From the #deltadentalARFoundation: Every day, dedicated staff members and volunteers of the more than 12,000 non-profit organizations in Arkansas work tirelessly to improve their communities. They feed, shelter, heal, teach, inspire, give. 

Arkansas Impact Philanthropy helps them do their work more effectively.

Founded in 2017 as a fiscally sponsored project of the Arkansas Community Foundation, AIP is a coalition of philanthropic funders who coordinate their efforts to make Arkansas a more prosperous state. 

They support organizations and projects that meet one or more of four main goals for 2021:

1. Promote equity 
2. Build the capacity of non-profits for greater impact and efficiency
3. Expand early-childhood education and development
4. Implement strategic philanthropy

“Our member organizations recognize that the challenges facing Arkansas are too great for any single entity or organization to address alone,” explains AIP coordinator Abby Hughes Holsclaw. 

In response, AIP was established to serve as a comprehensive partnership of 13 national, regional and community foundations, including the Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation. It aims to convene funders to collaborate, influence and invest for systemic change throughout Arkansas. By working together, leveraging their influence and pooling resources, including financial support, the members increase their ability to improve the quality of life and economic opportunity for all Arkansans. Because of its focus on collaboration with other organizations, AIP does not compete with non-profits for funding.

A critical project among these efforts is the current development and implementation of HealthSteps in partnership with Excel by 8 Foundations. With AIP member investment, this pilot program will provide developmental, behavioral, social and emotional screenings in pediatric primary care settings. 

Multiple funders, numerous non-profit organizations, five pediatric clinics and almost 30 physicians across the state will work together to ensure that more low-income children gain access to equitable oral, mental and overall health care and family support services. AIP is coordinating and managing the involvement of so many different participants for maximum impact and efficiency. 

Bravo! We enthusiastically support this collaboration for positive change with funding from our foundation. 

Are similar partnerships happening in your community? How can we help? Find out more and get in touch here or contact us via email or phone to learn more.

This story was first published on our Facebook and Instagram pages.