FORT SMITH, Ark. — An initiative at the University of Arkansas in Fort Smith (UAFS) is aiming to give students real-world nonprofit experience while supporting community organizations. 

According to its mission statement, UAFS works to empower the social mobility of its students and promote the economic growth of the River Valley through education and community partnerships.

Leaders at the newly launched UAFS Center for Nonprofits (CNP) say this program is a prime example of that mission coming to life.

“The sky’s the limit,” CNP Director Emily Treadaway said. “I think for this center, there’s not anything like it in the entire state of Arkansas.” 

In April, UAFS received a $7.5 million anonymous gift to launch the center. The university said the gift was one of the largest in school history. 

The center aims to help organizations thrive by providing hands-on support, expert guidance, leadership training, funding access, capacity building, and partnerships with UAFS to address community challenges.

The center also plans to eventually partner with the UAFS Department of Social Work to expand research and workforce development opportunities. That includes research initiatives and paid internships that give students real-world nonprofit experience while supporting community organizations.

Once fully endowed, the university says the goal is for the center to award annual mini-grants to regional nonprofits, in addition to providing operational resources.

“[We] really want to build that strength and support and stability for the nonprofit so that they can continue on and do the best work that they can do and support all of those who need it in our community,” said Treadaway, who has been meeting weekly with local nonprofit leaders and aspiring founders, many of whom are excited about the opportunities this new resource could offer.

As work at the center begins, Treadaway said she’s excited about its long-term potential, not only in the River Valley, but across the state.

With more than 1,200 nonprofits operating in Sebastian and Crawford counties, Treadaway said this program meets a critical need in the region.

“One of the reasons we have so many nonprofits is because of the need and that we have,” Treadaway said. “And so by the university supporting those nonprofits and helping them become sustainable, we’re building up our entire community.” 

The CNP will be located at UAFS’ Center of Economic Development at the Bakery District in Fort Smith. 

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