Community Foundation Celebrates Lewis County Grant Recipients
The Community Foundation proudly announced the recipients of its 2025 Lewis County Community Grants during a celebration highlighting the power of local giving and the impact of endowment philanthropy. These grants, made possible in part through the Lewis County Endowment Fund, support nonprofit organizations that strengthen the community and improve the lives of local residents.
This year’s grant recipients include:
• Birthday Blessings
– Healthy Sleep for Kids Experiencing Foster Care
• Culver-Stockton College
– Supplies for Student STEAM Days
• Heartland Resources, Inc.
– Meals for Seniors
• Lewis County Food Pantry Inc.
– Hunger in Lewis County
• Lewis County Health Department
– Advance The Preventive Health of Lewis County, MO Residents
• The Child Advocacy Center of Northeast Missouri, Inc.
– Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Education in Rural Schools
The Lewis County Fund Council, a panel of local representatives, evaluated applications submitted by nonprofit organizations as part of the Community Foundation’s community grant program. Based on their assessments, the Council made thoughtful recommendations for the allocation of grants, with the goal of addressing the most pressing needs and promising opportunities within Lewis County.
“The Lewis County Endowment Fund is pleased to present six grants this year to organizations that directly benefit Lewis County residents,” said Virgil Welker, Lewis County Endowment Fund Council Chair. “This fund provides donors the ability to impact well-deserving nonprofit organizations in Lewis County through their charitable giving for many years to come and truly make a difference in our community.”
The Lewis County Endowment Fund is a permanently endowed charitable fund exclusively for the benefit of Lewis County. Gifts made to the fund are strategically invested to encourage growth, and grants are awarded from the accrued interest. Since its establishment, the fund has continued to grow through donor support, creating a lasting impact for Lewis County. Led by a local advisory council, the fund provides annual grants in the areas of arts & education, health & human services, and community betterment.
“The Lewis County Endowment Fund continues to be a consistent source of support for the good works of nonprofits in Lewis County. This year’s grantees are important to the stability of the county, providing services for educational opportunities, at-risk youth, seniors, and those facing health and food insecurity,” said Kent Embree, Community Foundation Program Officer. “We are grateful for the volunteers and donors who are dedicated to making a strong impact in Lewis County by annually supporting and fundraising for the endowment.”
Gifts to the Community Foundation for the Lewis County Endowment Fund are tax-deductible as allowed by law. The Community Foundation is a not-for-profit organization with 501(c)(3) status.
