Best Agriculture Grants in Missouri

Nonprofits and educational programs offering agricultural education, leadership development, or career training for high school students through young professionals in Missouri can apply for CHS Foundation’s Ag Leadership Grant. With a mission to build a robust, diverse pipeline for agriculture, CHS Foundation provides support for ag leadership and cooperative education projects across key trade territory states.

Missouri communities seeking capital funding to improve public drinking water or wastewater systems in Missouri can apply for construction-focused grants supporting treatment, distribution, and sewer collection projects. The Missouri Department of Economic Development’s CDBG Water/Wastewater Grant, in coordination with state and federal partners, offers up to US $750,000 following the Missouri Water and Wastewater Review Committee process.

Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations in Missouri that benefit the agriculture or cooperative industry can apply for CHS Foundation’s general inquiries funding. This program supports national- and state-level agriculture initiatives across the CHS trade area, so Missouri agriculture nonprofits with broader-scale projects may be eligible.

Non-entitlement Missouri communities seeking to improve public drinking water or wastewater systems can access up to US $750,000 through the Community Development Block Grant Water/Wastewater category. With a mission to strengthen local infrastructure and economies, Missouri Department of Economic Development supports construction projects that address health, safety, and low-to-moderate income needs, which may benefit agriculture-dependent communities.

Missouri 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting children, education, or health and human services can access monetary funding via Costco Foundation. Grants support community-based programs that demonstrate clear need, measurable outcomes, collaboration, and a broad base of financial support, and may benefit agriculture-focused organizations whose work centers on youth, education, or human services in their communities.

Early-stage, impact-first agriculture and food system organizations in Missouri and beyond can seek up to US $300,000 over three years to scale solutions for underserved communities. Focused on bold, scalable social and environmental change, Draper Richards Kaplan supports independent nonprofits and mission-driven for-profits with proven models ready to grow exponentially.

Educational institutions, government programs, and eligible nonprofits in Missouri can seek funding for safety, education, and community development initiatives, including disaster preparedness, home and auto safety, and community revitalization. Grants from State Farm Companies Foundation may benefit agriculture-related organizations that address food insecurity, workforce preparation, or community development within their broader programming in the U.S.

U.S.-based cultural nonprofits with audited expenses over $2 million, including those serving Missouri, can apply for the Hearst Foundation’s Culture Grant; awards more than US $100,000 for impactful arts and culture programs. Funding supports arts and science institutions, especially arts education, STEAM initiatives, and artist development that reach large, diverse audiences.

Missouri 501(c)(3) nonprofits and equivalent charities can seek funding for health, education, and community initiatives that strengthen local residents’ well-being. Focused on equitable care and education, Labcorp Charitable Foundation supports projects like food pantries, healthcare for underserved populations, STEM programming, and healthy lifestyle initiatives, which may benefit agriculture-related community and food access efforts.

Agriculture-focused individuals, businesses, and organizations in Missouri urban areas can receive up to US $50,000 to develop food security projects like community gardens, farmers markets, and processing kitchens. The Missouri Department of Agriculture funds infrastructure, equipment, and supplies that increase local food production, improve access for food-insecure residents, and support urban agricultural economic development.

Teachers and school administrators implementing agricultural education projects in Missouri can access funding through the CHS Foundation, with awards up to Up to US $50,000 for experiential, classroom-based initiatives. Eligible projects must serve rural communities and be located within the CHS trade territory across selected states, including Missouri.

Individuals, agribusinesses, and agriculture-related organizations in Missouri urban areas can apply for Missouri Department of Agriculture’s Urban Agriculture Cost-Share Grant, awarding up to US $10,000 for project supplies and infrastructure. Funding supports small urban agribusiness growth, production and distribution facilities, workforce training, and community gardens that demonstrate economic development in local agriculture.

Agriculture professionals partnering with at least three independent farms or ranches in Missouri and other North Central states can seek funding for on-farm sustainable agriculture research, demonstrations, and education. With a mission to strengthen communities and improve the environment, North Central Region SARE provides up to US $50,000 for projects like cropping trials, grazing systems, value-added processing, and food security.

