Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $6.7-9 million
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Not specified
• Grant Range: Many grants $1 million+
• Geographic Focus: Arkansas only

Contact Details

• Website: https://wrfoundation.org
• Email: ProgramStaff@wrfoundation.org
• Phone: (501) 376-6854
• Application Portal: https://wrf.fluxx.io
• Address: 225 E Markham St Ste 200, Little Rock, AR 72201-1636

Overview

Founded in 1954 as the Rockwin Fund and later renamed the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation, this private grantmaking foundation has invested over $195 million through more than 2,000 grants over 50 years. With total assets of approximately $151.5 million as of 2024, the foundation relentlessly pursues economic, educational, social, ethnic, and racial equity for all Arkansans. The foundation has embraced trust-based philanthropy principles, preferring multi-year, unrestricted grants to support bold ideas and community leadership. Under the leadership of President & CEO Sherece West-Scantlebury, WRF focuses specifically on improving opportunities for ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) families throughout Arkansas.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation makes grants ranging from $6.7-9 million annually, with many individual grants exceeding $1 million. They offer:

• Multi-year, unrestricted program/project grants
• Program-Related Investments (PRIs) to expand capital access
• Support for bold ideas that advance opportunity and equity

Priority Areas

The foundation concentrates on three strategic focus areas:

• Narrative Change: Shifting stories and perceptions about Arkansas communities
• Movement Building: Supporting grassroots organizing and community leadership
• Policy & Advocacy: Advancing systemic changes to promote equity

All funded programs must directly and significantly impact the lives of Arkansas residents, with particular emphasis on supporting ALICE families.

What They Don't Fund

• Capital expenditures
• Operating support for budget shortfalls
• Scientific research
• Programs outside of Arkansas

Governance and Leadership

President & CEO: Sherece West-Scantlebury (Compensation: $384,943) Chief Operating & Financial Officer: Andrea Dobson (Compensation: $321,743) Chief Innovation Officer: Cory Anderson (Compensation: $255,464)

The foundation operates with a commitment to trust-based philanthropy, emphasizing partnership over traditional grantor-grantee relationships.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The foundation accepts ongoing funding inquiries throughout the year. The application process begins with:

1. Create an account at https://wrf.fluxx.io
2. Submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) through the online portal
3. Await invitation to submit full proposal if LOI is approved

For assistance with the application process, contact ProgramStaff@wrfoundation.org or call (501) 376-6854.

Decision Timeline

Specific decision timelines are not publicly available. The foundation reviews applications on an ongoing basis.

Success Rates

Application success rates are not publicly disclosed.

Reapplication Policy

Information about reapplication policies is not publicly available. Contact program staff directly for guidance on resubmitting proposals.

Application Success Factors

The foundation values:

• Bold ideas that challenge the status quo and advance equity
• Community leadership with deep roots in Arkansas communities
• Programs that directly and significantly impact Arkansas residents
• Alignment with their focus on ALICE families (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed)
• Proposals that advance narrative change, movement building, or policy & advocacy
• Organizations willing to engage in trust-based partnership approaches

The foundation's commitment to multi-year, unrestricted funding indicates they value organizational stability and flexibility in implementation over rigid project outcomes.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Focus exclusively on Arkansas impact - programs must directly benefit Arkansas residents
• Emphasize equity outcomes for ALICE families and marginalized communities
• Present bold, transformative ideas rather than incremental changes
• Highlight community leadership and grassroots connections
• Align proposals with narrative change, movement building, or policy advocacy strategies
• Be prepared for multi-year partnerships with unrestricted funding possibilities
• Contact program staff early with questions - they encourage ongoing dialogue

References

• Guidestar Profile: https://www.guidestar.org/profile/71-0285871 (Accessed January 2026)
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/710285871 (Accessed January 2026)
• Inside Philanthropy: https://www.insidephilanthropy.com/grants/winthrop-rockefeller-foundation (Accessed January 2026)
• WRF Grant Portal: https://wrf.fluxx.io (Accessed January 2026)