The Community Foundation of the Ozarks (CFO) is currently accepting nominations for the 2025 Humanitarian of the Year, an annual award that honors a southwest Missouri resident for exemplary community service and civic leadership. Established in 1990 by the late Jewell Thompson Schweitzer, a noted philanthropist, the award is now in its 36th year. Schweitzer’s legacy continues through several major bequests to the CFO, including endowments for unrestricted grantmaking and designated support for local institutions such as First & Calvary Presbyterian Church, Drury University, Cottey College, and College of the Ozarks.
This distinguished recognition honors individuals who have demonstrated the courage to take decisive action, the wisdom to confront difficult challenges, and the willingness to make personal sacrifices for causes that lead to long-term community betterment. The award is open only to living individuals residing in southwest Missouri. Posthumous nominations are not accepted.
The nomination deadline is noon on Monday, September 15, 2025, and nominations must be submitted online via the official form at formstack.com/forms/CFO-humanitarian. An independent selection committee coordinated by the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce will review submissions. This year’s committee will be chaired by Springfield Chamber Chair-elect Jessica Harmison-Olson and will include representatives from Branson, Joplin, West Plains, and members of the clergy.
The selected Humanitarian of the Year will be honored during the National Philanthropy Day celebration on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at the DoubleTree Hotel. The CFO has partnered with the Missouri Ozark Region Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals to recognize a broad slate of honorees during the event. The Humanitarian of the Year will receive a $5,000 cash award, which is traditionally donated to a charitable cause of the recipient’s choosing.
The award seeks to highlight individuals who have demonstrated sustained and meaningful impact across one or more causes, particularly in Springfield and the surrounding regional communities. A list of past recipients and full eligibility guidelines can be found at cfozarks.org/humanitarian.
Review past honorees and criteria at cfozarks.org/humanitarian. Clearly describe nominee’s impact and sustained commitment.
