Annual Report FY24

Annual Report FY24 shares the volunteer leadership, grantmaking, new funds and financial statements for the Community Foundation of the Ozarks and its 55 regional affiliate foundations during the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024.  

• Production: Aaron Scott, Kaitlyn McConnell, Matthew Stewart and Matt Lemmon 
• Research Support: Holly Beadle, Emily Brittain, Judy Cantoni, Latesa Carter, Ashley Fleming, Caitlin Golike, Beth Hersh, Joe Kammerer, Millie Schuchmann, Ashley Silva, Rachel Tripp and Alice Wingo

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A Letter from the Chair

In one of the most popular TED Talks of all time, Simon Sinek explains how some businesses break through the clutter with clarity because they know their “why.” Those able to articulate their passion and link it to what they do are the ones most likely to evolve and survive in the landscape.

My role as chair of the Neighbor Company, the charitable arm of our family business, Herschend Family Entertainment, allows me to see what passion alongside purpose looks like. So when I found myself on the board of the Community Foundation of the Ozarks in 2020, it seemed as though worlds had aligned. I felt this even more strongly as a member of the executive committee, as I participated in the CFO’s recent leadership transition from Brian Fogle, who had molded the organization in line with service, to Winter Kinne, who has enthusiasm to carry and grow this vision. Throughout my term, I’ve had a front-row seat to witness this organization as it helps families, individuals, businesses and nonprofits embrace their passions and enhance the quality of life in their communities.

During the 2023–24 fiscal year the CFO concluded a year-long celebration of its 50th anniversary, and in late 2023 welcomed Kinne as its fourth president and CEO. In early 2024 the CFO purchased its next home, currently Missouri State University’s Meyer Alumni Center, at 300 S. Jefferson Ave. in downtown Springfield, where the CFO’s main offices will move in 2025. In an effort to engage the future philanthropists of the Ozarks, the organization created the Generosity Collective, inviting next-generation donors to participate. The CFO also grew by two affiliates, welcoming the Bootheel Regional Community Foundation serving southeast Missouri and the Phelps County Community Foundation in Rolla. Meanwhile the CFO staff continues to focus on unsurpassed service for donors, nonprofits, financial advisors, affiliate leaders, schools and other partners who share their vision for thriving communities. Their efforts can be felt daily in the lives impacted.

Amid these accomplishments and their accompanying changes, I am most proud that the CFO board, staff and our hundreds of partners have not lost focus — have in fact sharpened our focus — on our “why.” The communities we serve and the challenges they face will look quite a bit different in 50 years than they did in 1973, or even than they look now. We do everything, from fine-tuning our financial policies and investment decisions to purchasing a new headquarters to serve as a beacon of philanthropy for our region, with those future challenges in mind.

In the pages of this report you will find the results of this focus. Each page represents the passion someone has for their community, which has led them to make a difference through a financial contribution, an act of selfless service, a visionary legacy gift and so much more. This does not happen without love of a place and its people and a willingness to strengthen the roots of the region we call home. This is why I serve, and why I am so very honored to support this organization that has the same why as I do.

Anne E. McGregor is the FY25 chair for the CFO’s Board of Directors.