Single Parent Scholarship Fund

What Single Parent Scholarship Fund does

Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Northwest Arkansas (SPSFNWA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1984 by Marjorie Marugg-Wolfe and Ralph Nesson that provides scholarships and wraparound supportive services to low-income single parents pursuing higher education and workforce credentials in Benton, Carroll, Madison, and Washington counties in Northwest Arkansas. The organization distributes semester-based scholarships ranging from $1,250 to $2,500 for degree-program students and $500 to $1,500 for credentialing and workforce development tracks (CNA, CDL, Medical Coding, pharmacy tech, etc.) through an online application portal (Submittable) and a referral network of 15+ partner institutions including the University of Arkansas, NWACC, John Brown University, and UAMS. In 2024 the organization served 253 recipients, awarded 1,816 scholarships totaling $1.1 million, and raised $2.6 million in total support.

SPSFNWA's service model extends beyond cash scholarships to in-house mental health counseling (LPC/LMFT/RPT-delivered, with EMDR/Theraplay/TraumaPlay/TBRI specializations), a non-food pantry, career development using the WOWI career assessment, a post-graduate GAP program, and an ecosystem of in-kind service partnerships covering dental, eye care, chiropractic, auto repair, and tutoring. Revenue is diversified across individual donations (including a Sustaining Scholars Society monthly giving program), event sponsorships (Spark of Hope gala, Golftoberfest, Jingle Mingle, Distinguished Scholars Brunch), foundation grants (Walker, Mabee, Schmieding, Tyson, Arvest, Walmart.org), planned giving, and stock/cryptocurrency gifts. The technology stack is standard nonprofit SaaS — DonorPerfect for donation processing, Submittable for applications, Google Analytics and self-hosted Matomo for web analytics, and standard consent/security tools (Usercentrics, reCAPTCHA, Cloudfront). The organization is currently executing the Building for Success Capital Campaign to construct the 13,000+ square foot Pat Walker Center for Success in Springdale, AR, backed by a $1.5 million lead gift from the Willard and Pat Walker Charitable Foundation, and as of mid-2026 had raised $6.67 million against a $7.4 million goal.

Name

Single Parent Scholarship Fund

Legal name

Single Parent Scholarship Fund of NWA Inc.

Website

https://spsfnwa.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1984

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Northwest Arkansas is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1984 that provides semester-based scholarships and wraparound supportive services — including mental health counseling, career development, and a non-food pantry — to low-income single parents pursuing higher education and workforce credentials across four counties in Northwest Arkansas.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Nonprofit Education & Social Services

NAICS

Voluntary Health Organizations (813212)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Scholarship & Fellowship Foundations and Trusts (EDADAHAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Foundation/NGO & Philanthropic Scholarships (EDAIAOAH), Scholarships, Grants & Education Benefits Administration (Financing-adjacent) (FSAKAEAM)

Keywords

• Nonprofit scholarship services
• Single parent education
• Workforce development scholarships
• Supportive social services
• Community giving programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Fayetteville

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: One-time and recurring monthly donations from individual supporters. The Sustaining Scholars Society is a recurring monthly donor program. Donors can give via the website donation portal or mail checks.
2. Event Sponsorship: Corporate and individual sponsorships for events including Spark of Hope, Golftoberfest, Golftoberfest VIP, Jingle Mingle, and Distinguished Scholars Brunch. Sponsors receive marketing visibility and association with the organization's mission.
3. Planned Giving: Bequests in wills, revocable trusts, retirement plan beneficiaries, and life insurance beneficiaries. Also includes IRA charitable rollovers and donor-advised fund grants.
4. Stock and Cryptocurrency Gifts: Gifts of stocks, securities, and cryptocurrency. The organization accepts these as outright gifts and has a stock transfer form process.
5. Foundation Grants: Major grants from private foundations including the Willard and Pat Walker Charitable Foundation, J.E. & L.E. Mabee Foundation, Schmieding Foundation, and others supporting both general operations and the Building for Success Capital Campaign.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Northwest Arkansas provides semester-based scholarships ($1,250–$2,500 for degree programs; $500–$1,500 for credentialing and workforce development programs) to income-eligible single parents pursuing higher education and workforce credentials in Benton, Carroll, Madison, and Washington counties. Recipients also receive wraparound supportive services including free in-house mental health counseling, career assessment via the WOWI tool, tutoring referrals, a non-food pantry, notary services, and a post-graduate GAP advancement program.

