Grants

Animal Welfare

Community Foundation of the Lake Karen Jean Rudek Fund Grant Program

Up to $10,000 |Due by: October 29, 2026

The Community Foundation of the Lake works to improve the quality of life for individuals in the Lake of the Ozarks area through thoughtful grantmaking and community leadership. The Karen Jean Rudek Fund provides support for horse and dog shelters, sanctuaries, and rescue facilities with preference given to Lake of the Ozarks organizations. 501(c)(3) public organizations or other IRS approved entities (government entities, school districts, and churches) serving the service area are eligible to apply.

• Agencies which apply must be horse and/or dog shelters, sanctuaries, or rescue facilities.
• Preference is given for organizations which are located in the Lake of the Ozarks area.
• Applicants may apply for up to $10,000 in funding for this grant cycle.
• Contact David Boyd with questions about this grant program (417-569-9880).
• Contact Latesa Carter with questions about the application process or with technical questions (417-864-6199).
   

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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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Environment and Conservation, Public Health, +3 more

Regional Everyone Outdoors Grant Program

up to $10,000 |Due by: November 12, 2026

The Community Foundation of the Ozarks is committed to connecting our region's residents to the abundant natural resources and outdoor community programming. Eligible organizations (nonprofit 501(c)3 organizations, government entities, school districts, or tax-exempt faith-based organizations) in the CFO's service area are encouraged to apply. This includes rural Missouri south of the Missouri River and outside the metro areas of St. Louis and Kansas City. For more information about the CFO service area, see our website.

Ideal projects will focus on engaging residents, particularly individuals living in low-income and high-density neighborhoods, with the Ozarks outdoors. Examples of potential programs may include: educational environmental programs, expansion of staff time for existing outdoor programming, the purchase of outdoor equipment for public usage, and supplies for outdoor neighborhood gathering space enhancement. The CFO welcomes innovative ideas which support outdoor community placemaking. 

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Community Development

Mountain Grove Area Affiliate Grantmaking Program

$2,000 |Due by: November 23, 2026

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

• Applicants who serve the Mountain Grove area are encouraged to apply.
• Agencies may request up to $2,000.
• Contact Dr. David Barbe from Mountain Grove Area Community Foundation with questions about this grant program (417-838-0311).
• 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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Springfield Metro, Community Development, +6 more

Jewell Schweitzer Quality of Life Grant Program

$130,000 |Due by: December 3, 2026

Agencies seeking to make positive impact on key issues in Springfield-Greene County are invited to apply to the Jewell Schweitzer Quality of Life Grant Program. 

Proposals must address red flag issues noted in the 2026 Community Focus Report, which was released October 2, 2026. Nonprofit 501(c)3 organizations, government entities, school districts, or tax-exempt faith-based organizations serving Springfield-Greene County are invited to apply. The maximum request amount is $30,000.
 

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Children and Youth

Springfield City Youth Empowerment Project (YEP) Grant Program

10,000 |Due by: January 7, 2027

The Springfield City Youth Empowerment Project program aims to support Springfield-area nonprofits working to improve the lives of young people and create opportunities for them to learn, grow, connect and thrive. Examples of eligible projects might include: programs serving youth experiencing barriers or challenges, youth mentoring and leadership programs, academic enrichment and tutoring, mental health and wellness initiatives, recreation and arts programs, and projects that create opportunities for young people to connect, contribute and make a positive impact in their community.

Important notes to consider before applying:

• 501(c)3 organizations or other IRS-approved entities (government entities, school districts, and churches) located in Springfield, Missouri, are eligible to apply.
• A total of $10,000 is available; awards are capped at $2,500.
• If awarded, a representative of your agency must be available to attend the grant presentation event at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 13, 2027.
• Applications are due by 11:45 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 7, 2027. Your organization will be notified in late February/early March of 2027.
• Potential applicant agencies are encouraged to contact Beth Hughs with questions regarding this grant program.
• For technical support assistance, please contact Latesa Carter. 

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Specialty, Holocaust Education, +2 more

Holocaust Education Grantmaking Program

Up to $3,000 |Due by: June 1, 2027

The Holocaust Education Grantmaking Program seeks to support educators, faith leaders, and concerned individuals to visit and learn at either the St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum or the United States Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C by supporting travel expenses. Public 501(c)3 organizations or other IRS approved entities (government entities, school districts and churches) are eligible to apply.

• Applicants who serve the CFO service area are encouraged to apply.
• Applications are reviewed within six weeks of submission.
• Contact Latesa Carter for questions about the grant program or application process or with technical questions (417-864-6199).

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Youth Orthdontics, Children and Youth, +1 more

Charles L. and Dorothy Weaver Memorial Orthodontic Grant

Ongoing

Provides three scholarships annually for full treatment orthodontic services for individuals within the age range of 10 to 30 years. Applications are due March 31, and decisions are made in August. 

Schools and Education, Children and Youth, +1 more

Dan Armstrong Legacy Foundation Grant Program

Ongoing

Established in loving memory of educator and coach Dan Armstrong, the Foundation provides financial assistance to schools and organizations providing opportunities for local youth to improve their athletic skills, enhance basic fundamentals of their sports, and support character development. 

Grants from the Foundation provide support for sports camps and clinics, instruction fees, equipment and uniforms for Carthage area youth. 

Children and Youth, Environment and Conservation, +2 more

Explore the Ozarks Fund Grant 

Ongoing

Specialty, Medical Support, +1 more

Hope for the Journey Foundation for Cancer Treatment Support

Ongoing

The Hope for the Journey Foundation provides non-medical financial support to patients facing a life-altering cancer journey and their families. Applications for assistance are based on current or ongoing consequences of treatment related to cancer and will be evaluated by a committee after completion of this form and verification from your health care provider concerning your cancer status. Preference is given to those residing in Greene, Christian, Taney, Stone, Barry, Lawrence, and Newton counties. The maximum amount available is $1,000. Information provided in this application is strictly confidential and will be used only for the purpose of grant-making by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks. The CFO pays to invoice only. Cash will not be provided.

Accessibility, Inclusion and Belonging

Inclusion & Belonging Grant Program

Up to $3,000 |Ongoing

The Community Foundation of the Ozarks is committed to achieving a positive impact with regard to issues of inclusion and belonging in communities across the CFO's service area. 

The Inclusion & Belonging Grant Program supports small grant requests to ensure inclusive participation and engagement in local communities. Agencies may request funding to support expenses related to ensuring a broad range of perspectives are represented in leadership roles and the community, and that students are provided with fair and inclusive opportunities for community engagement and leadership. Agencies may also apply for event expenses that ensure visible representations of belonging in the Ozarks.

Important notes to consider before applying:

• 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. 
• The CFO will confirm your 501(c)3 nonprofit status using Candid and will contact your organization if there are any issues.
• A total of $90,000 is available; awards are capped at $3,000 per agency per fiscal year.
• Agencies may not submit multiple requests in the same fiscal year. 
• Final reports will be due 6 months after funding is awarded. Grant awards of $1,000 or less do not require a final report.

In awarding grants, the Community Foundation of the Ozarks and its affiliates will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity or veteran status. Grantees must not, in the use of CFO grant funds, discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity or veteran status either in its employment practices or in its policies and procedures concerning access to services.

PLEASE NOTE: 

• This grant application system uses a character count on all grant questions. This character count includes letters, numbers, spaces, and punctuation.
• Please be sure to click the submit button to complete and submit the form. You will receive a confirmation email when your application has been successfully received.

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

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the funds are fully spent or the application closes for the fiscal year on May 6, 2027. Applications typically begin the review process within eight to ten weeks of submission.

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