Best Large Grants for Nonprofit Organizations in Missouri

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) and 509(a) organizations can seek McGraw Foundation grants of US $2,000 - US $10,000 for education, human services, conservation, health, and cultural programs, including in Missouri. Grants may support general operations, specific projects, or occasional capital needs, with some larger awards for especially promising, high-impact efforts.

Graduate students researching drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can receive scholarship support to advance water industry solutions. Focused on applied research with actionable outcomes, the American Water Works Association offers this US $3,000 award, which may benefit Missouri students whose work supports cleaner, safer drinking water systems.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Missouri working on economic and workforce advancement, affordable housing, or community arts and culture may be eligible for this funding. Grants from US Bancorp Foundation help support programs that address work, home, and play, especially those advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in designated U.S. Bank communities.

Missouri 501(c)(3) public charities with programs in safety, workforce development, community vitality, or environmental sustainability can access funding through Union Pacific Foundation for projects serving communities on the Union Pacific rail network. Grants of US $5,000 - US $30,000 support direct services, capacity building, and DEI-focused initiatives across these priority areas.

Missouri 501(c)(3) organizations working on conservation, natural resources, or outdoor education can apply for the Conservation Foundation of Missouri Charitable Trust’s Carl Morrow Annual Giving Program; awards US $250 - US $5,000 for short-term or multi-year projects. Proposals with statewide significance in areas like wildlife, parks, trails, and water protection are especially encouraged.

Nonprofit organizations addressing humanitarian aid, child welfare, education, health care, or disaster relief in Missouri can apply for funding to support women and children and build long-term self-sufficiency. The Father's Table Foundation provides up to US $750,000 for projects such as homelessness services, food security, employment assistance, microfinance, water and sanitation, and anti-human trafficking efforts.

Missouri 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public charities, universities, and qualifying educational or religious organizations can access funding and in-kind support for community programs through Caesars Foundation. Grants may support social equity and education, climate change and food security, or responsible play and mental health initiatives in eligible Missouri counties such as Cooper, Jackson, and St. Louis City.

Undergraduate-focused higher education institutions conducting biomedical research in Missouri can apply for NIH Academic Research Enhancement Awards, with awards up to US $375,000. US Dept. of Health & Human Services: National Institutes of Health supports small-scale projects that engage undergraduate students and strengthen campus research environments, including work in public health, neuroscience, genetics, cancer, HIV/AIDS, and related fields.

Missouri graduate students pursuing natural resource management fields such as fisheries, forestry, wildlife, parks and recreation, or soil and water conservation at in-state colleges can apply for the Carl Morrow Graduate Scholarships, awarding US $1,000 in financial aid. Offered by the Conservation Foundation of Missouri Charitable Trust, these scholarships support advanced training in conservation-related disciplines.

Missouri undergraduate students pursuing fisheries, forestry, wildlife, parks and recreation, or soil and water conservation at in-state colleges can receive scholarship support for natural resource studies. The Conservation Foundation of Missouri Charitable Trust’s Ed Stegner Natural Resource Scholarship awards US $1,000 in each of five areas, with preference for applicants demonstrating financial need.

Early-career medical and health researchers at academic or research institutions in low- or middle-income countries, including those collaborating with Missouri nonprofits, can seek the Emerging Global Leader Award to support intensive mentored research and career development. Grants from the National Institutes of Health help fund three to five years of protected time for clinical and public health studies; awards approximately US $140,000.

Missouri 501(c)(3) nonprofits providing housing, health care, food, or transportation for seniors, people with disabilities, low-income individuals, single parents, children, or people experiencing homelessness can seek single-year project funding. East Missouri Foundation supports safe and affordable housing, health care access, food services, and transportation within Missouri and the St. Louis metropolitan area.

Early-career research scientists at academic or research institutions in eligible low- or middle-income countries, including those based in Missouri-partnered LMIC institutions, can apply for the NIH Fogarty Emerging Global Leader Award; awards approximately US $140,000 for mentored health-related research career development projects over three to five years.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations running education, youth, arts, or community programs in Missouri may be eligible for grants of US $5,000 - US $20,000. Focused on education and related initiatives, John Ben Snow Memorial Trust favors new or enhanced programs, short-term bridge funding, matching grants, and final “last dollars” for capital campaigns.

Missouri 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in education, environmental conservation, health, arts, or community improvement can apply for Ensign-Bickford Industries’ Ensign-Bickford Foundation Grant, with awards up to US $5,000 for specific programs or projects. Organizations in St. Charles County may be especially relevant given the company’s listed operating areas and community focus.

