The Hometown Partners Giving Circle Grant Program is a community-based funding initiative under the Aurora Area Community Foundation. The program is dedicated to fostering a sense of unity and collaboration among the towns of Aurora, Marionville, and Verona, ultimately building a stronger, more interconnected community. The grantmaking decisions are made by members of the Hometown Partners Giving Circle, and funds are allocated based on available resources.

This grant program is unique in that it awards funding to a single project that addresses priority community needs within the designated geographic area. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, government entities, school districts, and churches that serve the Aurora, Marionville, and Verona areas. The awarded project must demonstrate significant community impact and align with the program’s mission to enhance the quality of life in these towns.

The application period for the FY25 grant cycle begins on March 17, 2025, and closes at 12:00 PM (noon) on April 11, 2025. Late submissions, including those affected by technical difficulties, will not be considered. The maximum grant request amount is $3,000, and only one award will be given during this cycle.

The grant recipient is required to attend a check presentation event on May 17, 2025, at 5:00 PM at the Aurora Area Chamber of Commerce banquet. The awarded funds must be utilized within the designated period as per grant guidelines.

For inquiries about the grant program, applicants can contact John Paul Lee. For technical assistance with the application process, Latesa Carter is available at (417) 864-6199. The program follows the nondiscrimination policies of the Community Foundation of the Ozarks (CFO), ensuring that both the awarding process and the use of funds remain inclusive and equitable.