Levi Community Foundation Awards More Than $600,000 During Inaugural Grant Cycle
The Levi Community Foundation has awarded $600,100 to 15 nonprofit organizations during its inaugural grant cycle, marking a major milestone as the foundation begins investing in programs that strengthen behavioral health and address the social factors that influence health and well-being throughout Garland County.
The foundation received requests totaling more than $3.1 million, reflecting both the strength of the local nonprofit community and the significant needs that remain across Garland County.
When the board established this year's grantmaking budget, it initially approved $500,000 while taking a conservative approach during the foundation's first year of managing its endowment. As investment performance exceeded expectations, the board voted to increase the total amount awarded, allowing additional organizations to receive funding while maintaining a responsible long-term stewardship strategy.
Dennis Smith, Chair of the Levi Community Foundation Board of Directors, said the board viewed the inaugural grant cycle as an opportunity to balance immediate community needs with the foundation's long-term responsibility.
“We have a responsibility to be thoughtful stewards of the resources entrusted to the foundation,” Smith said. “As our investment performance gave us additional confidence, we were pleased to expand our grantmaking beyond our original budget. These awards represent an investment not only in individual organizations, but in the long-term health and resilience of Garland County.”
This year's grants support a wide range of initiatives, including behavioral health services, recovery programs, housing stability, food security, transportation, youth and family services, and other efforts that improve community well-being.
Grant recipients include:
Cooperative Christian Ministries and Clinic — $75,000 for lighting and HVAC repairs
Elevate Hot Springs — $25,000 for direct participant services, family support, youth development, and emergency assistance
Ouachita Behavioral Health and Wellness — $100,000 for participant financial assistance through the Wellness Day program
Harbor House — $44,000 for residential treatment financial assistance
SOZO Addiction Recovery Center — $20,000 for recovery housing scholarships and emergency housing stabilization
Friends of the Hot Springs Community Resource Center — $100,000 for basic needs assistance, transitional housing support, and the Home Run Housing initiative
Beautiful Life Recovery House — $21,500 for site preparation and drainage improvements
Faith Fellowship Church Food Pantry — $40,000 for a diesel truck with lift gate
Ouachita Children, Youth & Family Services — $23,600 for after-hours therapy clinic staffing and equipment
The Caring Place — $20,000 for the Caring Corner therapeutic space
Gethsemane Outreach — $30,000 for a 12-passenger van serving a women's recovery house
Project HOPE Food Bank — $20,000 to help subsidize food distribution
The Salvation Army, a Georgia Corporation, Hot Springs Corps — $36,000 for a 12-passenger van
Garland County Habitat for Humanity — $25,000 for a forklift
Tri-Lakes CASA — $20,000 to support volunteer recruitment, training, supervision, and family advocacy programs
Libby Harrington, Executive Director of the Levi Community Foundation, said the first grant cycle represents the beginning of what the foundation hopes will become a growing investment in the community.
“I am incredibly encouraged that our board chose to increase the previously approved grant budget so we could support additional funding requests. There has been a great deal of work leading to this moment, and it is exciting to begin seeing the impact the Levi Community Foundation will have across Garland County.”
Harrington also noted that while the foundation celebrated its first round of awards, the demand for funding far exceeded available resources.
“This is an incredible beginning, and as our endowment grows, so will our ability to invest in local nonprofits. With more than $3.1 million requested, many outstanding organizations were not able to receive funding this year. I hope this reminds all of us that building a stronger community requires everyone. Whether through financial support, volunteering, or advocacy, investing in the organizations you care about helps expand their impact and strengthens Garland County for generations to come.”
ABOUT THE LEVI COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
Founded in 1914 and operating as a hospital for more than a century, Levi has been committed to service in Hot Springs with a focus on physical rehabilitation and behavioral health care. The hospital's mission now continues through the Levi Community Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving health outcomes across Garland County through grants, partnerships, and collaborative programs.