The Stanley & Elaine Ball Foundation was formed by businessman Stanley Ball, who had a genuine love and passion for the communities in which he lived. Throughout his life he served on the boards of numerous charitable organizations and recognized that there were many people in the area who truly wanted better lives but simply didn’t have the resources necessary to improve their situations. As a result, he wanted to do his part to create communities that help people to be successful and happy. He also felt strongly about education and helping children.
After Stanley’s beloved wife, Elaine, passed in 2005, it was important to him to do what Elaine would have wanted. For that reason, Stanley established the Stanley and Elaine Ball Charitable Foundation with a substantial part of his estate. For many years to come, the foundation will accomplish the couple’s goals of helping those less fortunate and improving the communities they loved. Unfortunately, Stanley passed away in early 2015. However, his legacy will live on through his foundation and the gifts it has and will continue to bestow to deserving organizations.
Central Trust is proud to be a part of and manage the Stanley & Elaine Ball Foundation and to play a small role in helping fulfill their dream of making our community a better place.
TO OZARK CHARITIES
Open May 1, 2026 through July 31, 2026.
Thanks for your interest in the Stanley and Elaine Ball Foundation. You may submit your application for the 2026 season online by clicking the button below or by mailing in your submissions. Please see the application guidelines below for further instructions.
The Stanley and Elaine Ball Foundation was formed to assist charitable organizations in Greene, Christian, Stone and Taney Counties. Grants will be awarded exclusively for charitable uses and purposes, and the Ball Foundation’s primary focus is to enhance educational opportunities and/or provide support for disadvantaged children.
Organizations applying for a grant must be tax exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, and provide their IRS Determination Letter.
Submitting Your Application
You may submit your application and supporting documentation through our website.
If you are not able to submit an application online, you may still submit your application to:
The Ball Foundation
c/o CENTRAL TRUST COMPANY
3333 S. NATIONAL AVE., 3rd FLOOR
SPRINGFIELD, MO 65807
(417) 883-3838
Applications are due by Thursday, July 31, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. If submitted by U.S. Mail or overnight delivery (such as UPS or FedEx), the application should be clearly postmarked by July 31, 2026.
Application Documentation
ONLINE SUBMISSIONS: If you are submitting your application online, you do NOT need to submit hard copies. However, if you are mailing your application, please follow the guidelines below.
HARD COPY SUBMISSIONS: Please provide one bound copy of your complete application. Your application should be spiral bound, including a clear cover, with your application followed by the list of supporting documents. The application documents should be divided with marked tabs for each section. Most office stores including Office Depot, Staples, FedEx Office, and the UPS Store can bind your final application materials.
Applications that do not comply with the application guidelines and instructions may not be considered.
Award Notification
Notification of grant award status will be mailed by early November, 2026. Notifications will be mailed regardless of whether you receive an award or not.