Best Private Grants for Nonprofits in Missouri

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) and 509(a) organizations in the greater Chicago area can receive McGraw Foundation support for education, human services, conservation, health, and cultural programs. Missouri nonprofits with Chicago-based operations or partnerships may be eligible for US $2,000 - US $10,000 in general operating, project, or occasional capital support, typically for a single year.

Graduate students pursuing research in drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can receive US $3,000 to advance projects with actionable outcomes for the water industry. Focused on water-related research, American Water Works Association invites Missouri students whose work may benefit nonprofit or public-sector water and public health efforts.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Missouri working on economic and workforce advancement, safe and affordable housing, or community arts and culture may be eligible for this funding. Grants from US Bancorp Foundation help groups that address multiple pillars of work, home, and play, advance diversity, equity, and inclusion, and serve 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 Union Pacific communities. Grants of US $5,000 - US $30,000 support direct services, capacity-building, and DEI-focused efforts across areas like public safety, basic needs, youth development, and environmental stewardship.

Missouri 501(c)(3) organizations can apply for the Conservation Foundation of Missouri Charitable Trust’s Carl Morrow Annual Giving Program, awarding US $250 - US $5,000 for conservation education, research, and outreach projects. Grants favor initiatives of statewide significance related to natural resources, wildlife, forests, parks, outdoor recreation, water quality, and environmental protection.

Nonprofit organizations serving women and children with humanitarian, education, or self-sufficiency programs in Missouri can apply for funding to expand or create impactful projects. The Father's Table Foundation provides up to US $750,000 for initiatives such as homelessness services, food security, employment readiness, child welfare, health care, and anti-human trafficking efforts that build long-term resilience.

Missouri 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public charities, universities, and eligible religious organizations offering community services can access funding and in-kind support through The Caesars Foundation for local programs. Grants may support education and workforce development, social and economic equity, housing and homelessness services, mental health, food security, climate and environmental sustainability, and broader human and social services benefiting Missouri communities.

Undergraduate-focused higher education institutions in Missouri conducting biomedical research can apply for NIH Academic Research Enhancement Awards to support small-scale projects and student research experiences. US Dept. of Health & Human Services: National Institutes of Health provides up to US $375,000 to institutions with limited prior NIH funding across eligible U.S. jurisdictions.

Missouri graduate students studying 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 for education costs. Offered by the Conservation Foundation of Missouri Charitable Trust, this funding may benefit future leaders of conservation-focused nonprofits in Missouri.

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

Early-career clinical and health researchers at Missouri-based low- or middle-income country institutions can apply for the Emerging Global Leader Award to secure protected research time and support. Grants from the National Institutes of Health help investigators in LMICs develop independent careers in areas like cancer, cardiovascular disease, mental health, environmental health, and related fields.

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

Early-career health researchers in low- or middle-income countries with junior faculty posts can apply for the NIH Fogarty Emerging Global Leader Award, offering approximately US $140,000 for mentored research and career development. Missouri-based nonprofits partnering with or hosting eligible LMIC investigators may benefit when supporting projects aligned with LMIC health priorities.

Missouri nonprofits focused on education and youth programs can seek funding for scholarships, tutoring, after-school enrichment, arts education, community initiatives, and related services. Focused on educational opportunity, John Ben Snow Memorial Trust offers US $5,000 - US $20,000 grants to 501(c)(3) organizations across the U.S., including Missouri, with priority for disadvantaged youth and new or enhanced programs.

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. Organizations in St. Charles County may be eligible, especially those focused on priority areas of education and environment or engaging company employees as volunteers.

Missouri nonprofits and other organizations hosting health-related congresses, events, or initiatives can seek sponsorship funding that offers tangible marketing or recognition benefits. Biogen Foundation provides support for programs focused on neurological and immune system diseases, including Alzheimer’s, ALS, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, stroke, lupus, and related areas; requests are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Nonprofit 501(c) or 170(c) organizations in Missouri can apply for Regions Bank’s employee Matching Gifts Program, which supports community-focused work through doubled donations from full-time associates. Eligible charities may include those advancing economic and community development, education and workforce readiness, financial wellness, arts and culture, veterans, or services for individuals with disabilities.

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 matched donations through Regions Bank’s Matching Gifts Program for recent retirees. Grants from this U.S.-wide program provide up to US $1,000 per retiree in matched contributions to eligible organizations.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, including Missouri groups, can seek general operating support for environmental, climate justice, regenerative agriculture, and healthy food access work. Focused on grassroots, community-centered change, Clif Family Foundation offers US $5,000 - US $50,000 one-year grants, with priority for U.S.-based efforts demonstrating strong community ties and budgets under $8 million.

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 seek US $250,000 - US $750,000 to provide technical assistance on private lands. National Fish and Wildlife Foundation supports projects that help landowners plan, implement best practices, engage in Farm Bill programs, and improve soil, water, and fish and wildlife habitats.

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.