Inclusion & Belonging Grant Program

The Inclusion & Belonging Grant Program is administered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, a regional philanthropic organization that works to enhance the quality of life in the Ozarks through resource development, community-based grantmaking, collaboration, and public leadership. This program is a key part of the foundation’s broader efforts to promote equity, representation, and engagement across the 58-county service region. The grant program reflects the Foundation’s commitment to advancing inclusive participation, especially in civic and community leadership roles, with an emphasis on creating spaces and opportunities where everyone feels a sense of belonging. This funding opportunity supports small grant requests that aim to foster visible and meaningful representation of diverse perspectives in communities. Eligible agencies can apply for funding to cover a range of activities, including those that support leadership development among underrepresented groups, student engagement initiatives, and events or efforts that visibly promote inclusion and belonging. Examples may include community events, workshops, leadership programs, or other initiatives that highlight the importance of diversity and ensure that all community members have a fair opportunity to participate and lead. Applicants must be either 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations or other IRS-approved entities such as government agencies, school districts, or churches. These organizations must operate within the Community Foundation of the Ozarks’ service region, which includes a comprehensive list of 58 counties across southern Missouri. Each agency is limited to one grant request per fiscal year, and the maximum grant award is $3,000. The program overall has a total funding pool of $50,000 available for distribution during the fiscal year. Grants are reviewed and awarded on a rolling basis, meaning applications are accepted continuously until either the funding pool is depleted or the fiscal deadline is reached. The program closes on May 4, 2026. Applications are typically reviewed within 8 to 10 weeks of submission. Agencies should plan their submissions accordingly and are encouraged to reach out in advance for clarification or support. While there is no pre-application requirement such as a letter of intent or concept paper, applicants should note that the online application system uses a strict character count, which includes all letters, numbers, spaces, and punctuation in the responses. Two contacts are available to support applicants throughout the process. For programmatic questions regarding eligibility or the intent of the grant, agencies can contact Rachel Tripp at 417-864-6199. For questions related to the online application platform or technical difficulties, Latesa Carter can also be reached at the same number. This centralized contact support ensures that applicants receive the necessary guidance for both content-related and technical issues. In terms of evaluation, while the grant program does not provide detailed criteria, the overarching goals suggest that proposals will be assessed based on their alignment with the themes of inclusion, equity, and community engagement. Given the limited pool of funds and relatively small maximum awards, applicants should present concise, targeted proposals with clear outcomes. The program does not require any cost share or matching funds, making it particularly accessible for smaller organizations with limited financial flexibility. This grant does not explicitly indicate whether it recurs annually, so applicants are advised to confirm any future funding cycles with the Foundation directly.