Jan. 7, 2025
Grants support eight nonprofits serving Springfield-Greene County
The Community Foundation of the Ozarks has granted a total of $66,000 to improve access to nature and outdoor recreation opportunities in Springfield and Greene County. The Everyone Outdoors Grants were presented today at the Watershed Center to eight nonprofits:
- American Indian Center of Springfield: $4,000 to help marginalized Indigenous populations reconnect with their cultural heritage, foster outdoor engagement and build relationships within the community
- Brightli Foundation: $10,000 to support the Nature Therapy Expansion project, which connects clients in substance-use and mental health services with nature
- Generations Village: $5,000 to develop a neighborhood walking trail at the multi-generational housing development
- James River Basin Partnership: $7,000 to expand the Experience the Outdoors program, which encourages children and their families to spend time outside during summer break
Recipients of the CFO’s Everyone Outdoors Grants celebrated at the Watershed Center in Springfield.
- Praise Assembly: $10,000 to build an inclusive, fully accessible playground at Northeast Community Park
- Springfield-Greene County Park Board: $10,000 to host history walks and paddling programs for SPS students and local residents at several parks throughout Springfield-Greene County
- TrailSpring: $10,000 to support design fees for a new pump track in McDaniel Park
- Watershed: $10,000 to design an accessible trail and outdoor learning station at the Watershed Center at Valley Water Mill Park
New for the CFO’s 2024–25 grant cycle, the Everyone Outdoors Grant Program was increased by $6,000 with contributions from the donor-advised funds of Mark and Lori Nelson and Todd and Betty Parnell.
“With all the well-documented benefits of spending time in nature, our goal is to make the outdoors more accessible for everyone in the simple ways that are proven to be so effective,” said Winter Kinne, president and CEO of the CFO. “We are grateful to the Nelsons and the Parnells for believing in this grant program and helping us expand our grantmaking.”
The Everyone Outdoors Grant Program selection committee comprised Jason Hainline, Sarah Hough, Ashley Krug and Danny Perches.
