Best Community Development Grants in Missouri

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, Missouri not-for-profits, and eligible Missouri businesses can use this program to support community service, education, crime prevention, job training, and neighborhood revitalization projects. With a mission to strengthen communities, the Missouri Department of Economic Development provides up to US $500,000 in in-kind support through state tax credits that help attract private contributions for approved projects.

Developers and Missouri taxpayers redeveloping abandoned or underutilized contaminated commercial or industrial sites can access remediation tax credits to support environmental cleanup and community revitalization projects. Focused on brownfield remediation, Missouri Department of Economic Development offers statewide incentives for projects accepted into the Voluntary Cleanup Program that will create or retain private-sector jobs.

Local governments in Missouri seeking to repair infrastructure, restore community facilities, or support economic recovery after a recent emergency can apply for Community Development Block Grant funding. Focused on community development and urgent health and safety threats, the Missouri Department of Economic Development reviews proposals year-round and invites eligible communities to submit full applications.

Missouri 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities can seek project funding for sustainability, workforce development, and community resiliency efforts through the Thriving Communities Grant Program. Norfolk Southern Foundation supports community development and revitalization initiatives located within 30 minutes of its rail network, with awards ranging from US $1,000 to US $50,000.

Local governments in Missouri seeking to develop public infrastructure for industrial facilities can apply for the Industrial Infrastructure program, with awards up to US $2,000,000. Focused on community development, the Missouri Department of Economic Development funds public streets, water and sewer lines, and related facilities that support business location, expansion, or retention.

Missouri local governments seeking to improve downtown commercial areas and address slum or blight conditions in Missouri can access funding through the Missouri Department of Economic Development. This Community Development Block Grant Downtown Revitalization program offers up to US $75,000 for core downtown facade improvements, code violation corrections, and other community development and revitalization projects benefiting low- to moderate-income residents.

Nonprofits, school districts, and government entities in rural Kansas or western Missouri can apply for Patterson Family Foundation’s Innovation in Community Engagement grants, awarding US $25,000 - US $500,000 for creative community engagement projects. Missouri community development organizations serving eligible rural counties may benefit from this opportunity to strengthen long-term local involvement.

Non-entitlement Missouri cities and counties seeking to improve public infrastructure and community facilities can apply for competitive Community Development Block Grant funding; awards are up to US $500,000. With a mission to strengthen local economies, the Missouri Department of Economic Development supports projects that benefit low-to-moderate income residents and address local health and safety concerns.

Missouri local governments seeking to develop community facilities and public infrastructure can apply for Missouri Department of Economic Development’s Community Development Block Grant Competitive Cycle, with awards up to US $500,000. Funding supports construction or improvement of publicly owned facilities such as senior centers, day care centers, rural health clinics, telecommunications, 911 services, and clearance of dilapidated buildings.

Investing in Our Communities

Regions Bank and Regions Foundation are committed to helping individuals, families, and businesses achieve financial success.

We work alongside nonprofit organizations, local businesses, government and service agencies to address social and economic issues, assist in building inclusive economic prosperity and help more members of our communities benefit from the rewards of a growing economy.

We make strategic and disciplined community investments in programs that seek to achieve three target outcomes:

Economic and Community Development

• Affordable housing
• Job creation
• Small business development
• Homebuyer education and retention
• Neighborhood revitalization and stabilization

Education and Workforce Readiness

• Student competency and skill building
• College and career readiness
• Educational access and success
• Credential building and employment
• Educator training and resources

Financial Wellness

• Financial education to youth, adults, and vulnerable populations
• Financial planning tools and resources, including Regions Next Step®
• Integrated asset-building

Missouri neighborhood associations registered with Kansas City and the State of Missouri can receive support for community development, safety, and quality-of-life projects through the Neighborhood Empowerment Grant. Administered by the City of Kansas City, this program funds community engagement, neighborhood identity, infrastructure improvements, code remediation, and youth leadership and education initiatives.

Patterson Family Foundation

The Patterson Family Foundation, based in Kansas City, Missouri, is a family-led foundation that extends the legacy of Neal and Jeanne Patterson. The Foundation’s mission, “Working together to help rural communities thrive,” is carried forward through strategic grantmaking and other collaborative initiatives that serve rural counties across Kansas and western Missouri. 

At the Patterson Family Foundation, we believe that thriving rural communities aren’t just about the numbers—they’re about the people who choose to live there. A strong and engaged community is built on essentials like access to good jobs, quality healthcare, educational opportunities, and a sense of belonging. But keeping rural communities strong doesn’t happen on its own—it takes all of us working together. That’s why we focus on working with local leaders, businesses, and organizations to invest in the areas that matter most, ensuring that rural places don’t just get by but thrive for generations to come.

Community Needs Grant

We continue to invest in community-focused work through dedicated programs and initiatives that strengthen local leadership and support long-term community vitality. Our Community Engagement opportunities for the 2026 cycle are offered through targeted, collaborative efforts rather than an open call application process, allowing us to work closely with communities and organizations on high-impact, locally driven projects.

