A trusted resource for philanthropy serving the community of West Plains.
Since our founding on Mar. 31, 2004, Community Foundation of West Plains has distributed more than $3.96 million in grants to the community. We now hold assets totaling $19,259,895 as of June 30, 2025.
Eric Gibson, President
From left: Josh Cotter, The Impact; Crockett W. Oaks III and Tonya Oaks, Lincoln School Project; Amy Thomas, Community Foundation of West Plains
April 13, 2026 — The Impact, a giving circle supported by the Community Foundation of West Plains, hosted a celebratory dinner on March 26 at the Historic Post Office Event Center to honor its inaugural grant recipients and the collective generosity that made the awards possible.
The evening brought together Impact members, community partners and local leaders to recognize four area nonprofits, each receiving a $10,000 grant to support their missions. The 2026 grant recipients are:
• Birthday Blessings
• Lincoln School Project
• Sleep in Heavenly Peace
• Christos House
In total, $40,000 in grants were presented through the generosity of 57 Impact members and five corporate sponsors. These funds will strengthen vital services and programs across the West Plains area. Additionally, $5,000 was donated to the Community Foundation of West Plains to support its local efforts.
“The enthusiasm and generosity of our members has been remarkable,” said Josh Cotter, member of the Impact board. “Surpassing our initial goal so quickly reflects a strong community commitment to supporting organizations that make real differences in people’s lives.”
Brian Fogle, past president of the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, served as the evening’s guest speaker. Fogle shared insights on philanthropy, community leadership and the power of collective giving to create lasting change.
The Impact also recognized its 2026 corporate sponsors for their support:
• Dave Thomas – Shelter Insurance
• David Gohn – West Plains Bank and Trust
• Andy and Sonja Stauffer – West Plains Propane
• Keely Gale – Jo Coffee Company
• Zack Lashley – FNBC Community Bankers
Founded by the Community Foundation of West Plains, the Impact brings together philanthropically minded individuals to learn about community issues and collectively direct funds to causes.
Community members interested in joining the Impact are encouraged to contact Amy Thomas, affiliate coordinator for the Community Foundation of West Plains, at cfwestplains@cfozarks.org or 417-427-4514.
The Chaos Closet proves that a little care can make a big difference. The boutique-like stop off the square in West Plains provides clothing, essentials and a few extras for kids who reside in foster homes.
“Kids in foster care in Missouri get an annual clothing allowance, but it doesn’t provide everything that a kiddo is going to put on their body for an entire year,” says DeeDee Button, who founded the nonprofit with her husband, Ed.
The Buttons saw the need firsthand through kids they fostered. Efforts to save and pass along items grew from their home to a storage building and ultimately the colorful storefront that opened last year.
“I didn’t want kids to really associate coming in here with hand-me-downs,” DeeDee says of its cheery atmosphere. “I wanted it to feel like you had the dignity of going to a store, just without the exchange of money.”
Racks of clothing serve babies to teens. Larger items like beds are lent out, returned, sanitized and reused. Necessities like diapers and formula are found alongside other wares, like makeup and jewelry, that aren’t essential — but are important.
“This is the fun stuff to make them fit in with their peers a little more,” DeeDee says. “That’s all they want.”
Another item of need is new underwear. That mission is supported by the Community Foundation Of West Plains, which has granted funds to stock the closet’s shelves with all-new undergarments. In the process, DeeDee says, the CFO affiliate’s actions also raised awareness for the need — one that’s always there but not always top of mind.
“That funding has had this rippling effect out into the community, which is really great,” DeeDee says.
The Legacy Society is comprised of donors who have made a planned gift to the Community Foundation of West Plains. Click here to join or learn more information.
