University of Arkansas Foundation Inc
The University of Arkansas Foundation Inc is a public charity based in Fayetteville, Arkansas. It is a nonprofit corporation established under Arkansas law and exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(3). Its primary purpose is to advance higher education by securing private financial support for the University of Arkansas System and distributing or using assets for the benefit of its campuses according to donor-stipulated purposes.
University of Arkansas Foundation Inc at a glance
In short: University of Arkansas Foundation Inc gave $135.0M across 12 grants in 2025 (avg $11.3M), mostly in Arkansas. 0% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $135,022,878
- -1.3% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 12
- +0.0% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $11,251,907
- -1.3% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $1,947,758
- Total assets
- $2,250,433,051
- +7.8% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 0% first-time grantees (0 of 12, 2025; small sample)
- Primary geography
- Arkansas (100% 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 University of Arkansas Foundation Inc
- Contact
Mailing address: 535 Research Center Blvd 120, Fayetteville, AR 72701
Phone: (479) 575-5581
Website: https://uarkfoundation.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who University of Arkansas Foundation Inc funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was University of Arkansas Fayetteville ($78.8M). Together the top 10 received $134.8M.
Grant Size Distribution
60 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was $5M or more: 19 grants of 60 (32%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
All grant dollars reported for filing year 2025 went to recipients in Arkansas.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 12 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is University of Arkansas Foundation Inc open to new grantees?
0%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 0 of 12 grantees (0%) were first-time recipients. With only 12 grantees, that is a small sample: one grantee more or less moves the share by about 8 points. How we count
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2019–2025). 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 2019 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $69.4M (2019) to $136.8M (2024). In 2025 it made 12 grants totaling $135.0M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| University of Arkansas Fayetteville Fayetteville, AR | Educational/Research | $78,790,187 |
| University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Little Rock, AR | Educational/Research | $26,857,065 |
| University of Arkansas at Little Rock Little Rock, AR | Educational/Research | $12,224,757 |
| University of Arkansas System Little Rock, AR | Educational/Research | $8,554,281 |
| University of Arkansas at Monticello Monticello, AR | Educational/Research | $3,274,444 |
| University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Pine Bluff, AR | Educational/Research | $1,978,853 |
| Division of Agriculture Little Rock, AR | Educational/Research | $1,916,662 |
| University of Arkansas Pulaski Technical College North Little Rock, AR | Educational/Research | $522,230 |
| University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton Morrilton, AR | Educational/Research | $412,453 |
| Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas Helena, AR | Educational/Research | $237,573 |
Ready to take the next step with University of Arkansas Foundation Inc?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
The Foundation’s FY 2025 investment commentary reports that its endowment investment pool was $2.8 billion and returned 11.9% net of investment expenses for the 12 months ending June 30, 2025.
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $2,250,433,051 | $154,079,588 | $142,873,537 | $135,022,878 | 12 | $61,427,109 |
| 2024 | $2,087,613,897 | $122,885,875 | $146,613,036 | $136,817,950 | 12 | $50,536,989 |
| 2023 | $1,953,877,195 | $131,431,688 | $133,651,457 | $124,611,315 | 12 | $57,587,027 |
| 2022 | $1,894,141,764 | $77,874,519 | $104,871,250 | $94,208,387 | 12 | $7,396,411 |
| 2021 | $2,089,992,333 | $297,590,096 | $78,995,664 | $70,275,302 | 12 | $31,289,659 |
| 2020 | $1,430,113,011 | $101,378,440 | $78,653,064 | $72,756,885 | 11 | $9,037,829 |
| 2019 | $1,378,849,916 | $199,965,888 | $77,448,956 | $69,355,873 | 11 | $9,466,177 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The Foundation’s mission, as stated in its 2024 filing, is to “provide support for the University of Arkansas System.” Its filing describes funds allocated to supported organizations for construction and equipment; research, faculty and staff support, scholarships and awards; and other program expenses.
The Foundation’s 2025 filing lists grants for educational and research purposes to University of Arkansas System campuses and related units. One recipient, the University of Arkansas Fayetteville, describes its own mission as providing support for its Honors College and Graduate School.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, the Foundation reported 12 grants totaling $135,022,878. Grant amounts ranged from $106,701 to $78,790,187, with a median of $1,947,758. The largest grants included $78,790,187 to the University of Arkansas Fayetteville, $26,857,065 to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, $12,224,757 to the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, and $8,554,281 to the University of Arkansas System. The filing identifies the purposes of these grants as educational and research.
The Foundation’s FY 2025 investment commentary says approximately $101 million was distributed from its endowment pool under its spending policy during the fiscal year. It states that the vast majority was directed by donors for use on a particular campus to support students, faculty, or educational programs.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The Foundation’s website says it is governed by a 28-member voluntary board of directors. The 2025 filing lists these officers and directors: Cliff Gibson III, Ted Dickey, Mike Akin, Mark Waldrip, Ann Rosso, Tim O’Donnell, Beau Blair, Patti Bailey, Cheryl Shuffield, and Cynthia Conger. Beau Blair is listed as board member/vice chair; the others are listed as board members.
