May 8, 2025
2025-26 grant round will open in July
The Community Foundation of the Ozarks has selected the final round of recipients of its Inclusion & Belonging Grants for the 2024–25 grant cycle. The program supports small grant requests to ensure equitable participation and engagement in communities across the region.
The six recipients, receiving a total of $13,900, are:
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeast Missouri: $3,000 to implement the nationally recognized “Youth for Unity” program for students in grades 3–5 at its summer camp in Cape Girardeau.
- Community Care Coalition, Barry County: $2,475 to support the Open Minds Initiative that provides free tutoring, educational resources and support to incarcerated individuals completing the high school equivalency exam.
- Creative Arts Therapy Center: $3,000 to support the purchase of music therapy and art supplies to benefit individuals with developmental disabilities in Barry and Lawrence Counties.
- Multicultural Business Development Alliance: $3,000 to support inclusive economic growth, educational and networking opportunities, and resources for minority-owned businesses in southeast Missouri.
- Polk County 4-H: $1,500 to support youth development programming that engages children and youth ages 8–18 in various programs including clubs, camps and in-school activities targeting rural communities.
- PROMO Fund: $925 to enhance LGBTQ+ community engagement and advocacy work in southwest Missouri through events, conducting trainings and collaborating with partners to expand impact.
The Inclusion & Belonging Grant Program is now closed but will reopen in July for the 2025–2026 grant cycle. To learn more about the CFO’s grant application process, visit cfozarks.org/applyforgrants.
