The Vivian Leon Fund for the Musical Arts is a community grant program managed by the Carthage Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Community Foundation of the Ozarks (CFO). This fund was established to support musical arts initiatives, with a particular emphasis on piano performance and education in Jasper and Newton counties, Missouri. Additionally, the fund has historically provided scholarship assistance for piano students and supported other types of performing arts programs.

Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and other IRS-approved entities that serve the Carthage area. Organizations interested in applying must submit their applications online as part of the Carthage Community Foundation’s Spring 2025 Community Grant Round. The application period opens on March 17, 2025, and closes at 11:45 PM on April 10, 2025. Late submissions, including those affected by technical issues, will not be accepted.

The grant program offers awards ranging from $1,000 to $4,000 per applicant. Organizations may apply for funding to support projects related to piano performance, piano education, or other performing arts initiatives. Recipients must utilize awarded funds within one year and are expected to participate in promotional activities related to the grant. A follow-up report is required after one year to detail the impact and use of the grant funding.

Grant applicants will be notified of funding decisions in mid-May 2025. The selection process is conducted by the Carthage Community Foundation, following nondiscrimination policies that prohibit discrimination based on race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status.

For inquiries related to the grant program, applicants can contact Chanti Beckham at 417-438-9970. For technical questions regarding the application process, Latesa Carter can be reached at 417-864-6199. Further details and the application portal are available through the Carthage Community Foundation's online system.