The Generosity Collective

By pooling our donations and collectively deciding on grant recipients, we are able to create greater impact in the community than we could alone.

Why join the Generosity Collective?

• Across the country, fewer households are giving to charitable organizations — but the issues challenging our community are not going away.
• Individually, we all support our favorite causes — and that certainly helps. But our individual giving is not always enough to move the needle.
• By collectively targeting our generosity to support local nonprofits doing the most good, we can more effectively power change in our community.
• Whether we grew up here or came here, the Springfield community is our home. And it’s our time to make a difference.
• Read about the Generosity Collective's inaugural grantmaking — nearly $145,000 to four Springfield-area nonprofits — here. 

How the Generosity Collective Works

• Each year, members make a $2,500 donation to the Generosity Collective Fund, held by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks. This donation is a tax-deductible gift to the CFO and must be made by April 3, 2025.
• With your membership, you will receive one vote to select recipients of the Generosity Collective's annual grantmaking. If your spouse/partner would like their own vote, they must apply for their own membership.
• The Generosity Collective’s grantmaking committee will narrow down 10 focus areas from the Blue Ribbons and Red Flags identified in the latest Community Focus Report for Springfield & Greene County. Members will then convene to select four focus areas.
• Throughout the year, you will learn about those focus areas and the nonprofits working to address those community priorities. These events will help guide the Collective’s grantmaking — and give you an opportunity to connect with fellow members.
• Agencies will apply for the Generosity Collective’s grants through the CFO’s online grantmaking process.
• At the conclusion of the membership year next fall, you — along with fellow members of the Collective — will decide which agencies receive grants from the Generosity Collective Fund. In our first year, we granted $144,580 to four nonprofits.
• In addition to the Generosity Collective’s annual grantmaking, 10% of membership donations will be endowed to build long-term sustainability.
• The Generosity Collective will be limited to 100 members.
• Membership is closed for 2025. Interested in joining for 2026? Please complete this form. 

Membership Requirements

• $2,500 donation per calendar year. This can be given in the following ways:
  • Credit card/eCheck
  • Contribution from a donor-advised fund held at the CFO or other charitable sponsor
  • Check
  • Appreciated stock (contact Ashley Silva for stock transfer instructions)
  • To donate in installments, contact Ashley Silva
• Attend at least two of the four main events per year. Someone may be sent in your place if you are unable to attend.
  • Tuesday, March 4 — 4–5:30 p.m., Hospitality Room at 300 South Jefferson
  • Tuesday, June 10 — 8–9:30 a.m., location TBA
  • Tuesday, Sept. 2 — 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m., location TBA
  • Tuesday, Nov. 4 — 5–7 p.m., location TBA

New for 2025: Social Gatherings

Get to know fellow Generosity Collective members at three casual meet-ups:

• Wednesday, April 30 — 4:30–6:30 p.m., Sidebar Springfield
• Tuesday, July 29 — 7:30–9 a.m., location TBA
• Thursday, Oct. 16 — 7:30–9 a.m., location TBA

Other Ways You Can Help

• Talk to your employer or consider a $2,500 corporate sponsorship for your place of business. This option allows one member of your organization to participate and vote in 2025 GenCo activities and grant rounds.
• Share with friends and family! Word of mouth is our best marketing. If you know someone seeking to make an impact on our community, the Generosity Collective is a great way to get them involved!

Interested in joining?