Please note: Grant programs for 2022–23 were recently announced. More information will be shared on this page in the coming weeks.
The CFO supports community grantmaking programs throughout central and southern Missouri.
These efforts include affiliate community foundations, Metropolitan Springfield, the Missouri Ozarks region, the Youth Empowerment Project program and various specialized fund and grant rounds. The CFO’s fiscal year begins on July 1 and grant programs and deadlines for upcoming fiscal year are announced in early July each year. We invite you to look at all opportunities, which fall into three general categories. Please contact Vice President of Programs Bridget Dierks with any questions.
In awarding grants, the CFO will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or veteran status. As part of the grant process, all grantees will be required to affirm that, in providing services funded in whole or in part by a CFO grant, the grantee will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or veteran status either in its employment practices or in its policies and procedures concerning access to services.
Metropolitan Springfield Grants
Regional & Affiliate Grants
Specialty Grants
Metropolitan Springfield Grantmaking Programs
Metropolitan Springfield grant programs are exclusively for agencies serving Springfield and Greene County. Many of these programs support innovative concepts, encourage collective impact models and focus on addressing the Red Flags identified in the Community Focus Report for Springfield and Greene County.
Advancing Mental Wellness Grant Program
Application Deadline: Dec. 15, 2022
The Community Foundation of the Ozarks supports engagement in long-term, high-impact philanthropy by making available the opportunity for agencies to apply for larger scale, multi-year grants. The Advancing Mental Wellness Grant Program will establish longer-term funding — a total of $600,000 over three years — in order to have significant impact upon challenges related to mental illness in the Springfield-Greene County region. The CFO seeks to fund programs which provide lasting impact in improving access to and a reduction in stigma of seeking mental health care for individuals suffering from mental illness in the Springfield metropolitan statistical area, with an overarching goal to reduce the suicide mortality rate in the area. Using an RFP process with initial proposals due on Dec. 15, this program will announce first-year recipients in spring 2023.
Let’s Get to Work Fund
Application Deadline: Ongoing
The Let’s Get to Work Fund will support nonprofit agencies working with low-income individuals in acquiring or maintaining employment by supporting related transportation expenses. The intent of the program is to remove transportation-related barriers for individuals traveling to and from work to successfully complete their job. Applicant agencies may use grant dollars to support expenses for individuals joining or currently in the workforce who need support in ensuring reliable, safe transportation. Grant applications will be reviewed and awarded on an ongoing basis.
Jewell Schweitzer Collective Impact Grant Program
Application Deadline: Jan. 10, 2023
The Community Foundation of the Ozarks is committed to achieving positive impact with regard to broad community issues Springfield-Greene County. Addressing one component of a large-scale issue, however, is not effective without also working in tandem on other aspects of that community challenge.
In an effort to align the efforts of organizations seeking to improve upon these key issues, the CFO will award proposals outlining collaborative efforts of three or more organizations which address red flags outlined in the 2021 Community Focus Report and the 2021 Community Focus Report white papers. These documents can be found on the Community Focus Report website. For more information about the Collective Impact model, visit the Collective Impact Forum.
Proposals shall address red flag issues in the 2021 Community Focus Report and its white papers, with agencies working on a common agenda with continuous communication and mutually agreed-upon roles. Additionally, agencies working collaboratively will be expected to identify a mutually agreed-upon evaluation or measurement process in order to quantify impact and potentially provide evidence-based solutions to challenges facing Springfield and Greene County. Lead applicant agencies must be nonprofit 501(c)3 organizations, government entities, school districts, or tax exempt faith based organizations.
A total of $150,000 is available in the Jewell Schweitzer Collective Impact Grant Program, with awards capped at $40,000.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Grant Program
Application Deadline: Oct. 5
The Community Foundation of the Ozarks is committed to achieving positive impact with regard to issues of diversity, equity and inclusion in Springfield-Greene County and across the CFO service area. Ideal candidates for the Diversity and Inclusion Grant Program will work to bring awareness of issues of diversity and inclusion to public light while impacting and improving the quality of life for under-served and underrepresented individuals. Agencies with a focus on equity as the primary goal of the organization will be prioritized for funding in this grant program.
Ideal agency candidates will impact systems and norms with short term changes in issue visibility, interim changes in norms and practices and ultimately long term changes which positively impact southern Missouri. Clear, sharp goals focused on the impact applicant organizations strive to achieve will aid the committee in the selection process. Ideal proposals focus on work in increasing civic participation, changing public norms, and improving community conditions for marginalized communities.
A total of $120,000 is available in the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Grant Program, with awards capped at $25,000.
