Eight counties | 36 cities | one region

Applications accepted until 5 p.m. Jan. 31

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

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

“The foundation has assisted with many projects in the past, such as local food pantries, community park improvements, downtown revitalization and early childhood and welfare programs,” Bancroft said.

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.

2012 marked the inaugural year for this grant program, and in the last six years $9,400 in grant funds have been awarded to 34 community projects throughout the region as a result.

Awardees in 2017 included Bonebrake Center of Nature and History, Esther’s House of Redemption, Newburg Community Revitalization Program, Owensville Chamber of Commerce, Pulaski County Salvation Army and the Washington County Community Partnership.

Applications for the 2018 grant round will be accepted online only until 5 p.m. on Jan. 31. Online applications may be found and submitted at www.formstack.com/forms/CFO-mrcfgrantapp.

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

For more information, contact Maria Bancroft at mbancroft@meramecregion.org or 573-265-2993 extension 114.

MRCF is an outgrowth of the Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) and is an affiliate of Community Foundation of the Ozarks (CCFO) 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, serves as MRCF’s chairman. Currently, MRCF has 59 funds totaling nearly $1,341,935.

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 49 affiliate community foundations and more than 3,350 charitable funds totaling approximately $267 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 23, 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 or cfozarks.org/meramec.