"Thanks to the generosity of John and Mary Risberg, we are able to hand out much needed funds to our affiliates so they can make lasting impacts across our landscape," said Tyler Schwartze, CFM Executive Director. "Through the tragic loss of David's life, and the wonderful hearts of his parents, John and Mary, we have been able to promote his lasting legacy in so many ways across this state."
The demand for these grants was much greater than the funds available. CFM now has much work ahead of us to raise the necessary funds to grow this important endowment so we may fund many more of the worthy projects our partners hope to implement across Missouri to better our natural world.
The 17 CFM Affiliates who received a share of the $17,730 distributed through the inaugural David Risberg Memorial Grants are:
Forest and Woodland Association of Missouri
Forest Releaf of Missouri
Greenbelt Land Trust of Missouri
Land Learning Foundation
Missouri Caves and Karst Conservancy
Missouri Chapter of the American Fisheries Society
Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation
Missouri Hunting Heritage Federation
Missouri Park Association
Missouri River Bird Observatory
Missouri Stream Team Watershed Coalition
Missouri Trappers Association
National Wild turkey Federation
Ozark Trail Association
Student Air Program
The Open Space Council for the St. Louis Region
Wild Bird Rehabilitation
We look forward to reports detailing all the incredible work completed with the assistance of these grants, and anticipate an even greater demand for David Risberg Memorial Grants in future years, meaning even more work will be done across Missouri.
In 2020, John and Mary Risberg have set up a challenge for this fund and will match every dollar raised up to $50,000. Please consider donating today to these boots on the ground projects that are funded in his honor. You can also view a video that shows the story of David's life and explains more about the current challenge grant. To learn more about the challenge grant and to donate, click here:
https://www.confedmo.org/donate-to-drm/.