Serving Mid-Missouri Since 1997
PO Box 189
Columbia, MO 65205
columbiarotaryfoundation@gmail.com
Local Impact. Lasting Good
The Columbia Rotary Clubs Foundation is focused on funding to local philanthropic activities in Columbia and the surrounding area.
History
The foundation was founded in 1997 to offer members of the Northwest Rotary a lasting and significant avenue for assisting the local community. It initially commenced with a group of founders, each contributing $10,000; Tom & Ann Smith, Jerry & Laurie Twitty, John & Elaine Thompson, Dave & Joy Dunafon, Greg & Holly Steinhoff, Rich & Gayla Miller, Gary & Ginny Drewing.
Unfortunately, after 52 years, the Northwest Rotary Club ceased to exist Consequently, a decision was made to carry on the foundation’s mission under the name of the Columbia Rotary Clubs Foundation.
Joe Machens Fellows
Apart from the founders’ donations, the foundation initiated the Joe Machens Fellows program, which is akin to the Paul Harris Fellow recognition, for individuals who contribute more than $1,000 to the foundation.
Charlie Atkins
Bob Bevins
Tony Bott
Chris Bouchard
George Carney
Robert Doroghazi
Gary Drewing
David Duffy
David Dunafon
Brad Eiffert
Elton Fay
Mike Flanagan
Mark Foreman
Ben Galloway
Bob Gerding
Andy Gingrich
Larry Grossmann
Mark Hassemer
Richard Hauschild
David Horner
David Jobe
Sharon Lynch
David Machens
Marcia Machens
Martha Machens
Rick Matson
Greg Mattli
Jim McKinney
Keith McLaughlin
Larry Mead
Rich Miller
Anne Moore
Randy Mueller
Rob Murray
Gary Oxenhandler
Lenard Politte
Jerome Rader
Bill Ramlow
Bob Reeves
Jim Ritter
Scott Robinson
Rick Royer
Shara Runyan
Sharon Schattgen
State Farm Insurance
Len Scheffler
Dan Scotten
Tom Smith
Greg Steinhoff
John Thompson
Bob Tice
Jerry Twitty
Ken Unger
Mike Vangel
Kathi Vom Saal
Don Waltman
Bob Weagley
Over $360,000 distributed to nonprofits since 1999
Recent Allocations
Big Brothers – Big Sisters of Central MO
Scouting America – Great Rivers Council
Caring Hearts & Hands of Columbia
Central Missouri Humane Society
City of Refugee
COMO Mobile Aid Collective
Columbia Supreme
Do Something Right Now
Easterseals Midwest
Love Coffee
Ronald McDonald House Charities
Truman VA Veteran’s
TRYPS Children’s Theater
Voluntary Action Center
Recruitment & engagement projects
Support Scoutreach for under privileged youth
Improvements to building & property
Support Critical Recovery and Specialized Healing
Sending youth to Rotary Youth Leadership Academy
Pop-up med clinic
Youth development and sports based mentoring
Puchase of a trailer to haul & store donations
Construction of additional therapy room
Job skills training for people with disabilities and barriers
Purchase of essentials for their “Our Welcome Bags”
Support for mental health and community resource projects
Construction and repair of dance floor
Purchase of backpacks & school supplies
Rotary Representation
The Board is comprised of 11 active Rotarians representing all local Columbia Clubs and a member from Rotaract.
Officers
John Fabsits, President – Metro
Jack Smith, Treasurer – Downtown
Carl Plummer, Secretary – South
Board Members
Chris Bouchard – South
John Cleek – South
Barb Danuser – Metro
Elton Fay – South
Alan Hillard – Impact
Chrissy Jones – Downtown
Jerome Rader – South
Sarah Thompson – Rotaract
Funding Requests
The Columbia Rotary Foundation was established to support worthwhile causes and institutions that strengthen our community. The Foundation considers a wide range of initiatives that enhance the quality of life in Columbia and Boone County, as well as opportunities that might not otherwise be available.
All allocations are made in compliance with the Foundation’s tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Requests for funding are reviewed on a semi-annual basis and must be submitted by the deadlines listed below.
Application Deadlines: March 15 and September 15
Allocations Announced By: June 30 and December 31
Allocation Processs
The foundation’s preference is to fund projects that can create a significant impact on individual lives within the community. However, it’s important to note that the foundation does not provide funding for operational expenses or capital campaigns.
- We offer grants of approximately $500 to $5,000
- We benefit local and regional qualified 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations
- We specialize in funding small non-profit organizations or projects that might not otherwise receive funding
- We prefer to fund projects that offer maximum impact on individual lives
- We do not fund operating costs or capital campaigns
Support
Rotarians and other supporters can make tax-deductible online donation through the community foundation.
PO Box 189
Columbia, MO 65205
columbiarotaryfoundation@gmail.com
Columbia Rotary Clubs Foundation 