 19% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2021 to 2024 (−7%). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2020–2024). 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 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $1.3M (2024) to $1.5M (2020). In 2024 it made 50 grants totaling $1.3M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| 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 |
| Mountain Home Food Bank Mountain Home, AR | Religious | $40,000 |
| 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 |
Ready to take the next step with The Methodist Foundation for Arkansas?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
The grant totals above are reported separately from revenue and expenses.
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $226,412,419 | $6,749,250 | $3,502,468 | $1,321,078 | 50 | $3,041,496 |
| 2023 | $217,049,129 | $6,030,554 | $3,605,185 | $1,391,235 | 34 | $2,028,936 |
| 2022 | $198,653,001 | $8,307,370 | $3,618,153 | $1,509,163 | 32 | $3,543,205 |
| 2021 | $242,079,411 | $6,236,319 | $3,116,361 | $1,415,959 | 27 | $1,816,714 |
| 2020 | $215,887,227 | $18,394,986 | $3,060,579 | $1,533,276 | 15 | $15,687,689 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The Foundation’s mission is to establish and manage charitable funds to strengthen and expand Methodist ministries across Arkansas. Its stated grant funding mission is to strengthen and expand the relevance of the Methodist Church in Arkansas by supporting innovative and creative ministries.
The Foundation has described funding the Arkansas Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church and churches within the Conference, Mt. Eagle Retreat Center, and nonprofit organizations supporting Methodist ministries. Its grant priorities, effective January 1, 2026, are food security, homelessness and poverty; clergy and laity education, including clergy self-care; and community health, including health, mental health, and medical services.
Examples of organizations supported in 2024 illustrate the range of grantees. The Manna Center describes its work as providing emergency food and clothing and referrals to people in crisis. Community Rescue Mission says it provides food and shelter in a safe, Christian environment. Methodist Family Health describes its purpose as supporting the charitable purposes of United Methodist behavioral health and children’s organizations. Hendrix College says it cultivates learning and personal development through a liberal arts education.
Grantmaking
The Foundation awards grants through its Grant Committee, using endowment resources. In 2024, it reported 50 grants totaling $1,321,078. Grants ranged from $5,000 to $417,569, with a median of $15,000. The Foundation also reported that it made more than $2.1 million in grants in 2025, at the discretion of its Board of Directors.
The largest reported 2024 awards included $417,569 to Arkansas Conference UMC, $65,000 to Mt Eagle Retreat Center, $50,000 each to Hendrix College and Philander Smith University, and $40,000 to Mountain Home Food Bank. Other notable awards included $38,002 to Methodist Family Health, $35,000 to The Manna Center, and $30,000 to Imagination Library.
The Foundation has announced a competitive program offering up to $10,000 for new, creative, and innovative local church mission projects. It seeks congregational partners through a Request for Proposals; the available information does not specify application materials or a deadline.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing listed Mr. Sam Gibson as board chairperson, Mr. Bert Kell as vice chairperson, and Rev. Phil Hathcock as secretary. Other listed board members were Rev. Andrea Cummings, Dr. Debby Fiser, Rev. J.J. Galloway, Mr. Bill Kincaid, Mr. Eddie Martin, Rev. Ronnie Miller-Yow, and Mr. Gary Nutter.
The Foundation’s 2026 second-quarter grant announcement identified Rev. J. Wayne Clark as its president and CEO.
The Methodist Foundation for Arkansas is led by J Wayne Clark, President & CEO on every filing since 2020; 3 of 21 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
J Wayne Clark
President & CEO
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$189K (2020) → $221K (2024)
Sam Gibson
Board of Directors - Chairperson
Board of Directors → Board of Directors - Vice Chairman, 2021
Board of Directors - Vice Chairman → Board of Directors - Chairperson, 2022
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Lynn Kilbourne
Director of Development
Board of Directors → Director of Development, 2022
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$101K (2022) → $110K (2024)
Clarence E Trice
Senior Vice President & CFO
Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer → Senior Vice President & CFO, 2022
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$147K (2020) → $173K (2024)
Bill Kincaid
Board of Directors
On filings since 2020
No compensation reported
Calvin White Jr.
Board of Directors
On filings since 2020
No compensation reported
Debby Fiser
Board of Directors
On filings since 2020
No compensation reported
Dewitt Smith
Board of Directors
Board of Directros → Board of Directors, 2022
On filings since 2020
No compensation reported
Gary Nutter
Board of Directors
On filings since 2020
No compensation reported
Phil Hathcock
Board of Directors - Secretary
Board of Directors Secretary → Board of Directors - Secretary, 2022
On filings since 2020
No compensation reported
Steve Shults
Board of Directors
On filings since 2020
No compensation reported
Andrea Cummings
Board of Directors
On filings since 2021
No compensation reported
Bert Kell
Board of Directors - Vice Chairperson
Board of Directors → Board of Directors - Vice Chairperson, 2023
On filings since 2021
No compensation reported
Jan Pugh
Board of Directors
On filings since 2021
No compensation reported
Jill Penick
Board of Directors
On filings since 2022
No compensation reported
Eddie Martin
Board of Directors
On filings since 2023
No compensation reported
JJ Galloway
Board of Directors
On filings since 2023
No compensation reported
Judy Rudd
Board of Directors
On filings since 2023
No compensation reported
Loria Oliver
Board of Directors
On filings since 2023
No compensation reported
Ronnie Miller-Yow
Board of Directors
On filings since 2023
No compensation reported
Bud Reeves
Board of Directors
New on the 2024 filing
No compensation reported
Former officers (11)
- Former: Eddie H Walker Jr. (2020–2023) — Board of Directors
- Former: Becki Lusk (2020–2022) — Board of Directors
- Former: Eddie Schieffler (2020–2022) — Board of Directors
- Former: Mable Donaldson (2020–2022) — Board of Directors
- Former: Pam Harris (2020–2022) — Board of Directors
- Former: Natasha Murray - vice chair (2022) — Board of Directors
- Former: Ginny Kurrus (2020–2021) — Board of Directors - Chairperson
- Former: Natasha MurrayNorman (2020–2021) — Board of Directors
- Former: Beth Deere (2020) — Board of Directors Chairperson
- Former: Clefton Vaughan (2020) — Board of Directors
- Former: Janet K Marshall (2020) — Vice President of Development
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $221K, to Rev J Wayne Clark (President and CEO). 3 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about The Methodist Foundation for Arkansas
How much does The Methodist Foundation for Arkansas give each year?