This opportunity supports projects that strengthen resident retention and encourage former residents to return by enhancing the spaces, services, and community assets that make rural places appealing to live, work, and build a future. Projects should help communities create environments where people feel connected, supported, and inspired to stay or come home. Applicants should plan to report on community participation, improvements to key spaces or assets, and early indicators of resident retention or increased engagement from returning residents. 

Missouri non-entitlement cities and counties can seek funding to revitalize downtown commercial areas, including façade improvements, code violation corrections, and related public infrastructure. Focused on community development and revitalization, the Missouri Department of Economic Development offers up to US $750,000 per project through an open, year-round CDBG Downtown Revitalization cycle until funds are exhausted.

Local governments in Missouri seeking to develop public industrial infrastructure can apply for Missouri Department of Economic Development’s Community Development Block Grant, with awards up to Up to US $2,000,000 for streets, water/sewer lines, and related public facilities. Projects must support multiple beneficiary businesses, create jobs for low- to moderate-income residents, and keep facilities publicly owned.

Missouri 501(c)(3) nonprofits and state or local government entities can seek funding for community development, agriculture, food security, and education projects or general operations. GreenPoint Foundation supports community development and revitalization in Missouri by prioritizing initiatives that align with its focus areas and requiring impact reports to document outcomes and future eligibility.

Missouri community development organizations can access funding through the H Hovnanian Family Foundation for projects in education, public health and emergency response, arts and culture, entrepreneurship, and youth and leadership development. U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits with at least one year of outcomes may receive up to US $10,000, with preference for work benefiting New Jersey communities.

Missouri community development and human services nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status can seek Strategic Impact Grants to support aligned programs and projects. Bertin Family Foundation funds organizations focused on community development, education access, international development, humanitarian aid, and Latter-day Saints initiatives that demonstrate strong governance, measurable outcomes, and responsible financial stewardship.

The Positively Memphis Community Grant supports nonprofits in the Mid-South, offering grants between $1,000 and $25,000 for initiatives that drive positive change. The program, linked to the FedEx St. Jude Championship, focuses on empowering organizations that align with community needs. Quarterly applications prioritize specific focus areas, ensuring targeted support to maximize impact. This grant aims to strengthen the Memphis community through collaborative efforts and meaningful engagement.

The EDA FY25 Disaster Supplemental program provides critical funding to support communities recovering from severe economic distress caused by natural disasters in 2023 and 2024. With no submission deadlines for Readiness and Implementation Paths, and a specific deadline for Industry Transformation applications, this initiative aims to enhance community resilience and improve economic trajectories through strategic projects that engage local stakeholders and private industries.

The St. Louis County Port Authority Community Investment Fund enhances economic and community development by providing support to projects that benefit underserved areas. Key priorities include business retention and expansion, neighborhood development, entrepreneurship, and real estate redevelopment. The fund focuses on initiatives that promote economic opportunities for historically underserved individuals and communities, leveraging resources from local partnerships, including rental payments from Penn National Gaming for the River City Casino.

The Crawford Taylor Foundation focuses on enhancing programs that create lasting legacies in St. Louis. With priorities in community development, women's health, animal welfare, and environmental preservation, the foundation seeks to support 501(c)(3) organizations that meet specific eligibility criteria. They avoid funding multi-year grants or for-profit initiatives, emphasizing support for local causes and relief efforts deemed important by the Taylor family.

The Peter Chortek Leadership Award honors Jewish high school students in San Diego who demonstrate outstanding leadership and commitment to community service through tikkun olam. Awardees receive a $9,000 stipend, $540 to set up a Donor Advised Fund, and a professional video showcasing their project. This award encourages students to create or enhance community initiatives, fostering engagement in social justice and service projects.

Holman Enterprises Community Grants aim to support low-income communities by providing essential resources like food, housing, education, and healthcare. With financial aid of $10,000 for single-year support or $15,000 for multi-year commitments, these grants focus on organizations dedicated to enhancing opportunities for low-income individuals in the areas served. This initiative reflects Holman Enterprises Inc's commitment to community welfare and social responsibility.

The U.S. Venture/Schmidt Family Foundation supports initiatives that drive self-sufficiency and community enrichment for vulnerable populations. With over $4.31 million awarded last year, the foundation prioritizes projects that demonstrate measurable impact and foster stronger communities. Eligible organizations include those designated as public charities by the IRS. The foundation emphasizes collaboration with other funders, avoiding sole financial support to ensure comprehensive community development.

The Alton Affiliate Grantmaking Program, managed by the Alton Community Foundation, aims to enhance the quality of life for residents in Alton and Oregon County through strategic grantmaking. This program supports 501(c)(3) organizations and other IRS-approved entities that address community needs. Minimum grant requests start at $1,500, with applications accepted on a scheduled basis, ensuring that funds are allocated effectively to meet pressing local demands.

The Thriving Community Impact Fund offers grants up to $2,499 to support local programs that enhance community health and well-being. This initiative by Gundersen Health emphasizes collaboration, focusing on areas such as physical and mental health, poverty alleviation, and neighborhood improvements. Organizations like non-profits and government agencies can apply for funding during a rolling application period, with decisions made monthly. The fund aims to empower communities and address health inequities through impactful partnerships.