Hope Grants

Hope lives here…

Through Silver Dollar City Foundation’s Hope Grants, local communities are creating hope for their students and parents struggling to see the light.

Over the past three years, nearly $700,000 has been distributed between 14 school districts serving Stone and Taney county children. These grants empower schools to address life’s hardships such as food insecurities, parental engagement, lack of daycare providers and early childhood education opportunities.

During the 2025-26 school year, these projects directly impacted more than 3,000 students plus countless other individuals including educators, parents, siblings, and community members.

Forsyth closing the gap for childcare

May 05, 2026

A recent study found the need for infant and toddler care in Stone and Taney counties exceeds the number of available licensed slots by about 1,400 – a statistic that doesn’t come as a surprise to Forsyth Superintendent Dr. Jeff Mingus.

Crane program expands learning outside classroom hours

March 31, 2026

The final bell usually signals the end of the school day, but at Crane Elementary, it marks the beginning of something many students look forward to – afterschool tutoring. Yes, that’s right – afterschool tutoring. Throughout the week, students can stay after school through the district’s Pirate Pals program, have a snack, and receive help with things like math and reading but in fun, small-group environments.

Storytime bridges language barriers

February 17, 2026

When Branson elementary teacher Katy Hafner reads “Little Quack” later this month at Library Center of the Ozarks, the storytime is about more than a fictional duck—it’s about bringing families together across language and cultural lines.

Bradleyville puts focus on quality preschool services

January 29, 2026

As the Bradleyville School District works through financial challenges, one priority remains unwavering for Superintendent Dr. Kendra Stuart - ensuring every child receives the best academic opportunities.

Grant opens gate to safer play in Bradleyville

July 21, 2025

Behind Bradleyville School, it may look like an ordinary fence is being erected this summer, but to Superintendent Dr. Kendra Stuart, it’s much more. The new fence is a symbol of pride and safety for the school.

Supporting Blue Eye's Parents As Teachers

February 03, 2025

More than 40 years ago, Missouri pioneered the idea of partnering with parents to support their role as their child’s first teacher. Today, Blue Eye School District continues that work by combining ideas decades old with new, innovative processes. The result - families are finding what works for them and each year, children are entering school better prepared for success.

Mark Twain puts focus on early success of students

November 13, 2024

The district recently received a $15,000 Hope Grant from Silver Dollar City Foundation to help offset the cost of a preschool aide, ensuring children aren’t turned away from the vital program due to capacity issues and parents have a safe place to send their children.

Spokane Students Spread A Message Of Hope

February 19, 2024

Stop by Spokane School District later this month and you’ll see a clear message throughout the district – there is always hope for the future. Thanks to a Silver Dollar City Foundation grant, the district is laser focused on spreading a message of hope to students and parents.

Meeting The Needs

January 10, 2024

The district recently opened Little Eaglets Daycare, the first daycare center ever run by the district. With the help a Hope Grant from Silver Dollar City Foundation, the district opened the daycare facility on the school campus, currently serving eight children representing seven different families.

Pouring Love and Hope

January 02, 2024

For kids in Taneyville, Christmas came early this year. The school district recently showered students with a Week of Giving, providing bags of groceries and grocery store gift certificates to students the first day.