Chamber Foundation
MISSION
Growing, engaging, and connecting mentors with local youth to build the businesses and community leaders of tomorrow.
The Marion Chamber of Commerce Foundation is a 501c3 organization was founded in 2015 and is managed in partnership with the Marion Chamber of Commerce. Our Foundation supports opportunities for youth to interact with mentors within the business community and provides academic and trades/based scholarships for Marion High School seniors. Learn more about our scholarships and programs below. If you would like to learn more about the Foundation, please contact the Chamber office at 618-997-6311.
Donations from Chamber members, the public, and various fundraisers support our Foundation. GuideStar Listing
FOUNDATION BOARD
Board members include the Executive Committee of the Marion Chamber of Commerce and additional members of the Chamber community: 2025 Executive Committee Officers include:
- President: Ashley Gott, Williamson County Treasurer
- Vice President: Jared Garrison, The Pavilion
- Treasurer: Toni Perkins, US Bank
- Secretary: Mindy Reid, Banterra Bank
- Additional members include Megan Zeller, Deborah Hogg, Matt Carnaghi, Kimberly Walker, and Karen Mullins.
The Foundation finances are managed separately from the Chamber finances, with monthly updates to the Marion Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.
The Foundation finances are managed separately from the Chamber finances, with monthly updates to the Marion Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.
SCHOLARSHIPS
The Marion Chamber of Commerce Foundation awards scholarships based on the amount of money generated by the fundraising efforts from the previous year. The scholarships offered by the Marion Chamber of Commerce Foundation for this school year are:
John A. Logan College One-Year Tuition Waiver
1 awarded each year
Online Application
$1,500 Grad Spree Scholarship
1 awarded each year
Online Application
$1,000 Trades and Apprenticeship Scholarship
2 awarded each year
Online Application
Scholarship applications are available through the Marion High School Guidance Office from Dec – Feb.
Scholarship Committee
The Scholarship Committee is responsible for reviewing and awarding the Chamber Foundation Scholarships.
PROGRAMS
The Marion Chamber of Commerce Foundation programs.
Grad Spree Committee
Grad Spree is a drug/alcohol free celebration for the Marion High School graduating seniors. The Grad Spree event takes place on the night of Marion High School Graduation and is funded by the Foundation to ensure a free and fun event.
A Chamber committee organizes and plans the event.
Duck Spree! A Grad Spree Fundraiser
This event takes place at the HUB in Marion and features ducks sponsored by local busineses and individuals.
The ducks race in various heats in the lazy river.
Our Foundation holds funds in trust to enable students to attend Sister City trips to Japan. These funds help to cover or partially cover travel-related costs like airfare. Foundation funds are not used for adult delegation travel costs.