Nov. 5, 2026
Grants will help young people strengthen community connections, solve local challenges
The Community Foundation of the Ozarks has granted $45,000 to Youth Empowerment Project chapters at nine rural school districts. The grants will support projects that help young people strengthen community connections, foster cross-generational collaboration and develop solutions to local challenges.
Each district’s YEP chapter will receive $5,000 to support the following projects:
- Aurora R-VIII School District: Students will preserve local history by sharing residents’ stories through podcasts, social media, posters and radio programming.
- Bakersfield R-IV School District: In collaboration with the FFA and Building Trades programs, students will design, build and install signs highlighting the historic Village of Bakersfield.
- Clinton School District: Students will support Clinton Animal Rescue Endeavor by volunteering at the shelter, purchasing supplies, supporting operations and encouraging community engagement.
- Couch R-1 School District: Students will support and strengthen the Oregon County JAG Hunger Closet, a program to provide food discreetly to students and families in need.
- Fair Grove R-X School District: Students will host a community gala benefiting Fair Grove Care to Learn while building leadership, business and communication skills.
- Gainesville R-5 School District: Students will connect with residents of the Gainesville Health Care Center and seniors at the Ozark County Senior Center through gift baskets, shared meals and other activities.
- Lutie R-VI School District: Students will improve cafeteria accessibility and preserve local history through intergenerational storytelling with seniors.
- Nixa R-II School District: In partnership with One Nixa Community Classes, students will expand the Seniors Supporting Seniors program at the Nixa Senior Center through monthly service projects and activities.
- Reeds Spring R-IV School District: Students will create Santa’s Workshop, providing children with wrapped toys and books at no cost to families.
The grants are supported by a Civic Experiment Grant from Trust for Civic Life, a grantmaking collaborative supporting community-led efforts that help Americans connect, solve problems together and feel confident in a shared future. In 2025, Trust for Civic Life designated the CFO as a Civic Hub.
About Youth Empowerment Project
YEP, a long-running youth philanthropy program supported by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, gives junior and high school students the opportunity to make a positive impact in their communities, learn about philanthropy, volunteer and participate in local grantmaking. The CFO supports YEP chapters in Springfield and 18 rural school districts.
About Trust for Civic Life
Launched in 2024, the Trust for Civic Life is a grant-maker bringing together 21 national foundations and philanthropists to strengthen civic culture in rural communities. Through its core Civic Hubs program and small grants funding for experimental projects, the Trust aims to invest $50 million into 500 communities by 2028, supporting local work that fosters trust, belonging, and civic participation.
