Community Cares Grants

The Community Cares Grant Application is administered by the Lebanon Area Foundation, a locally focused philanthropic organization dedicated to supporting charitable initiatives and improving the well being of residents in Laclede County, Missouri. The foundation operates as a community driven funding entity that collects donations and redistributes them to nonprofit partners providing essential services. Through its Community Cares program, the organization prioritizes collaboration with agencies that directly serve vulnerable populations and address urgent social challenges within the county. The program reflects a mission centered on strengthening community resilience and ensuring that critical needs are met through coordinated local efforts. The primary objective of the Community Cares grant program is to provide financial support for essential services that address immediate and ongoing hardships faced by residents of Laclede County. The program emphasizes funding for core safety net services such as emergency shelter for survivors of domestic violence, food distribution for individuals and families experiencing hunger, poverty alleviation programs, mental health services, substance abuse treatment, and disaster relief efforts. The funding scope explicitly excludes enrichment or non essential programming, focusing instead on services that help individuals stabilize their circumstances and recover from crisis situations. Eligible applicants include charitable organizations serving Laclede County, specifically entities recognized as nonprofit organizations, schools, government agencies, or other qualifying charitable institutions in good standing. Applicants must demonstrate that any awarded funds will exclusively benefit residents of Laclede County. Organizations are required to submit comprehensive application materials, including multiple copies of required documents and signed agreements, to ensure proper review by both foundation staff and the Community Cares Distribution Committee. Compliance with reporting requirements is mandatory, including quarterly reporting and potential on site visits to verify appropriate use of funds. The application process requires submission of a complete application packet through physical delivery or mail. Applicants must submit two full copies of all required materials, including the application form, supporting documentation, and signed agency agreement contracts. Submissions must be mailed to the designated post office box or delivered in person to the Lebanon Area Foundation office located within the Cowan Civic Center. Electronic submissions, including email or online applications, are not accepted under any circumstances, reinforcing the requirement for formal and complete physical documentation. The application includes a detailed narrative component requiring applicants to provide information about organizational background, community needs, project or program details, expected outcomes, evaluation methods, and sustainability planning. Applicants must also submit financial documentation such as organizational budgets, program budgets, financial statements, and IRS documentation where applicable. Additional required attachments include board member information, marketing materials, and evidence of financial accountability. The application further requires a budget narrative that clearly explains how requested funds will be allocated and how those expenditures align with program goals. The application timeline begins with the opening of submissions on July 1, 2026, and concludes with a firm deadline of August 31, 2026. Applications must be received by 5:00 pm if hand delivered or postmarked by the same date if mailed. The program operates on a recurring annual cycle, with awarded funds distributed in quarterly installments throughout the following year in January, April, July, and October, subject to campaign performance. The foundation also offers optional grant workshops prior to the deadline to assist applicants in preparing competitive submissions. The evaluation and selection process is conducted by the Lebanon Area Foundation staff in conjunction with the Community Cares Distribution Committee. Applications are reviewed based on alignment with program priorities, demonstrated community need, organizational capacity, and clarity of proposed outcomes. Successful applicants are expected to maintain transparency and accountability through regular reporting and engagement with the foundation. For questions or assistance, applicants may contact the foundation office by phone or email, ensuring access to support throughout the application process.