UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS FORT SMITH FOUNDATION, INC.
A private 501(c)(3) organized in 1974 to secure private gifts, endowments, and grants that support the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith; the Foundation’s mission is to inspire empowerment through education by investing in scholarships, faculty and program support, and community-focused initiatives.
About UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS FORT SMITH FOUNDATION, INC.
The University of Arkansas - Fort Smith Foundation, Inc. is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit that manages philanthropic resources to advance UAFS’s educational mission, provide student scholarships, support faculty and capital projects, and strengthen regional partnerships. Established in 1974, the Foundation serves as the university’s primary vehicle for private fundraising and stewardship.
In the last three years the Foundation has driven major fundraising activity tied to the university’s Intrepid Ambition comprehensive campaign, supported expanded scholarship access through the Lion’s Share scholarship system, and helped fund regional programs that connect students to internships, workforce pipelines, and nonprofit capacity building.
The Foundation operates scholarship and endowment programs, stewards major gifts and capital funding, and runs annual community-focused fundraising events (including its Day of Giving) and donor engagement efforts that directly support UAFS students, faculty, and the River Valley community.
Notable achievements
Intrepid Ambition comprehensive campaign
Publicly launched April 2, 2025, the Foundation advanced the university’s $85 million Intrepid Ambition campaign to expand scholarships, faculty support, and community-facing programs; the campaign entered public phase after significant lead support.
Endowment for UAFS Center for Nonprofits
On April 2, 2025 the Foundation announced a transformational $7.5 million endowed gift to establish and support a UAFS Center for Nonprofits focused on nonprofit capacity building, training, mini-grants, and applied student internships.
Successful Day of Giving campaigns
The Foundation’s Day of Giving has demonstrated growing community support — record Day of Giving results were reported in 2024 and the Foundation continued successful Day of Giving activity in 2025 to fund scholarships, student experiences, and program projects.
At a glance
- EIN
- 23-7408227
- On Mahalo since
- November 2025
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