ServMO has announced the recipients of the America 250 Mini-Grants, which support meaningful, community-driven service projects in honor of the 9/11 Day of Service and Missouri Good Neighbor Week. These mini-grants were funded in partnership with Missouri's Show Me America 250 Commission.

"These mini-grants encourage Missourians to commemorate America's 250^th anniversary while getting more connected to their neighbors," said Brittany Crabtree, Executive Director of ServMO. "We hope these activities plant the seeds for sustained community engagement all year long."

ServMO announced this $15,000 funding opportunity with the goal of supporting mini-grant projects ranging from $500 - $3,000. During the month of September, local community organizations, neighborhoods, and volunteer groups will join together in honoring the 25^th anniversary of 9/11 and Missouri Good Neighbor Week.

America 250 Mini-Grant Recipients

Bismarck United Methodist Church

• United Methodist Church and Granny Barb's Pies will provide a free family style meal in the community during Missouri's Good Neighbor Week. This initiative aims to alleviate food insecurity and encourage community relationships.

Community Foundation of the Ozarks

• Community Foundation of the Ozarks will coordinate the Ozark Foothills Community Connection Day of Service during Missouri's Good Neighbor Week. This initiative aims to bring the local community together to celebrate America's 250^th anniversary.

Community Partnership of SEMO (CPSEMO)

• CPSEMO will implement a beautification landscaping project during Missouri's Good Neighbor Week. Through the YouthBuild program, volunteers will participate in a variety of activities throughout the South Cape neighborhood of Cape Girardeau.

Missouri State Public Defender (MSPD)

• MSPD will celebrate America's 250^th anniversary by participating in meal pack events hosted by the National 9/11 Day Organization.

St. Joseph Youth Alliance dba Youth Volunteer Corps (YVC)

• YVC will design and host an "Answering the Call" project by honoring Firefighters during Missouri's Good Neighbor Week. This initiative aims to strengthen leadership skills and civic responsibility amongst youth.

St. Lucas United Church of Christ

• Lucas United Church of Christ will host a community meal during Missouri's Good Neighbor Week. This initiative aims to strengthen relationships amongst the community through a shared meal.

West Central Missouri Community Action Agency

• West Central Missouri Community Action Agency will host "The Community Heroes in Action" event during Missouri's Good Neighbor Week. This initiative aims to promote civic engagement and volunteerism by engaging the community in a shared service project where 75 household cleaning supply kits will be provided to head start families in Warsaw.

About ServMO

The Missouri Community Service Commission, a bipartisan commission appointed by the Governor and administered by the Missouri Department of Economic Development, is now doing business as ServMO. Its mission is to strengthen Missouri communities through volunteerism and service. ServMO invests more than $10 million into Missouri communities annually.

For more information on ServMO, visit serv.mo.gov.

About the Missouri Department of Economic Development

The Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) works to create an environment that encourages economic growth by supporting Missouri's businesses and diverse industries, strengthening our communities, developing a talented and skilled workforce, and maintaining a high quality of life. As one team built around the customer and driven by data, DED aspires to be the best economic development department in the Midwest. Through its various initiatives, DED is helping create opportunities for Missourians to prosper.

For the latest updates on DED's current or future programs and initiatives, visit DED's website.