University of Arkansas Foundation Inc is led by Clay H. Davis, President & CEO since 2022 (on filings since 2019); 8 of 33 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Clay H. Davis
President & CEO
President, CEO & Treasurer → President & CEO, 2022
On filings since 2019
40 hrs/week
$365K (2019) → $465K (2025)
Scott Saffold
Board Member & Chair
Board Member → Board Member & Vice Chair, 2023
Board Member & Vice Chair → Board Member & Chair, 2025
On filings since 2019
0.1 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Vickie Ferguson
Vice President & Director of Investments
Vice President & Director of Investments → Vice President & Director of Investment, 2020
Vice President & Director of Investment → Vice President & Director of Investments, 2021
On filings since 2019
40 hrs/week
$182K (2019) → $226K (2025)
Robyn Winkle
Director Data Systems
Applications Administrator → Director Data Systems, 2023
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$101K (2020) → $120K (2025)
Barbara Esch
Controller
Senior Accountant → Controller, 2024
On filings since 2019
40 hrs/week
$102K (2019) → $152K (2025)
Dianna Lee
Vice President Administration
Vice President, COO & Secretary → Vice President & COO, 2022
Vice President & COO → Vice President Administration, 2023
On filings since 2019
40 hrs/week
$237K (2019) → $267K (2025)
Robert Koster
Executive Vice President & COO
Vice President & CFO → Executive Vice President & COO, 2023
On filings since 2019
40 hrs/week
$203K (2019) → $296K (2025)
Traci Phelan
Associate Vice President & CFO
Controller → Associate Vice President & Controller, 2023
Associate Vice President & Controller → Associate Vice President & CFO, 2024
On filings since 2019
40 hrs/week
$129K (2019) → $213K (2025)
Amy Bell
Accounts Payable Manager
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$102K (2023) → $118K (2025)
Ann Rosso
Board Member
Board Member & Vice Chair → Board Member & Chair, 2023
Board Member & Chair → Board Member, 2025
On filings since 2019
0.1 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Archie Schaffer
Board Member
On filings since 2019
0.1 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Calvin Booker Sr.
Board Member
On filings since 2019
0.1 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Cynthia Conger
Board Member
On filings since 2019
0.1 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Dick Trammel
Board Member
On filings since 2019
0.1 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Ed Copeland
Board Member
On filings since 2019
0.1 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Kevin Rose
Board Member
On filings since 2019
0.1 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Kevin Stephenson
Board Member
On filings since 2019
0.1 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Mark Waldrip
Board Member
Board Member & Chair → Board Member, 2020
On filings since 2019
0.1 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Mike Akin
Board Member
On filings since 2019
0.1 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Patti Bailey
Board Member
On filings since 2019
0.1 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Scott McKennon
Board Member
On filings since 2019
0.1 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Ashley Welch Hudson
Board Member
On filings since 2020
0.1 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Beau Blair
Board Member & Vice Chair
Board Member → Board Member & Vice Chair, 2025
On filings since 2020
0.1 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Rick Duffield
Board Member
On filings since 2020
0.1 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Cliff Gibson III
Board Member
On filings since 2022
0.1 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Natalie Rockefeller
Board Member
On filings since 2022
0.1 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Randy Risher
Board Member
On filings since 2023
0.1 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Tim O'Donnell
Board Member
On filings since 2023
0.1 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Cheryl Shuffield
Board Member
On filings since 2024
0.1 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Ted Dickey
Board Member
On filings since 2024
0.1 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Josh Zylks
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
0.1 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Lester Matlock
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
0.1 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Velois Bowers
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
0.1 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (13)
- Former: Diane S. Gilleland (2019–2024) — Board Member
- Former: Ned Hendrix (2021–2024) — Board Member
- Former: Don L. Gibson (2019–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Peter G. Kumpe (2019–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Ben Hyneman (2020–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Mary Ann Greenwood (2019–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Rick Chapman (2019–2022) — Board Member & Chair
- Former: Sean Rochelle (2019–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Virginia Stuart Cobb (2019–2021) — Board Member
- Former: Catherine Renner (2019–2020) — Accounts Payable Manager
- Former: Charles Scharlau (2019–2020) — Board Member
- Former: Freddie Black (2019) — Board Member
- Former: Lewis E. Epley Jr. (2019) — Board Member
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2019–2025. "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 $465K, to Dr Clay H Davis (President/CEO). 8 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about University of Arkansas Foundation Inc
How much does University of Arkansas Foundation Inc give each year?
University of Arkansas Foundation Inc gave $135.0M across 12 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $136.8M across 12 grants.
What is University of Arkansas Foundation Inc's typical grant size?
University of Arkansas Foundation Inc's median grant in 2025 was $1,947,758, and its average grant was $11,251,907, across 12 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990.
Where does University of Arkansas Foundation Inc give grants?
University of Arkansas Foundation Inc gives mostly in Arkansas: 100% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Little Rock, AR (4 grants).
Does University of Arkansas Foundation Inc give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 12 grants with a stated purpose on University of Arkansas Foundation Inc's 2025 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Educational/Research" (12 grants).
Who are University of Arkansas Foundation Inc's largest grantees?
University of Arkansas Foundation Inc's largest 2025 grantees include University of Arkansas Fayetteville ($78,790,187), University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences ($26,857,065) and University of Arkansas at Little Rock ($12,224,757), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. Together they received 87% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is University of Arkansas Foundation Inc?
University of Arkansas Foundation Inc reported $2.3B in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $154.1M.
What does University of Arkansas Foundation Inc fund?
The Foundation’s mission, as stated in its 2024 filing, is to “provide support for the University of Arkansas System.” See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from University of Arkansas Foundation Inc?
University of Arkansas Foundation Inc has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check uarkfoundation.org for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is University of Arkansas Foundation Inc's EIN?
University of Arkansas Foundation Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 71-6056774. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2025.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(8)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS May 7, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS May 4, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS May 4, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS May 9, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS May 8, 2025)
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2019 (received by the IRS May 11, 2020)
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS May 7, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). University of Arkansas Foundation Inc funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 4, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/university-of-arkansas-foundation-inc-morg_77be88a992cb400f891937ff36d98dfd
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_716056774_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{University of Arkansas Foundation Inc funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/university-of-arkansas-foundation-inc-morg_77be88a992cb400f891937ff36d98dfd},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-04. 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 University of Arkansas Foundation Inc'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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