Transforming Communities: Grants Empower Local Nonprofits

In a remarkable display of community support, a consortium of philanthropic organizations has awarded nearly .17 million in grants to various groups and nonprofits in the Springfield metro area. This infusion of funds aims to address pressing needs, strengthen local initiatives, and empower organizations to continue serving individuals and families in the wake of the pandemic.

Empowering Sustainable Change: Grants Fuel Community Resilience

Filling Gaps, Growing Local Food, and Enhancing Facilities

The grants awarded on Monday will have a far-reaching impact, addressing a wide range of community needs. Funds will be used to fill gaps in services, grow more local food, improve facilities, hire staff, and provide crucial support for children and families. The Community Foundation of the Ozarks, in partnership with the Jeannette L. Musgrave Foundation and U.S. Bank Private Wealth Management, have carefully curated these grants to ensure maximum impact.The Musgrave distribution committee has identified "Opportunities to Thrive" as its focus area, recognizing the importance of supporting the long-term sustainability of agencies serving individuals with little or no income, across all age groups. These multi-year grants offer the potential for renewal, providing a stable foundation for the recipients to continue their vital work.

Empowering Organizational Transformation and Civic Engagement

The grants also address the need for organizational restructuring, talent investment, and development strategies. The Boys and Girls Clubs of Springfield, for instance, have received ,000 to support their ongoing transformation. Additionally, the GLO Center has been awarded ,000 to fund a new community services specialist position, which will create programs and partnerships to fill gaps in services for the LGBTQIA+ community.Fostering civic engagement is another key focus of the grants. The History Museum on the Square has received ,000 to connect K-12 students with the past and present through experiential learning. Leadership Springfield has been awarded ,000 to support the Civic Leadership Access Program, which will provide a multi-step civics education program for Parkview High School students, culminating in a participatory learning experience in Washington, D.C. The Springfield Daily Citizen has also received ,000 to increase civic engagement among young people by promoting engaged and thoughtful consumption of media.

Strengthening Foster Families and Nonprofit Capital Projects

The grants also address the critical needs of foster families and support capital projects for local nonprofits. The "Foster Families" program has provided funding to organizations like the Council of Churches of the Ozarks, FosterAdopt Connect, and KVC Missouri (formerly Great Circle) to develop new case management programs, provide advocacy and support for biological parents, and expand therapeutic foster care programs.In addition, the CFO and Musgrave Foundation have announced grants from an invitation-only program to support capital projects for nonprofits that align with funding priorities in healthcare, mental health, and improving the quality of life for low-income communities, children, babies, and the unsheltered. These grants will enable organizations like the Child Advocacy Center, Council of Churches of the Ozarks, Dickerson Park Zoo, Ozarks Food Harvest, and Presbyterian Children's Homes & Services to undertake strategic planning, facility renovations, and equipment purchases to enhance their service delivery.The Jeannette L. Musgrave Foundation, managed by U.S. Bank Private Wealth Management and administered by the CFO, has a long history of supporting nonprofits in Springfield and southwest Missouri. Since 1983, the foundation has granted more than million to organizations in the region. The Community Foundation of the Ozarks, the largest public charitable foundation serving the area, continues to play a pivotal role in channeling resources to where they are needed most, empowering local nonprofits to create lasting change.