http://ozarkspub.vo.llnwd.net/o37/KSMU/audio/mp3/makingadif_3205.mp3
On this edition of Making A Difference Where You Live, Mike Smith talks with Randy Howard and Regina Leitle, members of the Aurora Area Community Foundation. The Aurora Area CF is the 40th affiliate of the Community Foundation of the Ozarks.
The Community Foundation of the Ozarks is a public foundation serving the Missouri Ozarks. CFO is dedicated to working with its donors, nonprofit partners, and affiliated community foundations in meaningful and purposeful ways.
The Foundation's mission is to enhance the quality of life in our region through resource development, community grantmaking, collaboration, and public leadership.
The Community Foundation of the Ozarks was founded in 1973 and has offices in Springfield and West Plains. CFO has $146 million in charitable assets, over 1,400 funds and has made over $49 million in grants and distributions since its inception. In 1993, the Community Foundation of the Ozarks began an affiliate program designed to offer community foundation services to smaller communities and rural counties in the Missouri Ozarks. Studies indicate towns with a population of fewer than 250,000 would find it difficult to support a stand alone community foundation. Regional community foundations provide a solution. The Community Foundation of the Ozarks provides an array of important services to its affiliated foundations:
• Investment management driven by proven endowment building strategies
• Administrative support
• Technical assistance
• Ongoing consulting
• Board development
• Educational and marketing materials
• Legal Counsel
• Networking opportunities
• Since 2000 the Community Foundation of the Ozarks has provided more than $5.8 million in matching funds, challenge grants, and leveraged funding to its affiliate foundation and nonprofit partners.
Aurora Area Community Foundation
Established September 11, 2006
Board of Governors:
Randy Howard, president • Walter Pettit, vice president • James Ferguson, secretary/treasurer • John Lee • Regina Leitle • Nancy Asay • Kevin Newbold • Sara Herndon • Joe Woodcock
For additional information, please contact Randy Howard, president, 417-678-2102.
Total Assets: $885,040
Existing Funds:
Aurora Area Community Foundation Administrative Endowment Fund
Aurora Area Unrestricted Community Grantmaking Fund
Aurora Community Theatre Memorial Scholarship Fund*
Aurora Police Department Support Fund
J.K. Burney Scholarship Fund*
Ed Cook Memorial Scholarship Fund*
James D. and Mary L. Crafton Endowment Fund*
Houn Dawg Scholarship Fund
Miller High School FFA/Agriculture Department Fund
JD and Carol Ann Pilkenton Fund
United Commercial Travelers #632 of Aurora Missouri Fund*
*established as at-large funds of the Community Foundation of the Ozarks
Community Grants for Fiscal Year 2008
First Presbyterian Church
Angel Food Mission...$250
Heritage Harmony House
Automatic doors...$500
New Veterans Memorial
Veterans memorial...$250
Verona Baptist Church
Food pantry...$500