Community Foundation of the Ozarks

Initiatives & Publications

CFO Initiatives

Rural Schools Partnership
Schools play a critical role in the well-being of small communities and towns that serve as rural hubs, providing a focal point of activity, a sense of civic pride, and a reason for families to stay in place. Schools are an integral thread in the community fabric; they provide a sense of purpose. Recognizing the overarching importance of schools to rural development, the Community Foundation of the Ozarks’ board of directors has launched the Rural Schools Partnership, a comprehensive program to strengthen small school districts. The Rural Schools Partnership resulted from a year-long planning process involving CFO’s regional committee, public school leaders, affiliated foundation leadership, donors, and area business people. The Rural Schools Partnership strengthens rural schools through the development of alternative resources, promoting collaboration and partnerships, and supporting place-based education strategies. Read more about the project on the Rural Schools Partnership site.

Harry Cooper Supply Company Campaign for the Ozarks
In 2008, the Community Foundation of the Ozarks conducted a challenge grant program, the Harry Cooper Supply Company Campaign for the Ozarks, designed to build and strengthen the community-based philanthropy efforts of nearly 41 regional affiliate community foundations. The Cooper Campaign made available matching funds made possible by the generosity of the Harry Cooper Supply Company. This year, the Cooper Campaign enters a second phase designed to strengthen rural Ozarks schools. Read more.

Stewardship Ozarks Initiative
In the spring of 2007, the Community Foundation of the Ozarks launched Stewardship Ozarks Initiative, an effort to strengthen regional organizations that are committed to conservation efforts in the Missouri Ozarks. This program is a direct response to the Foundation’s board of directors’ 2006-2007 action plan, and it focuses directly on the sustainability of conservation and environmental nonprofit groups. Read more.

Arts Programming Sustainability Initiative (APSI)
Arts_LogoThe APSI program is an effort led by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks to help sustain the arts in our community. This program has several facets, including the Stand up for the Arts planned giving campaign and the Arts in Action festival.  Arts in Action: The 10 Weeks Festival was conceived by area art organizations and universities to bring Springfield’s cultural offerings under one brand to raise money for arts in education and basic needs for children in Springfield Public Schools.  Read more.

Mission-Related Investment Program and Cultural Investment Fund

The CFO Board of Directors in 2009 approved committing up to 2 percent of assets to community investment through low-interest loans when conventional financing sources are not available. This program represents the CFO’s commitment to the “double-bottom line” of investing in enterprises that produce both financial and social returns for Ozarks communities, instead of investing assets solely in financial markets. A component of this program is the Cultural Investment Fund, which will offer loans of $1,000 to $20,000 to non-profit groups to help cover the down-payment costs associated with booking major performers, shows or exhibits. The Cultural Investment Fund guidelines explain the program in more detail; interested non-profit groups can apply online.

ECHO Project
Funded through a $1 million CFO grant, the five year ECHO (Enhancing Children’s Healthy Opportunities) Project brings together Burrell Behavioral Health, CFO, Community Partnership of the Ozarks, MSU, and the Springfield Public Schools in a collaborative effort to promote childhood resiliency. The project serves two Springfield elementary schools, Campbell and Robberson, serving a significant population of at-risk students. Read more.

Grantmakers’ Challenge for Children
A Cooperative Response to the “Red Flags” of the 2004, 2005 and 2007 Community Focus: A Report for Springfield and Greene County
The 2004, 2005 and 2007 Community Focus: A Report for Springfield and Greene County publications clearly illustrated the needs of our children. Several areas were addressed as “red flags” for our community. The 2004 report stated, “Overcoming these pressing challenges will ultimately shape the future of Springfield and Greene County.” Read more.

Ozarks Plateau Initiative
The Ozarks Plateau Initiative (OPI) gives Ozarks’ communities the opportunity to experience unique performing and visual arts offerings from the Mid-America Arts Alliance. Through a collaboration with Community Foundation of the Ozarks, Mid-America Arts Alliance provides an exhibition and a thematically related performance to a community through one a CFO Endowment Partner or a regional affiliate foundation. Read more.

Making a Difference Where You Live
Making a Difference Where You Live is a collaboration between KSMU and the Community Foundation of the Ozarks. Each quarter we will focus on a topic that explores how volunteerism and philanthropic efforts address community needs. Read more and listen to archived presentations from the series.

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