Carl Morrow Annual Giving Program

The Carl Morrow Annual Giving Program is a small grants program established by the Conservation Foundation of Missouri Charitable Trust in 1994 in memory of their long-time chairman. Carl Morrow was a Jefferson City, Missouri, resident, lifelong sportsman, and a successful businessman. Above all, however, Carl worked to protect Missouri’s natural resources. Even after he retired as the Executive Vice-President of Missouri Power and Light, he continued to serve as the Foundation’s leader and guiding light.

In establishing the Carl Morrow Giving Program, the trustees sought to reflect the organization’s original purpose –

“To build a greater appreciation among the state’s citizenry of the need to protect our natural resources and our outdoor heritage through the dissemination of information and the support of research and education.”

The Foundation trustees wished to recognize Carl Morrow’s contributions to conservation and, especially, establishing the Foundation’s investment fund. Although the Trust is not large, it awards thousands of dollars yearly under its Carl Morrow Small Grants program.

Examples of the grants include the Federation’s Youth Conservation Corps. This mentoring program is working to get more youth involved as active volunteer conservationists, the Federation’s Conservationist of the Year awards, promotion of urban forestry, and funding for award-winning Stream Team projects.

Grant proposals of statewide significance, such as projects that promote the continuation of the 1/8 of 1% conservation sales tax and the 1/10th of 1% parks and soils sales tax, completion and enhancement of the Katy Trail, and other statewide projects relating to fish, wildlife, forest, parks and outdoor recreation, water pollution control, and natural resource protection will be looked on most favorably.

In the program's first year, the Foundation approved grants for nine projects totaling $6,525.00. In recent years, over $17,000 in grants have been awarded annually. Annual grant amounts begin at $250 and will be at most $5,000. A 12-month grant period is preferred; however, multi-year projects will be considered. Organization applicants should have a 501 (c) (3) tax status or the equivalent.

Deadline to apply is April 2nd.

To apply for a Carl Morrow Grant, please complete the application form. If you have any questions, please contact Micaela Haymaker at mhaymaker@confedmo.org