FAQ

Does the Foundation fund organizations outside the Ozarks?

The Foundation generally does not support funding for organizations outside the Ozarks. The Foundation prefers to concentrate its philanthropic efforts in the greater Ozarks region, including Greene, Stone and Christian Counties in Missouri.

What are the Foundation’s funding priorities?

We focus our grant making in a way that honors our founders’ intent and operates in alignment with our mission, vision and values – to center our work on ensuring all people experience what is possible.

We understand that improving our communities requires an interconnected approach. By focusing on the communities requiring the most change, we aim to create positive momentum that benefits the larger greater Ozarks metro area. Emerging community needs will guide us as we work together to create stronger partnerships with communities, nonprofit partners, and foundation colleagues, in order to increase opportunities for all to succeed.

We believe that as we expand our reach and increase our impact through new, strengthened, and reimagined partnerships within our three impact areas, we will help build a community where the determinants of an improved quality of life are equitable and enjoyable by everyone.

To achieve our vision of enabling nonprofits in our community to achieve their greatest potential, and to create a bigger impact, our grant making will focus on three interconnected impact areas:

Centering Community
Listening with intention and respect to learn from the unique perspectives of the communities we serve.

Recognizing that we do not have all the answers, we embrace a learning mindset and seek community-driven solutions.

Building Partnerships
Collaborating with others to increase the likelihood of lasting, positive change.

Partnering with those who share our values and dedication to addressing community needs together.

Evolving Our Approach
Exploring new strategies and interventions that expand access and opportunity for more organizations to benefit from the community’s assets and resources.

Adapting our grant making to reflect the understanding that many challenges require sustained commitment, patience, and equitable access to resources.

Does the Foundation have an application?

The Foundation does have a process for those requesting funding. This process includes an interest form, letter of interest, and follow up questions. Our goal is to use these tools as a starting point for conversations with grant seekers regarding their proposal and the needs it addresses.

Does the Foundation have request deadlines?

No, requests may be submitted at any time. Requests are accepted and reviewed on a year- round basis. Any deadlines will be decided and communicated through conversations with our office.

How long does the approval process take?

The Board meets in April and October

Are there organizations the Foundation does NOT fund?

Yes, the Foundation does not make grants to or for the following:

Organizations outside of the greater Ozarks region
Political parties, candidates or political activities
Individuals
International organizations
Religious organizations where the primary purpose is promotion of a specific religious doctrine
Endowments
Scholarly research
Event promotion (such as telethons, walk-a-thons, golf tournaments, parties)
Past operating deficits
Travel or conference expenses
509(a)(3) organizations
Crowdfunding initiatives
Capital Campaigns and ongoing fundraising activities

What grant amount should my organization apply for?

Grants vary in size based on the program or project. We value organizations that have a diversified base of support and advise that agencies should not rely on the Foundation for substantial, annual support.

Does the Foundation make multi-year grants?

The Foundation may choose to fund grants over two to five years depending on the type of project involved.

Will I be required to submit reports showing how my grant is being used?

The Foundation requires an annual report. It is the responsibility of the grant recipient to ensure that the grant is used for the purposes indicated in the grant award.

How many proposals may I submit?

The Foundation typically accepts no more than one proposal per year per agency.

How will my organization know if its application has been approved?

Foundation staff who has been working on the request will contact the executive director (or primary contact) by phone or email. An award letter will follow.

FAQ