The Community Foundation of the Ozarks and the Coover Charitable Foundation have opened applications for a grant program designed to support rural schools and their hometowns.
With $185,000 available, the Coover/Rural Schools Partnership Rural Ready Grant Program will provide up to $7,000 for projects that prepare students for an ever-changing world while strengthening the communities where they live. The program is open to all school partners of the Community Foundation of the Ozarks.
Possible project themes include youth markets and economic development, career and workforce readiness, community connection and engagement, and community improvement and volunteer service.
Funding for the 2026 program includes $135,000 from the Louis L. and Julia Dorothy Coover Charitable Foundation, a private foundation managed by Commerce Trust, and an additional $50,000 provided by the Trust for Civic Life.
School partners can begin the application process online at cfozarks.org/applyforgrants. Applications are due by 11:45 p.m. Oct. 27.
For questions, contact CFO Schools Partnership Coordinator Beth Hughs at bhughs@cfozarks.org or 417-864-6199.
The CFO founded the Rural Schools Partnership in 2009, recognizing that schools serve as vital anchors for rural communities. Through the partnership, the organization manages funds for 90 rural school districts and school foundations across central and southern Missouri.
