The Community Foundation of the Hermann Area, a regional affiliate of the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, is now accepting applications for its FY25 Hermann Area Grantmaking Program. This grant opportunity is focused on enhancing the quality of life for residents within the Hermann area through targeted financial support to local service organizations. The foundation operates under the leadership of a community-based Board of Directors and a grants committee, which together make funding decisions grounded in local insight and priorities.

Grants are available to IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) organizations as well as other approved entities, including government agencies, school districts, and faith-based organizations that serve the Hermann area. All applicants must be able to demonstrate the geographic relevance of their proposed work to the community. The foundation emphasizes equity and inclusion in its selection process, explicitly noting that neither the foundation nor its grantees may discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status.

The grant selection committee comprises local community members, ensuring that funding decisions reflect the needs and priorities of the region. The maximum grant request amount is $2,000 per applicant, emphasizing smaller-scale, community-based projects that can have a direct impact.

The application period opens on March 26, 2025, and closes at 11:45 p.m. on May 1, 2025. Applications must be submitted through the foundation’s online grant portal, which uses a character count for all form fields, including spaces and punctuation. Applicants should be mindful of this limit when preparing responses.

Questions related to the grant program itself should be directed to Elise Bellefontaine at 573-544-5425. For inquiries related to the application process or technical issues, applicants can contact Latesa Carter at 417-864-6199. All eligible local organizations are encouraged to apply for this opportunity to secure funding in support of meaningful community initiatives.