🎙️ Unmasking Local Impact - How the Mississippi County Community Foundation Inspires Change

✨ Episode Summary

In this episode of Unmasking the Heart for Change, Tammy sits down with Nickie Bell, Executive Director of the Mississippi County Community Foundation. As both host and a proud member of the MCCF board, Tammy takes listeners behind the scenes of how local generosity becomes lasting impact.

From managing endowments and awarding grants, to building trust with donors and empowering nonprofits, MCCF proves that every dollar given here stays here. Nickie shares her journey to the Foundation, the heartbeat of “local people, local decisions,” and how even small gifts create ripple effects for generations.

🔑 What You’ll Hear in This Episode

• The story of how Nickie Bell’s roots in Mississippi County shaped her passion for community impact
• How MCCF connects donors, nonprofits, and resources to solve local challenges
• The annual grant and scholarship cycles—and why they matter to families and nonprofits alike
• The Walking Classroom project: $25,000 invested into literacy and learning across every district
• Why donor trust matters and how MCCF maintains one of the lowest operating expense ratios in the nation (just 0.33%)
• How AspireArkansas.org guides local, data-driven decisions
• What’s ahead for MCCF as Arkansas Community Foundation celebrates 50 years and $500 million in statewide grants

👤 Guest Spotlight

Nickie Bell
Executive Director, Mississippi County Community Foundation
A lifelong Mississippi County resident, Nickie has served the Foundation since 2014. With a background in education, family business management, and a heart for service, she works to engage donors, connect resources, and inspire solutions that leave a lasting legacy for the county she calls home.

📌 Links & Resources

• Mississippi County Community Foundation on Facebook: @MScountyCF
• Arkansas Community Foundation: ARCF.org
• Explore local needs: AspireArkansas.org

💬 Listener Reflection

As you think about this conversation, ask yourself:
 👉 What’s one need you see in your own community—and how could you be part of the solution?

🙌 Get Involved

Do you—or someone you know—have an inspiring story about the good happening in your community? Please fill out the form, we'd love to help you tell your story!
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