Inclusion & Belonging Grant Program
Application Deadline: Ongoing
The Inclusion and Belonging Fund supports small grant requests to ensure equitable participation and engagement in local communities. Agencies may apply at any time to support expenses related to ensuring diverse voices are represented in leadership roles and the community and students are provided equitable opportunity for community engagement and leadership. Agencies may also apply for event expenses that ensure visible representations of belonging in the Ozarks.
A total of $40,000 is available in the Inclusion and Belonging Grant Program, with awards capped at $3,000 per agency per year.
Senior Issues Grant Program
The Community Foundation of the Ozarks Springfield-Greene County Senior Issues grant program is a collaborative project with the Greene County Senior Services’ Tax Fund Board. Requested program support should be designed to effectively enhance and improve the health, nutrition and quality of life of persons in Greene County aged 60 and older. Quantitative outcome improvements for existing programming or proposed program outcome goals for new programming would be included with successful proposal requests. The deadline for this grant round is ongoing, with proposals reviewed every two months.
To learn more about this grant program and to view the application, visit the Greene County Senior Citizens’ Services Fund page.
Jeannette L. Musgrave Foundation Grantmaking
The CFO administers grantmaking for the Musgrave Foundation in partnership with U.S. Bank Wealth Management. The third year of the Musgrave Multi-Year Impact Grant Program will be announced in spring 2023.
More information coming soon.
Regional & Affiliate Grantmaking
Let’s Get to Work Fund
Application Deadline: Ongoing
The Let’s Get to Work Fund will support nonprofit agencies working with low-income individuals in acquiring or maintaining employment by supporting related transportation expenses. The intent of the program is to remove transportation-related barriers for individuals traveling to and from work to successfully complete their job. Applicant agencies may use grant dollars to support expenses for individuals joining or currently in the workforce who need support in ensuring reliable, safe transportation. Grant applications will be reviewed and awarded on an ongoing basis. Agencies serving residents in the 14-county area of southwest Missouri (where the service areas of the CFO and United Way of the Ozarks overlap) who face transportation-related barriers in obtaining or maintaining employment may qualify for assistance through the Let’s Get to Work Fund:
- Barry
- Christian
- Dallas
- Douglas
- Greene
- Hickory
- Laclede
- Lawrence
- Polk
- Stone
- Taney
- Texas
- Webster
- Wright
Coover Regional Celebration of Public Spaces Grant Program
Application Deadline: Nov. 1
The Louis L. and Julia Dorothy Coover Regional Grantmaking Program, a partnership between the CFO and The Commerce Trust Company, will award grants to support the improvement of outdoor spaces available to the public in the rural CFO service area via the 2022 Coover Regional Celebration of Public Spaces Grant Program.
With a total of $250,000 available, the primary goal of this grant program is to ensure outdoor public spaces serve all citizens in their communities effectively. Possible projects include the improvement of outdoor public spaces such as parks, gardens, amphitheaters or open-air gathering spaces, playgrounds, public pools, walking or biking trails, or other community spaces.
Agencies may apply for up to $25,000 in funding for supplies, equipment and labor costs to make improvements. Eligible agencies must be 501(c)3 nonprofits or organizations with similar tax-exempt status, including educational, faith-based and governmental agencies, that serve rural communities in the CFO service area outside of Greene County.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Grant Program
Application Deadline: Oct. 5
The Community Foundation of the Ozarks is committed to achieving positive impact with regard to issues of diversity, equity and inclusion in Springfield-Greene County and across the CFO service area. Ideal candidates for the Diversity and Inclusion Grant Program will work to bring awareness of issues of diversity and inclusion to public light while impacting and improving the quality of life for under-served and underrepresented individuals. Agencies with a focus on equity as the primary goal of the organization will be prioritized for funding in this grant program.
Ideal agency candidates will impact systems and norms with short term changes in issue visibility, interim changes in norms and practices and ultimately long term changes which positively impact southern Missouri. Clear, sharp goals focused on the impact applicant organizations strive to achieve will aid the committee in the selection process. Ideal proposals focus on work in increasing civic participation, changing public norms, and improving community conditions for marginalized communities.
A total of $120,000 is available in the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Grant Program, with awards capped at $25,000.
Inclusion & Belonging Grant Program
Application Deadline: Ongoing
The Inclusion and Belonging Fund supports small grant requests to ensure equitable participation and engagement in local communities. Agencies may apply at any time to support expenses related to ensuring diverse voices are represented in leadership roles and the community and students are provided equitable opportunity for community engagement and leadership. Agencies may also apply for event expenses that ensure visible representations of belonging in the Ozarks.
