A new group of donors recently celebrated its first round of grants, awarding $40,000 to local nonprofit organizations dedicated to community empowerment and historical preservation.
The Impact is a giving circle supported by the Community Foundation of West Plains (CFWP), an affiliate of Community Foundation of the Ozarks. On March 26 Impact members, community partners and local leaders gathered at the Historic Post Office Event Center to honor four $10,000 grant recipients: Birthday Blessings, the Lincoln School Project, Sleep in Heavenly Peace and Christos House.
The awards were made possible through the contributions of 57 members and five corporate sponsors.
FOCUS ON CHILDREN, SAFETY
Several of the grants will directly fund essential needs for area children. Birthday Blessings, headed by Executive Director Shannon VonAllmen, provides birthday party kits, gifts and dignity-focused items like duffel bags for children in foster care. VonAllmen said the grant will be used to purchase bedding, holiday care packages and graduation recognition items for kids in Howell and surrounding counties.
The local chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace, which operates under the motto “no child sleeps on the floor in my town,” will use its $10,000 to build 40 beds. Chapter President David Ball noted the funds will cover the costs of lumber for twin and bunk beds as well as new bedding for children in need of a sturdy place to rest.
Domestic safety was also a priority for the donors. Christos House, an outreach program supporting survivors of domestic and sexual violence, will apply its grant toward the completion of a tiny home village situated on the shelter's property. Executive Director Kelli Neel said the funds are earmarked for utility hookups and final expenses to get the 14 private residences ready for survivors of domestic and sexual abuse.
PRESERVING LOCAL HISTORY
The Lincoln School Project was recognized for its work restoring a local segregation-era schoolhouse. Executive Director Crockett Oaks III said the grant will fund the creation of a new mascot, video content and curriculum. The organization is also exploring a traveling exhibit to share the history of the schoolhouse, which serves as a living monument to Civil Rights progress and a venue for educational programs.
COLLECTIVE GIVING
An additional $5,000 was donated to CFWP during the event.
“The enthusiasm and generosity of our members has been remarkable,” said Josh Cotter, a member of the Impact board and president of the Community Foundation of West Plains. “Surpassing our initial goal so quickly reflects a strong community commitment to supporting organizations that make real differences in people’s lives,.”
The evening’s guest speaker was Brian Fogle, past president of the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, who shared insights on the power of collective giving to create lasting change.
The 2026 corporate sponsors that were recognized for their support are Dave Thomas of Shelter Insurance, David Gohn of West Plains Bank and Trust Company, Andy and Sonja Stauffer of West Plains Propane, Keely Gale of Jo Coffee Company, and Zack Lashley of FNBC Community Bankers.
Community members interested in joining the Impact are encouraged to contact Amy Thomas, affiliate coordinator for the Community Foundation of West Plains, at cfwestplains@cfozarks.org or 417-427-4514.
