Community Foundation Of West Plains, Inc.

10/05/2026

🌳 Local nonprofits—here’s a grant opportunity worth exploring!

The Community Foundation of the Ozarks has opened its Everyone Outdoors Grant Program, with $120,000 available across the CFO service area to help connect people with nature and outdoor experiences.

Eligible nonprofit organizations may apply for up to $10,000 for projects such as:

• Outdoor and environmental education
• Recreational programs and equipment
• Community gathering spaces
• Outdoor placemaking projects
• Programs that help more people experience and enjoy the outdoors

We would love to see organizations in West Plains and Howell County take advantage of this opportunity!

📅 Application deadline: November 12 at 11:45 p.m.

Learn more about the program, eligibility and how to apply through the Community Foundation of the Ozarks:
https://www.cfozarks.org/resources/cfo-opens-120-000-everyone-outdoors-program

Please share or tag a local nonprofit that might have a great idea for getting our community outdoors! 🌿

10/02/2026

The Community Foundation of the Ozarks is accepting applications for the Everyone Outdoors Grant Program for projects across the CFO’s region. With $120,000 available, the program will support projects that connect residents to natural resources and outdoor recreation opportunities. Public chariti...

09/29/2026

Congratulations to our Community Foundation of West Plains board member, Susie Kenslow, on her retirement after 28 years with Ozarks Healthcare!

Susie has dedicated her career to caring for others and making a difference in our community. We’re grateful she continues to share that same heart for service as a member of our Community Foundation board.

Congratulations, Susie, on an incredible career and a very well-deserved retirement! 💚 We are so fortunate to have you on our team!

09/23/2026

🥃 WEST PLAINS… ARE YOU READY? 🥃

Wh***ey. Bourbon. Great food. Good friends. And one VERY fun night! 🎉

The 5th Annual Wh***ey & Bourbon Fest is BACK!

📅 Friday, November 20
⏰ 5:30–8:30 PM
📍 Historic Post Office | West Plains

Whether you know your bourbon 🥃 or just know you like a good time 😉 — this night is for you!

🎟️ Tickets & sponsorships are available NOW!

👉 Get tickets or become a sponsor⁠

And we’re just getting started… 👀
Distilleries, food partners, sponsors and more fun announcements are coming soon!

Tag your Wh***ey & Bourbon Fest crew and SAVE THE DATE! 🥃🎉

Proceeds benefit the Community Foundation of West Plains and help us continue giving back right here in our community. ❤️

09/18/2026

What a wonderful evening at Cocktails & Conversation!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for an evening of connection, conversation, and community. We were so glad to welcome both Impact Circle members and guests!

A special thank you to Crockett Oaks with Lincoln School and Kelli Neel with Christos House for sharing with us and giving everyone a firsthand look at the difference Impact Circle grants are making in our community.

Thank you also to Crockett and Tonya Oaks for welcoming us into the beautiful historic Lincoln School, and to Colton’s for the wonderful food and beverages!

Most of all, thank you to our members for your generosity, enthusiasm, and continued support. You are what makes Impact Circle possible!

Our membership drive continues through December 31, so this is a great time to invite someone to join us! Check out the attached flyer to learn more about Impact Circle and the organizations our members supported through this year’s grants.

Let’s keep growing our circle and growing our impact!

09/14/2026

West Plains graduate receives classroom grant
Posted Saturday, September 12, 202
West Plains Quill

Jordyn Sigman, a 2023 graduate of West Plains High School and a teacher at Koshkonong (Oregon-Howell) School District, has received a $500 classroom grant from the Community Foundation of the Ozarks.

The grant will help Sigman purchase items needed for her classroom, said foundation officials. It was presented in recognition of her participation in the Ozarks Teacher Corps and funded through the Rural Schools Collaborative’s Community of Learners program.

Sigman joined the Ozarks Teacher Corps in 2024 while studying education at Missouri State University through the outreach program at its West Plains campus.

“We’re so grateful to call Sigman an alum of the Ozarks Teacher Corps and to provide this grant for her classroom,” said Beth Hersh, the CFO’s director of scholarships and adviser of the Ozarks Teacher Corps. “Ensuring new teachers are well prepared to serve in rural schools is critical, because school districts are essential to the health of rural communities.”

The Ozarks Teacher Corps is part of the CFO’s Rural Schools Partnership, an initiative that links rural schools and the communities they anchor. Teacher-education students attending MSU, Drury University, Missouri Southern State University and Southeast Missouri State University may apply to join the corps, which offers a $4,000 scholarship renewable for a second year.

To join, scholarship recipients must agree to teach for at least three years after graduation at a rural school district in the region. Established in 2010, the Ozarks Teacher Corps has become a model for similar programs across the country.

For more information, visit cfozarks.org/rsp.

09/11/2026

A great way to support CASA!

📣Mark Your Calendars!
CASA’s annual Murder Mystery Dinner is happening November 14th!🕵️‍♀️
✨Come dressed in your best Roaring 20’s attire and get ready for a night of fun, laughter, and mystery.

🎟️ Tickets & sponsorships are now available!
All proceeds directly support foster kids in Howell, Oregon, & Shannon Counties.

📞 For more information, call 417‑255‑2100.

09/09/2026

Curious about The Impact? Come join us!

Cocktails & Conversations is a casual gathering of Impact members, community members and anyone interested in learning more about The Impact.

Join us September 17 from 5–7 PM at Lincoln School to meet members and board members, hear from 2025 grant recipients, share ideas and learn how collective giving is creating meaningful change in our community.

No pressure. No formal presentation. Just good conversation, new connections and a chance to learn more.

Already an Impact member? Bring a friend!

📅 September 17
⏰ 5–7 PM
📍 Lincoln School
🍽️ Catering provided by Colton’s Steak House

Come be part of the conversation

09/01/2026

A big THANK YOU to Dave Thomas with Shelter Insurance for becoming a Bronze Sponsor of the 2027 Impact Circle! 🤎

The Impact Circle brings together community-minded individuals and businesses who believe in giving back and making a difference right here in our community.

Through collective giving, our members and sponsors help support local nonprofits and projects that address important needs and strengthen the place we call home.

We are grateful to Dave Thomas and Shelter Insurance for supporting the Impact Circle and investing in our community!

Together, our giving has greater impact. ✨

09/01/2026

📣 GRANT OPPORTUNITY FOR RURAL SCHOOLS!

The Community Foundation of the Ozarks and Coover Foundation have opened the Rural Ready Grant Program, with grants of up to $7,000 available to help rural schools prepare students for their futures while strengthening their communities.

Funding can support projects focused on:

🌱 Youth markets & economic development
🛠️ Career & workforce readiness
🤝 Community connection & engagement
❤️ Community improvement & volunteer service

💰 Grants up to $7,000
📅 Application deadline: October 27

This is a wonderful opportunity to turn a great idea into something that makes a real difference for students and our rural communities.

Learn more and apply through the Community Foundation of the Ozarks.

Please share and help us spread the word! 💙

The Coover/Rural Schools Partnership Rural Ready Grant Program is now open for application by school partners of the Community Foundation of the Ozarks. With $185,000 available, the program will provide up to $7,000 for projects that prepare students for an ever-changing world while strengthening ...