CARTHAGE, Mo. – The Carthage Community Foundation is proud to announce the recipients of its 2026 Spring grant cycle, distributing more than $110,000 to support programs that will enhance health, education, youth services, the arts, and community beautification throughout Carthage and the surrounding region.
To celebrate the impact of these investments and honor the organizations behind them, the Foundation hosted a Grant Recipient Luncheon on May 22 for a special afternoon of recognition and connection.
This year’s grants were made possible through the generosity of donors to the following charitable funds:
- The Carthage Fund
- Marsh Family Foundation Fund
- Marsh Family Foundation Food & Nutrition Fund
- J. Ross and Maryetta E. White Memorial Fund
- Betsy Pauly Memorial Fund
- George & Geraldine Beimdiek Memorial Fund
- Kenneth and Addean Mac Arthur Trust Fund
- The Hough Fund
- Vivian Leon Fund for the Piano Arts
These funds collectively empower the Foundation to respond to emerging community needs and to invest in projects that improve the quality of life for all Carthage residents.
This year’s grants include funding in four key focus areas:
Health & Human Services Grants:
- Community Clinic of Southwest Missouri was awarded $7,500 to support the Carthage community through medication, lab, and vision services.
- Joplin Area Habitat for Humanity was awarded $7,500 towards their 200th Home.
- Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Four States was awarded $10,000 to help create more family centered spaces.
- Children’s Center of Southwest Missouri was awarded $10,000 to use for clinical staff trainings and professional development.
- Economic Security Corporation of Southwest Area was awarded $5,000 to use towards their Community Action Ride System (CARS).
Food & Nutrition:
- Carthage Crosslines Ministry was awarded $10,000 for a Pallet Stacker to safely and efficiently move pallets of food.
Education & Youth Services Grants:
- Bright Futures was awarded $3,000 to help with their Back-to-School backpacks.
- Kellog Lake Nature Center was awarded $3,000 to help with their Kids Fishing Day on June 6, 2026.
- Jasper County CASA was awarded $2,200 to help build Carthage Community Kids’ Connections.
- Children’s Haven of SWMO was awarded $4,197 to strengthen care for Carthage children.
- Southwest Missouri Community Alliance was awarded $3,500 to help with Sudstock 2026.
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Jasper and Newton Counties were awarded $2,500 to help with their Carthage mentorship initiative.
Arts, Culture, History & Community Beautification Grants:
- Vision Carthage was awarded $6,600 to help with mural projects to beautify the historic Carthage downtown area.
- Boots Court Foundation was awarded $2,787.98 to purchase a new business computer and printer for the Carthage Visitor Center and Boots Court Motel.
- artCentral was awarded $10,000 to help with art after school and IDD programs.
- Carthage Saddle Club and Arena were awarded $10,000 towards their new Announcer Stand.
- Cedar Hill Cemetery Trust was awarded $5,000 towards historic cemetery rehabilitation and preservation.
Vivian Leon Musical Arts Fund Grants:
- ProMusica was awarded $4,000 to be used towards the Cynthia Schwab Legacy Scholarship: Inspiring Young Musicians.
- Connect to Culture was awarded $3,539 to be used towards the Pallavi Mahidhara piano performance.
The Carthage Community Foundation remains committed to building a stronger, more vibrant Carthage by supporting organizations that make a meaningful difference every day. These grants reflect the power of local philanthropy and the ongoing legacy of generous donors.
