A trusted resource for philanthropy serving the Joplin region.
Since our founding on Dec. 16, 2006, we have distributed more than $61 million in grants to the community. We now hold assets totaling $13,531,257 as of June 30, 2024.
Louise Secker, President
May 21, 2025 — The Philanthropic Society of the Joplin Regional Community Foundation announced the recipients of four grants totaling $200,000 through its latest high-impact grant round on Wednesday, May 21. The four recipients, each receiving $50,000, are:
The grants, presented during the Philanthropic Society’s annual grant luncheon at Missouri Southern State University’s Ron Richard Athletic Center, target the group’s four grantmaking priorities: Barriers to Work and Prosperity; Child Welfare and Education; Community Health; and Housing Affordability and Homelessness. The event was sponsored by the Missouri Southern Foundation, Mercy and the Edward Jones office of Logan Stanley and Ryan Stanley.
Following an application process, a committee of the Philanthropic Society members narrowed applicants down to finalists, then the entire Philanthropic Society membership voted to select the recipients. The program is open each year to 501(c)3 nonprofits and agencies with similar tax-exempt status like schools, government entities and faith-based organizations.
The Philanthropic Society was formed by the JRCF in 2018 to respond to emerging community needs by making a significant charitable impact. The group comprises 100 members who donate at least $2,500 in annual dues to the JRCF Philanthropic Society Fund. Since the first grants in 2019, the Philanthropic Society has awarded more than $1,300,000 to nonprofits serving Joplin, Webb City and Carl Junction. The Philanthropic Society also provides annual support to the JRCF’s community grantmaking endowment and to youth-led Launch programs at Joplin, Webb City and Carl Junction high schools.
April 24, 2025 — Scott Vorhees received a Board Member of Excellence Award in recognition for his outstanding contributions to the Joplin Regional Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Community Foundation of the Ozarks.
Vorhees was recognized for his ongoing support of nonprofit work and the JRCF’s Philanthropic Society, a giving circle that has granted more than $1 million to address high-priority community issues since its inception in 2019. He serves on its grants selection committee, and has purchased at least two buildings and donated them to local nonprofits as their new facilities.
This award was part of the CFO’s annual recognition of affiliates and affiliate leaders, presented April 10 prior to the Rural Philanthropy Summit. The conference, cohosted by the CFO and Philanthropy Missouri, was held April 11 at the Lodge of the Four Seasons in Lake Ozark. For a full list of honorees and grant recipients, visit cfozarks.org/affiliates2025.
“We believe that place-based philanthropy can be transformative for a community, but it requires passionate leaders to make that transformation possible,” said Alice Wingo, vice president of affiliates for the CFO. “We are grateful that these forward-thinking leaders volunteer so much of their time and energy to improve the quality of life for everyone in their communities.”
Dec. 10, 2024 — The Joplin Regional Community Foundation announced a total of $24,750 in grants to 16 nonprofits through its latest community grant round on Tuesday, Dec. 10. The grants, supported by the Duane and Edith Lawellin Legacy Fund and the Cloyd Carlin Charitable Fund, were presented during an event at the Joplin Chamber of Commerce.
The grants were distributed to the following organizations:
Following an application process, the recipients were selected by a volunteer committee of citizens in the Joplin region. The program is open each year to 501(c)3 nonprofits and agencies with similar tax-exempt status like schools, government entities and faith-based organizations.
Gifts to the Duane and Edith Lawellin Legacy Fund for Southwest Missouri and the Cloyd Carlin Charitable Fund help increase the amount available for future rounds of the JRCF’s community grantmaking program. Secure online donations can be made to these funds by going to cfozarks.org/givejoplin.
July 17, 2024 — The Community Foundation of the Ozarks recently recognized the Joplin Regional Community Foundation for its philanthropic leadership to the community. As one of the CFO’s Affiliates of the Year, the Joplin Regional Community Foundation received a $5,000 award to supplement its annual grantmaking.
Selection for the award was based on growth in several categories, as well as examples of community leadership, collaboration and the promotion of planned giving. As of May 30, the JRCF’s assets had grown 13% to more than $11 million in 158 charitable funds. From July 1, 2023, to May 31, grantmaking from those funds totaled more than $3.3 million to address community needs and support causes important to donors.
“Every community needs champions who selflessly dedicate their time, talent and treasure to improve the lives of others,” said Alice Wingo, vice president of affiliates for the CFO. “As our regional affiliate network has grown over the last 31 years, these exceptional leaders provide great examples for others to follow.”
The Philanthropic Society of the Joplin Regional Community Foundation announced the recipients of three grants totaling $130,000 through its latest high-impact grant round on Tuesday, May 14. The grants were presented during the Philanthropic Society’s annual grant luncheon at Missouri Southern State University’s Ron Richard Athletic Center.
The three recipients of these grants are:
Following an application process, the winners were chosen from a group of six finalists by a committee made up of members of the Philanthropic Society. The program is open each year to 501(c)3 nonprofits and agencies with similar tax-exempt status like schools, government entities and faith-based organizations.
The Joplin Regional Community Foundation announced a total of $25,000 in grants to 14 nonprofits through its latest community grant round on Tuesday, Dec. 12. The grants, supported by the Duane and Edith Lawellin Legacy Fund and the Cloyd Carlin Charitable Fund, were presented during an event at the Joplin Chamber of Commerce.
The grants were distributed to the following organizations:
Following an application process, the recipients were selected by a volunteer committee of citizens in the Joplin Region. The program is open each year to 501(c)3 nonprofits and agencies with similar tax-exempt status like schools, government entities and faith-based organizations.
Gifts to the Duane and Edith Lawellin Legacy Fund for Southwest Missouri and the Cloyd Carlin Charitable Fund help increase the amount available for future rounds of the JRCF’s community grantmaking program. Secure online donations can be made for these funds here.
