The Lincoln School Project, a landmark initiative aimed at restoring a segregation-era one-room schoolhouse in West Plains has recently received significant financial boosts through two major donations, fueling the efforts to transform the historic site into a vibrant cultural center.
The Community Foundation of the Ozarks has awarded a substantial grant of $16,000 to the Lincoln School Project. This grant is part of the CFO’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Grant Program, which aims to improve the quality of life for underserved and underrepresented populations. This funding is pivotal for the restoration efforts of the Lincoln School, a building steeped in history as the community’s schoolhouse for Black students until the seminal Brown v. Board of Education ruling in 1954.
On Monday, during a presentation in Springfield, the CFO announced the grant as part of a total of $120,000 allocated to seven nonprofit organizations. For further details on all recipients, interested parties are encouraged to visit the CFO’s website at cfozarks.org/dei23.
The CFO, celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2023, has been a cornerstone in the region, supporting a network of donors, affiliate foundations, including the Community Foundation of West Plains and nonprofit partners.
Adding to the momentum, Leonardo DRS, a leader in technology innovation, has contributed $2,000 to the Lincoln School through its employee-driven foundation. This donation highlights the company's commitment to community development and educational initiatives.
The Leonardo DRS Employee Foundation allows employees to nominate and support local nonprofits, with a committee of employees determining the beneficiaries. This process exemplifies the company's engagement in community projects and corporate social responsibility.
The Community Foundation of West Plains played a crucial role as an intermediary in facilitating this donation, given the Lincoln School’s ongoing process of securing nonprofit status.
Crockett Oaks III and his wife, Tonya, earlier this year purchased the Lincoln School building with the vision of converting it into a cultural center. Their nonprofit organization aims to celebrate and educate about the region's rich cultural heritage.
Tonya Oaks shared that the renovation is about 90% complete, though challenges in construction are ever-present. The Oakses envision the space as a community hub for cultural and educational events in West Plains and the surrounding areas.
The CFO also offers the Inclusion and Belonging Grant Program for smaller projects that promote diverse representation and engagement in community dialogues. With about $34,000 still available for requests up to $3,000, nonprofits can apply at cfozarks.org/applyforgrants. This program, open throughout the year, awards grants on a rolling basis as funds permit.
These contributions from the Community Foundation of the Ozarks and Leonardo DRS not only fuel the physical restoration of the Lincoln School but also reinforce the community's dedication to preserving and celebrating its diverse history. The Lincoln School’s transformation into a cultural center represents a significant step in honoring the past while building a foundation for future educational and cultural enrichment in West Plains.
As these restoration efforts continue, the Lincoln School stands as a symbol of progress, diversity, and community solidarity. The involvement of local organizations, businesses, and individuals in this project exemplifies a collective commitment to cultural preservation and community development, setting a precedent for similar initiatives in the region.
