About
Empowering Communities:
Restore SGF's Mission and Initiatives.
Our MISSION
We aim to help families achieve their dreams of home ownership while improving housing conditions and raising residential property values in Springfield’s historic neighborhoods.
Building a Better Springfield
Restore SGF aims to assist families in achieving homeownership dreams while enhancing housing conditions and boosting property values in Springfield's historic neighborhoods. Launched in 2021, Restore SGF is a pioneering nonprofit dedicated to revitalizing Springfield's housing stock and fostering community pride and reinvestment. We empower residents in selected neighborhoods to upgrade their properties, foster neighbor connections, and strengthen community bonds.
about restore sgf
Through a combination of public and private funding, we offer grants to homeowners for exterior home improvements. Our Restore My Block Challenge Grant program encourages neighbors to form teams, triggering a chain reaction of improvements with more significant grant awards for larger teams.
Additionally, Restore SGF introduced a Down Payment Assistance program for first-time homebuyers in five selected neighborhoods. Eligible homebuyers will receive a $9,000 grant towards down payment and closing costs, with a minimum $1,500 contribution required from the borrower. Application details are available on the program page.
As these programs demonstrate success, Restore SGF aims to expand its reach to more neighborhoods, fostering diverse, mixed-income communities with appreciating home values and a range of housing options.
reinvest in our home
Springfield City Councilman Richard Ollis grew up within blocks of his family’s 130-year-old business on Commercial Street and witnessed the city's growth and development toward the south.
“Unfortunately during this same timeframe, many of our heritage neighborhoods deteriorated. Much of our older housing stock has fallen into disrepair... gaining much-needed attention with new enforcement actions,” Ollis said. “If we want to continue to grow and prosper as a community, we must do more than enforce codes. We must reinvest.”
Woodland Heights resident Steve Miller puts a fresh coat of paint on his Victorian"painted" lady.
Meet our Team
Meet our experienced team driving community revitalization and restoration efforts.
Board Members
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Richard Ollis | Board President
President & CEO; Ollis/Akers/Arney Insurance and Business Advisors -
Brian Fogle | Board Vice President
Executive in Residence; Drury University -
Joselyn Baldner | Board Treasurer:
President & COO; Central Bank -
Rusty Worley | Board Secretary:
Executive Director; Downtown Springfield Association -
Amy Blansit | Board Member:
Founder & CEO; Drew Lewis Foundation -
Andrea Brady | Board Member:
Community Outreach and Development Manager; Great Southern Bank -
Adrianna Bruening | Board Member:
Realtor; Southwest Missouri Realty -
Andrew Doolittle | Board Member:
Partner, Everett Homes -
Dana Elwell | Board Member:
Retired; Banking -
John Everett | Board Member:
CEO; Legacy Bank & Trust -
Heather Hardinger | Board Member:
Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer; CoxHealth
General Seat A; City Council Member -
Becky Volz | Board Member:
Neighborhood Advisory Council Chair; Woodland Heights Neighborhood
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 program’s revolving loan fund.
Central Bank has committed $20,000 over three years ($60,000 total) in grant funding for Restore SGF.
Ten banks have committed $10,000 each over three years ($30,000 total, each bank) in grant funding:
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Arvest Bank
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Commerce Bank
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Great Southern Bank
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Guaranty Bank
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Legacy Bank
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Mid-Missouri Bank
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OakStar Bank
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Old Missouri Bank
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Regent Bank
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United Missouri Bank
In addition, Central Bank, Great Southern Bank, Legacy Bank, and Regency Bank have each committed $250,000 for the revolving loan fund of Restore SGF.
“I got a wonderful opportunity to fix a few things that could improve my home’s look and [I] got to know more neighbors in the bargain!”
– Rita Silic, Woodland Heights Neighborhood ResidentRestore SGF in the News