Encouraging reinvestment in Springfield's historic neighborhoods.

Block Challenge Grant Program

Our Block Challenge Grant Program is now open for applications from the following neighborhoods:

  • Woodland Heights
  • Grant Beach
  • Doling Park east of Robberson Avenue
  • Fassnight
  • Meador Park east of National Avenue

With the Block Challenge Grant Program, neighbors will work in teams of 5-19 people to create a chain reaction of improvements. Reimbursements will be offered for almost any exterior home improvement project that can be seen from the street. The program goals are:

  • Encourage reinvestment in Springfield’s historic neighborhoods
  • Improve Springfield’s housing stock with a neighbor-by-neighbor approach
  • Create a wave of reinvestment and renewed community pride
  • Unite neighbors to improve the physical appearance of SGF’s neighborhoods.

Ribbon Cutting: Sep. 13, 2023

“Springfield Community Land Trust provided a way for us to get into a home and own it ourselves. Our monthly payment is less than our lease on the apartment we had been renting.”

 – Bob Caldwell, Springfield resident

multi-colored gable of victorian era house

KSMU Interview

March 8, 2021

KSMU host Maggie Castrey speaks with then City Councilman Richard Ollis about the mission and implementation of the Restore SGF project, geared toward rehabilitating historic neighborhoods and increasing homeownership throughout the community.  

Dana Elwell

Interim Executive Director

Board Members

  • Joselyn Baldner: president/CEO of Central Bank of the Ozarks
  • Andrew Doolittle: developer, broker and investor, Everett Homes
  • Amy Blansit: CEO, Drew Lewis Foundation
  • Brian Fogle: president, Community Foundation of the Ozarks
  • Rusty Worley: former Neighborhood Advisory Council chair and executive director of the Downtown Springfield Association
  • Adrianna Bruening: REALTOR
  • Becky Volz: NAC chair
  • Heather Hardinger: City Councilwoman
  • Richard Ollis: Former City Councilman
  • Andrea Brady: community outreach and development manager, Great Southern Bank
  • John Everett: president and CEO, Legacy Bank & Trust

Community Partners

Community Foundation of the Ozarks has pledged $20,000 over five years ($100,000 total) in grant funding for Restore SGF, plus $500,000 for the initiative’s revolving loan fund.

OakStar Bank, Commerce Bank, Old Missouri Bank, Great Southern Bank, Guaranty Bank, Arvest Bank, Legacy Bank, Mid Missouri Bank and Regent Bank have committed $10,000 over three years ($30,000 total) in grant funding, while Central Bank has committed $20,000 over three years ($60,000 total) in grant funding. Great Southern Bank, Legacy Bank, Central Bank and Regent Bank have each committed $250,000 for the revolving loan fund.