Grants

Community Development

Cassville Affiliate Grantmaking Program

Up to $1,000 |Due by: September 30, 2026

The Cassville Community Foundation works to improve the quality of life for individuals in Cassville through thoughtful grantmaking and community leadership. 501(c)3 organizations or other IRS approved entities (government entities, school districts and churches) serving the Cassville community are eligible to apply.

• Maximum grant request is $1,000.00.
• Grant applicants will present to grant review advisory board on Wednesday, October 21, at 3:30 pm at Arvest Bank (503 Main St, Cassville).
• Contact Rachael Freeman with questions about this grant program.
• Contact Latesa Carter with questions about the application process or with technical questions (417-864-6199).

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Community Development

Douglas County Affiliate Grantmaking Program - Fall

$2,000 |Due by: September 30, 2026

The Douglas County Community Foundation works to improve the quality of life for individuals in Douglas County through thoughtful grantmaking and community leadership. 501(c)3 organizations or other IRS approved entities (government entities, school districts and churches) serving Douglas County are eligible to apply.

• Applicants who serve Douglas County are encouraged to apply.
• Applicants may apply for up to $2,000 in funding for this grant cycle.
• Contact Diana Middleton with questions about this grant program.
• Contact Noel Davis for questions about the application process or with technical questions (417-864-6199).

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Community Development

Nevada/Vernon County Philanthropic Society Grant Program

Up to $50,000 |Due by: September 30, 2026

The Nevada/Vernon County Community Foundation works to improve the quality of life for individuals in Vernon County through thoughtful grantmaking and community leadership. This grant program is funded by the Nevada/Vernon County Philanthropic Society. The mission of the Philanthropic Society is to pool the annual membership gifts of up to 100 individuals, couples, and businesses in Nevada/Vernon County for distribution in support of local projects that improve the services and quality of life in this community. Public 501(c)3 organizations or other IRS approved entities (government entities, school districts and churches) serving the Nevada/Vernon County area are eligible to apply. 

All proposals should meet the following minimum guidelines:

• Be for a defined project. (Proposals for annual general operating funds will not be rated highly.)
• Address a significant documented need in the community.
• Improve the quality of life of Vernon County residents.
• Applications can be for either programs or capital items (building, renovation, equipment, etc.). Endowment-growing grants will not be considered.
• Maximum grant request amount is $50,000.
• Proposals for event sponsorships, political groups, or those benefitting individuals (e.g., fundraisers to defray medical expenses) will not be considered.
• Churches or religious organizations may submit proposals provided that the purpose is for a wider community benefit.
• Applicants who serve the Nevada/ Vernon County area are encouraged to apply.
• Top-rated applicants will be invited to make a live presentation to the Philanthropic Society.

Contact Kelly Ast with questions about this grant program.
Contact Latesa Carter for questions about the application process or with technical questions (417-864-6199).
 

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Community Development

Bolivar Area Affiliate Grantmaking Program

$3,000 |Due by: October 5, 2026

The Bolivar Area Community Foundation works to improve the quality of life for individuals in the Bolivar and Polk County area through thoughtful grantmaking and community leadership. Public 501(c)3 organizations or other IRS approved entities (government entities, school districts and churches) serving the Bolivar and Polk County area are eligible to apply.

• Applicants who serve Bolivar and the Polk County area are encouraged to apply.
• Applicants may apply for up to $3,000 in funding for this grant cycle.
• Funds cannot be used for salaries, utilities, rent or other operational costs for the entity applying.
• Contact Kelly Parson (417-298-2223) with questions about this grant program.
• Contact Latesa Carter with questions about the application process or with technical questions (417-864-6199).

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Community Development

Ash Grove Affiliate Grantmaking Program

$500 |Due by: October 8, 2026

The Ash Grove Community Foundation works to improve the quality of life for individuals in Ash Grove through thoughtful grantmaking and community leadership. Public 501(c)3 organizations or other IRS approved entities (government entities, school districts and churches) serving Ash Grove are eligible to apply.

• Priority will be given to Ash Grove area projects; applicants who serve Ash Grove area are encouraged to apply.
• Maximum grant request is $500.
• Contact Jason Whitesell with questions about this grant program (417-840-0269).
• Contact Latesa Carter with questions about the application process or with technical questions (417-864-6199).

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Community Development

El Dorado Springs Affiliate Grantmaking Program

Up to $2,500 |Due by: October 15, 2026

The El Dorado Springs Community Foundation works to improve the quality of life for individuals in Cedar County through thoughtful grantmaking and community leadership. 501(c)3 organizations or other IRS approved entities (government entities, school districts and churches) serving El Dorado Springs are eligible to apply.

Guidelines:

• The El Dorado Springs Community Foundation has an interest in supporting organizations and projects which enhance the lives of El Dorado Springs residents and provide innovative solutions for existing and emerging community needs.
• Total amount one applicant can request is $3,000.00.
• Contact Kay Forest with questions about this grant program (417-321-4815).
• Contact Latesa Carter with questions about the application process or with technical questions (417-864-6199).

