Grants

Animal Welfare

Community Foundation of the Lake Karen Jean Rudek Fund Grant Program

Up to $10,000 |Due by: October 30, 2025

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) 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 Dawn Busick with questions about this grant program.
• 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

$1,300 |Due by: October 31, 2025

The Houston Community Foundation works to improve the quality of life for individuals in Houston through thoughtful grantmaking and community leadership. 501(c)3 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 $1,300 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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Community Development

Alton Affiliate Grantmaking Program

Up to $1,500 |Due by: November 6, 2025

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

• Applicants who serve Alton and Oregon County are encouraged to apply.
• Minimum grant request is $1,500.
• Contact Brenda Ledgerwood with questions about this grant program.
• Contact Latesa Carter with questions about the application process or with technical questions (417-864-6199).

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Community Development

Joplin Regional Community Foundation Affiliate Grantmaking Program

Up to $2,000 |Due by: November 6, 2025

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

• Applicants who serve the Joplin area are encouraged to apply.
• The maximum request amount is $2,000.
• Contact Pete Ramsour with questions about this grant program.
• 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 6, 2025

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

El Dorado Springs Community Grantmaking Program

Up to $3,000 |Due by: November 20, 2025

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

Guidelines:

• The El Dorado Springs Community Foundation has an interest in supporting organizations and projects which enhance the lives of El Dorado Springs residents and provide innovative solutions for existing and emerging community needs.
• Total amount one applicant can request is $3,000.00.
• Contact Kay Forest with questions about this grant program (417-321-4815).
• Contact Latesa Carter with questions about the application process or with technical questions (417-864-6199).

Community Development

Bootheel Regional Community Foundation Affiliate Grantmaking Program

Up to $4,000 |Due by: November 25, 2025

The Bootheel Regional Community Foundation works to improve the quality of life for individuals in the Bootheel Regional Community Foundation service area, including Scott, Mississippi, New Madrid, Pemiscot, Dunklin and Stoddard counties through thoughtful grantmaking and community leadership. 501(c)3 organizations or other IRS approved entities (government entities, school districts and churches) serving the Bootheel Regional area are eligible to apply.
 

• Applicants who serve the Bootheel Regional Community Foundation service area are encouraged to apply.
• Agencies may request up to $4,000.00.
• Contact Melissa Combs from the Bootheel Regional Community Foundation with questions about this grant program.
• 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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Community Development

Mountain Grove Area Affiliate Grantmaking Program

Up to $2,000 |Due by: November 25, 2025

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 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 (417-926-6111) or Kim Norris (417-926-2104) from Mountain Grove Area Community Foundation with questions about this grant program.
• 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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Children and Youth

Springfield City Youth Empowerment Project (YEP) Grant Program

15,000 |Due by: December 2, 2025

The 2025-2026 Springfield City Youth Empowerment Project (YEP) grant program, supported by a generous gift from JE Dunn Construction, aims to support Springfield area nonprofits that are working to provide safe and supportive spaces for kids in need. Examples of projects that aim to provide safe and supportive spaces for kids in need include youth resource or drop-in centers in underserved neighborhoods, after-school programs for at-risk youth, safe space resources, art programs as tools for emotional healing and self-expression, trauma-informed initiatives, such as calm rooms and calm room resources, family support pop-ups that provide resources to families, and peer mentorship programs. 

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 $15,000 is available; awards are capped at $5,000.
• Project outcomes should aim to provide safe and supportive spaces for kids in need.
• If awarded, a representative of your agency must be available to attend the grant presentation event on Tuesday, April 14th at 8:30 a.m.
• Applications are due by 11:45 p.m. on Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025. Your organization will be notified in late February/early March of 2026.
• Potential applicant agencies are encouraged to contact Rachel Tripp with questions regarding this grant program.
• For technical support assistance, please contact Latesa Carter. 

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Youth Orthdontics, Children and Youth, +1 more

Charles L. and Dorothy Weaver Memorial Orthodontic Grant

Due by: March 31, 2026

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