The Methodist Foundation for Arkansas gave $1.3M across 50 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $1.4M across 34 grants.
What is The Methodist Foundation for Arkansas's typical grant size?
The Methodist Foundation for Arkansas's median grant in 2024 was $15,000, and its average grant was $26,422, across 50 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from The Methodist Foundation for Arkansas that year got $15K on average.
Where does The Methodist Foundation for Arkansas give grants?
The Methodist Foundation for Arkansas gives mostly in Arkansas: 97% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Little Rock, AR (18 grants), Fayetteville, AR (5 grants), Rogers, AR (3 grants) and Clinton, AR (2 grants).
Does The Methodist Foundation for Arkansas give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 50 grants with a stated purpose on The Methodist Foundation for Arkansas's 2024 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Religious" (47 grants).
Who are The Methodist Foundation for Arkansas's largest grantees?
The Methodist Foundation for Arkansas's largest 2024 grantees include Arkansas Conference UMC ($417,569), Mt Eagle Retreat Center ($65,000) and Hendrix College ($50,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. Together they received 40% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is The Methodist Foundation for Arkansas?
The Methodist Foundation for Arkansas reported $226.4M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $6.7M.
What does The Methodist Foundation for Arkansas fund?
The Foundation’s mission is to establish and manage charitable funds to strengthen and expand Methodist ministries across Arkansas. Its stated grant funding mission is to strengthen and expand the relevance of the Methodist Church in Arkansas by supporting innovative and creative ministries. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The Methodist Foundation for Arkansas?
The Methodist Foundation for Arkansas has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check methodistfoundationar.org for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
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.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(6)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS November 11, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 12, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS November 11, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS November 12, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 14, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The Methodist Foundation for Arkansas's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance Inc
Little Rock, AR
The Alliance funds Arkansas hunger-relief work, including food access, nutrition education, emergency food programs, and member organizations’ capacity-building. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,199 to $282,685, with a median of $18,122; opportunities are described for Alliance members serving communities across Arkansas.
Assets
$4.9M
Grants
38
Total Given
$1.1M
Arkansas Children's Hospital
Little Rock, AR
Arkansas Children’s Hospital funds pediatric healthcare, child-health research, and community programs, primarily in Arkansas. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,800 to $8.27 million, with a median of $11,750; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$1.4B
Grants
28
Total Given
$11.6M
Heart of Arkansas United Way
Little Rock, AR
Heart of Arkansas United Way supports measurable programs focused on youth opportunity, financial security, health, and community resiliency, especially for people below the ALICE threshold or federal poverty line. Its Community Investment Grants offer $3,000–$12,000 for six months, with possible renewal, to eligible 501(c)(3) organizations serving Pulaski, Lonoke, or Saline Counties in Arkansas. The profile does not state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.
Assets
$8.9M
Grants
26
Total Given
$511K
Arkansas Community Foundation Inc
Little Rock, AR
Arkansas Community Foundation funds charitable work in education, community life, family services and health, including programs for food security, early literacy and the arts, primarily across Arkansas through statewide and local grant programs. Its 2025 grants had a median award of $17,000, though amounts varied widely; it accepts applications through specific competitive programs, but the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests generally.
Assets
$895.9M
Grants
827
Total Given
$58.7M
Roy and Christine Sturgis Charitable
Dallas, TX
The foundation funds educational, cultural, human services, and health care programs, including capital projects, medical research, and endowments, primarily in Arkansas and Texas, with an emphasis on the Dallas area. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,000 to $250,000, with a median of $20,000. It accepts applications from eligible 501(c)(3) organizations; the deadline is March 1.
Assets
$33.5M
Grants
82
Total Given
$2.1M
Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation Inc
Sherwood, AR
The Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation funds Arkansas oral-health treatment, prevention, education, and access initiatives, especially those serving underserved residents. Its 2024 grants had a median of $26,050; Community Grants are typically $2,500–$40,000, with smaller mini-grants available. The profile describes an online application process but does not state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.
Assets
$19.4M
Grants
47
Total Given
$2.1M
More similar funders
More Funders in Arkansas
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). The Methodist Foundation for Arkansas funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 14, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/the-methodist-foundation-for-arkansas-morg_5a325d22f8a74c25810dfd71ebbec98c
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_710525462_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{The Methodist Foundation for Arkansas funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/the-methodist-foundation-for-arkansas-morg_5a325d22f8a74c25810dfd71ebbec98c},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-14. 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 The Methodist Foundation for Arkansas'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.
The Methodist Foundation for Arkansas down — hundreds of funders to go?