A total of $40,000 is available in the Inclusion and Belonging Fund, with awards capped at $3,000 per agency per year.
Regional Affiliate Foundation Community Grantmaking
The CFO’s regional affiliate foundations each administer grantmaking programs to benefit their respective communities. To find a community grant program in your area, please visit the affiliate overview or the list of programs currently open.
Specialty Grants
The Community Foundation of Ozarks manages specialty grant funds established by donors who would like to have a positive impact on a specific field of donor interest. These funds are for a large spectrum of community needs and are sometimes relatively specific in their purpose. Please note the following grant programs and their purposes, which have varying due dates.
Unless otherwise noted, contact Kirsten Binder for more information on the Specialty Grants.
Charles L. and Dorothy Weaver Memorial Orthodontic Grant
Support for orthodontic services
The Weaver Orthodontic Grant provides three scholarships annually for full-treatment orthodontic services for individuals age 10–30 in the southern Missouri Ozarks region who meet the following criteria:
- Applicant must be within the age range of 10 to 30 years of age, with a full set of permanent teeth already in place.
- Applicant must be within the service area of the Community Foundation of the Ozarks (southern Missouri Ozarks region).
- Applicant must be within driving range of and the ability to travel to the participating orthodontist’s offices in the Springfield Metro Area for the full 20 to 30+ month timeline for optimum treatment outcomes and must have a means of transportation to orthodontic appointments through a parent or guardian or have the ability to self-transport.
- Applicants must have access to a general dentist who will continue to provide cleaning and maintenance requirements during the span of treatment by the orthodontist.
- Financial need of applicant must be established through eligibility for participation in the Federal Free Lunch program through the school they attend or, if not in school, proof of qualification for Medicaid.
Contact: Ashley Fleming
Explore the Ozarks Fund Grant
Support for experiential conservation education opportunities for K-12 students in the Ozarks
The Explore the Ozarks Fund is dedicated to creating and providing access to experiential conservation education opportunities for K-12 students in the Ozarks. Grants made from the Fund for conservation education must be matched by the grantee/receiving organization on a 1:1 basis. Match dollars must be substantiated to the Community Foundation of the Ozarks and must include additional dollars raised not in-kind support. Conservation education grants may include, but are not limited to: Programming and curriculum design, construction, materials and training; Transportation costs for field trips/experimental learning; and Field trip entry costs for students and teachers.
Contact: Caitlin Golike
L.E.A.H. (Lending Every Amputee Hope) Grant
Assistance for those with current or ongoing need of care for amputation
Application for assistance is based on current or on going need of amputation. Applications for assistance will be individually evaluated by a committee after completion of this form and verification from your health care provider of medical condition. Preference is given to but not limited to those residing in Southwest Missouri. Maximum amount available is $150 per year/per person to be used towards but not limited to medical/DME supplies or items from prosthetic companies to improve the quality of life for individuals with challenges associated with limp amputation.
Ripley Butler Clay Fund for the Arts
Support for artists in Ripley, Clay or Butler counties
The Ripley Butler Clay Fund for the Arts provides one $2,500 grant annually to an artist who resides in either Ripley or Butler County in Missouri or in Clay County, Ark. This grant program is designed to promote the visual arts in this region by providing grant funding to an artist who exhibits potential and/or is an established artist.
Indigent Cremation Fund (for county coroner offices)
Reimbursement grants to support indigent cremation
A was established in 2007 by the City of St. Louis Circuit Court to help the CFO reimburse county or city governments to help cover the cost of indigent cremation. The case settlement was split between three community foundations in the state, the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation, the Greater St. Louis Community Foundation and the Community Foundation of the Ozarks. Each community foundation serves a geographical area of the state; the CFO’s is 58 counties south of the Missouri river.
Contact: Millie Schuchmann
Paisley Collins Memorial Foundation
Support for pediatric cancer
The Paisley Collins Memorial Foundation has been created to assist families in need with a child (18 or younger) diagnosed with cancer with expenses beyond their ability to pay. Preference is given to but not limited to those residing in Christian, Douglas, Greene, Howell, Jasper, Newton, Stone, Taney, Texas, Webster and Wright counties.
Lennie Cloud Fund for the Hearing Impaired
Support for programs and services for the hearing impaired
The Lennie Cloud Fund for the Hearing Impaired supports a nonprofit agency located in the CFO service area which provides programming to assist individuals in the Ozarks who are hearing impaired. Equipment, programming or training to assist hearing impaired individuals are eligible for application. Approximately $500 will be available to one agency for this program each year.
