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O'Fallon Community Foundation presentation: expanded scholarships, fundraising and partnerships
Summary
The O'Fallon Community Foundation presented its history and a refocused mission to support recreation scholarships, Project HOME and other local initiatives; scholarship eligibility extends to residents at or below 185% poverty level with application assistance available at the Reynard Center.
O'Fallon — The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board heard a presentation on Jan. 13 from a representative of the O'Fallon Community Foundation outlining the nonprofit’s history, recent realignment and plans to expand scholarship support for city recreation programs.
Craig, a member of the foundation’s board and speaking for the presentation, said the foundation was established in 1998 and shifted focus in 2022–23 to concentrate more on supporting recreational scholarships, police recognition and other community needs. “The mission of the foundation is maximize the quality of life in the city of O'Fallon by developing funding for and supporting charitable works and cultural activities,” Craig said.
Craig described several programs supported by the foundation, including assistance for Project HOME — a program that provides emergency repair and accessibility funding for eligible homeowners — and scholarship funding for swim lessons and day camp. He said the foundation used proceeds from the mayor’s charity ball and other fundraising to expand scholarship eligibility beyond children to residents of all ages who meet the income threshold. Craig said scholarships are available for most city programs but explicitly exclude trips, rentals, birthday parties and ticketed special events.
Application details: Craig said scholarship applications are available online at the foundation’s and the city’s resource websites and in person at the Reynard Center. He said the current award levels are up to $150 per year for a membership and up to $75 per quarter for individual programs, with an applicant eligible for two awards per year. Staff member John reviews applications to confirm residency and need before processing enrollment.
Craig also discussed fundraising activities and partnerships, including ticketed events, 50/50 raffles, trivia nights, private donations and a partnership with the Chamber through board member Cathy Duck. The foundation’s website is o'falloncommunityfoundation.org, Craig said, and staff encouraged board members to refer residents with need or potential donor leads.
Board members asked about outreach to school counselors and the senior resident advisory committee; Craig said staff have reached out to district counselors and presented to the senior committee to widen awareness. No board action was required following the presentation.
