Best Grants for Youth Programs in Missouri

Missouri and Kansas City–area 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving youth and other underserved residents can seek $150,000 - US $500,000 from the Marion And Henry Bloch Family Foundation for special programs, capacity building, and capital projects. Focus areas include education for disadvantaged youth, healthcare, social services, arts, Jewish community organizations, and post-secondary business and entrepreneurship education.

Missouri 501(c)(3) organizations enhancing youth access to performing or visual arts may be eligible for funding to support programs, productions, operations, events, or capital needs in the greater Kansas City area. The Muriel McBrien Kauffman Foundation focuses on arts organizations serving Jackson, Clay, Platte, Cass, and nearby counties that enrich community arts experiences.

Nonprofit organizations and K–12 schools in St. Louis City and County offering youth development, workforce preparation, or education programs can access funding through St Louis Community Foundation’s Pettus Foundation grants. Awards of US $5,000 - US $25,000 support direct services and small capital projects that build self-reliance, job readiness, and educational success for young people in Missouri.

Youth robotics teams in Missouri focused on STEM education can apply for John Deere Foundation support to participate in FIRST LEGO League Challenge and related FIRST programs. Grants from John Deere Foundation help teams near Springfield that serve underserved, underrepresented, or rural youth cover registration and engage John Deere mentors in hands-on STEM learning.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving youth and broader community needs in Missouri counties where Penn National Gaming operates may be eligible for grants supporting programs in education, human services, health, cultural affairs, and community development. Funding from the Penn National Gaming Foundation can help strengthen local youth services alongside other community-focused initiatives.

Missouri 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting senior services, especially older adults in South St. Louis City, can seek funding for home repairs, modifications, weatherization, and preservation, plus limited food assistance. Focused on housing stability and wellness, St Louis Community Foundation invites applicants for Charless Foundation grants of US $10,000 - US $50,000 per year.

501(c)(3) organizations and local government entities in Missouri operating youth baseball or softball programs can apply for Royals Charities’ Royalty Fields matching grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $15,000 for major field renovations. Funding can cover sod, infields, fencing, dugouts, and other safety-related improvements when applicants secure matching support.

Nonprofit organizations serving children and youth through education or health programs in the St. Louis metropolitan area of Missouri can apply for support from the Saigh Foundation. With a mission to expand opportunities for young people, the foundation prioritizes direct services and requires programming within specified Missouri and nearby Illinois counties.

The United Way KGC Impact 100 Grant seeks proposals from local nonprofit organizations that address critical health and human service needs in the Kansas City region. Selected organizations will receive a one-year unrestricted grant, enhancing their visibility and connections within the United Way network. This initiative emphasizes diverse approaches in Health, Education, and Financial Stability, ensuring a comprehensive impact across various community sectors. Organizations are encouraged to apply based on alignment with United Way's funding goals and community needs.

WHO ARE WE?

In 2020, Jackson County was home to more than 165,000 children and youth under 18 years of age, and ranked 75th out of 114 Missouri counties for child welfare. Thirty-two percent of our county’s children under 6 years of age live in poverty. Twenty-five percent of our older kids do, too. Hundreds are victims of abuse or neglect. Thousands require clinical psychiatric care. A prior needs assessment of funding for children’s services in Jackson County revealed an annual funding gap of over $21M. CSF exists to change this story. Uniting care, connection, and creativity, we are providing opportunities to give hope to Jackson County kids.

CSF is an innovative way to support child well-being projects. While we are funded by a Jackson County sales tax, we are a stand-alone organization led by an independent board. We are committed to community equity. Our board is balanced to reflect our county, and we work to educate and support all applicants, so everyone—including small organizations and first-timers—has a fair shot at funding. We believe in fresh solutions, constant progress and collaboration. Our work allows us to see the whole-county picture, so we can connect like-minded partners and promote new collaborations.

CSF Core Funding

Core Funding is at the heart of our mission to make transformative investments in the mental health and emotional well-being of children in Jackson County. It supports organizations dedicated to improving the lives of children and families, enabling them to provide essential services that strengthen protective factors, mental health and social-emotional well-being. This funding is central to creating lasting impact, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive.

Organizations can access Core Funding through two different funding cycles to best meet the needs of the organization. For traditional non-profit organizations, calendar year funding (January 1 – December 31) is the intended option to provide support. For schools and school-based/school-adjacent services, academic year funding (July 1 – June 30) is available. Both cycles follow a clear and structured process for requesting and awarding funds, with flexibility to suit different program needs. The application process has been streamlined to allow for more equitable access, with applicants now engaging in in-person presentations rather than submitting lengthy applications. This change fosters stronger relationships between the CSF and funded partners and levels the playing field for all organizations.

CSF can fund:

• Up to 30 days of temporary shelter, respite care and services for unwed mothers.
• Outpatient treatment, transitional living services, family intervention, crisis services and prevention programs.
• Professional counseling, psychological evaluations and mental health screenings.

