08/27/2026
From the Ozark Headliner News, August 26, 2026
LETTER
Finley River Community Foundation awards grants In March, the Finley River Community Foundation announced that beginning May 4 it would open its 2026 community grant round applications that
were due by June 1, 2026. A total of $11,000 was available for programs and organizations in Ozark and Eastern Christian County to apply for.
The ad hoc Grant Committee had difficulty meeting to review the eleven submissions (nearly all were for the $2500 maximum),
so the decision-making process was referred to the Board. Although the initial thinking was to make 4 grants of $2500,
board members’ positions were so steadfast on different applicants that the Board instead voted to grant $1000 to each of the eleven applicants.
The eleven applicants were:
• Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks: The Financial Assistance
Program is one component of BCFO’s mission that provides support (rent, utilities, groceries, etc.) to financially challenged families.
• CASA: Background screening and training of volunteers serving
children in Christian County foster care.
• Child Advocacy Center: Support the deployment of an annual training plan to enhance the knowledge and understanding
of all members as to the current best practices in child abuse investigation, intervention, treatment and healing.
• Children’s Smile Center: Purchase oral hygiene kits to be given
to each patient at the conclusion of their dental visit.
• Foster Adopt Connect (Sammy’s Window): Purchase new socks
and underwear, hygiene items, diapers, wipes, and period products to distribute to foster families in the eastern Christian County area.
• Least of These, Inc.: The rising numbers of families facing food in-
security increased at the end of 2025, so there is need for more funds to serve those additional families throughout 2026.
• Ozark R-VI School District: The Ozark Competitive Robotics
Team needs funding to improve/replace old equipment and register for team competitions.
• Ozark R-VI School District: Purchase specialized prototyping and
modeling consumables and precision tooling, all essential for high-level student engineering projects in architecture, construction, drafting and manufacturing.
• Ozark Senior Center: It’s been 7 years since the Center’s interior
has been painted. Costs include, paint, rollers and painter’s tape. Volunteers will do the work.
• Sam Appleby, Jr. Memorial Post 7628: Replace broken and aging windows, as part of a refurbishment plan to increase its viability as a venue for public events and fundraising opportunities.
• Show Me Christian County: Promote eastern Christian County through social media campaigns and ads to generate additional visitors and tax revenues, and to support businesses.
Every organization had a heart-tugging request for funds that were usually far below their actual need. We all have reasons for donating to causes. When my wife and I moved to Missouri to be near one of our sons and his sons, one of my first donations
was to the Children’s Smile Center. My parents made sure I brushed my teeth every morning before school and evening before going
to bed. However, in my late teens, my first visit to a dentist was to have a decayed tooth pulled. When my wife learned at 24 that I’d never had my teeth cleaned, she made an appointment for me and
I’ve been getting regular cleanings ever since. As a result of the years of lack of dental care, I’m embarrassed to admit I have 12
crowns and a bridge. Locally, there is no reason why children can’t obtain dental care, thanks to the Children’s Smile Center!
My wife was a teacher for 38 years, so her special interests are what CASA and the Child Advocacy Center provide for children
in our area.
I’m sure most are familiar with the Children’s Smile Center, CASA and Least of These. Maybe not so with the others I’ve listed. I don’t speak for the other FRCF board members, but had there been sufficient grant funds available, I believe the Board would have
voted to fully fund each request. So, this is where readers can take individual action. Once again, the FRCF granted funds far below each organization’s request. If any of the organizations’ appeals
pique your interest, please take the time to connect with the organization and ask what you can do to help. Were you aware of
the Ozark robotics team? If this field really interests you, could you provide expertise or funding to support this endeavor? Are you a painting professional who could lend a hand or donate some supplies? Are you an architect who could provide expertise or fund-
ing? Or perhaps you have just seen a program I’ve listed that you could contribute to. Your actions and contributitle bit better place to live.
Barry Ulrich
FRCF Board Member
