Best Grants for Youth Programs in Missouri

The Marion and Henry Bloch Family Foundation focuses on enhancing the quality of life in greater Kansas City through strategic philanthropy. It supports organizations dedicated to nonprofit excellence, addressing systemic issues, and improving outcomes for underserved communities. Grants typically range from $100,000 to $250,000, aiming for transformational change. The Foundation prioritizes local organizations that align with its mission and values, ensuring a significant community impact.

The Muriel McBrien Kauffman Foundation Grant supports diverse arts programs in the greater Kansas City area, enhancing accessibility and quality. Established in 1987, the Foundation has a rich history of funding significant organizations like the Kansas City Symphony and Ballet. It accepts proposals from 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations focusing on performing and visual arts, promoting community growth. The Foundation prioritizes local initiatives while maintaining a commitment to the arts, providing vital funding for both large and small grantees.

The Pettus Foundation Grants focus on enhancing self-reliance and productivity in underserved communities through targeted funding in St. Louis. They support nonprofit initiatives in workforce development, youth development, and education, with a keen interest in early childhood education and job training programs. Applications are by invitation only, facilitated by the St. Louis Community Foundation, emphasizing robust governance and collaboration with multiple funding partners. Typical grants range from $5,000 to $25,000.

The Menorah Heritage Foundation's Unrestricted Operating Support Cycle aims to provide vital operating support to organizations in the Greater Kansas City area. This funding is directed towards essential services such as emergency assistance, shelter, and health care, allowing grantees to allocate resources towards administrative needs and employee benefits. Eligible organizations must maintain 501(c)(3) status and demonstrate a commitment to the community's changing needs, ensuring impactful support for those in need.

The LASC Foundation offers grants to nonprofit organizations in the Greater Metropolitan St. Louis Area focusing on poverty relief through targeted partnerships. Eligible projects include food security, youth development, and education initiatives. First-time applicants should contact the foundation’s program officer before applying, while unsolicited proposals are accepted year-round. The foundation aims to foster sustainability and self-determination within communities, supporting both faith-based and non-faith-based organizations.

The Regional Touring Grant Program, funded by the Mid-America Arts Alliance, supports organizations in the M-AAA region to showcase touring artists from outside their state. Grants up to $5,000 are available, with organizations eligible for matching funds and the capacity to submit multiple applications. Projects are designed to enhance arts programming and engage underserved audiences through public-facing events, including performances and outreach activities. This initiative aims to foster cultural exchange and deepen community connections through the arts.

The Penn National Gaming Foundation Grants support various community initiatives across North America, emphasizing education, health services, and cultural affairs. Launched post-Hurricane Katrina, the foundation aids local nonprofits, enhancing community development, public safety, and veteran support. The grants cater to organizations that address the needs of children, senior citizens, and disadvantaged populations, ensuring a broad impact in areas where Penn National Gaming operates. This commitment reflects the foundation's dedication to uplifting communities and fostering resilience.

The Saigh Foundation Grant supports St. Louis-area non-profit organizations focused on improving the lives of children and youth through educational and healthcare initiatives. Applications are accepted electronically via the foundation's online portal. The foundation does not fund annual appeals, capital campaigns, or organizations outside the metropolitan St. Louis area, ensuring that resources are maximized for local impact.

The Community Foundation of Central Missouri (CFCM) promotes community well-being through its Community Support Grants. Since 2010, CFCM has focused on addressing local needs by funding nonprofit projects in areas such as health, education, arts, and community improvement. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits or local government entities serving central Missouri. CFCM seeks partnerships that align with its mission to enhance lives and foster sustainable community investments.

The Sumners Foundation Grant aims to engage and educate the public about self-government through various programs, including civic education, democracy reform, and teacher training. Grants are available to qualified 501(c)(3) organizations primarily in Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma, supporting activities that foster civic engagement and understanding of democratic principles. The Foundation emphasizes direct involvement in the political process and does not fund political activities or provide individual grants.

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.

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 CHS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing agricultural education through its Teacher Grants program, providing up to $50,000 for innovative projects. This initiative aims to engage students in experiential learning within rural communities across various states. By supporting teachers and their creative ideas, the foundation fosters educational growth and prepares future agricultural leaders, ensuring a sustainable and empowered agricultural sector. This commitment reflects CHS's broader mission of community support and development.

The Allen P. and Josephine B. Green Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in Missouri by supporting 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations. With a focus on human services, education, and community health, the foundation provides grants ranging from $1,000 to $50,000 annually. The application process is competitive, with deadlines twice a year, ensuring substantial support for impactful community projects. Interested organizations can find more details and apply through the foundation's website.

