Springfield Black Tie Grant Program

Program Status: Active funding program

Springfield Black Tie, Inc. is Southwest Missouri's premier fundraising event benefitting local and state-wide charities serving the LGBT+ community in Springfield and southwest Missouri. The organization has been operating since 2003 and has provided over $1.5 million to non-profit organizations in the southwest Missouri region.

Geographic Scope

• Primary Service Area: Springfield and southwest Missouri region
• Secondary Service Area: State-wide charities

Focus Areas

Target Population: LGBT+ community and related charitable causes

Funding Approach

• Black Tie intends to fund programs or projects that would not otherwise be achievable without Black Tie's financial support
• Emphasizes equity for a diverse group of viable organizations

Eligibility

• Non-profit organizations serving the LGBT+ community in Springfield and southwest Missouri
• Organizations must be able to submit complete applications online through the Community Foundation of the Ozarks (CFO)

Application Timeline

• Application Period Opens: Late August (annually)
• Deadline: TBD (historically announced in late August)
• Applicant Notification: By October 6th
• Grant Disbursement: Late December or early January

Review Process

• Independent grant review committee appointed to review and score applications
• Uses Likert scale scoring methodology

Organization Details

• Tax Status: 501(c)(3) exempt organization
• Contact/Application Portal: Community Foundation of the Ozarks (CFO)
• Website: www.cfozarks.org

Application Process

Step 1: Set Up Profile (Optional but Recommended)

• Potential applicants new to CFO's platform may set up a profile in the Grant Interface system prior to the opening of the grant application cycle
• Instructions available on the Springfield Black Tie website

Step 2: Access Grant Application

1. Go to the CFO website (www.cfozarks.org)
2. Click on "ACCESS GRANT SYSTEM"
3. Enter "Springfield Black Tie" in the search to view grant information

Step 3: Submit Application

• Complete all application materials online through the Community Foundation of the Ozarks (CFO) website
• All requested materials MUST be submitted online through CFO

Important Notes:

• Applications open in late August (annually)
• Complete applications with all requested materials must be submitted by the deadline
• Applications are reviewed by an independent grant review committee using a Likert scale
• Selected beneficiaries notified by October 6th
• Final grant awards disbursed in late December or early January