Best Mental Health Grants in Missouri

The Civil Money Penalty Reinvestment Grant Program, overseen by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, aims to utilize funds from civil money penalties imposed on nursing homes to support initiatives that enhance the quality of care and life for residents. Eligible organizations include advocacy groups, nursing home associations, and academic institutions. The program prohibits using funds for compliance-related expenses or projects exceeding three years, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively for resident benefit.

The CSF Capacity Building initiative aims to enhance the capabilities of organizations supporting children's mental health in Jackson County, Missouri. With over 165,000 children under 18, the program addresses a significant funding gap of $21M for children's services. It focuses on improving internal strategies, financial management, and staff development to deliver impactful services. By fostering collaboration and community equity, CSF ensures that all applicants, including smaller organizations, have access to necessary resources and support.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

The Rupert Dunklau Foundation Grant supports organizations with 501(c)(3) status, focusing on Lutheran Higher Education, Health and Human Care, and Faith Strengthening. Since its establishment in 1968, the foundation has aimed to provide financial resources to ministries within the Lutheran tradition, particularly in Nebraska and surrounding states. Eligible projects must align with the foundation's mission to promote the welfare of mankind through educational and health initiatives.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

About Us

The Community Mental Health Fund makes grants to 501(c)(3) mental healthcare organizations. We are a public fund and services are audited. Care must meet standards set by the Board of Trustees and the State of Missouri. We also support multi-agency initiatives, including cultural competence and trauma-informed care. Services assist our community’s most vulnerable citizens. Abused children, battered women, and homeless families are among those we serve.

Our Mission

Our Mission is to support a network of quality mental health services for persons with mental illness that are equitably accessible and responsive to the varied and unique needs of Jackson County Missouri residents.

2027 Fee-for-Service Applications

CMHF request for 2027 funding proposals

The Board of Trustees requests mental health fee-for-service funding applications from agencies currently funded in these funding categories:

• Safety Net
• Children's Treatment Centers
• Community-Based Mental Health
• Families and Children
• Domestic and Sexual Violence
• Support Services

The Dana Brown Charitable Trust Grant supports organizations in the St. Louis area that aid financially disadvantaged children, focusing on health, education, and welfare. It encourages programs that expand children's knowledge of nature and wild animals. The Trust favors collaborative, high-impact projects and prioritizes immediate needs over long-term funding. Notably, individual grants are not awarded directly to individuals, and only one Letter of Intent is permitted per year.

The Georgia-Pacific Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Metro Atlanta area, focusing on education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental sustainability. Established in 1958, the foundation prioritizes investments that align with its mission and values, promoting long-term well-being within communities where Georgia-Pacific operates. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities located within 30 miles of GP manufacturing sites.

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.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

The Zero KC Grant is a vital initiative by the City of Kansas City aimed at addressing homelessness through innovative funding. By fostering collaboration among local agencies, the grant seeks to create a comprehensive system of services, including outreach, transportation, and permanent housing. It encourages partnerships to effectively support individuals facing barriers to housing, such as mental health issues and substance use disorders. This initiative not only addresses immediate needs but also promotes long-term solutions, ensuring that every Kansas Citian has access to safe shelter.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

The Elevance Health Foundation's Behavioral Health Grant aims to address significant challenges in mental health and substance use disorders. With a commitment of up to $90 million over three years, the Foundation seeks partnerships with nonprofits to enhance treatment access, promote prevention strategies, and alleviate loneliness among affected individuals. This initiative emphasizes innovative solutions and measurable outcomes, targeting both national and local programs, particularly in states with pressing health disparities.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

Rooted in rural.

Committed to your community

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. 

Our Mission

Working together to help rural communities thrive.

Grant Types

Open Call Grants

Patterson Family Foundation’s Open Call Grants are publicly announced and submitted through the Grants Portal. Applications are reviewed using criteria aligned with the Foundation’s priorities, including community impact, feasibility, sustainability, and readiness to implement the proposed work in the Kansas or western Missouri rural community. 

This opportunity increases access to mental health support by expanding services, strengthening local care networks, and promoting prevention, harm reduction, and behavioral health education. Projects should create supportive environments that reduce stigma, increase awareness, and help residents access appropriate care. Applicants should plan to report on services delivered, residents served, improvements in access or awareness, and partnerships that enhance local mental health support.

