Welcome to the debut episode of You’re Invited, the podcast from Inviting Arkansas, hosted by Kim Meyer-Webb. In this episode, we continue the vital conversations that start within the pages of Inviting Arkansas Magazine by introducing you to the people, organizations, and missions that strengthen our communities across the state. Today, Kim sits down with Jessica Ford, the newly appointed President and CEO of the Arkansas Community Foundation, as the organization celebrates its milestone 50th anniversary. Jessica shares her inspiring journey from her small hometown of Redfield, Arkansas, to taking the helm of one of the state's most influential philanthropic organizations, building on a legacy that has already granted more than $600 million to nonprofits and stewards over $1 billion in assets.

During their conversation, Jessica demystifies the idea of philanthropy, explaining that you do not need extraordinary wealth to be a philanthropist because the Foundation offers a accessible $1,000 minimum to establish a fund that can grow over time through the power of endowment. She highlights the critical role of the Foundation’s statewide affiliate network, which features 29 local offices run by local boards who use the flagship Giving Tree program to make sure grant decisions remain deeply rooted in the communities they serve. Jessica also shares a behind-the-scenes look at how the Foundation steps into a vital leadership role during statewide crises to safely coordinate relief funding, drawing on their recent experiences helping communities navigate tornadoes, the pandemic, and the tragic mass shooting in Fordyce, Arkansas. Beyond direct grantmaking, they discuss how the Foundation utilizes data to act as a statewide matchmaker, connecting local leaders and resources to tackle core issues like early literacy, food security, and maternal health. To learn more about how you can get involved, apply for grants, or start your own family legacy of giving, you can visit the Arkansas Community Foundation website at arcf.org and explore the latest issue of Inviting Arkansas Magazine online at invitingarkansas.com.