Community Foundation awards grants to organizations

The Mountain Grove Area Community Foundation presented grants to seven area organizations totaling $8,400 at a brief award ceremony at the Mountain Grove High School Arena recently. Recipients of this year’s grants included Unique Services, Mountain Grove Cemetery Association (for historic preservation and beautification of the old Mountain Grove and Swedish cemeteries), Trinity United Methodist Church (for Community Christmas dinner), Mountain Grove History and Arts Council (for the Heritage Festival), Mountain Grove Performing Arts Fund (for the purchase of additional acoustic panels for band and choir performances), Pregnancy Resource Center of Mountain Grove (for Bright Course program) and Birthday Blessings (for support of area children and families in need).
“These grants are made possible by support from the community for our fundraising activities during the year,” said Dr. David Barbe, president of the Foundation.
The Foundation’s bowling tournament earlier this spring was the most successful ever. The other major fundraiser will be the golf tournament in September.
“Eighty-four hundred dollars is a great investment in the community, but wouldn’t it be even better if this could be even more? It could be if the community turns out and helps us grow our fundraising events even larger,” according to Dusty Schober and Kim Norris, event coordinators.
“The Foundation is one of our community’s greatest assets and one of the least well known.  Now in its 21st year, the funds in the Foundation have given over $1,000,000 in scholarships and grants to area students and local clubs and organizations,” Dr. Barbe stated. 
For more information about the Mountain Grove Area Community Foundation or on how to establish a fund, contact Dr. David Barbe, by calling 417-838-0311, Kim Norris, by calling 417-926-3447, or contact any Foundation Board member.