The Whitaker Family Foundation concentrates its giving in Northwest Arkansas, prioritizing capital and expansion projects that serve children and families. Major gifts fund pediatric health infrastructure, youth sports and recreation facilities, and faith-based camp development, with occasional support for in-home hospice care. They typically fund locally rooted organizations and landmark building campaigns rather than broad operating budgets.
The Whitaker Family Foundation’s recent giving is defined by large capital commitments to children’s health infrastructure in Northwest Arkansas, led by two consecutive seven-figure grants to Arkansas Children’s Hospital Northwest for the Arkansas Children’s Northwest expansion. Around that anchor, the foundation backs projects that build or expand places where children, families, and youth gather or receive care: Arkansas Athletes Outreach for the construction and operation of the Community Sports Center in Rogers, Arkansas; Circle of Life for the Center for In-Home Care, Expanding the Circle campaign in Springdale; and Camp Siloam’s Centennial Lake project in Siloam Springs. The pattern is not limited to one service type. Alongside healthcare and recreation, the foundation funds camp facilities, family support services, and selected education or enrichment efforts for children and youth. Its grants often support named building campaigns, renovations, or program expansions rather than general-purpose unrestricted support. The recent record also shows repeated support for the same organizations across multiple years, suggesting ongoing relationships with a relatively small set of local and regional recipients.
Children’s health is a central theme. The foundation awarded $192,344 to Arkansas Children’s Hospital Northw in Springdale for expert pediatric care, and later directed seven-figure support to Arkansas Children’s Hospital Northwest for expansion work. It also funds medical and clinical research through active grant programs focused on children with chronic or serious medical conditions, including clinical trials and disease prevention. Youth recreation is another clear area: Arkansas Athletes Outreach received $303,924 in 2024 and $306,636 in 2023 for the Community Sports Center in Rogers, Arkansas. Camp and retreat infrastructure also appears in the grant record, including $161,805 to Arkansas Baptist Assembly Inc Dba Camp Siloam for the Centennial Lake project. Family support services show up as well, with The Call in Crawford & Sebastian Counties receiving $110,000 in 2026 for the Families in Crisis project.
Whitaker Family Foundation grants commonly sit in the middle-to-upper range for its portfolio: the typical grant size is $27,910 at the 25th percentile, $75,000 at the median, and $162,310 at the 75th percentile. The record shows repeat support to several organizations over multiple years, including Arkansas Children’s Hospital Northwest, Circle of Life, and Arkansas Athletes Outreach, which points to sustained relationships rather than one-off awards. The foundation is a family foundation, has an annual grantmaking level of $1,949,476, and accepts unsolicited applications in several of its active grant programs. It also funds individuals, though the recent-grants record here centers on organizational grants.
$1.9M
$20.3M
$4.5M
$2.3M
Most grants fall between $28K and $162K, with a median of $75K.
25th Percentile
$28K
Median
$75K
75th Percentile
$162K
About 78% of grants go to recipients in MO.
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Concentrated, large-dollar grants to a small number of local organizations, often repeat grants and directed toward capital/expansion campaigns rather than many small awards or unrestricted operating support.
Notable grantees: Arkansas Children’s Hospital Northwest, Arkansas Athletes Outreach, Arkansas Baptist Assembly (Camp Siloam), Circle of Life
Grant dollars land primarily in Arkansas, with 78% of grants going to recipients in the HQ state. The top state by grant count is Missouri, reflecting repeated awards to Branson, Sedalia, and Springfield-based recipients. Within Arkansas, grants cluster in Little Rock, Springdale, Fayetteville, Rogers, Bentonville, Siloam Springs, and Fort Smith. Outside the state, the recent record also includes Colcord, Oklahoma, and Pinedale, Wyoming, but the portfolio is overwhelmingly regional and Arkansas-centered.
Its recent grants center on children’s health, pediatric care, youth recreation facilities, camp and retreat infrastructure, and selected family-support services. The largest awards go to capital projects, including hospital expansion and facility construction or renovation.
Yes. Several active grant programs explicitly accept unsolicited applications, including Whitaker Family Foundation Grants, Youth Education, Engagement & Capacity Grants, and multiple children’s health grant programs.
