Griffin Gift Broadens Women's Giving Circle of Impact

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Alice and Joe Griffin

U of A alumna Alice Griffin has made a gift to establish the Alice R. and Joe A. Griffin Women’s Giving Circle Endowment. The endowment, named in honor of Griffin’s late husband, will support the circle’s mission to fund innovative programs and research at the U of A. 

“The amazing research and creative projects happening on campus make such a great impact in the state,” Griffin said. “It’s humbling to read about the incredible work being done, and it has been challenging to narrow down the pool of grant proposals on voting day. My hope is that this gift will allow for even more support for the important initiatives generated from campus that extends to communities, industries and people to make our world a better place.”

In addition, the endowment is structured so the WGC can meet an immediate need for a student in crisis. During the pandemic, the WGC was able to assist the Jane B. Gearhart Full Circle Food Pantry with emergency grant funding. Griffin hopes that if a student is in crisis, the resources may be used to help them overcome an obstacle that will help them finish a semester and ultimately graduate.

Griffin is the director of curriculum review and program assessment in the Office of the Provost. Her extensive background in student programs and passion for student success are motivating factors for her generous support of the circle’s priorities to enrich the quality of life of women and children; support and promote scholarship, research and service; and encourage outreach and engagement in Arkansas.

“Alice is a great friend and advocate of the University of Arkansas,” said Kellie Knight, executive director of the Women’s Giving Circle. “Her commitment to helping students and advancing the research of talented and innovative faculty and staff is inspiring and helps create positive change – on campus and beyond.”

The Women’s Giving Circle consists of U of A alumni, faculty, staff and friends of the university and was created to encourage women as philanthropic leaders. Members of the circle make yearly contributions to collectively fund annual awards to selected recipients who complete the grant proposal process. 

Since 2003, the circle has awarded more than $1.6 million in funding to faculty and staff members from various departments and academic units at the university. This year will mark the 20th year of funding for the circle. The Women’s Giving Circle was created by the founding members of the Women in Philanthropy Committee of the Campaign for the Twenty-First Century.

The Women’s Giving Circle is currently accepting grant applications until June 1.

Learn more about the Women’s Giving Circle and how to join or submit a 2022 grant application. 

About the University of Arkansas: As Arkansas' flagship institution, the U of A provides an internationally competitive education in more than 200 academic programs. Founded in 1871, the U of A contributes more than $2.2 billion to Arkansas’ economy through the teaching of new knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship and job development, discovery through research and creative activity while also providing training for professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the U of A among the few U.S. colleges and universities with the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the U of A among the top public universities in the nation. See how the U of A works to build a better world at Arkansas Research News.