LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) -
2018 marked the first year since 2014 without ArkansasGives – an initiative that challenged Arkansans to donate to their favorite charities.
The one-day, annual event backed by the Arkansas Community Foundation raised $12 million for charities during its three-year stint.
was never intended to be a permanent event, but rather temporary help to encourage online donations. With the imitative now gone, some local charities are asking that you still remember to give.
“It was very helpful,” The One Inc. Executive Director Aaron Reddin said of ArkansasGives. “It really took a lot of that stress off when summer rolled around."
The One Inc. operates The Van, a mobile outreach helping homeless Arkansans. The organization was one of more than 900 participating nonprofits. Reddin said ArkansasGives about $20,000 annually for The Van.
“Without the big movement, I don't think anyone’s going to see quite the level of giving that they had been the last three years,” Reddin said.
Friends of the Animal Village also benefited from ArkansasGives. The organization’s president, Betsy Robb, said it made about $6500 on ArkansasGives day in 2017.
“We were sad to see it end but we were grateful to be able to participate in it as often as we were,” Robb said.
Both organizations said ArkansasGives attracted new supporters who have continued to donate regularly.
Even so, Reddin has a request now that a major source of donations for his nonprofit and many others has ended.
“The people out there doing the work you care about – send them a few bucks and remember you probably did the last few years because you were prompted to.”
He said even the smallest donations can go a long way.
Reddin said Arkansans are still donating, and they always have.
“We're grateful it was extremely helpful,” Reddin said of ArkansasGives. “Just remember the work of the people you care about.”
The Arkansas Community Foundation promotes smart giving to improve communities. Though ArkansasGives has run its course, the foundation continues giving grants and providing resources for nonprofits.