Grants to Improve Quality of Life in Carthage Area

The Carthage Affiliate Grantmaking Program is a community-focused initiative managed by the Carthage Community Foundation (CCF), which is dedicated to improving the quality of life for residents of the Carthage area. The foundation operates under the leadership of a Board of Directors selected for their understanding of local needs, with grant decisions made by a grant committee to ensure funds support impactful and innovative community projects. Through this structure, CCF seeks to advance programs that foster community well-being, economic vitality, and equitable opportunities across diverse sectors. The Spring 2025 Community Grant Round supports nonprofit and public entities that serve the Carthage area. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, government entities, school districts, and churches. Each applicant may submit one application, requesting up to $10,000 in funding. Applicants must select a single funding category from one of four options: Health & Human Services, Education & Youth Services, Arts, Culture, History & Community Beautification, or Food & Nutrition. This categorical structure ensures resources are allocated strategically to meet specific local priorities. Funding from the Carthage Affiliate Grantmaking Program primarily supports one-time special projects and capital or equipment purchases. However, CCF will consider requests for general operating expenses if the applicant demonstrates exceptional circumstances requiring such support. A clear, itemized project budget must accompany each proposal to ensure fiscal accountability. Successful applicants must expend awarded funds within one year of receipt, participate in community publicity efforts, and submit a detailed final report after one year documenting project outcomes and fund usage. Applications for the Spring 2025 grant cycle open on March 17, 2025, and close at 11:45 PM on April 10, 2025. Submissions received after the deadline, including those delayed by technical issues, will not be reviewed. All applications must be completed and submitted online and must have formal authorization from the organization’s governing board. CCF does not accept paper or email submissions, ensuring a standardized review process through its online platform. Applicants seeking clarification or assistance with the grant process can reach out to two primary contacts. Program-related inquiries should be directed to Chanti Beckham at (417) 438-9970, while technical questions about the online submission system should be directed to Latesa Carter at (417) 864-6199. These contacts provide support to ensure equitable access to the grant opportunity for all eligible organizations. CCF operates under the nondiscrimination policies of the Community Foundation of the Ozarks (CFO), ensuring that funding decisions are made without bias. Grants are awarded without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status. Through these policies, the Carthage Affiliate Grantmaking Program reinforces its commitment to inclusive and fair grantmaking that benefits the entire Carthage community.