Ash Grove Community Foundation Program

The Ash Grove Affiliate Grantmaking Program is a community-focused funding initiative administered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks (CFO). This program supports organizations working to improve the quality of life for individuals residing in Ash Grove. Governed by a local Board of Directors and advised by a grant committee, the foundation selects projects that align with community-identified needs, using both unrestricted and field-of-interest funds. These funds are contributed by donors who entrust local leaders with the responsibility of distributing resources where they are most impactful. The program's core purpose is to provide flexible financial support for community-based initiatives that respond to pressing local priorities. Eligible applicants include IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, government entities, school districts, and churches that operate within or primarily serve the Ash Grove area. The foundation emphasizes geographic relevance, with preference given to proposals that target services or improvements directly within the Ash Grove community. Applications must be submitted through an online system that uses character-limited fields for all questions. Applicants are required to provide detailed descriptions of their organization's mission, recent community impact, and project-specific information such as objectives, scope, target audience, budget, and long-term sustainability plans. Project budgets must distinguish between the amount requested from the grant program and additional program costs. An annual agency budget or a projected financial statement must also be submitted, along with documentation of the organization’s EIN. The application process includes standard organizational information and narrative questions, including the description of the project, financial scope, future funding strategies, and plans for publicizing grant support if awarded. Proposals may also include supplemental materials like diagrams, letters of support, or partner confirmations in a single uploaded PDF. The minimum grant amount that may be requested is $500. Applications for the current funding cycle must be submitted by 11:45 p.m. on October 9, 2025. There is no indication that this is a rolling opportunity, nor is there specific information about the total program funding or award ceiling. While grant award dates are not specified, funding decisions are made as funds are available. Applicants may contact Jason Whitesell at 417-840-0269 for program-related inquiries or Latesa Carter at 417-864-6199 for technical or application support. The program's non-discrimination policy mandates that no grantee may discriminate in employment practices or service provision based on race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status when using CFO funds.

The grant application system uses a character count that includes letters, numbers, punctuation, and spaces.