The Chariton Chamber and Development Charitable Foundation was organized in 1992 and provides an avenue for charitable giving for area projects.  The projects may include historic preservation, park enhancement, scholarship opportunities, leadership training and other community projects resulting in long term benefits.  The business and affairs of the Foundation are conducted by a nine-member Board of Directors.

The Ken and Atha Crist/Rotary Memorial Community Service Scholarship was established to offer financial assistance to graduating seniors of Lucas County who have shown a genuine concern and interest in their community, school and/or church.  Ken and Atha Crist worked closely with the youth of Lucas County, always personifying positive leadership and the virtues of volunteer community service.

Two scholarships are awarded annually in the amount of $1,000 each to graduating seniors of Chariton or Russell High School.  2009 were Ailey Hunter and Ashley Wright:   Past recipients include   Sherrie Barber (1992); Jason Beebout (1993); Jason Swarthout (1994); Brian Moore (1995); Kara Fristad (1996); Megan Swanson (1997); Brian Anstey (1998); Ryan Miller and Aron Morrow (1999): Issac Hirschy and Allison Kuball (2000);  Andrea White and Katie Kitterman (2001);  Zachary Baughman and Adam Curran (2002); Douglas Bear and Ashlynn Hunter (2003); and Cassandra Morrow and Cole Bisgard (2004); Amy Hayes (2005); Dan Brown (2005); Anna Anderson (2006); Zachary Holmes (2006); with John Douglas being an alternate (2006); Ben Mosbach (2007); Tiffany Chandler (2007); Anna Bortz and Avery Fuhs (2008); with alternate Emily Wilker (2008).

The Glen L. Mitchell Scholarship was established in 2005 by the late Glen L. Mitchell in memory of his grandparents, Clinton and Agnes Ambelang Mitchell; his father, Glen L. Mitchell; and his uncle, Richard Mitchell. Two scholarships are offered, each in the amount of one thousand dollars, for a graduate of Chariton High School who plans to further his/her education in animal husbandry, agronomy, or other agriculture or farm-related pursuits. 2009 $1000. scholarship awarded to Kelsey Etter; 2008 $1000. scholarships were awarded to Bradley Evans; Anna Bortz; and 2008 $500.scholarships were awarded to Trenton Jeanes and Emma Offenburger; Janine Comstock (2007); Corey DeVore(2006); Travis Goering (2005).

The Mary Sandy Scholarship was established in 2005 by Dr. Bill and Pam Sandy, Brock and Ashton of Holdrege, Nebraska in honor of his mother's 80th birthday, "to honor her contributions to the education of our  family and the members of the surrounding community." Mary graduated from Chariton High School and  attended Chariton Junior College during its last year in existence and went on to a 35-year teaching career (including 29 years at Russell Community School. One scholarship, in the amount of one thousand  dollars, will be awarded to a student who plans to enroll in a course of study that will lead to a career as a teacher, from the Chariton or Russell  High School.   2009 scholarship awarded to Tara Wilson; Jenny Swarthout (2005); Cameron Willis (2006); Amber McRoberts (2007); Tianna Goddard (2008)..

The Lyle and Donna Nickelson Fine Arts Scholarship was established to provide financial assistance to graduating seniors of Chariton or Russell High School who participated in fine arts programs during their high school years. The scholarship was established by Mrs. Donna Nickelson in 2008 in memory of her husband, Lyle Nickelson. One scholarship, in the amount of five hundred dollars will be awarded each year. The recipient may pursue any course of study at any accredited college or university. The scholarship for 2009 was awarded to Allison Kelley; Jordan Crabtree (2008).

The Dorothy Disney Miller Scholarship was established in 2008 through a bequest from the estate of the late Dorothy Disney Miller of Chariton.  Dorothy was a 35 year employee of Hy-Vee, Inc.  This scholarship offers financial assistance to a graduate of Chariton or Russell High School who rank in the top one-half of their classes.  One scholarship in the amount of three thousand dollars and renewable for up to four years upon demonstration of satisfactory progress toward a degree. This is also available to past graduates currently enrolled full-time in college.  2009 scholarship was awarded to Amber Kearney and Emily Wilker scholarship renewed; 2008 scholarship was awarded to Emily Wilker.

The generosity of the Vredenburg Foundation has provided summer band concerts from the Community Bandstand for the past several years.  The concert series enhances Chariton's cultural offerings by a dedicated band director and residents of all ages.

The Coons Foundation's generous donation has made it possible for second story windows in the Chamber Office to be replaced.  They are historically correct, replicating the originals.

The many ways to give include gifts of cash (one-time, annual or pledge basis), honor or memorial (a loving way to remember a family member or friend), personal property or securities, special requests through your will or life insurance; or special funds to be designated toward a restricted project of your choosing.

All contributions are tax-deductible under the criteria established in the IRS Code 501©3.

For more information, contact the Foundation Office at 641-774-4059 or Email Us.