Jerry & Tac Caplan Midlife Initiative Fund
Support for women making a career change in midlife
The Jerry & Tac Caplan Midlife Initiative Fund will provide one grant of up to $1,000 to support a Springfield, Missouri, woman in mid-life who is working to change the course of her life and take more control over what happens to her. Preference will be given to women in poverty who are nonwhite or who have a physical or mental disability. Applications must be made on behalf of an individual through a nonprofit organization; the grant will be provided to the nonprofit organization to administer.
William E. Eslick Fund
Support for capital improvements made by Southern Baptist Churches in Greene County
The William E. Eslick Fund supports capital projects for Southern Churches located in Greene County, Missouri. Grant applications must not include operational costs; funds can be requested as part of a larger capital project. The Eslick Fund will provide $1,000 to one Greene County, Missouri, Southern Baptist Church annually.
The Senior and Dorinda’s Dream Funds
Assistance with end-of-life wishes
The Dorinda’s Dream Fund and the Senior Dream Fund were established to provide financial support for end-of-life wishes of adults diagnosed with a terminal illness who are under hospice care. The Dorinda’s Dream fund supports patients who are between the ages of 18-65; the Senior Dreams Fund supports patients over the age of 65. These funds primarily support partial or full airline ticket costs of a loved one or a applicant/patient to make a final connection before the passing of said patient; however, applications for a meaningful activity for the patient may also be submitted. Funds will be distributed through the applicant’s hospice care provider.
Norma A. Carolla Scholarship Fund for Professional Hospice Caregivers
Continuing education scholarships for hospice nurses
The Norma A. Carolla Scholarship Fund for Professional Hospice Caregivers supports continuing education efforts of hospice caregivers in the Springfield area. Partial or total reimbursement may be made to attend continuing education programs and conferences. Applicants must be employees of a Medicare certified hospice program. Payment will be made to hospice caregiver employer upon submission of receipts by recipient.
Helen M. Delano Fund
Crisis support for families of firefighters and police officers
The Helen M. Delano Fund supports the families of Springfield firefighters or police officers injured or killed in the line of duty. Two $2,000 grants will be provided annually. Applications must be made on behalf of an individual through the City of Springfield or the local police or firefighter union; grant will be provided to the organization to administer.
The Holocaust Education Grantmaking Program
The Community Foundation of the Ozarks invites educators, faith leaders, and concerned individuals to visit and learn at either the St. Louis Holocaust Museum and Learning Center or the United States Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C., in order to educate others about the Nazi Holocaust and other historic and contemporary genocides and other war crimes. This grant program provides funds via reimbursement of a 501(c)3 organizations or other IRS approved charitable entities (government entities, school districts, and churches) to support travel (mileage), hotel accommodation, and a per diem food expense. This grant is available to the entire CFO service area.
MS Wellness Fund established by Janie Brunette RN MSN and Linda L. Duncan
Support for individuals with multiple sclerosis
This fund supports patients living with multiple sclerosis who are patients of Jordan Valley Health Center.
The Wounded War Veterans Grant Program
Support for wounded veterans
The Wounded War Veterans Grant Program seeks to provide funding for programs that serve the needs of our wounded war veterans. This grant supports a nonprofit agency located in Southwest Missouri which provides programming to support wounded war veterans. Equipment, programming, or training to assist in supporting these individuals are eligible for application. This grant will provide $2,000 to one agency in summer 2021.
The Smith Atwell Girls Recreational Grant Program
Support for agencies in Greene County
The Smith Atwell Girls Recreational Grant Program seeks to provide funding for programs that empower and encourage girls and young women to be involved in athletic and outdoor recreational opportunities. This grant supports a nonprofit agency located in Greene County, Missouri which provides programming to support athletic and outdoor recreational opportunities for girls and young women. Equipment, programming, or training to assist in supporting athletic and recreational opportunities for girls and young women are eligible for application.
The Shelly Sachs Foundation
Support for cancer patients
This fund supports individuals who are managing current or ongoing consequences of treatment related to cancer. Applications for assistance will be individually evaluated by a committee after completion of a form and verification from a health care provider concerning cancer status. Preference is given but not limited to those residing in Christian, Douglas, Greene, Howell, Jasper, Newton, Stone, Taney, Texas, Webster and Wright counties. Maximum amount available is $300. Assistance for the following will be considered: pharmacy prescriptions not covered by insurance (copy of invoice required), insurance copayment (copy of invoice required), durable medical equipment (copy of invoice required), nutritional assistance, and transportation costs related to medical visits (hotel/gas).
How to Apply for Specialty Grants
Details and applications for these programs are found under the Specialty Grants category here.