The Joplin Philanthropic Society Grantmaking Program for FY25 is now open for submissions from January 31, 2025, to February 28, 2025. This grant program is administered by the Joplin Regional Community Foundation, an organization dedicated to improving the quality of life in the Joplin area through strategic grantmaking and community leadership. Governed by a Board of Directors, the Foundation operates with flexibility to address evolving community needs, relying on unrestricted or field-of-interest funds provided by charitable donors. The decision-making authority for this specific grant lies with the Joplin Philanthropic Society, a committee within the Foundation.

The purpose of this grant program is to provide seed funding to organizations that can enhance existing programs or develop new services that address key human needs in Joplin, Webb City, and Carl Junction. Organizations applying for funding should have a clear vision and long-term plan for addressing these issues and should demonstrate a willingness to collaborate with other community agencies. While collaboration is encouraged, it is not a requirement for funding.

A total of $200,000 is available in this grant cycle, with up to $50,000 allocated for each of the following four priority funding categories: Barriers to Work & Prosperity, Child Welfare/Education, Community Health, and Housing Affordability & Homelessness. Grant recipients will be required to use the funds within a one-year grant term. More specific details regarding these categories are available within the application.

Eligibility for this grant is limited to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and other IRS-approved entities, such as government agencies, school districts, and churches, that serve the Joplin area. Grants are awarded based on an announced timetable, and funding decisions are made as funds become available. All applications must comply with the Joplin Regional Community Foundation's non-discrimination policy.

Grant applications are due by 12:00 p.m. on February 28, 2025. The selected grant recipients will be announced during the Philanthropic Society's annual grant luncheon, scheduled for May 21, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. at Missouri Southern State University’s Ron Richard Athletic Center.

For any questions related to the grant program, applicants may contact Tom Wells at 417-850-4700 or Pete Ramsour at 417-439-7328. For inquiries regarding the application process or technical issues, applicants may reach out to Latesa Carter at 417-864-6199. It is important to note that the online application system uses a character count that includes letters, numbers, spaces, and punctuation in all responses.