Cape Area Community Foundation awards grants to regional nonprofits

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) — The Cape Area Community Foundation awarded five grants Thursday, May 28, through its 2026 annual grant round, distributing a total of $5,000 to nonprofit organizations serving communities across Cape Girardeau, Bollinger and northern Scott counties.

According to the foundation, the grants will support programs focused on emergency assistance, domestic violence advocacy, suicide prevention, youth development and financial literacy.

Matthew 10:8 Ministries received $2,000 to purchase inventory for its outreach closet, which provides clothing, shoes, hygiene items, bedding and other essential supplies to individuals and families experiencing crisis, displacement or financial hardship.

Safe House of Southeast Missouri received $1,000 to help survivors of domestic violence cover attorney fees for civil legal matters, including orders of protection, divorce proceedings and child custody cases.

The Community Counseling Center Foundation was awarded $1,000 to support its QPR Suicide Prevention Training initiative. The evidence-based program teaches participants how to recognize suicide warning signs and connect individuals in crisis with professional help.

Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland received $500 to help launch school-led Girl Scout troops in the Cape Girardeau School District. Foundation officials say the after-school program is intended to remove transportation barriers and provide consistent supervision for students.

Junior Achievement of Southeast Missouri also received $500 to support education programs teaching financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship in local schools.

The Cape Area Community Foundation says it plans to offer additional grant opportunities in fall 2026. Officials also announced the organization received a $5,000 Affiliate Action Grant from the Community Foundation of the Ozarks to fund a regional needs assessment conducted by the ICMA student chapter at Southeast Missouri State University.

Foundation leaders say the study will help identify the region’s top needs and guide a future special grant round totaling $7,500.

The Cape Area Community Foundation was established in 2015 and serves as an affiliate of the Community Foundation of the Ozarks.

INDIVIDUALS INCLUDED IN THE PHOTO (from left to right) —
Judy Cantoni – Community Foundation of the Ozarks
Stan Irwin – CACF board member
Laura Hatcher – CACF board member
Katie Earnhart – CACF board member
Trudy Lee – CACF board member
Kim Lewis – Matthew 10:8 Ministries
Tameka Randle – CACF board member
Rhonda Mirgaux – Matthew 10:8 Ministries
Becki Arends – Junior Achievement of Southeast Missouri
Kim Dixon – Safe House of Southeast Missouri
Jessie Green – Safe House of Southeast Missouri
Michelle Ramsey – Community Counseling Center Foundation
Erin Ragan – Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland