Cape Area Affiliate Grantmaking Program

The Cape Area Affiliate Grantmaking Program is administered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, a regional philanthropic organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in southern Missouri. This grant opportunity is specifically designed to benefit communities within Cape Girardeau, Bollinger, and northern Scott counties. Through this initiative, the foundation seeks to support local organizations that are addressing pressing community needs and advancing projects that contribute to local development and well-being. The program welcomes proposals from nonprofit organizations recognized as 501(c)(3) entities, as well as other IRS-approved organizations such as government units, school districts, and religious institutions. Eligible applicants must be providing services within Cape Girardeau, Jackson, Marble Hill, and Scott City. Emphasis is placed on local impact, with priority given to initiatives directly benefitting residents of Cape Girardeau, Bollinger, and northern Scott counties. The scope of projects can vary, but the primary focus must remain on positively affecting the identified service area. Grants of up to $2,000 are available in this cycle, and applicants must ensure their requests align with this cap. Applicants are required to articulate the purpose and impact of their proposed projects, including the needs they intend to address and the anticipated outcomes. Additionally, organizations must describe the broader scope of the program, indicate whether the proposed grant constitutes part of a larger initiative, and explain the component that would be supported by the grant. The application process is facilitated through an online portal. Required components include the applicant's EIN, organizational purpose, recent community activities, a detailed project description, project scope, plans for sustainability beyond the grant term, and public relations strategies for communicating grant receipt. A complete budget must be submitted outlining both the grant-supported and other funding portions of the proposed project. Uploads such as an annual agency budget and EIN confirmation letter are mandatory. Applicants may contact Skip Smallwood (573-340-4944) for general inquiries about the grant and Latesa Carter (417-864-6199) for questions related to the application process or technical assistance. The application deadline is March 2, 2026. While there is no explicit indication that the grant is recurring, interested parties should monitor the Community Foundation of the Ozarks' website for future funding opportunities.