Youth STEM teams in Missouri and other John Deere home communities can apply for funding to participate in FIRST LEGO League Discover and related FIRST programs. Grants from John Deere Foundation help school-based or 501(c)(3)-affiliated teams serving underserved, underrepresented, or rural youth, especially those near designated John Deere Inspire locations or with active John Deere mentors.

The Youth Opportunities Program (YOP) aims to enhance community engagement and positive development for youth under 21 years old through public-private partnerships. Administered by the Missouri Department of Economic Development, YOP offers tax credits to eligible donors, facilitating funding for local projects that promote self-esteem and reduce youth violence, particularly in high-crime areas. With $6 million in credits available, YOP prioritizes initiatives that foster community-based solutions for youth.

The Chaney Family Foundation Grants aim to enhance the welfare of children and families while promoting public safety in Barry County, Missouri; Cabell County, West Virginia; and Jackson & Josephine Counties, Oregon. Grants up to $15,000 are available for West Virginia organizations, while those in Oregon and Missouri can apply for up to $10,000, focusing on human services, faith-based programs, and public safety initiatives.

Missouri 501(c)(3) nonprofits running youth services, education, health, or human service programs in central Missouri counties can access funding through the Allen P. and Josephine B. Green Foundation. Eligible organizations in Audrain, Boone, Callaway, Cole, Montgomery, Monroe, Pike, Ralls, or Randolph counties may receive support for youth development, scholarships, wellness, and related community initiatives.

Missouri 501(c)(3) nonprofits, local government units, and public education institutions serving youth can apply for Truman Heartland Community Foundation’s Jelley Family Foundation Endowment for Children's Education Fund; awards US $5,000 - US $8,000 for educational initiatives. Programs must serve Eastern Jackson County, suburban Jackson County, or Cass County children and can include innovative, at-risk, and collaborative youth education projects.

With a mission to strengthen human services, Menorah Heritage Foundation provides Missouri youth programs with unrestricted operating support for organizations in the greater Kansas City metro area. Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits offering youth services, emergency assistance, shelters, safety-net health care, or other critical human services can receive up to US $10,000 for core operating expenses.

Youth-serving 501(c)(3) nonprofits, local government units, and public education institutions in Eastern Jackson and Cass Counties, Missouri can apply for Truman Heartland Community Foundation’s Community Grants, with awards up to US $10,000 for programs, projects, or general operating support. Youth development and leadership efforts in community betterment, health, arts, and related areas may be eligible.

School districts, schools, and youth-serving organizations in Missouri can apply for Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers grants, awarding US $50,000 - US $400,000 for comprehensive after-school and summer learning centers. Funding supports academic enrichment, broad youth development activities, and family engagement opportunities beyond regular school hours.

Youth-serving 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Missouri and nearby Illinois counties can seek multi-year Safety Net funding for direct services like basic needs, education, health, and financial mobility. United Way of Greater St. Louis awards US $50,000 - US $1,500,000 to agencies operating at least two years within its 16-county region.

Missouri schools and youth-focused nonprofit organizations can apply for Missouri State Parks Foundation’s bus grants, awarding up to US $750 to cover transportation for field trips to Missouri state parks and historic sites. Funding can support mileage, charter buses, and driver wages for Pre-K through 12th grade youth outdoor learning experiences.

Missouri 501(c)(3) organizations and other eligible entities serving Springfield youth can seek funding for education, youth development, and family stability projects. Community Foundation of the Ozarks supports programs that improve access to quality childcare, early learning, literacy, housing assistance, and mental health resources, offering US $55,000 for start-up or operating support through the Generosity Collective Grantmaking Program.

Missouri 501(c)(3) arts organizations, government units, and tribal entities can receive up to US $5,000 to present touring artists from elsewhere in the Mid-America Arts Alliance region. Mid-America Arts Alliance supports public-facing performances and outreach events, which may include youth-focused programming, by funding a portion of artist fees for in-person or online engagements.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations running youth, family, education, or food insecurity programs in the City of St. Louis or North St. Louis County can apply for Light a Single Candle Foundation’s support. Grants may cover program, operational, or capacity-building costs for youth and family development and related anti-poverty efforts in Missouri.

Nonprofit organizations, public agencies, and educational institutions serving central Missouri youth can apply for Community Support Grants of US $500 - US $1,500 to improve residents’ lives through programs and projects. Grants from Community Foundation of Central Missouri help Missouri youth services, education, health, human services, arts, and community initiatives across ten central Missouri counties.

Qualified 501(c)(3) organizations in Missouri offering civic education, youth leadership, or democracy-focused programs can apply for grants from the Sumners Foundation; awards support direct program costs only. Youth programs that engage participants in government processes, public policy discussions, teacher training, or academic contests on American democratic self-government may be eligible.

Missouri 501(c)(3) nonprofits running youth services, education, healthy and active living, or military and veteran support programs may be eligible for funding in the greater Kansas City metro area. Royals Charities prioritizes projects in literacy and education, healthy and active communities, and support for military members and veterans.