Grants

Community Development

Benton County Philanthropic Society Grantmaking Program

Up to $25,000 |Due by: September 17, 2026

The Benton County PHIL is excited to award grants to address priority needs in Benton County - including the expansion of current programs and/or the creation of new services. The maximum request amount is $25,000, with additional amounts of $15,000 and $10,000 being awarded to the second and third highly ranked agencies. Finalists will be determined by the Benton County PHIL members at large, and all finalists will be required to submit a video presentation, which will be shown to members during the review process. 501(c)3 organizations or other IRS approved entities (government entities, school districts and churches) are eligible to apply.

• If your agency received a grant through the Benton County PHIL FY26 grant round last year, you are not eligible to apply this year.
• Applicants who serve Benton County are encouraged to apply.
• Maximum request amount: $25,000.
• Contact Suzie Brodersen for questions about this grant program.
• For technical assistance, please contact Latesa Carter (417) 864-6199.

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Accessibility, Inclusion and Belonging

Welcoming Communities Grant Program

Up to $25,000 |Due by: September 17, 2026

The Welcoming Communities Grant Program will work to bring awareness of issues of access and inclusion to public light while impacting and improving the quality of life for underserved and underrepresented individuals.

• Agencies focusing on creating a sense of belonging as the organization's primary goal will be prioritized for funding in this grant program.
• Public 501(c)(3) organizations or other IRS-approved entities (government entities, school districts, and churches) serving the CFO's service area are eligible to apply.
• A total of $135,000 is available in the Welcoming Communities Grant Program, with awards capped at $25,000.
• Applications are due by 11:45 p.m. on September 17, 2026 .
• This program does not involve a matching component from the CFO; however, other matching, leverage, and in-kind opportunities are encouraged and may be outlined in the grant application.
• For questions regarding this grant program, please contact Marie Drenon (417-864-6199).
• For technical support assistance, please contact Latesa Carter (417-864-6199).

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Accessibility, Inclusion and Belonging

Springfield Black Tie

Due by: September 20, 2026

Springfield Black Tie, Inc. is Southwest Missouri’s premier fundraising event benefitting local and state-wide charities serving the LGBTQ+ community in Springfield and southwest Missouri. 

• Springfield Black Tie intends to fund programs or projects that would not otherwise be achievable without its financial support.
• Preference is given to proposals that include direct program activities. Requests that are solely for staff salaries or training expenses are less likely to be considered.
• Selected applicants will be beneficiaries of the 2026 Springfield Black Tie event on Saturday, November 7th.
• Proposals may include sponsorships; however, requests solely regarding sponsorship of an event should be directed to the Springfield Black Tie.
• Applications are due on Sunday, September 20th, at 11:59 p.m.
• Selected beneficiaries will be notified in October, and final grant awards will be disbursed in late December or in January.
• If awarded, a mid-year report is required.
• Grant administration services are being supported by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks.
• For questions regarding this grant program, please contact Springfield Black Tie's President, Elyse Riley.
• For technical assistance, please contact Latesa Carter (417-864-6199).

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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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