The foundation’s grant-size distribution is $27,910 at the 25th percentile, $75,000 at the median, and $162,310 at the 75th percentile. That places a large share of its awards in the mid-five-figure to low-six-figure range.
Arkansas receives 78% of grants by recipient location, but Missouri is the top state by grant count. The recent record includes recipients in Branson, Springfield, and Sedalia, alongside a larger Arkansas cluster.
Several recipients appear in multiple years, including Arkansas Children’s Hospital Northwest, Arkansas Athletes Outreach, and Circle of Life. That pattern suggests the foundation often makes repeat commitments to the same organizations and campaigns.
2026
Source: IRS Form 990-PF, fiscal year 2026.
Most recent grants reported to the IRS.
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ARKANSAS CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL NORTHWEST | LITTLE ROCK, AR | $1,017,250 | 2026 | ARKANSAS CHILDREN'S NORTHWEST EXPANSION |
| NEW LIFE RANCH | COLCORD, OK | $250,000 | 2026 | NEW LIFE RANCH AND THE GENERATIONS CAPITAL CAMPAIGN - PHASE 1 |
| BARNABAS FOUNDATION | BRANSON, MO | $204,160 | 2026 | THE CABIN PROJECT AT CAMP BARNABAS |
| CIRCLE OF LIFE | SPRINGDALE, AR | $195,905 | 2026 | CENTER FOR IN-HOME CARE, EXPANDING THE CIRCLE CAMPAIGN |
| THE CALL IN CRAWFORD & SEBASTIAN COUNTIES | FORT SMITH, AR | $110,000 | 2026 | SUPPORT THE FAMILIES IN CRISIS PROJECT |
| RIVER VALLEY FELLOWSHIP OF CHRISTIAN ATHLETES | FORT SMITH, AR | $50,192 | 2026 | 2024 ANNUAL PRESENTING SPONSORSHIP |
| COMPASSION MINISTRIES LTD DBA COMPASSION HOUSE | SPRINGDALE, AR | $40,548 | 2026 | SUPPORT FUNDING FOR STRONGER TOGETHER: HEALING, LEARING, & SUPPORT PROJECT |
| HOME FOR DINNER | ROGERS, AR | $36,421 | 2026 | HOME FOR DINNER SCHOLARSHIPS & FOOD PANTRY SERVICES TO VETERANS/MILITARY |
| SAFE HAVEN MINISTRIES INC | CLARKSVILLE, AR | $25,000 | 2026 | ENDOWMENT TO SUPPORT CONTINUING OPERATIONS |
| DDX3X FOUNDATION | WILMINGTON, DE | $10,000 | 2026 | 2025 DDX3X FAMILY FUN WEEKEND AT CHASTAIN FARMS AND 5K RACE |
| FISHING FOR THE FIGHT | PINEDALE, WY | $10,000 | 2026 | 2025 FUND A NEED |
| ARKANSAS CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL NORTHWEST | LITTLE ROCK, AR | $1,008,846 | 2025 | ARKANSAS CHILDREN'S NORTHWEST EXPANSION |
| CIRCLE OF LIFE | SPRINGDALE, AR | $200,835 | 2025 | CENTER FOR IN-HOME CARE, EXPANDING THE CIRCLE CAMPAIGN |
| ARKANSAS BAPTIST ASSEMBLY INC DBA CAMP SILOAM | SILOAM SPRINGS, AR | $162,815 | 2025 | CONSTRUCTION OF THE CENTENNIAL LAKE PROJECT |
| BARNABAS FOUNDATION | BRANSON, MO | $100,315 | 2025 | THE CABIN PROJECT AT CAMP BARNABAS |
| NWA CHILDREN'S SHELTER | BENTONVILLE, AR | $75,000 | 2025 | EMERGENCY CARE/CASE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM |
| RIVER VALLEY FELLOWSHIP OF CHRISTIAN ATHLETES | FORT SMITH, AR | $50,120 | 2025 | 2024 ANNUAL PRESENTING SPONSORSHIP |
| BRANDON BURLSWORTH FOUNDATION | HARRISON, AR | $5,000 | 2025 | 2024 EYES OF A CHAMPION PROGRAM |
