About

Endowments

The arts and entertainment are a vital part of the Southwest Missouri region. They foster new businesses and jobs, improve our quality of life and build confidence and creativity. Dancing, singing, acting, paiting, sculpting and more are many of the ways in which we document a community's history...and how we shape its future.

Our goal is to increase support for arts activities in Springfield and throughout Southwest Missouri. The contributions of private individuals are an important part of building programs and opportunities. Endowment funds are a big part, as well. Through either an existing endowment, or by starting a new endowment fund, you can provide a real benefit and a lasting memory of your commitment to our region. The following programs currently benefit from endowments, and give you an idea of how your dollars would be spent:

  • Greater Ozarks Art Tour: takes exhibits, performances and teaching to rural communities
  • Wednesday Noon in Founders Park: a concert series offered throughout the summer
  • Outdoor Cinema: special screenings of family-oriented movides offered in Founders Park every weekend throughout the summer
  • Outdoor Theatre: enactments of historically significant events performed periodically in Founders Park
  • Art in the Park: a series of summer workshops for children, offered in Jordan Valley Park by the Springfield Regional Arts Council and the Springfield-Greene County Park Board

Donations can be used to promote existing programs, or to create exciting new programs and opportunities. We ask that you consider the following:

  • Make a donation to one of nearly 40 different existing endowment funds
  • Join the "Leave a Legacy" program, allowing you to donate a monetary gift through your will or other directive
  • Create a new endowment fund through the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, our partner in funding the arts

The Springfield Regional Arts Council specifically benefits through the Ray F. Aton Memorial Capacity Building Fund, which provides support for the long-term financial stability of the Springfield Regional Arts Council. This fund was established by Nancy Aton in memory of Ray Aton.

To find out more about contributing to an existing fund--or, establishing your own--please contact the Community Foundation of the Ozarks at 417.864.6199 or check it out at www.cfozarks.org.

Thank you for your interest in supporting the long-term future of the arts!