Southwest Missouri Bank, trustee of the W.R. Corley Memorial Trust, has announced the first recipients of grants from the generous Trust set up by the late Bob Corley. Mr. Corley was a lifelong area resident who supported many area charities and institutions, such as MSSU, Freeman Health System, Mercy Hospital, Salvation Army, and Spiva Center for the Arts. His perpetual trust will continue his philanthropy by providing financial support of area non-profit organizations, including those which assist the homeless and disadvantaged populations.
“We received applications from over 50 organizations, all very worthy,” said Chuck Brown, Senior Vice President and Trust Officer at Southwest Missouri Bank. “The Distribution committee, as established by the Trust, approved grant requests totaling $202,000 which will be distributed among 19 entities, including fulfilling a commitment made by Mr. Corley to the anticipated KCU Dental School of $150,000”
The Joplin Kiwanis and Joplin noon Rotary foundation also received $1,000 each.
The Corley Memorial Trust will distribute funds each year.
“Mr. Corley’s legacy will live on and his generosity will continue to help the less fortunate in our local communities,” said Brown. “We owe him a debt of gratitude.”
Recipients of the grants include:
Alliance of SWMO $3,000
Bright Futures Joplin $3,000
Building Bridges $3,000
Children’s Haven of Southwest Missouri, Inc. $3,000
Community Clinic of Southwest Missouri $5,000
Foundation of the Home Builders of Southwest Missouri $2,000
Higher Power Garage $4,000
Jasper County CASA $3,000
Joplin Area Habitat for Humanity $3,000
Joplin NALA Read $1,000
Lion Co-Op $4,000
Missouri Southern Foundation $2,000
Salvation Army – Joplin $5,000
Teen Challenge of the Four States $3,000
Watered Gardens Ministries $5,000
Webb City Farmers Market $1,000
