Kay Finnie Scholarship Fund

In 2022, the Tom Finnie family established the Kay Cummins Finnie Travel Scholarship Fund in memory and honor of Kay Finnie. Kay was an avid traveler and a passionate supporter and board member of Springfield Sister Cities. The Finnie family has committed to making annual contributions to the fund held at the Community Foundation of the Ozarks.

The personal experiences gained through travel to our sister cities are especially impactful.  Feedback from travelers confirms that the experience makes them more open to cultural differences and they find great value in the friendships they’ve made. Most often, the younger demographic in our community is unable to afford travel and thus they miss the opportunity to make these connections.

We are grateful to the Finnie family and many other generous donors for contributing to the Kay Finnie Scholarship Fund. Scholarships are awarded based on need and help break down financial barriers to travel. In its first year, the fund awarded $6,800 in travel scholarships, the majority of which were awarded to travelers less than 40 years old.

Endowment Crowdfunding Campaign

Springfield Sister Cities is one of 10 nonprofit organizations selected by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks to participate in an endowment match challenge. If Sister Cities can crowdfund $15,000 by August 15, 2023, the Community Foundation will award an additional $10,000 to create an endowment for the Kay Finnie Memorial Travel Scholarship Fund.

Creating an endowment for the fund will provide sustainability for the program. Scholarships will be distributed from endowment earnings while the principal remains in perpetuity.

FORVIS Foundation recognizes the importance of international travel and the Sister Cities vision of “Peace Through People,” and they are generously matching all donations up to $7,500. This means that all donors that contribute to the crowdfunding campaign will double their impact.

Donors can contribute to the campaign on Facebook or below through August 15. Any donation amount is greatly appreciated and will be publicly recognized on social media and the Sister Cities website.

Campaign Donors