05/29/2026
This year, the Community Foundation will once again support local efforts all over the state related to animal welfare. And it’s happening because of the forethought of one animal lover: Martha Barber
Martha established the Martha Barber Animal Welfare Endowment in 1998 as a testament to her love for animals. She truly adored “all creatures great and small,” but dogs and cats particularly. Over time she became so excited about the need for such funds that she wanted to get started rather than waiting for her death. She made charitable gifts to open a current fund that would then later receive her estate for a permanent endowment. She would proudly share pictures of the animals her gifts helped sent to her from humane societies throughout the state. What joy that giving brought her!
She lived a life defined by curiosity, creativity, and exploration. An artist, educator, and world traveler, she helped found the art department at what would become UALR and later returned as a professor, shaping generations of students in painting, design, and art history. Martha passed away in 2010 at 90 years old. Since then, the fund has supported animal welfare organizations all over the state.
The fund is endowed, meaning it will continue to generate the dollars to pay for animal welfare programs forever. Sixteen years after her passing, Martha Barber is still creating impact in this community. That’s the power of an endowment!
