The Springfield headquarters of the Community Foundation of the Ozarks (CFO) will soon get a facelift, backed in part by West Plains donors Dr. Charles Morgan and Robin Morgan.
The project at 300 S. Jefferson Ave. is expected to cost $8 million. Dubbed the “Front Door for Philanthropy,” the initiative marks the first capital improvements campaign in the history of the regional nonprofit public charitable foundation. To date, organizers have secured $4.5 million toward the total goal.
The Morgans maintain deep roots in the West Plains civic and medical communities. Dr. Charles Morgan is an oncologist who has practiced at Ozarks Healthcare for about 30 years. Robin Morgan is a financial advisor with Valic Financial Advisors, a current board member for the Community Foundation of West Plains — CFO’s local affiliate — and a past vice president of the organization.
RENOVATION PLANS AND TIMELINE
The extensive remodel will overhaul the building’s first floor to create an expanded event center featuring an outdoor courtyard and a catering kitchen. Plans also call for dedicated office and collaboration spaces for emerging nonprofit groups, a new 900-square-foot conference room and a digital historical display showcasing individual philanthropists, regional projects and affiliate foundations.
Dake Wells Architecture designed the project, and JE Dunn Construction will serve as the general contractor. The two firms previously partnered to lead the renovation of the building's fourth floor, which became the CFO’s primary headquarters in the summer of 2025.
“Right now, many nonprofits, especially those getting started or in a time of rediscovery, face barriers to space and infrastructure,” CFO President and CEO Winter Kinne said. “At the same time, our region is growing, and so are the needs. This project will help meet those needs while serving as a place for aspiring philanthropists and leaders to gather, collaborate and learn.”
Construction is slated to begin in early 2027.
REGIONAL PHILANTHROPIC IMPACT
The CFO stands as the region’s largest public charitable foundation. As of June 30, 2025, the organization held $549 million in assets under management, serving donors, nonprofit entities and 55 regional affiliates across central and southern Missouri.
In addition to the Morgans, several other major individual and corporate anchors have pledged early support to the historic capital campaign. Prominent donors recognized by name include Eric K. Peterson, Elizabeth Dickey on behalf of the John Wallis Dickey family, the Meek family in memory of Mary Kay Meek, and Patricia Hall and the late Jerry Hall.
Additional individual and corporate contributors include Jim and Janet Anderson, Arvest Bank, the Ray F. and Nancy J. Aton Memorial Fund, Rob and Sally Baird, Fiducient Advisors, Guaranty Bank, JE Dunn Construction, Gordon and Laura Kinne, Winter and Marshall Kinne, Luis Leon, Anne E. and Mac McGregor, the estate of Jimmy Murrow, Mark and Lori Nelson, Gail and Clif Smart, Dean and Robin Thompson, Craig and Amy Wescott, alongside several anonymous donors.
Area residents can find more information regarding the project or the capital campaign by visiting cfozarks.org/frontdoor. Contribution inquiries may be sent directly to Kinne via email at wkinne@cfozarks.org.
