A trusted resource for philanthropy serving Henry County and the Truman Lake region.
The Truman Lake Community Foundation was founded in 1998 and became an affiliate of the Community Foundation of the Ozarks on May 15, 2000. Since then, we have distributed more than $10.2 million in grants to the community. We now hold assets totaling $14,363,466 as of June 30, 2025.
Deanna Hendrich, President
This spring, the Clinton High School Youth Empowerment Project (YEP) awarded $5,000 to support innovative educational projects across the Clinton School District. Throughout the semester, YEP members reviewed grant applications, evaluated each project's potential impact, discussed funding priorities, and ultimately selected the recipients. Through this hands-on experience, students developed leadership, communication, teamwork, public speaking, and decision-making skills while learning how thoughtful philanthropy can strengthen their community.
YEP proudly funded eight educator-led projects that will directly benefit students throughout the district. Grants were awarded to Clinton Early Childhood Center, Henry Elementary, Clinton Intermediate School, Clinton Middle School, and Clinton High School. These grants will create opportunities for indoor play for preschool-aged students, improved classroom organization and writing practice, recognition for exceptional student achievement, fitness and wellness initiatives, hands-on functional life skills, hygiene assistance for families in need, and expanded opportunities for student participation in school activities
"The Youth Empowerment Project is much more than a grant program," said Bethany Ross, advisor for the group. "It's an opportunity for students to experience philanthropy firsthand. By managing a competitive grant process and investing in projects that will benefit thousands of current and future students, YEP members gained skills they will carry with them long after graduation."
Ross said the students' efforts demonstrate that young people can create meaningful, lasting change in their communities.
"The Clinton YEP chapter is grateful for the continued support of the Truman Lake Community Foundation, the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, and the generous donors whose investment makes these opportunities possible," she said.
April 27, 2022 — Deanna Hendrich, a member of the Truman Lake Community Foundation’s board of directors, received a Board Member Award of Excellence from the Community Foundation of the Ozarks.
She was one of five board leaders honored within the CFO’s network of regional affiliate foundations. The awards were presented on April 25 during the CFO’s Affiliate Appreciation Conference in Springfield.
Hendrich’s wealth of knowledge and experience in the foundation world have been greatly utilized by the Truman Lake Community Foundation.
When the annual donor appreciation event was canceled due to COVID-19, she volunteered to send each of the TLCF donors a personalized thank-you letter, which was accompanied by a pamphlet she designed with pictures to summarize the year's events. Hendrich is currently spearheading a new project: TLCF Awareness Month, which will raise awareness around the affiliate in the Truman Lake area.
“One cannot serve on a foundation board without first deeply loving one’s community,” CFO President Brian Fogle said. “That love is expressed through their excellent leadership and dedication that make their communities a better place to live for all their neighbors.”
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