Product overview

Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Northwest Arkansas (SPSFNWA) is a nonprofit organization that operates a multi-component scholarship and supportive services program. The core offerings include Degree Program Scholarships (ranging from $1,250 to $2,500 per semester based on enrollment status) and Credentialing & Workforce Development Scholarships ($500 to $1,500) for single parents pursuing higher education in Benton, Carroll, Madison, and Washington counties. These scholarship programs are complemented by Mental Health Counseling (offering free individual, family, and play therapy), the Supportive Services Program (providing computers, career counseling, tutoring referrals, notary services, pantry access, and the WOWI career assessment), and the GAP post-graduate program. The organization also runs an annual events portfolio including Spark of Hope (signature dinner gala), Golftoberfest (mini-golf tournament), Golftoberfest VIP (TOPGOLF event), Jingle Mingle (holiday celebration), and Distinguished Scholars Brunch. Volunteer programs include the Community Ambassadors network and Alumni Network, while the Sustaining Scholars Society engages monthly donors. The Building for Success Capital Campaign is currently underway to construct the Pat Walker Center for Success, a purpose-built 13,000+ square foot facility to expand service capacity.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Degree Program Scholarships Semester scholarships for single parents pursuing higher education at approved universities, community colleges, and trade schools in Northwest Arkansas. Award amounts vary by enrollment: $2,500 (full-time), $1,875 (3/4-time), and $1,250 (part-time) per Fall and Spring semester.
• Credentialing and Workforce Development Scholarships Scholarships ranging from $500 to $1,500 for workforce training and certification programs including Certified Nursing Assistant, CDL, Medical Coding & Billing, Pharmacy Tech, and related credentials. Open to applicants who have completed no more than 50% of their program.
• Mental Health Counseling Program Free, confidential mental health counseling for all scholarship recipients and their children, led by a Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, and Registered Play Therapist. Includes individual counseling, play therapy for ages 3-12, adolescent counseling, and family counseling; trained in EMDR, Theraplay, TraumaPlay, and Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI).
• Supportive Services Program Holistic wraparound support including computer access and printing, community nonprofit referrals, career development counseling with resume and interview guidance, tutoring referrals (Math and English), notary services, donated bikes through Pedal It Forward, dental/eye/chiropractic referrals, a non-food pantry, birthday boxes, and the Empower Summit professional development conference.
• WOWI Career Assessment A scientifically developed, objective career assessment tool incorporating three dimensions that helps recipients identify optimal career matches aligned with their skills and interests.
• GAP (Graduate Advancement Plan) Program Post-graduate development program providing ongoing support to scholarship alumni after degree completion to help with career advancement and professional growth.
• Spark of Hope Event Annual signature fundraising event held each July featuring dinner, storytelling by recipients, and an awards ceremony honoring supporters and corporate partners. Over 400 supporters attend annually.
• Golftoberfest Event Family-friendly mini-golf tournament held October 3-24 at Gator Golf in Fayetteville and Golf Mountain in Lowell. Teams of four register for $100, with option to sponsor a family team for $180.
• Golftoberfest VIP Event Premium TOPGOLF event held October 9th at Rogers TOPGOLF with unlimited play for up to 6 people per team, live leaderboard, meals, and limited availability. Cost is $1,000 per team.
• Jingle Mingle Event Annual end-of-year celebration bringing together scholarship recipients and donors for a festive evening, serving as a key fundraising opportunity for year-end contributions.
• Distinguished Scholars Brunch Annual event where Named Scholarships are awarded to 72 exemplary SPSFNWA recipients. Donors have the opportunity to meet their named scholarship recipients and witness the impact of their investment.
• Community Ambassadors Program Volunteer program for supporters who demonstrate leadership and community contacts. Ambassadors commit to a minimum of 4 activities per year including quarterly meetings, applicant interviews, fundraising support, event volunteer committees, and community speaking engagements.
• Alumni Network Network of SPSF program graduates who work to support current recipients, encourage sustainability, and promote awareness through awareness campaigns, recipient support, event participation, speakers bureau, and networking activities.
• Sustaining Scholars Society Monthly giving society for donors who pledge recurring monthly contributions. Members receive exclusive project previews, personalized messages from leadership, monthly impact updates, and holiday artwork from recipients' children.

Quantifiable outcome

• Recipients report a 243% average increase in income within the first year after graduation or certification.
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers11 records

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration14 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered supporting and core.

