Eight counties | 36 cities | one region

ST. JAMES—Schools, churches, local governments or charitable organizations contemplating a community project that needs a small amount of funding can apply for a grant from the Meramec Regional Community Foundation (MRCF).

An estimated six grants of $250 each will be available to nonprofit, 501(c)3 organizations, schools, faith-based organizations and governmental entities looking to address local needs that will enhance the quality of life within the community. 

“It’s especially important now more than ever for MRCF to support our communities through our Community Grant Program,” MRCF Chairman Vicki Lange said. “We encourage our community organizations to apply for a grant that could benefit the individuals in the community and provide much needed programs or services.”

For the last nine years, MRCF has awarded grants to further local projects through its community grant program. Maria Bancroft, MRCF coordinator, said the foundation has funded many diverse projects. 

“The foundation has assisted with many projects in the past, such as supporting school caring closet programs, sports programs, school safety programs, car seat programs and lighting and security for a historical society museum exhibit,” Bancroft said. 

2012 marked the inaugural year for the grant program, and in the last eight years $12,900 in grant funds have been awarded to 52 community projects throughout the region. The grants are made possible through the Meramec Regional Community Foundation Community Grant-making Fund, which was created by a $30,000 donation from Meramec Regional Planning Commission. A portion of the fund’s earnings are distributed each year through grants.  

Awardees in 2020 included the Crawford R-1 School district, St. James Parks and Recreation, Richwoods R-VII, Gasconade County Health Department, Phelps County Historical Society and Osage County R-1 School district. 

Applications for the 2021 grant round will be accepted online only until 5 p.m. on Jan. 29, 2020. Online applications may be found and submitted at www.cfozarks.org/find-grants-scholarships/take-action-apply-for-grants.

Organizations and governmental entities must be based in the Meramec Region – Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Osage, Phelps, Pulaski and Washington counties – to qualify.

For more information on the grant opportunity, contact Bancroft at mbancroft@meramecregion.org or 573-265-2993 extension 114. To learn more about MRCF, visit www.cfozarks.org/affiliates.   

MRCF is an outgrowth of the Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) and is an affiliate of Community Foundation of the Ozarks (CFO) in Springfield. The regional affiliate was formed in 2010. Its 12-member board includes representation from each of the eight Meramec counties and from MRPC. Vicki Lange of Osage County serves as president of MRCF.

Currently, MRCF has 49 funds totaling over $3 million.

CFO is a public foundation serving the Missouri Ozarks. The foundation’s mission is to enhance the quality of life in the region through resource development, community grant-making, collaborations and public leadership. Formed in 1973, CFO has since grown to include 51 affiliate community foundations and more than 3,100 charitable funds totaling approximately $310 million in assets, as of June 30, 2020. 

MRPC, in addition to establishing the regional foundation and providing the initial investment to create a grant program, provides staff support to MRCF. 

Formed in 1969, MRPC is a voluntary council of governments serving Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Osage, Phelps, Pulaski and Washington counties and their respective cities. Gasconade County Presiding Commissioner Larry Miskel serves as chairman of the board. A professional staff of 34 offers technical assistance and services, such as grant preparation and administration, housing assistance, transportation planning, environmental planning, ordinance codification, business loans and other services to member communities.

To keep up with the latest MRPC news and events, visit the MRPC website at www.meramecregion.org or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/meramecregion/.

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