CFO distributes grants for early childhood programs

Community Foundation of the Ozarks has awarded a series of grants to nonprofits and schools to support early childhood services.

The $68,457 in funding is part of CFO's 2013-14 Metro Springfield Grantmaking Program, according to a news release.

Grants awarded to nonprofits were:

• Council of Churches of the Ozarks, $10,916 for a child care program that offers education and resources;
• Foundation for Springfield Public Schools, two grants totaling $3,084 for resource backpacks for 240 students, as well as computer equipment and learning materials;
• Community Partnership of the Ozarks, $12,311 for materials and staff training to produce school readiness kits;
• Missouri Lions Eye Research Foundation, $6,898 to conduct vision screens for preschool children;
• Lighthouse Family and Child Development Center, $11,791 to cover expenses related to family group education and a community resource fair; and
• University Child Care Center, $5,000 to implement an early childhood assessment program.

CFO issued $14,721 to eight Springfield Public Schools programs for technology, equipment, supplies, transportation costs and innovative projects taking place across the district. Logan-Rogersville Primary School and Discovery Garden Montessori School were awarded a total of $3,736 for classroom innovation grants, according to the release.