CFO Grantmaking Programs
CFO supports community grant making programs throughout the Missouri Ozarks. These efforts include affiliate community foundations, Metropolitan Springfield, the Missouri Ozarks region, and Youth Empowerment programs.
Endowment Building Grants
This program is designed to provide grants through which our Agency Partners can apply for funds that are specifically targeted for activities and programs that promote endowment building. Click here for more information.
Affiliate community grantmaking programs
CFO created an affiliate program in 1993 to meet the diverse needs of the region by providing community foundation services to smaller communities in the Missouri Ozarks. Each of our 41 regional affiliate foundations are driven by volunteer leaders committed to strengthening the social fabric of our communities. Through their community grantmaking programs, affiliate foundations are able to address local needs with local resources. Click here to learn more about the grantmaking programs at the affiliate level.
Metropolitan Springfield Community Grantmaking Program
The Metropolitan Springfield community grantmaking program provides support for Springfield and Greene County organizations addressing key areas of community life. Please visit this page for more information about the Springfield Grantmaking program, including specific grant cycles, deadlines, and an online application.
Louis L. and Julia Dorothy Coover Charitable Foundation Regional Grantmaking Program
The Louis and Dorothy Coover Regional Grantmaking Program is a partnership between Commerce Trust Company and CFO. The Coover Program supports new and innovative programs or projects that address regional needs through advocacy, public education or capacity building. Organizations with regional service areas that are primarily outside of metropolitan Springfield and Greene County are encouraged to apply.
Field of Interest Funds
A field-of-interest fund in the area of one’s greatest concern, such as “education” or “the arts” provides direction to the Board of Directors without naming specific nonprofit agencies. This page has more information about our Field of Interest grant programs.
Youth Empowerment Project
The mission of the Youth Empowerment Project (YEP) is to empower youth to positively impact their community. This is accomplished through education, service, grantmaking, and fundraising. More information about the Springfield and regional YEP programs, including grantmaking info, can be found here.
Scholarships
Last year, Community Foundation of the Ozarks awarded more than $565,000 in scholarships to 340 students from approximately 200 scholarship funds administered by CFO and its 40 regional affiliate foundations. Scholarship programs continue to be an important means of giving something back to the community by affording young people the opportunity to pursue a higher education. CFO manages more than $14 million in assets devoted to scholarships. Our list of scholarship programs, eligibility requirements, application information, and more is available in the scholarships section of our web site.
Ripley Butler Clay Fund Grant for the Arts
Ripley Butler Clay Fund Grant for the Arts is a grant opportunity offered specifically to artists who reside in either Ripley or Butler County in Missouri or in Clay County, Arkansas.
Historic Preservation Society of Springfield & Greene County Grant Program
This program supports the purpose of the Historic Preservation Society of Springfield and Greene County Missouri by assisting organizations and individuals in preserving historical and/or architecturally significant sites or structures. Visit here for more information.