| ARKANSAS ATHLETES OUTREACH | FAYETTEVILLE, AR | $303,924 | 2024 | CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION OF THE COMMUNITY SPORTS CENTER IN ROGERS, ARKANSAS |
| ARKANSAS BAPTIST ASSEMBLY INC DBA CAMP SILOAM | SILOAM SPRINGS, AR | $161,805 | 2024 | CONSTRUCTION OF THE CENTENNIAL LAKE PROJECT |
| THE CALL IN CRAWFORD & SEBASTIAN COUNTIES | FORT SMITH, AR | $101,706 | 2024 | THE CALL SUPPORT CENTER PROJECT |
| BARNABAS FOUNDATION | BRANSON, MO | $90,341 | 2024 | PURCHASE OF NEW DINING HALL TABLES AND SEATING AT CAMP BARNABAS |
| NWA CHILDREN'S SHELTER | BENTONVILLE, AR | $75,029 | 2024 | EMERGENCY CARE/CASE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM |
| COMPASSION MINISTRIES COMPASSION HOUSE | SPRINGDALE, AR | $46,360 | 2024 | FUNDING FOR NEW ROOF, PRIVACY FENCE SPRINKLER SYSTEM, AND SECURITY FOR "RENEE'S HOUSE" |
| RETRIEVING FREEDOM INC | SEDALIA, MO | $30,820 | 2024 | PROVIDE TRAINING OF A SERVICE DOG FOR A CHILD WITH AUTISM |
| RIVER VALLEY FELLOWSHIP OF CHRISTIAN ATHLETES | FORT SMITH, AR | $25,000 | 2024 | 2023 PRESENTING SPONSORSHIP |
| FAULKNER COUNTY COUNCIL ON AGING INC | CONWAY, AR | $2,500 | 2024 | SUPPORT THE OLA & JOHN HAWKS SENIOR CENTER AND ACTIVITIES CENTER IN CONWAY, AR |
| ARKANSAS ATHLETES OUTREACH | FAYETTEVILLE, AR | $306,636 | 2023 | CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION OF THE AAO COMMUNITY SPORTS CENTER IN ROGERS, ARKANSAS |
| ARKANSAS CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL NORTHW | SPRINGDALE, AR | $192,344 | 2023 | HELP PROVIDE EXPERT PEDIATRIC CARE. |
| NWA CHILDRENS SHELTER | BENTONVILLE, AR | $75,000 | 2023 | EMERGENCY CARE/CASE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM |
| BARNABAS FOUNDATION INC | SPRINGFIELD, MO | $50,000 | 2023 | SUPPORT THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW DINING HALL FACILITY AT CAMP BARNABAS. |
| COMPASSION MINISTRIES COMPASSION HO | SPRINGDALE, AR | $25,000 | 2023 | SUPPORT FOR OPERATIONS |
| RIVER VALLEY FELLOWSHIP OF CHRISTIA | FORT SMITH, AR | $20,000 | 2023 | 2022 SPONSOR |
| DDX3X FOUNDATION | WILMINGTON, DE | $10,000 | 2023 | FAMILY WEEKEND EVENT IN ROGERS, ARKANSAS JUNE 10TH-12TH. TO BRING FAMILIES OF CHILDREN WITH DDX3X TOGETHER |
ARKANSAS CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL NORTHWEST
$1,017,250ARKANSAS CHILDREN'S NORTHWEST EXPANSION
NEW LIFE RANCH
$250,000NEW LIFE RANCH AND THE GENERATIONS CAPITAL CAMPAIGN - PHASE 1
BARNABAS FOUNDATION
$204,160THE CABIN PROJECT AT CAMP BARNABAS
CIRCLE OF LIFE
$195,905CENTER FOR IN-HOME CARE, EXPANDING THE CIRCLE CAMPAIGN
THE CALL IN CRAWFORD & SEBASTIAN COUNTIES
$110,000SUPPORT THE FAMILIES IN CRISIS PROJECT
RIVER VALLEY FELLOWSHIP OF CHRISTIAN ATHLETES
$50,192Current and upcoming funding from Whitaker Family Foundation that your nonprofit may be able to apply for.
Who can apply: Nonprofit organizations whose missions fit within the foundation’s areas of interest, especially those serving children and youth in healthcare, education, wellness, research, and disease prevention.
Deadline: No deadlines stated; application timing not specified on the provided pages.
