About the Donaghey Foundation
Our Mission
The George W. Donaghey Foundation exists to strengthen Arkansas’s future by investing in education, innovation, and leadership development. With a focus on long-term impact, the Foundation supports institutions, programs, and people who are committed to excellence and opportunity. At its core, the Foundation is driven by the belief that a better Arkansas begins with bold ideas and the people equipped to bring them to life.
Our Story
In the early 20th century, George and Louvenia Donaghey planted the seeds of a legacy that would outlast their lifetimes. Though their wealth was modest compared to industrial philanthropists of the day, they used what they had—land, vision, and deep-rooted values—to fuel long-term growth for Arkansas’s public institutions.
Rather than simply making one-time gifts, the Donagheys established a private foundation with a clear objective: create a sustained source of support for causes they believed in, particularly education. That vision has guided decades of investments in scholarships, academic excellence, and infrastructure that benefits Arkansas students and communities alike.
The Foundation’s ongoing work reflects their foresight: rather than responding to trends, it leads with conviction—supporting initiatives that promise lasting change.
The Man
George Washington Donaghey was a self-made man, born in 1856 in Union Parish, Louisiana, and raised in a modest Arkansas farming family. Though he had limited formal education, he valued learning deeply. He studied intermittently at Arkansas Industrial University (now the University of Arkansas) and built a successful career in construction and business.
As Arkansas’s 22nd governor (1909–1913), Donaghey fought for progressive reforms—taking on entrenched interests to modernize state government, overhaul the prison system, and expand access to education. His actions were often bold, sometimes controversial, but always aimed at creating opportunity for ordinary Arkansans.
After leaving office, Donaghey continued to serve the public in quieter ways—through philanthropy, education advocacy, and a lifelong commitment to civic improvement. His legacy lives on not just in buildings and institutions bearing his name, but in the countless students and leaders whose journeys have been shaped by his generosity.
History of the George W. Donaghey Foundation
The George W. Donaghey Foundation was established in 1929. When the couple passed away — George in 1937 and Louvenia in 1939 — their will included provisions to ensure that a portion of their land and assets would fund a charitable trust designed to advance public good.
From its earliest days, the Foundation prioritized transformative projects with long-term benefits. Investments have included major contributions to higher education, including facilities, endowed professorships, and student-focused initiatives. Most notably, the Foundation is the founding benefactor of the Donaghey Scholars Program at UA Little Rock—an honors program nationally recognized for academic excellence and leadership development.
Through carefully stewarded investments and partnerships, the Foundation continues to evolve while staying true to its original purpose: empowering Arkansans through education, leadership, and visionary philanthropy.
