Becky And Bob Alexander Charitable Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $3.5 million (2024)
• Success Rate: 12% for new applicants
• Decision Time: Not publicly available
• Grant Range: Small grants to $625,000+
• Geographic Focus: Arkansas (primary), select national projects

Contact Details

Mailing Address: 22 W Wimbledon Way, Rogers, AR 72758 Website: None Email: Not publicly available Phone: Not publicly available

Overview

The Becky and Bob Alexander Charitable Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation established in October 2021 by Northwest Arkansas philanthropists Becky and Bob Alexander. With assets of $39.4 million as of 2024, the foundation has rapidly expanded its grantmaking from $1 million in its founding year to $3.5 million annually. The Alexanders, both University of Arkansas graduates (1977) and noted folk art collectors with "one of the leading collections of folk art in the United States," focus their philanthropy primarily on arts and culture, education, and human services. The foundation operates on a relationship-based model, making grants to approximately 35 organizations annually across Arkansas and select national institutions, with a particular emphasis on folk art and cultural preservation.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation makes discretionary grants for general operating support with amounts ranging from small grants to major awards exceeding $625,000.

Priority Areas

• Arts & Culture (Primary focus, especially folk art and museums)
• Education (particularly University of Arkansas)
• Philanthropy/Voluntarism & Grantmaking
• Human Services

What They Don't Fund

No explicit exclusions stated, though funding patterns show strong preference for established organizations with existing relationships to the trustees.

Governance and Leadership

Officers (all serve without compensation):

• Rebecca "Becky" Alexander - President
• Robert "Bob" Alexander - Vice President
• Gerald Dennis - Director

The Alexanders are deeply embedded in the Arkansas philanthropic community. Bob serves on boards including Historic Arkansas Museum (Little Rock), Walton Arts Center, and Northwest Arkansas Razorback Club. Becky serves on the Peel Museum and Bentonville Garden Club boards.

Quote from the Alexanders: "What began as an interest in advertising art and trade signs has blossomed into a lifelong passion for folk art."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. Grants are awarded at the discretion of the trustees based on their relationships and knowledge of organizations in their communities of interest.

Getting on Their Radar

Given the Alexanders' extensive board service and community involvement in Northwest Arkansas, connection opportunities include:

• Engagement through organizations where they serve on boards (Walton Arts Center, Historic Arkansas Museum, Peel Museum)
• Arkansas arts and culture sector events, particularly those focused on folk art
• University of Arkansas fundraising and alumni activities
• Events at supported institutions like Crystal Bridges Museum, TheatreSquared, or the American Folk Art Museum

The foundation has shown willingness to fund new organizations (12% new applicant funding rate), suggesting relationships can be built over time through shared interests and community connections.

Decision Timeline

Not publicly available - grants appear to be made throughout the year at trustee discretion.

Success Rates

New applicant funding rate: 12% (per Grantable.co data)

Reapplication Policy

No information available on reapplication policies.

Application Success Factors

Based on funding patterns and the Alexanders' demonstrated interests:

• Folk art connection: Organizations with folk art programs or collections have received the largest grants, including $625,000 to American Folk Art Museum
• Arkansas roots matter: The majority of grants support Arkansas organizations, particularly in Northwest Arkansas where the Alexanders are deeply connected
• Operational support focus: The foundation primarily provides general operating support rather than project-specific funding
• Established relationships: Multi-year support patterns show the foundation values ongoing relationships (American Folk Art Museum received grants in 2023 and 2024)
• Educational alignment: University of Arkansas and educational initiatives receive significant support, reflecting both Alexanders' alma mater connection

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• This is a relationship-based foundation requiring connection through Arkansas arts/culture networks or shared interest in folk art
• Focus on building relationships through the Alexanders' board service organizations rather than cold outreach
• The foundation's assets doubled from 2021-2024, suggesting growing capacity for grantmaking
• Multi-year relationships are valued - initial smaller grants may lead to larger support over time
• Geographic focus is primarily Arkansas, but national organizations aligned with their folk art passion receive major support
• No public application process means patience and relationship-building are essential
• Consider connections through University of Arkansas networks given their strong alumni loyalty

References

• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Form 990 filings for 2021-2024. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/862157589. Accessed February 12, 2026.
• Cause IQ Foundation Profile. https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/becky-and-bob-alexander-charitable-foundation,862157589/. Accessed February 12, 2026.
• American Folk Art Museum Press Release, "$5 Million Gift from Becky and Bob Alexander." June 2022. https://folkartmuseum.org/news/alexander-gift-release/. Accessed February 12, 2026.
• Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, "Rogers couple gives museum $5 million." June 29, 2022. https://www.nwaonline.com/news/2022/jun/29/rogers-couple-gives-museum-5-million/. Accessed February 12, 2026.
• Instrumentl 990 Report. https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/becky-and-bob-alexander-charitable-foundation. Accessed February 12, 2026.
• Grantable.co Foundation Profile. https://www.grantable.co/search/funders/profile/becky-and-bob-alexander-charitable-us-foundation-862157589. Accessed February 12, 2026.