The Cigna Group Foundation is launching the Improving Youth Mental Health Grant, committing $9 million over three years to enhance mental health support for youth aged five to 18. This initiative targets post-pandemic challenges, offering resources to parents, caregivers, and youth service professionals. Nonprofits are encouraged to apply for funding between $100,000 and $150,000 to develop programs that promote social-emotional skills, enhance caregiver support, and improve access to mental health interventions in underserved communities.

The Menorah Heritage Foundation offers the Jewish Community Grant Cycle to support organizations that serve the Greater Kansas City area. Focus areas include health-related programs and initiatives to foster a vibrant Jewish community. Eligible organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and operate within specified geographic parameters. The foundation prioritizes programs that adapt to community needs while ensuring non-discrimination in service provision. Grants may be requested for core operating support or specific programs, with a maximum request of $10,000.

The Ozarks Health Advocacy Foundation Grants prioritize the health needs of children in Southwest Missouri, aiming to support nonprofit organizations that address critical physical, mental, and dental health issues. With a commitment to improving the lives of young people, the foundation provides essential funding to ensure that no child suffers from health conditions due to financial constraints. Together, we can create a healthier future for our youth, enabling them to thrive and reach their full potential.

The Children's Services Fund of Clay County provides grants to organizations serving children under 19 in Clay County, Missouri. Funded by a voter-approved sales tax, it supports various services like counseling, crisis intervention, and mental health screenings. Organizations are encouraged to apply for one-time grants to enhance or start programs that benefit children's well-being. However, the fund does not support inpatient services, transportation, individual grants, capital expenditures, annual appeals, or endowments.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

About Us

The Community Mental Health Fund makes grants to 501(c)(3) mental healthcare organizations. We are a public fund and services are audited. Care must meet standards set by the Board of Trustees and the State of Missouri. We also support multi-agency initiatives, including cultural competence and trauma-informed care. Services assist our community’s most vulnerable citizens. Abused children, battered women, and homeless families are among those we serve.

Our Mission

Our Mission is to support a network of quality mental health services for persons with mental illness that are equitably accessible and responsive to the varied and unique needs of Jackson County Missouri residents.

Mental Health Fund

Responding to Changing Mental Health Needs

We’re committed to identifying and pursuing partnerships with local agencies that provide mental health service to underserved Jackson County residents. Our new Community Grants target agencies that exemplify innovation and a forward-thinking mindset in their delivery of whole-person mental wellness services in these social determinants of health focus areas:

• Family - from expecting parents to early family life
• Life - housing and communities offering safe, supportive family environments
• Work - fair, supportive, and inclusive employment
• Aging - support for older adults’ community connectedness and access to care

Grant Funding Programs

General funding information

The Community Mental Health Fund invests in mental health services through partnerships with non-profit agencies that provide quality mental health care for persons with mental health concerns.

Through these partnerships, we strive to ensure that mental health services are equitably accessible and responsive to the varied and unique needs of Jackson County residents. Every year our funding supports over 25,000 residents who are without insurance and are in need of mental health care.

Grant funding programs

The Board of Trustees has authority to contract with established tax-exempt 501(c)(3) charitable corporations to: operate, supplement, maintain or deliver purchased services within: community mental health centers, mental health clinics or comprehensive mental health service providers. Funding is contractual and performance-based. Billing and treatment records are audited.

The Generosity Collective Grantmaking Program, led by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, aims to address pressing local issues in Springfield by funding impactful projects. With a total of $120,000 available, grants of $30,000 will be awarded to one agency in each of four categories: early childhood development, child abuse prevention, mental health support, and affordable housing. This initiative fosters community collaboration and empowers organizations to create meaningful change.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.

The Northland Community Foundation Grant seeks to enhance life quality in the Northland by connecting donors with community needs. Focusing on mental health, senior care, childcare, and transportation, it aims to address gaps identified in the 2023 Community Needs Assessment. Grants are available to 501(c)(3) organizations and public agencies serving Clay and Platte counties, promoting sustainable programs for children's well-being. This initiative encourages philanthropic investment where it has the greatest impact.