Municipalities, counties, public institutions, nonprofits, businesses, and individuals in Mid-Missouri can seek up to US $100,000 for solid waste reduction, recycling, composting, and market development projects. Focused on waste management, Mid-Missouri Solid Waste Management District invites Missouri agriculture and related organizations to propose infrastructure, equipment, education, or research that diverts targeted materials from landfills.

Agriculture education programs in Missouri and other CHS trade area states can access funding to teach the agricultural cooperative business model through education, professional development, and hands-on experiences. Grants from CHS Foundation favor innovative, technology-driven initiatives with measurable outcomes that reach middle school, high school, college students, and young producers at state or national levels.

Missouri animal shelters, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and eligible government agencies with low-cost spay/neuter programs can receive funding for dog and cat sterilization procedures. Missouri organizations can access funding through Missouri Department of Agriculture, with awards up to US $20,000, to reduce surplus companion animals through in-state spay and neuter services only.

Missouri colleges and universities with agriculture, agronomy, or ag engineering programs can access funding through CHS Foundation for data analytics and precision agriculture initiatives. Projects should enhance curriculum, degrees, recruitment, or hands-on learning in agronomy, precision ag, or ag mechanics/engineering, with funding available every other year and limited indirect costs.

Missouri high school seniors pursuing agriculture, business, health care, or vocational and trade education can access funding through the Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri’s FDH Scholarship. Graduates from high schools in the foundation’s 18-county region planning two- or four-year college or technical programs in agriculture-related fields may be eligible, with financial need considered.

Graduating high school seniors in Missouri planning to study agriculture, natural resources, or related fields can receive $1,500 toward two- or four-year colleges or vocational schools. With a mission to build stronger communities, Community Foundation of the Ozarks offers this scholarship based on financial need, academics, community service, essay, and recommendations.

Graduating high school seniors in Missouri pursuing agriculture-related degrees can receive $1,000 for tuition or related educational costs through the Missouri Beef Days Charitable Scholarship Fund. Grants from Community Foundation of the Ozarks help students attending two- or four-year colleges or vocational schools who meet GPA requirements and demonstrate community and school involvement.

Graduating high school seniors in Missouri pursuing agriculture-related majors can receive up to US $1,000 for college or vocational education through the Protect the Farm Scholarship. Community Foundation of the Ozarks provides renewable support for eligible students from specific Polk County high schools attending accredited two- or four-year institutions.

Graduating high school seniors in southwest Missouri planning to study agriculture, natural resources, or related fields can receive US $1,500 for college or vocational education. Grants from Community Foundation of the Ozarks help Missouri agriculture students who meet GPA and ACT requirements and demonstrate community service, activities, work experience, and strong recommendations.

Students pursuing agriculture-related education at accredited institutions in Illinois, Missouri, or Iowa can apply for the Community Foundation of the Quincy Area’s Delford M. & Portia K. Richter Agriculture Scholarship, awarding US $4,000. Eligible applicants must be bona fide residents of, or graduates of high schools in, Pike or Calhoun County, Illinois, and plan futures in farming.

Missouri 501(c)(3) public charities, government entities, school districts, and churches can seek support to expand agricultural education access for students through the Missouri Beef Days Grantmaking Program. With a mission to build stronger communities, Community Foundation of the Ozarks offers up to US $1,500 to three projects across its Missouri service area.

Missouri 501(c)(3) public charities with programs in safety, workforce development, community vitality, or environmental sustainability can access funding through Union Pacific Foundation; awards range from US $5,000 - US $30,000. Eligible projects must primarily serve a Union Pacific community and may include rural or agriculture-related initiatives that enhance local quality of life and opportunity.

Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations and public entities in Missouri counties served by Community Foundation of the Ozarks can apply for Vital Farms Local Impact funding to support agriculture, animal welfare, food access, and youth education projects. Programs that strengthen communities where Vital Farms’ partner farmers live and work may be especially competitive.

Educational institutions and programs in Missouri focused on production agriculture can receive up to US $5,000 for project or program support that directly involves or impacts students. Community Foundation of the Quincy Area prioritizes initiatives advancing agricultural education, inspiring agricultural careers, and developing skilled, tech-savvy agricultural workers across its West Central Illinois and Northeast Missouri service area.