To assist in building the educational, cultural, health and economic development of our community.
Our Mission
How Your Philanthropy Dollars Work Harder in a Foundation
We are building a permanent community resource that will provide endowment funds that will grow and benefit our community forever.
We help donors create an individual or family legacy and offer a simple way to fulfill multiple charitable intents, with lowcost administration, making us a good alternative to private or family
foundations.We offer personalized service, including donor and family involvement and education in selecting charities and connecting donors with strategic and highimpact funding opportunities.
We accept a wide variety of assets and offer maximum tax advantage.
All our funds stay in the community, where they benefit local organizations meeting a broad range of local needs.
We can preserve donor intent even when community issues and organizations change.
All assets are subject to audit and annual confirmation by an external accounting firm.
Spearheading the Magic Dragon Trails System
The Economic Engine of Multi-Surface Trails
Lake of the Ozarks stands on the precipice of an extraordinary transformation. By developing a world-class multi-surface trail system, this beloved Missouri destination can unlock millions in economic impact while cementing its position as the Midwest's premier year-round recreation hub.
A Proven Economic Formula
The numbers tell a compelling story. Northwest Arkansas draws 90,000-150,000 out-of-state visitors annually through their trail system, generating $27 million in economic impact. Missouri's own Katy Trail produces $18.5 million yearly, while Wisconsin's Hayward/Cable network creates $7.8 million in impact and supports 118 year-round jobs. These aren't isolated success stories—they're blueprints for prosperity that Lake of the Ozarks can replicate and amplify.
Natural Advantages, Competitive Edge
Lake of the Ozarks possesses unique advantages that position it ahead of competing destinations. The region's rocky soil provides superior drainage, keeping trails usable year-round—a stark contrast to mountain destinations where trails close for six months annually. The moderate climate extends the tourism season, while the area's natural topography of hills, bluffs, and stunning lake vistas creates an unmatched backdrop for outdoor recreation.
Most importantly, the infrastructure already exists. Unlike communities starting from scratch, Lake of the Ozarks boasts established lodging, restaurants, and entertainment venues ready to serve trail enthusiasts during traditionally quiet "off-season" periods. This existing foundation accelerates return on investment while reducing development costs.
The Path Forward
Lake of the Ozarks doesn't need to reinvent the wheel—successful models exist across the country. Through strategic public-private partnerships, professional trail design, and aggressive grant pursuit, the Community Foundation of the Lake can transform this vision into reality.
As trail counter data from Northwest Arkansas demonstrates—22,000 users in a single month despite a week of solid rain—quality trails generate consistent, year-round usage. The question isn't whether trails will succeed at Lake of the Ozarks, but rather how quickly the community can harness this proven economic engine.
Lake of the Ozarks has the natural beauty, existing infrastructure, and strategic positioning to become the Midwest's trail tourism capital. The only thing missing is the trails themselves—and that changes now.
Cultural Renaissance and Business Magnetism
Beyond immediate tourism dollars, multi-surface trails catalyze broader cultural and economic transformation. Marthasville, Missouri witnessed over a dozen new businesses open after the Katy Trail's arrival, accompanied by renewed civic pride and beautification projects. The western trail segment alone generates $3 million annually for this small town.
In today's location-flexible economy, trails become powerful magnets for business recruitment and retention. Companies increasingly choose communities with abundant amenities to attract and retain top talent. A comprehensive trail system signals quality of life that resonates with both businesses and their employees.
Safety, Accessibility, and Community Connection
Multi-surface trails excel as safe transportation corridors, connecting businesses, cultural attractions, parks, and recreational sites while accommodating all ages and skill levels. From wheelchair accessibility to family-friendly walking paths and challenging mountain bike routes, these systems serve diverse community needs while boosting property values and reducing healthcare costs.
Your Investment, Our Community's Future
This isn't just about building trails—it's about building generational wealth for our entire region. Every dollar invested in this trail system will multiply through increased tourism, new business development, rising property values, and job creation that benefits every resident.
Whether you can contribute $50 or $50,000, you're joining a movement that will be remembered as the moment Lake of the Ozarks claimed its destiny as Missouri's premier outdoor recreation destination.