OUR MISSION
The Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation exists to relentlessly pursue economic, educational, social, ethnic, and racial equity for all Arkansans.
OUR VISION
WRF affirms the legacy of our founder, who envisioned a thriving and prosperous Arkansas that benefits all Arkansans.
We envision an Arkansas in which all residents have jobs that pay a livable wage, quality education, and the chance to thrive and prosper. When we say "equity" that's what we mean.
OUR VALUES
“Every citizen has the duty to be informed, to be thoughtfully concerned, and to participate in the search for solutions.”
— Governor Winthrop Rockefeller
OUR STORY
The Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation traces its roots to 1956, when Governor Rockefeller established the Rockwin Fund as his personal philanthropic organization. After his passing, the Fund’s resources and subsequent endowing grants from his Trust evolved into the Foundation we know today.
AREquity, the foundation's current strategic direction, traces back to Governor Rockefeller’s unwavering belief in fairness, civil rights, and civic participation. He brought Arkansans together across differences and challenged entrenched systems with practical solutions rooted in dignity and equity.
Today, we are proud to carry that vision forward—supporting bold ideas, community leadership, and strategies that create lasting opportunity.
In 2025, the Arkansas Times Readers’ Poll named WRF Best Philanthropist, a reflection not of any single act, but of the partnerships we’ve built and the shared belief in an Arkansas where all communities can prosper. This recognition belongs to every grantee, advocate, and changemaker we’ve had the privilege of supporting.
OUR LEGACY
Over the past 50 years, WRF has:
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Invested $195 million through more than 2,000 grants
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Supported public policy, narrative change, and grassroots leadership
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Expanded access to capital for nonprofits and small businesses, invested in policy and advocacy strategies that help communities shift systems, and supported access to quality education at every stage of life
We have funded initiatives like:
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ALICE in AR – bringing visibility to the nearly 50% of Arkansas households who are Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained, and Employed, and who are essential to our communities and economy
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Arkansas Enterprise Capital Fund – helping nonprofits grow, pay competitive salaries, and increase their reach.
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Excel by 8 – ensuring children meet developmental milestones through age eight to build strong educational foundations
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ForwARd Arkansas – strengthening early literacy and K–12 education through statewide collaboration
We’ve partnered with rural communities, resourced local solutions, and helped attract national investment to historically underfunded regions of the state.
As we move into the next 50 years, we remain rooted in our founding values and guided by those advancing equity across Arkansas. The mission remains clear. Our commitment remains deep.
We continue to listen with intention, act in partnership, and provide the kind of long-term, trust-based funding that helps changemakers move Arkansas forward—because equity is not a moment. It’s a movement.
STAFF AND FINANCIALS
ABC'S
OUR FUNDING PRIORITIES
Narrative
Change
Our partners positively shift public perception through storytelling, media, and initiatives that advance the potential for an Arkansas where hard work, works for everyone.
Movement Building
Our partners organize their communities to build collective power, and strengthen local leadership rooted in lived experience.
Policy &
Advocacy
Our partners advance public policy that reshapes systems and expand access to opportunity—especially for ALICE families across Arkansas.