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 either the Chariton or Russell High School.  2007 were Ben Mosbach and Tiffany Chandler.  Past recipients include Anna Anderson (2006); Zachary Holmes (2006); with John Douglas being an alternate; Amy Hayes (2005); Dan Brown (2005); 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).

New in 2005 were the Glenn Mitchell Ag Scholarship and the Mary Sandy Scholarship. These are both  awarded to a graduating senior from Russell or Chariton High Schools. The Glen L. Mitchell Ag Scholarship 2007 recipient was Janine Comstock.  Past recipients include Corey DeVore(2006); Travis Goering(2005)The Mary Sandy Scholarship recipient for 2007 was Amber McRoberts; Past recipients include Cameron Willis(2006); and Jenny Swarthout(2005).

The generosity of the Vredenburg Foundation has provided summer band concerts from the Community Bandstand for the past two 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.