CFO grants focus on nature, outdoor recreation

Community Foundation of the Ozarks Inc.'s latest grant presentation focused on improving access to nature and outdoor recreation opportunities.

The organization on Tuesday issued $66,000 to eight nonprofits through its Everyone Outdoors Grant Program, according to a news release. The program was increased by $6,000 in the 2024-25 grant cycle with contributions from the donor-advised funds of Mark and Lori Nelson and Todd and Betty Parnell.

“With all the well-documented benefits of spending time in nature, our goal is to make the outdoors more accessible for everyone in the simple ways that are proven to be so effective,” said Winter Kinne, CFO's president and CEO, in the release. "We are grateful to the Nelsons and the Parnells for believing in this grant program and helping us expand our grantmaking."

The grant recipients are as follows:
• American Indian Center of Springfield, $4,000 to assist marginalized Indigenous populations in reconnecting with their heritage, fostering outdoor engagement and building community relationships
• Brightli Foundation, $10,000 for its Nature Therapy Expansion project that connects clients in substance-use and mental health services with nature
• Generations Village, $5,000 to develop a neighborhood walking trail at its housing development
• James River Basin Partnership, $7,000 to expand the Experience the Outdoors program that connects children and families with the outdoors during summer break
• Praise Assembly, $10,000 for an inclusive playground at Northeast Community Park
• Springfield-Greene County Park Board, $10,000 to host history walks and paddling programs for Springfield Public Schools students
• TrailSpring, $10,000 for design fees for a new pump track at McDaniel Park
• Watershed Center, $10,000 to design an accessible trail and outdoor learning center at Valley Water Mill Park