Who can apply: Nonprofit organizations and educational institutions whose programs serve children and youth consistent with the foundation's mission; detailed eligibility is not provided on the site. Initial contact via Letter of Inquiry is requested.
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2024 ANNUAL PRESENTING SPONSORSHIP
COMPASSION MINISTRIES LTD DBA COMPASSION HOUSE
$40,548SUPPORT FUNDING FOR STRONGER TOGETHER: HEALING, LEARING, & SUPPORT PROJECT
HOME FOR DINNER
$36,421HOME FOR DINNER SCHOLARSHIPS & FOOD PANTRY SERVICES TO VETERANS/MILITARY
SAFE HAVEN MINISTRIES INC
$25,000ENDOWMENT TO SUPPORT CONTINUING OPERATIONS
DDX3X FOUNDATION
$10,0002025 DDX3X FAMILY FUN WEEKEND AT CHASTAIN FARMS AND 5K RACE
FISHING FOR THE FIGHT
$10,0002025 FUND A NEED
ARKANSAS CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL NORTHWEST
$1,008,846ARKANSAS CHILDREN'S NORTHWEST EXPANSION
CIRCLE OF LIFE
$200,835CENTER FOR IN-HOME CARE, EXPANDING THE CIRCLE CAMPAIGN
ARKANSAS BAPTIST ASSEMBLY INC DBA CAMP SILOAM
$162,815CONSTRUCTION OF THE CENTENNIAL LAKE PROJECT
BARNABAS FOUNDATION
$100,315THE CABIN PROJECT AT CAMP BARNABAS
NWA CHILDREN'S SHELTER
$75,000EMERGENCY CARE/CASE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
RIVER VALLEY FELLOWSHIP OF CHRISTIAN ATHLETES
$50,1202024 ANNUAL PRESENTING SPONSORSHIP
BRANDON BURLSWORTH FOUNDATION
$5,0002024 EYES OF A CHAMPION PROGRAM
ARKANSAS ATHLETES OUTREACH
$303,924CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION OF THE COMMUNITY SPORTS CENTER IN ROGERS, ARKANSAS
ARKANSAS BAPTIST ASSEMBLY INC DBA CAMP SILOAM
$161,805CONSTRUCTION OF THE CENTENNIAL LAKE PROJECT
THE CALL IN CRAWFORD & SEBASTIAN COUNTIES
$101,706THE CALL SUPPORT CENTER PROJECT
BARNABAS FOUNDATION
$90,341PURCHASE OF NEW DINING HALL TABLES AND SEATING AT CAMP BARNABAS
NWA CHILDREN'S SHELTER
$75,029EMERGENCY CARE/CASE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
COMPASSION MINISTRIES COMPASSION HOUSE
$46,360FUNDING FOR NEW ROOF, PRIVACY FENCE SPRINKLER SYSTEM, AND SECURITY FOR "RENEE'S HOUSE"
RETRIEVING FREEDOM INC
$30,820PROVIDE TRAINING OF A SERVICE DOG FOR A CHILD WITH AUTISM
RIVER VALLEY FELLOWSHIP OF CHRISTIAN ATHLETES
$25,0002023 PRESENTING SPONSORSHIP
FAULKNER COUNTY COUNCIL ON AGING INC
$2,500SUPPORT THE OLA & JOHN HAWKS SENIOR CENTER AND ACTIVITIES CENTER IN CONWAY, AR
ARKANSAS ATHLETES OUTREACH
$306,636CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION OF THE AAO COMMUNITY SPORTS CENTER IN ROGERS, ARKANSAS
ARKANSAS CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL NORTHW
$192,344HELP PROVIDE EXPERT PEDIATRIC CARE.
NWA CHILDRENS SHELTER
$75,000EMERGENCY CARE/CASE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
BARNABAS FOUNDATION INC
$50,000SUPPORT THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW DINING HALL FACILITY AT CAMP BARNABAS.
COMPASSION MINISTRIES COMPASSION HO
$25,000SUPPORT FOR OPERATIONS
RIVER VALLEY FELLOWSHIP OF CHRISTIA
$20,0002022 SPONSOR
DDX3X FOUNDATION
$10,000FAMILY WEEKEND EVENT IN ROGERS, ARKANSAS JUNE 10TH-12TH. TO BRING FAMILIES OF CHILDREN WITH DDX3X TOGETHER