Women's Giving Circle Gift Supports Land of Opportunity Scholarship

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The Women’s Giving Circle of the University of Arkansas has recently given $26,112 to support the Land of Opportunity Scholarship campaign. This gift establishes the Women’s Giving Circle Land of Opportunity Scholarship Endowment, aimed at helping close essential funding gaps that hinder students' access to higher education. 

The Land of Opportunity Scholarship campaign will expand educational access for students across all 75 counties in Arkansas, foster collaboration between the university and businesses statewide, and advance the university’s land-grant mission of serving and uplifting the state of Arkansas. 

"For more than two decades, the Women’s Giving Circle has used thoughtful, mission-driven philanthropy to create meaningful change on our campus and across our state," said Chancellor Charles Robinson. "We are deeply grateful for this latest gift to the Land of Opportunity Scholarship, which adds to their remarkable legacy of empowering Arkansas students and expanding access to higher education.” 

The gift was made during the inaugural One Day, One U of A giving day event on April 11. Charlotte Downs, the president of Women’s Giving Circle, kicked off the giving day by making a $10,000 challenge gift. Altogether, members of the circle and other supporters came together to raise $26,112 to establish a new endowment for the Land of Opportunity Scholarship campaign. Through the creation of the scholarship, the circle aims to assist academically successful Arkansas students by providing access to pursue their education and high impact learning practices, like mentorship and academic coaching, without the burden of financial stress. 

“The Women’s Giving Circle’s enduring commitment to our founders’ legacy of philanthropy and empowerment was soundly demonstrated during One Day, One U of A,” said Charlotte Downs. “The WGC answered the call to ‘Be the Beacon’ and, in less than 24 hours, fully funded the endowment supporting the Land of Opportunity Scholarship program! On behalf of the Women’s Giving Circle, I extend a heartfelt thank you to all who made a contribution which will impact Arkansans for generations.” 

The Women's Giving Circle is comprised of University of Arkansas alumnae and supporters who believe in the influential role women can play as philanthropic leaders. To date, the group has granted over $1.9 million to support 162 university initiatives and programs. Their primary focus is on advancing scholarship, research, and service; enhancing the well-being of women and children; and fostering outreach and engagement across Arkansas. 

“The Women’s Giving Circle is a powerful force for good on our campus, in the community and across the state,” said Scott Varady, vice chancellor for advancement. “Their support of the Land of Opportunity Scholarship is yet another example of the circle’s foresight and leadership to provide opportunity and access to a better life for so many Arkansans.  We are deeply grateful for their unwavering generosity.” 

The Women’s Giving Circle was formed in 2002 by members of the Women and Philanthropy Committee and Campaign for the Twenty-First Century Steering Committee. The group's purpose is to create a substantial pool of resources in support of innovative programs and research at the university and to encourage women as change makers. Women’s Giving Circle was inducted into the Arkansas Women’s Hall of Fame in 2023. 

About the Land of Opportunity Scholarship: The Land of Opportunity Scholarship campaign is a three-year initiative to further educational access opportunities for students from all 75 counties in Arkansas, improve graduation rates, create two-way engagement between the university and businesses throughout the state, and fulfill the institution’s land-grant mission to uplift Arkansas. As of May 31, 2025, the campaign has raised 66% of its goal in 19% of the time through more than $132,673,171 in pledges and commitments. 

About University Advancement: University Advancement advances the mission of the University of Arkansas by raising private gift support from alumni, friends, parents, foundations, corporations, and other institutional supporters. Working in philanthropic partnership with academic leaders and volunteers, Advancement team members are determined to advance the people, work, and impact of the greater whole at the University of Arkansas. 

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 $3 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 and Economic Development News.