The Generosity Collective Grantmaking Program

The Generosity Collective Grantmaking Program

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Community Foundation of the Ozarks Inc.
Amount: US $52,500
Last Updated: April 20, 2025

Summary

The Generosity Collective Grantmaking Program, led by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, aims to address pressing local issues in Springfield by funding impactful projects. With a total of $120,000 available, grants of $30,000 will be awarded to one agency in each of four categories: early childhood development, child abuse prevention, mental health support, and affordable housing. This initiative fosters community collaboration and empowers organizations to create meaningful change.

Overview

NOTE: This grant program is a two-phase process; to participate in the first phase of the process, please complete the application by Pre-Proposal Deadline above. Up to three finalists in each of the four categories will be chosen to participate in the second phase of the process and asked to produce a short, smartphone video. Finalists will be provided instructions on the video phase of the program at that time.Finalists must submit final-phase videos for consideration by the full Generosity Collective membership by Full Proposal Deadline above. Our Mission & Vision The mission of the Community Foundation of the Ozarks is to enhance the quality of life in our region through resource development, community grantmaking, collaboration, and public leadership. We are committed to excellence through exceptional service, built on the following core values: Integrity: Stewardship you can trust.Respect: Relationships matter.Leadership: Collaboration creates solutions.Vision: Our focus is forever. The Generosity Collective Grantmaking Program As a giving circle dedicated to Springfield, the Generosity Collective brings like-minded individuals together by pooling their donations, learning about high-priority community issues, then collectively determining grant recipients. Through this process, the Generosity Collective plays an active role in confronting pressing local issues. Grantmaking Categories The Generosity Collective seeks to fund projects that impact the four grantmaking categories listed below. Economic Disparities Impacting Early Childhood DevelopmentThe Springfield Community Focus Report 2023 Update - Early Childhood indicates ongoing economic disparities as a significant concern, while the Mayor's Commission for Children's Kindergarten Readiness Survey for 2022 highlights the importance of preschool and pre-K programs, particularly for low-income students, in preparing children for kindergarten.Child Abuse and NeglectThe 2022 Child Abuse & Neglect - Annual Statistical Report from the Greene County Juvenile Office reveals that 448 child abuse and neglect referrals were recorded, with July seeing the highest peak, and highlights the concerning trend that one of every two children referred in Greene County were under four years old, potentially affecting their development and sense of safety and security at home.Mental Health and Substance-Use ProblemsIn Springfield, mental health and substance abuse represent significant concerns, with suicide mortality, though slightly decreased since 2020, still exceeding state and national rates, and overdose mortality steadily rising, at 25% higher than the national rate. Shortage of Safe, Affordable HousingHousing issues persist as significant concerns in Springfield, with high construction costs limiting affordable housing development, a shortage of 114,609 rental homes for extremely low-income renters across the state, less than one in three people having access to affordable housing in Springfield, and various challenges including expiring affordable housing, rental rates surpassing federal assistance, decreased support for home repairs, and a lack of comprehensive rental inspection programs for ensuring housing safety. Funding A total of $120,000 is available in this grant round. One agency will be selected in each of the four categories to receive $30,000.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. 501(c)(3) organizations or other IRS approved entities (government entities, school districts, and churches) serving the Springfield, Missouri area are eligible to apply.Projects may include new program start-up costs and annual or operating support. In awarding grants, affiliates of the CFO will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or veteran status. Grantees must not, in the use of CFO grant funds, discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or veteran status either in its employment practices or in its policies and procedures concerning access to services.