The Sedora Foundation was formed after the passing of Stephen and Helen Sedora in 1997. Managed by Central Trust Company, the Sedora Foundation provides funding opportunities to various charities in Southwest Missouri.
Stephen Sedora was born in Cementon, Pennsylvania and had a 24-year career with the U.S. Marine Corps serving during World War II. He received a Purple Heart in 1944 after being wounded in the Peleliu Islands. He retired as a major in 1964.
Stephen married his wife Helen in 1948 in Arlington, Virginia where they lived for many years. After the couple retired, they moved back to Helen’s hometown of Nixa, Missouri where they built an active life. Stephen and Helen were married for 48 years.
During their lifetime, Stephen and Helen Sedora set up their estate plan which established the Sedora Foundation upon their death. The Sedoras left disbursements of the foundation unrestricted as to make the most impact in the community.
Central Trust is proud to be a part of and manage the Sedora 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.