The Porter Fund Literary Prize is named for Ben Kimpel's mother, whose maiden name was Porter. It is a special entity existing as a non-profit organization for the purpose of honoring Arkansas writers and poets.
All contributions are tax deductible, as such.
It was established by Jack Butler and Phillip McMath in 1984, and it was at Ben's request that the prize be named for his mother. However, it exists in his honor, and as a way of acknowledging the help he gave to scholars, colleagues, and writers during his time at the University of Arkansas where he became head of the English Department. He was a first-rate teacher, scholar, and friend.