The Kansas City Royals Foundation Grants Program has distributed over $25 million since 2001, focusing on Literacy and Education, Healthy and Active Communities, and Military and Veteran Support. Key initiatives include scholarships for underrepresented students, youth engagement through sports, and veteran recognition at games. Organizations within the greater Kansas City area are encouraged to apply, particularly those with budgets under $5 million. The foundation prioritizes projects aligning with its strategic pillars, fostering community growth and support.

The Charless Foundation, part of the St. Louis Community Foundation, aims to support charitable organizations that promote the health and wellness of Missouri senior citizens, especially in South St. Louis City. Starting in 2025, grantmaking will focus on housing assistance, including home repairs and modifications for older adults. Additionally, funding for food banks will be available, capped at $10,000 per site. Grants can range from $10,000 to $50,000 annually, depending on the applicant's history with the foundation.

The John Deere FIRST LEGO League Challenge aims to enhance equity, diversity, and inclusion in STEM by supporting teams from underserved communities. Eligible teams must have a John Deere mentor and meet specific criteria related to student demographics. Grants will be awarded to teams that demonstrate commitment to community engagement and volunteerism. This initiative aligns with John Deere’s goal to reach one million underserved youth by 2030, fostering innovation and creativity in future generations.

The Royalty Fields Grant Program, presented by the Kansas City Royals Foundation, supports the enhancement of youth baseball and softball facilities across the Midwest. This initiative offers matching grants for major renovations, including essential upgrades such as new sod, infields, fencing, and dugouts. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations or local government entities that can demonstrate secured funding. Grants aim to foster safe and improved playing conditions for youth athletes.

The AmeriCorps Missouri Operational Grant aims to enhance community service through national service and volunteerism. Focused on underserved populations, it supports evidence-based interventions, especially in rural and urban areas facing poverty and social inequities. The grant prioritizes programs that bolster civic engagement, environmental stewardship, and workforce development for AmeriCorps members, ensuring a lasting impact in communities while promoting inclusivity and resilience.

The John Deere FIRST Robotics Competition grant aims to enhance diversity and inclusion in STEM by supporting teams in underserved communities. Teams must apply for funding before registration and meet specific eligibility criteria. This grant promotes equity in engineering and technology through mentorship and community support, aligning with John Deere's commitment to reach one million underserved youth by 2030. Priority is given to teams with confirmed John Deere mentors and those meeting diverse participation requirements.

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.

The JDF: FIRST LEGO League Explore Grant Program, supported by the John Deere Foundation, aims to enhance participation in STEM for underserved youth. Teams must apply for the grant before registration and ensure compliance with eligibility criteria, including training requirements. This initiative is part of John Deere's commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in technology and engineering fields, ultimately seeking to impact one million youth by 2030.

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 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 Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant, managed by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, aims to enhance student learning through various programmatic components. These include academic enrichment, family engagement, and a range of additional services that support students, particularly those in low-performing schools. The grant is designed to create safe environments for students after school hours, promoting holistic development through tutoring, arts, sports, and community service.

United Way of Greater St. Louis

Our Mission: The United Way of Greater St. Louis mission is to mobilize the community with one goal in mind – helping people live their best possible lives. We unite people, resources and funding to help build strong and equitable communities where everyone can thrive.

Safety Net

United Way’s Safety Net is a collaborative network of agencies that deliver an array of essential direct services to address the region’s most pressing needs, helping families and individuals remain and work toward stability. Safety Net agencies provide direct services that address basic, urgent needs – such as access to food and housing— as well as supports that help move individuals and families toward stability, including education, health and well-being, workforce access, and financial mobility.

Safety Net Funding

United Way of Greater St. Louis is now accepting applications for its Safety Net Funding cycle and invites all eligible agencies across its 16-county region in Missouri and Illinois, including those not currently receiving United Way funding, to apply. United Way equips 160 local nonprofits with vital funding and training resources to support measurable impact across its five impact areas. Organizations selected will receive a three-year contract and become part of the UWGSL member agency network.

United Way’s Impact Areas

• Basic Needs 
• Community Stability and Crisis Response 
• Early Childhood and Youth Success 
• Health and Wellbeing 
• Jobs and Financial Mobility 

While needs are great across the five impact areas, United Way will use data derived from its landscape analysis of community needs to inform how service areas will be prioritized to ensure the region has access to a strong and resilient network as needs arise.

The Missouri State Parks Bus Grant Program provides funding to schools and nonprofit organizations to cover transportation costs for field trips to state parks and historic sites. This initiative aims to enhance outdoor learning experiences for children, connecting them with nature while promoting cultural and recreational opportunities. Eligible costs include bus mileage, charter services, and driver wages. The program supports a maximum of two grants per school district to ensure broad access to these valuable educational resources.