The Ozark Foothills Regional Community Foundation Grantmaking Program FY26 is a philanthropic initiative designed to support local organizations working to meet urgent needs in the Ozark Foothills region of Missouri. Operated under the umbrella of the Community Foundation of the Ozarks (CFO), this program is guided by a local Board of Directors and Grant Committee that allocate funds based on community priorities, thanks to contributions from unrestricted and field-of-interest funds.
This program provides grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and other IRS-approved entities, including school districts, churches, and government entities. Applicants must serve residents of one or more of the following counties: Butler, Carter, Reynolds, Ripley, or Wayne. Organizations with annual operating budgets under $250,000 are eligible. Applications may request between $500 and $1,000 in funding.
Applicants are required to describe the goals of their projects, their geographic and financial scope, how they meet community needs, and how success will be evaluated. Organizations must also disclose future sustainability plans, other current or anticipated funding sources, and provide relevant financial documents including an annual budget and EIN letter.
The program funds initiatives across several focus areas including arts and community beautification, youth services and education, and health and human services. Funding decisions are made according to a published timeline, and grants are awarded as funds are available. All grantees must adhere to the CFO’s strict nondiscrimination policies.
Applications for the FY26 cycle are due by 12:00 p.m. (noon) on October 17, 2025. Questions about the grant may be directed to Misty Edwards at (573) 785-6402. Technical questions related to the application platform should be addressed to Latesa Carter at (417) 864-6199.
Submit a strong community-focused narrative. Attach required documents. Address regional service clearly.
