Eight counties | 36 cities | one region

ST. JAMES–The Meramec Regional Community Foundation (MRCF) awarded grants totaling $1,500 to six local projects throughout the Meramec Region during its meeting Feb. 4.

The grants aim to enhance and build stronger communities in the Meramec Region, and MRCF board members chose the recipients.

A total of 11 requests totaling $2,750 from six of the eight MRCF counties were received, making difficult decisions for the board.

“It seems like we get more applications every year, and that’s a great thing,” MRCF Chairman Wayne Parry said.

The board chose to award one grant to one project in each of those six counties.
Grant recipients include:

· Heartland Independent Living Center in Gasconade County, which will use the funds to purchase Stor-A-Key devices for individuals at high risk of needing emergency medical services;

· Maries County R-II Schools Foundation, which will use the funds for an event to raise funds for endowment of a scholarship at Belle High School and community awareness of the organization;

· Phelps County Humane Society, which will use the funds for a new website;

· Salvation Army of Pulaski County, which will use the funds to help provide meals, lodging and gas to those in need;

· Caring Hearts Pregnancy Resource Center of Potosi, which will use the funds to assist with its annual spring banquet fundraiser; and

· Chamois Industrial Development Corporation, which will use the funds to support a Friday back pack program in Chamois in Osage County.

MRCF is an outgrowth of the Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) and is an affiliate of 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. WayneParry, a Rolla banker, serves as MRCF’s chairman.

Currently, MRCF has 38 funds totaling more than $628,000.

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, collaboration and public leadership. Formed in 1973, CFO has since grown to include 45 affiliate community foundations and more than 2,750 charitable funds totaling approximately $257 million in assets.

MRPC, in addition to establishing the regional foundation, 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. A professional staff of 20, directed by the MRPC board, 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.

For the latest news and events from MRPC and MRCF, find them on Facebook at facebook.com/meramecregion or visit the MRPC website at meramecregion.org.