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Community Development

Owensville Area Affiliate Grantmaking Program

$750 |Due by: October 15, 2026

The Owensville Area Community Foundation works to improve the quality of life for individuals in the Owensville area through thoughtful grantmaking and community leadership. 501(c)3 organizations or other IRS approved entities (government entities, school districts and churches) serving the Owensville area are eligible to apply.

• Applicants who serve the Owensville area are encouraged to apply.
• Agencies may request up to $750.
• Contact Kyle Lairmore from the Owensville Area Community Foundation with questions about this grant program (573-291-9147).
• Contact Latesa Carter with Community Foundation of the Ozarks with questions about the application process or with technical questions (417-864-6199).

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Community Development

Nixa Affiliate Grantmaking Program

Up to $10,000 |Due by: October 19, 2026

The Nixa Community Foundation works to improve the quality of life for individuals in the Nixa area through thoughtful grantmaking and community leadership. Public 501(c)(3) organizations or other IRS approved entities (government entities, school districts, and churches) serving the Nixa area are eligible to apply.

Preference will be given to the following areas of interest: Culture - Economic Development - Education - Environment - Family - Health & Wellness. While these are areas of strong interest to the Nixa Community Foundation, requests need not be limited to those interests.

Further details about the grant program are as follows:

• Applicants may apply for up to $10,000 in funding for this grant cycle.
• Contact Sarah Gill with questions about this grant program.
• Contact Latesa Carter for questions about the application process or with technical questions (417-864-6199).

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Schools and Education

Clinton & Nancy Schilling Technical Educational Grant Program

Up to $50,000 |Due by: October 21, 2026

The Clinton and Nancy Schilling Community Fund, a fund of the Lockwood Community Foundation, seeks to support vocational and technical education for the Tri-County area, defined as Jasper, Barton and Dade counties through impactful grantmaking. Eligible organizations, including public 501(c)3 organizations or other IRS approved entities (government entities, school districts), serving Jasper, Barton and Dade counties are encouraged to apply.  

Important notes before applying: 

• Applicants can apply for up to $50,000

• Grants received must be spent within one year of receipt. Recipients will be expected to provide a detailed follow-up report after one year.

  Funding priorities are outlined below:
   

• Purchasing of equipment for classrooms/ hands on education for students
• Purchasing of curriculum for students
• Continuing education stipends for educators
• Support for sending students to trade shows, competitions, conferences, etc.
• Capital requests if nearing the end of the campaign.
• Facility renovations

Contact Latesa Carter for questions about the grant program, eligible projects, the application process, or with technical questions (417-864-6199).

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Community Development

Barton County Affiliate Grantmaking Program

$4,000 |Due by: October 26, 2026

The Barton County Community Foundation works to improve the quality of life for individuals in the Barton County region through thoughtful grantmaking and community leadership. Public 501(c)(3) organizations or other IRS approved nonprofit entities serving Barton County are eligible to apply. 

• Applicants who serve Barton County are encouraged to apply.
• The maximum amount one applicant can request is $4,000.
• All requests must be authorized by the grant-seeking organization’s governing board.
• Applicants can't apply for local grants if they received a local grant the previous year.
• Grant funds should be spent within one year, and a final report will be due one year after funds are received when applicable.
• Contact Andrea Lynn (417) 214-2726 with questions about this grant program.
• For technical assistance, please contact Latesa Carter (417) 864-6199. 

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Schools and Education, Rural Regional

Coover/RSP Rural Ready Grant Program

Up to $7,000 |Due by: October 27, 2026

In partnership with the Louis L. and Julia Dorothy Coover Foundation and Commerce Trust, the CFO is proud to offer the Rural Ready grant program to its rural school partners. The grant program is designed to give rural schools the flexibility to address the needs and opportunities that matter most in their communities. Rural Ready grants will support projects that prepare students with the knowledge, skills, experiences, and relationships they need to thrive in our ever-changing world while strengthening the communities they call home. 

Please note: Eligible applicants must be members of the CFO’s Rural Schools Partnership. Not sure if your school is a member? Contact Beth Hughs at bhughs@cfozarks.org or 417-864-6199. 

Eligible proposals may include but are not limited to the following:

• Youth Markets & Economic Development
• Career & Workforce Readiness
• Community Connection & Engagement
• Community Improvement & Volunteer Service

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Community Development

Houston Affiliate Grantmaking Program

$1,500 |Due by: November 2, 2026

The Houston Community Foundation works to improve the quality of life for individuals in Houston through thoughtful grantmaking and community leadership. 501(c)3 public organizations or other IRS approved entities (government entities, school districts and churches) serving Houston are eligible to apply.

• Applicants which are located within the city of Houston are encouraged to apply.
• Applicants may apply for up to $1,500 in funding for this grant cycle.
• Contact Ross Richardson with questions about this grant program (817-403-7203).
• Contact Latesa Carter for questions about the application process or with technical questions (417-864-6199).

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