Arkansas nonprofits prepare for possible recession, shift in giving

KUAR | By Antoinette Grajeda / Arkansas Advocate

Philanthropic giving remains fairly steady for many Arkansas nonprofits despite continuing inflation and the possibility of a recession.

While several organizations are on track to meet their fundraising goals, some have experienced slight dips in support. But they’re not yet concerned because December is traditionally a busy time for charitable donations.

“Whether we step into a recession or not, I don’t worry about the generosity of Arkansans or what giving rates will be because historically they’ve been very good to the nonprofits in their communities,” said Jessica Ford, Arkansas Community Foundation’s chief communications officer.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/local-regional-news/2022-12-28/arkansas-nonprofits-prepare-for-possible-recession-shift-in-giving

Food Bank Of Northeast Arkansas

Volunteers collected items for the Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas’ annual food drive in November.

Arkansas coalition that eliminated medical debt now working on new measures

KUAR | By Roby Brock / Talk Business & Politics

Last month, a broad coalition of Arkansas nonprofits and donors coordinated the elimination of $35 million in medical debt for over 23,000 Arkansans. Leaders from two of the organizing groups say there is still much work to be done in this area and they hope to advance public policies addressing systemic challenges to lower-income citizens who encounter medical emergencies.

Dr. Sherece West-Scantlebury, president and CEO of the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation, and Abby Hughes Holsclaw, senior director for Arkansas Asset Funders Network, say that medical debt can derail the financial stability of asset-limited, income-constrained, employed (ALICE) workers. ALICE workers have jobs, but they are typically lower paying and don’t always offer benefits. A $1,500 (or higher) medical bill can result in financial challenges related to their jobs, child care, transportation or other health concerns.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/local-regional-news/2022-02-07/arkansas-coalition-that-eliminated-medical-debt-now-working-on-new-measures

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