Eight River Valley nonprofits are expanding services and strengthening their communities with support from Arkansas Oklahoma Gas (AOG), a subsidiary of Summit Utilities, which today awarded $50,000 through its 2026 Summit Cares Grant Program.
AOG announced the recipients during its Summit Cares Impact Celebration in Fort Smith, bringing together nonprofit leaders and company representatives to recognize the organizations’ work and their role in strengthening communities across the River Valley.
“At AOG, our commitment to community is rooted in the belief that strong communities are built by people who keep showing up for one another,” said Jeremy Schreckhise, senior vice president and chief information officer for Summit Utilities. “The organizations recognized through Summit Cares are doing that work every day. They are meeting essential needs, creating opportunities, supporting families, and helping make the River Valley stronger.”
The 2026 awardees include:
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Arkansas Family Alliance
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Boys & Girls Club of Van Buren
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Community Services Clearinghouse
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Fort Smith Boys & Girls Club
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Girls Inc. of Fort Smith
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Muldrow Cherokee Community Organization
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Reynolds Cancer Support House
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Sebastian Retired Citizen’s Association
“Our services extend far beyond our commitment to providing safe, reliable natural gas to our neighbors,” said Stacie Smith, manager of public affairs at Arkansas Oklahoma Gas. “These organizations are making a meaningful difference in the River Valley every day, and we are honored to help fuel their missions through Summit Cares grants.”
To qualify for a Summit Cares grant, applicants must operate within AOG’s service territory and show documentation of 501(c)(3) nonprofit, tax-exempt status. The program prioritizes organizations focused on basic human needs, STEAM education, community enrichment, and environmental stewardship.
To learn more about Summit Cares and AOG’s broader community giving efforts, including the 20 hours of paid Volunteer Time Off provided to employees each year, visit www.AOGC.com/Community.
About Summit Utilities, Inc.
Summit Utilities, Inc. owns natural gas distribution subsidiaries that operate in Arkansas, Colorado, Maine, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas. The company operates with a commitment to delivering safe, versatile, and reliable natural gas to businesses and residents in six states through Arkansas Oklahoma Gas, Colorado Natural Gas, Summit Natural Gas of Maine, Summit Natural Gas of Missouri, Summit Utilities Arkansas, and Summit Utilities Oklahoma. Each of Summit’s natural gas distribution and transmission subsidiaries constructs and operates natural gas distribution systems to support economic development through its commitment to reliability, safety practices, exceptional customer service, and community engagement. Overall, Summit entities serve approximately 625,000 customers and operate more than 23,400 miles of pipeline.
