About the Foundation
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.
Organizations Supported
The following non-profit organizations have received assistance from the Sedora Foundation since its inception.
- Alliance for Epilepsy Research
- Arc of the Ozarks
- Betty & Bobby Allison-Ozark Counseling Center
- Boys and Girls Town of Missouri
- C.A.R.E. Animal Rescue
- Community Foundation of the Ozarks
- Convoy of Hope
- Council of Churches of the Ozarks
- Developmental Center of the Ozarks
- Dickerson Park Zoo
- Downtown Kiwanis Foundation
- Easy Riders Equestrian Drill Team
- Friends of the Zoo of Springfield, MO
- Foundation for Springfield Public Schools
- Harmony House
- Haven of the Ozarks
- Home for Life Cat Sanctuary
- I Pour Life
- Least of Theses, Inc.
- Lifesong for Orphans
- Mercy Health Foundation – Springfield
- Missouri National Guard Camp
- Ozarks Teen Challenge
- Salvation Army
- SI of Springfield, MO
- Southwest Missouri Area Coalition
- Southwest Missouri Humane Society
- Springfield Fire Department
- The Salvation Army
- Tri-Lakes Humane Society
- Women in Need
To date, the
Sedora Foundation
has granted
$237,368
to Ozarks Charities.
2024 Grant Season – Open September 1, 2024 through September 30, 2024.
Thanks for your interest in the Sedora Foundation. Each year, there is approximately $14,000 awarded to non-profit organizations through the Sedora foundation. You may submit your application for the 2024 season online by clicking the button below or by mailing in your submissions. Please see the application guidelines below for further instructions.
Grant Application Guidelines
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
This year 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 Sedora Foundation
c/o CENTRAL TRUST COMPANY
3333 S. NATIONAL AVE., 3rd FLOOR
SPRINGFIELD, MO 65807
(417) 883-3838
Applications are due by Monday, September 30, 2024. If submitted by U.S. Mail or overnight delivery (such as UPS or FedEx), the application should be clearly postmarked by September 30, 2024.
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: If submitting a hard copy, please make sure that your application is filled out completely and that you have supplied a copy of any documentation that you would like us to consider.
Award Notification
Notification of grant award status will be emailed by year end. Notifications will be emailed regardless of whether you receive an award or not.