The Mitchell Freedom Family Foundation (MFFF) is offering grants aimed at supporting nontraditional college students, established entrepreneurs, and community advocates residing in El Dorado, Arkansas. Initially launched in 2023 as the Mitchell Freeman Educational and Entrepreneurial Scholarship Fund, the program honors the legacy of Lonnie Mitchell and Ruby Freeman, notable community leaders and entrepreneurs. The fund emphasizes providing opportunities to individuals who align with the values of compassion, leadership, and community service exemplified by its namesakes.

Lonnie Mitchell, a U.S. Army veteran and business owner, played a pivotal role in employing and supporting African Americans during segregation in the St. Louis neighborhood of El Dorado. His ventures ranged from transportation and hospitality to construction. Ruby Freeman, also a business owner and a dedicated cosmetologist, devoted her life to serving her community, often extending her services free of charge and delivering meals to her elderly neighbors during holidays. Together, they left a legacy of hard work, generosity, and civic engagement that their children aim to continue through this program.

The MFFF provides financial assistance to three recipients annually, with this year’s grants totaling $250 each. The program focuses on individuals who meet specific criteria: residents of El Dorado who are at least 26 years old and pursuing higher education, entrepreneurs with three or more years of documented business operations, or community advocates with a history of meaningful service. Additional preferences are given to nontraditional students with children, those from underserved communities, or first-generation college students. Entrepreneurs and advocates with demonstrated financial need and who embody the characteristics of Mitchell and Freeman are also prioritized.

Applicants are required to submit a 400–500 word essay by January 13, 2025. Essays must be typed, double-spaced, and meet six outlined criteria, including a demonstrated commitment to the El Dorado community. Recipients will be announced at the Self Culture Club’s 36th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Banquet on January 18, 2025, at the El Dorado Conference Center.

The application process emphasizes evaluating the financial need, character, and community service record of applicants. Entrepreneurs must provide documentation of their business’s operational history, including an Employer Identification Number and an official business address. Similarly, community advocates should provide evidence of their service efforts.

To apply or obtain further information, interested individuals can email Mitchell Gardner, the program’s coordinator, at inquire@idoniagardnerlaw.com. This grant represents a meaningful way for the children of Lonnie Mitchell and Ruby Freeman to honor their parents’ legacy by empowering individuals who share their values and commitment to the El Dorado community.