The Joplin Schools Launch Program Community Grant is a student-led initiative developed in collaboration with the Joplin Regional Community Foundation’s Philanthropic Society. The program is designed to promote philanthropy by empowering students at Joplin High School to direct funding toward impactful community projects. Each year, the program selects a focus area for funding, with the Spring 2025 grant cycle dedicated to supporting initiatives that benefit children with disabilities in the Joplin area.

The grant will be awarded to one local nonprofit or IRS-approved entity, including 501(c)(3) organizations, government entities, school districts, and churches that serve the Joplin community. The maximum grant amount is $15,000, though the final award amount is contingent upon funds raised through student-led fundraising efforts.

The application period opens on March 10, 2025, and closes at 11:59 PM on March 30, 2025. Late applications will not be considered. Applicants must complete their submissions through the online application portal. As this is a single-award grant, applicants are encouraged to propose projects that align closely with the mission of improving the future for children with disabilities in the Joplin community.

For questions about the grant program, applicants may contact Jacob Tatum at (417) 625-5230. For technical assistance with the application process, Rachel Tripp can be reached at (417) 864-6199.

The program operates under the Community Foundation of the Ozarks (CFO) nondiscrimination policy, ensuring equal opportunity for applicants and prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status.