Stafford Family Charitable Trust Grant

Stafford Family Charitable Trust Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Stafford Family Charitable Trust
Last Updated: November 13, 2025

Summary

The Stafford Family Charitable Trust, established in 1988, has contributed over $1.5 million to enhance the Central Missouri community. Founded by J.W. "Stan" Stafford and Lois Smith Stafford, the trust supports local colleges and family-oriented organizations. With a focus on capital funding requests, it aids institutions that are tax-exempt and serve the Central Missouri area, including various counties such as Boone, Callaway, and Cole.

Overview

Established in 1988 by the late J.W. “Stan” Stafford and Lois Smith Stafford, the Stafford Family Charitable Trust has generously distributed over $1.5 million in gifts to local charitable organizations that benefit the Central Missouri community. The Stafford’s owned and operated the Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company of Columbia, Inc. for over 60 years until they sold the company in 1986. Following the sale of the business, the Stafford’s established the trust as a way to express appreciation for support they received from the community over the years. “We had a lot to be thankful for,” Stan Stafford said. “We decided to give some of it back.” The Stafford’s philanthropy has touched all three local college campuses, including funding for the Columbia College Library, Stephens College restoration of its parlors, and University of Missouri School of Medicine. Gifts have also been made to numerous children’s/family-oriented organizations, such as Camp Hickory Hill, Rainbow House and Salvation Army. Lois Stafford would say, “We made all our money in the community. We need to help the people here.”

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Contributions will be limited to those charitable causes and institutions servicing the Central Missouri area(Audrain, Boone, Callaway, Cole, Cooper, Howard, Miller, Moniteau, Monroe, Randolph & Osage counties)Contributions are limited to organizations that are exempt from federal income tax.