• Reform ChiropracticsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerBentonville-based chiropractic partner promoting preventative care and wellness for SPSFNWA scholars. Helps parents stay healthy while balancing school, work, and family.
• Holman Dental (Centerton)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerDental partner providing up to 2 referrals monthly for SPSFNWA recipients. Services include teeth cleanings, polishing, cavity checks, and oral health inspections.
• Mint Dental (Centerton)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerDental partner providing preventative cleanings, polishing, cavity checks, and ongoing care for SPSFNWA recipients.
• Restore Dental (Bentonville)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerDental partner providing 1 referral monthly plus comprehensive dental work, cleanings, and restorative procedures for SPSFNWA recipients.
• Centerton Eye CaresupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerEye care partner helping SPSFNWA families maintain vision health with regular eye exams and optical services.
• HCS Auto RepairsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerAuto services partner providing 4 free oil changes and inspections each month to SPSFNWA families, helping single parents maintain safe, dependable transportation for education.
• Pedal It Forward NWAsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerNonprofit partner donating reliable bicycles to SPSFNWA families, creating opportunities for families to ride together and enjoy the outdoors while building healthy habits.
• University of ArkansascoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrimary partner university for SPSFNWA degree programs. Students can pursue undergraduate and graduate degrees on campus and online. Multiple named scholarships are available for U of A students.
• Northwest Arkansas Community College (NWACC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKey partner community college for SPSFNWA degree and credentialing programs. Many recipients begin their education at NWACC before transferring to four-year institutions.
• John Brown UniversitysupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner university offering degree programs for SPSFNWA recipients. Featured as the institution attended by recipient Tasha Benz.
• UAMS (University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner medical university for SPSFNWA recipients pursuing healthcare degrees. Recipient Carroll attended UAMS College of Medicine after completing undergraduate studies.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Central Arkansas: A fellow Arkansas-based single-parent scholarship chapter with the same model of awarding semester scholarships combined with wraparound support. Directly comparable mission, recipient eligibility, and funding approach serving a different Arkansas geography.
• Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Pulaski County: Another Arkansas chapter of the Single Parent Scholarship Fund network. Operates the same application-based semester scholarship model for single parents pursuing higher education in Pulaski County, with comparable scholarship tiers and community-driven fundraising.
• Jeannette Rankin Women's Scholarship Fund: National nonprofit providing scholarships and support to low-income women aged 35+ pursuing higher education. Closest national analog to SPSFNWA's mission of educational financial aid plus wraparound support for a defined underserved demographic.
• P.E.O. Sisterhood: One of the largest U.S. funders of women's higher education scholarships through six philanthropies (most notably P.E.O. Scholar Awards and Educational Loan Fund). Operates a chapter-based, community-driven model analogous to SPSFNWA's local-ambassador approach.
• Soroptimist International of the Americas — Live Your Dream Awards: Provides cash awards to women who are the primary financial supporters of their families and are enrolled in undergraduate or vocational programs. Same core constituency (single mothers / primary-caregiver women pursuing education) and similar award-size philosophy.

Broad incumbents

• Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund (State Network): State-level umbrella organization of the Single Parent Scholarship Fund chapters across Arkansas. SPSFNWA is a regional chapter within this network; the state body provides coordination, shared branding, and advocacy at a wider scale.
• United Way of Northwest Arkansas: Regional umbrella funder addressing poverty-related needs in the same four-county service area. While not a scholarship provider, it competes for the same corporate donor dollars, event sponsorships, and individual major-gift pool as SPSFNWA.
• Arkansas Community Foundation: Statewide community foundation managing donor-advised funds and grantmaking across Arkansas. Competes for foundation and major-donor relationships and could serve as either a partner or competitive funder for scholarship and supportive-services programming.

Regional players

• Women's Foundation of Arkansas: Arkansas-based grantmaker focused on women's economic security and education. Overlaps with SPSFNWA on Arkansas women-and-education funding, with broader policy and advocacy scope and statewide grantmaking rather than direct scholarships.

Others

• Northwest Arkansas Children's Shelter: Regional nonprofit serving vulnerable children and families — operated by SPSFNWA's COO Shannon Campbell for 18 years. Adjacent service population (families in crisis) with overlapping donor and volunteer networks in Northwest Arkansas.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/SPSFNWAAlumniAssociation
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/spsfnwa
• Instagraminstagram.com/spsfnwa
• Xx.com/SPSFNWA

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Single Parent Scholarship Fund