CFO distributes $88K in diversity, inclusion grants

Community Foundation of the Ozarks on Friday delivered $88,250 in diversity, equity and inclusivity grants to 16 organizations.

The largest grant of $20,000 went to Hand in Hand Multicultural Center for its Turning Potential into Reality initiative designed to assist 30 families in the immigration and employment process, according to a news release.

The Dec. 11 grants also were awarded to:
• United Way of the Ozarks, $18,900 for a Missouri State University partner that is providing inclusion training for 21 nonprofit partners and the Springfield Police Department;
• Ujima Language and Literacy, $12,000 to support its inclusion efforts and development goals;
• The Doula Foundation, $11,500 to support birth equity training and to fund doula certification for two women of color;
• The Library Foundation, $7,460 for a virtual reality program designed to foster empathy toward marginalized individuals;
• Ozarks Public Broadcasting, $6,000 to support paid internships for diverse individuals;
• Springfield Public Schools, $3,000 for a project that helps children learn about life after high school; and
• Student African American Brotherhood National Headquarters, $1,140 to provide training for members at MSU, SPS, Ozarks Technical Community College and Evangel University.

CFO also awarded grants of up to $1,000 to support expenses for programs that ensure diverse individuals are represented in leadership and that students are provided an equitable opportunity for community engagement and leadership, according to the release.

Grants of $1,000 apiece went to MSU; Ozarks Regional YMCA; Refugee and Immigrant Services and Education; Missouri M.A.D.E.; Superstars of Point Performing Arts; Jefferson College Foundation; and Ujima Language and Literacy. CFO also presented a $950 grant to Jasper County CASA and $300 to Drury University.

“The CFO is proud to support the work of agencies committed to diversity, equity and inclusion in Springfield and across central and southern Missouri,” said Bridget Dierks, vice president of programs for CFO, in the release. “We continue to commit grant dollars to this work because it is vital to the future success of our communities.”

CFO spokesperson Aaron Scott said the 3-year-old grant program this year was updated to reflect an expanded focus on racial equity in addition to diversity and inclusion.