Missouri organizations planning health-related congresses, events, or initiatives can seek corporate sponsorships that provide Biogen Foundation with reasonable marketing or recognition benefits. Biogen considers a wide range of neurological and related disease areas, and funding decisions depend on event details, alignment with its interests, available budget, and the event’s geographic location.

Nonprofit 501(c) or 170(c) organizations in Missouri working on economic and community development, education and workforce readiness, financial wellness, arts and culture, veterans, or disability services may be eligible for matching support through Regions Bank’s Matching Gifts Program. Gifts must be initiated by full-time associates or recent retirees within the Regions footprint.

Missouri 501(c) and 170(c) nonprofits working in economic and community development, education and workforce readiness, financial wellness, arts and culture, veterans, or disability services can receive up to US $1,000 in matched donations. Regions Bank provides this funding when recent retirees request matches for eligible monetary gifts made within five years of retirement.

Missouri 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking general operating support for environmental conservation, sustainable agriculture, or healthy food access can apply for the Clif Family Foundation Open Call, with awards of US $5,000 - US $50,000. Priority goes to grassroots organizations with strong community ties working primarily in the U.S. on regenerative, just, and healthy food and climate solutions.

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.

Nonprofit and conservation organizations working on regenerative agriculture and habitat conservation in Missouri can apply for US $250,000 - US $750,000 to expand technical assistance for private landowners. National Fish and Wildlife Foundation supports projects that help landowners plan, implement best practices, participate in Farm Bill programs, and improve soil, water, and wildlife outcomes.

NAFC Open Grant/Product Donation Applications

The National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC) is the only nonprofit 501c(3) organization whose mission is solely focused on the issues and needs of the medically underserved throughout the nation and the more than 1,400 Free and Charitable Clinics that serve them. The NAFC has earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar and a 4-Star rating from Charity Navigator. Founded in 2001 and headquartered near Washington, D.C., the NAFC is working to ensure that the medically underserved have access to affordable quality healthcare and strives to be a national voice promoting quality healthcare for all. For more information about the NAFC, including how to become a member, please visit https://www.nafcclinics.org.

NAFC Healthcare Services Expansion Fund

The NAFC Healthcare Services Expansion Fund supports the launch or expansion of clinical programs and new service areas that increase access to care for underserved patients. This funding is designed to help NAFC members introduce new services or grow existing programs that address unmet community health needs and improve access to comprehensive, patient-centered care.

The Soil and Water Stewardship Scholarship, sponsored by the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois, provides financial support to students pursuing careers in natural resources. Applicants must reside in specific Illinois counties and plan to enroll in a full-time program related to fields such as ecology, hydrology, and conservation. Academic performance is a key consideration in the selection process. For more details, contact the Winnebago County Soil & Water Conservation District.

The William G. McGowan Charitable Fund provides grants focusing on Education, Human Services, and Healthcare initiatives. The fund prioritizes programs with measurable outcomes that aim to alleviate poverty and suffering. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits and align with the fund's mission to create sustainable change. Applications are accepted by invitation only in specific regions, with a rolling deadline. The fund seeks collaborative efforts to maximize impact across its program areas.

The OECD Conference Sponsorship aims to enhance scientific knowledge and provide essential information to influence policy decisions on sustainable resource use in food, agriculture, forestry, and fisheries. It supports international events that showcase innovative research and developments, inviting applications from scientists in these fields. The event sponsorship encourages collaboration among policymakers, industry, and academia, ensuring that research insights are effectively communicated and utilized in decision-making processes.

The RNRF Implementation/Collaboration Grants support innovative projects that enhance collaboration among stakeholders to address critical challenges in environmental, social, and economic systems. Offering up to $200,000 for initiatives lasting 12 months or more, these grants aim to implement evidence-based practices and facilitate multidisciplinary teamwork. Eligible applicants must be from 501c3 organizations in the U.S., ensuring alignment with RNRF's mission and focus areas, fostering sustainable and impactful outcomes.

The RNRF Planning and Small Grants program provides funding up to $50,000 to support projects that enhance collaboration among community partners in addressing critical environmental issues. Eligible applicants must be 501c3 organizations in the U.S. and demonstrate multidisciplinary cooperation. Projects should align with RNRF's mission and focus areas, including air quality, biodiversity, and renewable energy. The initiative aims to create sustainable and impactful outcomes by bridging research and practical implementation.