The Ross Foundation
Accepts applications
The Ross Foundation is a private foundation in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. In tax year 2024 it gave $725,755 in 27 grants; the typical grant was $5,000 and the largest $351,684. It accepts applications; its filing gives the instructions below.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2024.
- Grants paid, 2024$725,755
- Number of grants27
- Typical grant$5,000
- Largest grant$351,684
- Assets$112 million
- New grantees32%
Giving in 2024 was down from $734,229 the year before.
32% of its 2024 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a mix of repeat and new grantees.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $734,229 | 26 | $114 million |
| 2024 | $725,755 | 27 | $112 million |
How to apply
| Contact | Mary Elizabeth Eldridge The Ross Fo PO Box 335, Arkadelphia, AR 71923 |
|---|---|
| Phone or email | (870) 246-9881, meeldridge@rossfoundation.us |
| What to submit | The application process consists of two steps. The first step is the preparation of a pre-proposal form, which can be found online at http://rossfoundation.us/pdfs/PreProposal_Info.pdf |
| Deadlines | Submission deadlines are posted online at http://rossfoundation.us/application_procedure.html |
| Restrictions | The major focus of the Foundation's philanthropic program has historically been restricted to projects that are located in the Clark County, Arkansas area. Applicant organizations must demonstrate tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) or public charity status under Sections 509(a)(1) or (2) of the Internal Revenue Code. Funding is not provided for political lobbying, political advocacy or legislative activities, or grants to individuals. Funding is generally not provided for operating expenses of established agencies, grants to foreign organizations, grants for foreign expenditure or debt reduction drives. |
Foundation website IRS filings on ProPublica
What The Ross Foundation funds
Where it gives
All of its grants went to recipients in Arkansas.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | 27 | $747,655 |
Grants paid in 2024
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Arkadelphia Promise Foundation | Scholarship Fund 2024 | $351,684 |
| Arkansas Game & Fish Foundation | Conservation Work (Big Timber WMA and (JMWMA Funds), Support work in the West Gulf Coastal Plain. | $153,209 |
| Arkansas Forestry Assoc Education Foundation | Unrestricted Grant | $46,606 |
| The Nature Conservancy | Unrestricted Grant | $46,606 |
| City of Arkadelphia | Arkadelphia Festival of the Arts and License Plate Readers | $33,750 |
| Ouachita Baptist University | Purchase Trees to Beautify Campus | $28,600 |
| Arkansas Foodbank Network | Food Credits for Pantries in Clark County | $15,000 |
| Dawson Education Cooperative | Mini Grant Program - 2024 - 2025 | $15,000 |
| Arkadelphia Public Schools | CONE Foundation | $10,000 |
| Ouachita Baptist University | Evaluation of Breeding Birds at Big Timber WMA | $10,000 |
| Arkadelphia Public Schools | FBLA Students attend National Conference | $5,000 |
| The CALL of Clark County | Project - Bring The CALL Home (Office) | $5,000 |
| University of Arkansas Foundation Inc | ASMSA Talent Identification Pogram (ASMSA-TIP) | $5,000 |
| Vera Lloyd Presbyterian Family Services | What's Next? Workforce Education at Vera Lloyd | $5,000 |
| CASA of Clark and Pike Counties | Strengethening Families | $4,200 |
| Hot Springs Documentary Film Institute | HSDFF Educational Outreach Programs | $3,000 |
| Arkansas Hunters Feeding the Hungry | Snack Stick Program for Area Schools | $2,500 |
| Baptist Health Foundation | General support | $1,000 |
| Group Living Inc | General support | $1,000 |
| Lions of Arkansas Foundation | General support | $1,000 |
| Percy & Donna Malone Child Safety Center | General support | $1,000 |
| Soldiers of Service of Clark County | SOS Walkathon to benefit American Cancer Society | $1,000 |
| Arkansas Environmental Education Association | Statewide Environmental & Outdoor Education, Conference | $500 |
| Clark County 4-H Foundation | Support for the Clark County 4-H Program | $500 |
| Curtis Rural Fire Department | Unrestricted Grant | $500 |
| Little League Baseball Inc | General support | $500 |
| NICA Hot Springs Thoroughbreds | Mountain Bike Education Program & Outdoor Stewardship | $500 |
Officers and trustees
- Ross Whipple
- Mary Whipple
- Mark Karnes
- Mary Elizabeth Eldridge
- Peggy Clark
- Margaret Doose
- Emily Nadeau
- Clark Tennyson
- Mary Kathryn Tennyson
Questions people ask
Does The Ross Foundation accept grant applications?
Yes. Its latest IRS filing says it accepts applications, with this on deadlines: Submission deadlines are posted online at http://rossfoundation.us/application_procedure.html.
How much does The Ross Foundation give?
$725,755 in tax year 2024, across 27 grants, with a typical grant of $5,000.
Who runs The Ross Foundation?
Its 2024 filing lists Ross Whipple (Chairman/Trustee), Mary Whipple (Secretary/Trustee), Mark Karnes (Director of Operations/Trustee) and Mary Elizabeth Eldridge (Director of Programs/Trustee) among 9 officers and trustees.
What does The Ross Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, environment and conservation and faith communities.