The CFO, with its Rural Schools Partnership, believes rural schools are anchors for rural communities.
You can think of the Community Foundation of the Ozarks as a nonprofit bank for good — managing charitable assets for schools, donors and nonprofits, and providing grants that help rural schools, teachers and communities thrive.
Since 1973, the CFO has:
Through endowments, grants, special programs and other resources, the CFO supports long-term and immediate needs in education.
With the belief that strengthening rural schools strengthens rural communities, the CFO founded the Rural Schools Partnership in 2009. About 100 rural school districts and school foundations have established funds with the CFO — your school may already be a partner. Through the RSP, schools can:
Rural schools are eligible to apply for a range of grant programs from the CFO and its affiliates.
The Louis L. and Julia Dorothy Coover Charitable Foundation, in partnership with Commerce Trust, funds annual grant programs that support rural schools, communities and the principles of place-based education. Other grant programs are available to schools throughout the year.
Many of the CFO’s affiliate foundations offer community grantmaking programs within their geographic service areas. Each affiliate determines its own criteria and deadlines.
Throughout the year, we offer a number of grant programs targeting youth needs, from orthodontics to mental health care. Some of these programs are open at specific times; others are ongoing throughout the year.
The CFO offers a variety of fund types to help schools and donors achieve their goals.
Schools can establish permanent funds with the CFO that provide steady support year after year — like a fund for classroom grants or a scholarship for graduating seniors. An endowment at the CFO is also a great tool for alumni who want to make a complex or planned gift that supports the school forever.
The CFO has 55 affiliate foundations across central and southern Missouri. Your school district’s community is likely served by one of these affiliates. These local “branches” of philanthropy understand and help meet the community’s needs through annual grantmaking. Creating a relationship with your local CFO affiliate can mean support for students and district initiatives.
The CFO’s Youth Empowerment Project promotes student-led philanthropy and leadership in area schools. YEP chapters organize and carry out initiatives to help both their school and community, giving students hands-on experience in philanthropy. The CFO supports these chapters through:
As a former teacher, Beth Hughs brings an understanding of the unique values, traditions and challenges of rural schools to her role as the CFO’s Rural Partnership Coordinator. She is your first contact if you’d like to learn more about how the CFO can support your class, educational project or school.
Contact Beth today to schedule a “CFO 101” meeting.
