2012 Giving Guide: Community Foundation of the Ozarks

The Community Foundation of the Ozarks is proud and excited to partner with the Springfield Business Journal to present the first Southwest Missouri Giving Guide.

Our intent is to build a bridge from the investment professionals who advise the many generous souls in our community to the non-profit agencies that do so much important work to sustain and enrich our lives. We hope the information and profiles presented in this guide will enlighten more people about the power of charitable giving from both a financial-planning perspective and its impact on so many in our communities.

Building bridges is just one of the roles we see for ourselves at the Community Foundation of the Ozarks. We set our anchor in the Ozarks 39 years ago with a mission of collaboration, public leadership, resource development and grantmaking. Today, our network spans more than 400 non-profit partners, 100 schools and 44 affiliate foundations across our region; leadership work in arts, education, human services, environmental stewardship, and community development; and more than $130 million awarded in grants, distributions, and scholarships. Here are just a few examples:

•  A five-year, $1 million grant to pilot family resiliency services at two of Springfield’s center-city schools helped lead to this fall’s opening of the first community school at Robberson Elementary, 1100 E. Kearney St.
• A collaboration with the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, United Way, The Library, and the Junior League has produced Community Focus reports since 2004 that build consensus and direct grantmaking around our community red flags and blue ribbons.
• Our volunteer affiliate board in Joplin has granted $2.43 million so far to support nonprofits helping tornado survivors rebuild their lives and their homes. 

None of this work is possible without the foresight and generosity of private donors. These are people from all income levels, from all backgrounds, who share a common trait. They believe in giving back and they believe in the power of philanthropy as a force for good. They understand what a difference private giving can make to fill the gaps created when other funding decreases and when needs increase. And they know their gifts can make a difference in the vibrancy of our schools, arts and communities.

The beauty of philanthropy is that everyone can participate. There is no means test. With some careful planning, everyone who feels they’ve been blessed with good fortune, or been helped at some difficult point in their own lives, can find a way to give back time, talent or treasure. We hope in the succeeding pages, you will find some valuable advice on charitable giving and be inspired by the many organizations and people who depend on it.

Thanks for all you do and for helping make tomorrow better than today.

Jill Reynolds
Chair
CFO Board of Directors

Click here for the full 2012 Giving Guide.