Best Financial Assistance Grants in Missouri

Missouri Arts Council

The Missouri Arts Council supports the arts that strengthen the cultural, educational, and economic vitality of our state.

Established as a state agency in 1965, the Missouri Arts Council is a division of the Office of the Lieutenant Governor. The Council is funded through the Missouri General Assembly, Missouri Cultural Trust, and National Endowment for the Arts.

The Missouri Arts Council is the state agency dedicated—as public leader, partner, and catalyst—to broadening the growth, availability, and appreciation of the arts in Missouri and fostering the diversity, vitality, and excellence of Missouri’s communities, economy, and cultural heritage. The grants we award make possible quality arts programming to communities both large and small throughout the state. We provide grants to arts projects that meet our strategic goals:

• Engage people in meaningful arts experiences
• Grow Missouri’s economy using the arts
• Strengthen Missouri education through the arts

In addition to funding, we provide technical assistance in community development, fundraising, marketing, grant writing, arts education, artistic disciplines (visual arts, music, literature, theater, dance, festivals, and film/media) and more.

Express Grants

Express Grants are designed to encourage small and emerging arts organizations and organizations based in rural communities to seek financial assistance for arts activities.

Express Grants are designed for first-time applicants to Missouri Arts Council or smaller budget projects. They have a simpler application, more flexible deadline schedule, and quicker turnaround. The funding is smaller and corresponds with an easier application process. Also, Express Grants receive a higher amount of their request amount (ranging 60-100%) based on their average score. For example, an organization that requests $2,500 may receive a grant for $1,500 or more for an acceptable project scoring 60%. Higher scores would receive proportionally more funding.

Express Grants include the following programs: Arts Council Basic; Arts Education; Big Yellow School Bus; Organizations of Color; Project; and Touring – Community or School

Touring – Community 

Supports hiring artists on MAC’s Missouri Touring Performers Directory to perform in the community 

Missouri Arts Council

The Missouri Arts Council supports the arts that strengthen the cultural, educational, and economic vitality of our state.

Established as a state agency in 1965, the Missouri Arts Council is a division of the Office of the Lieutenant Governor. The Council is funded through the Missouri General Assembly, Missouri Cultural Trust, and National Endowment for the Arts.

The Missouri Arts Council is the state agency dedicated—as public leader, partner, and catalyst—to broadening the growth, availability, and appreciation of the arts in Missouri and fostering the diversity, vitality, and excellence of Missouri’s communities, economy, and cultural heritage. The grants we award make possible quality arts programming to communities both large and small throughout the state. We provide grants to arts projects that meet our strategic goals:

• Engage people in meaningful arts experiences
• Grow Missouri’s economy using the arts
• Strengthen Missouri education through the arts

In addition to funding, we provide technical assistance in community development, fundraising, marketing, grant writing, arts education, artistic disciplines (visual arts, music, literature, theater, dance, festivals, and film/media) and more.

Express Grants

Express Grants are designed to encourage small and emerging arts organizations and organizations based in rural communities to seek financial assistance for arts activities.

Express Grants are designed for first-time applicants to Missouri Arts Council or smaller budget projects. They have a simpler application, more flexible deadline schedule, and quicker turnaround. The funding is smaller and corresponds with an easier application process. Also, Express Grants receive a higher amount of their request amount (ranging 60-100%) based on their average score. For example, an organization that requests $2,500 may receive a grant for $1,500 or more for an acceptable project scoring 60%. Higher scores would receive proportionally more funding.

Express Grants include the following programs: Arts Council Basic; Arts Education; Big Yellow School Bus; Organizations of Color; Project; and Touring – Community or School

Touring – School

Supports hiring artists on MAC’s Missouri Touring Performers Directory to perform in schools 

Grants from Jeffris Family Foundation help Missouri 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government agencies plan major historic preservation projects through Historic Structure Reports. Eligible projects are in smaller communities and must involve nationally or statewide significant, architecturally important sites, with grants of US $5,000 - US $50,000 covering up to half of report costs with a cash match.

Missouri 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on early childhood education or community economic development can access funding through PNC Foundation to support programs serving low- and moderate-income children and families. Grants may cover early learning, educator development, affordable housing, small business support, community services, arts and culture, and neighborhood revitalization in PNC service areas.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, Missouri not-for-profits, and qualifying Missouri businesses can receive up to US $500,000 in in-kind support for community service, education, crime prevention, job training, and neighborhood revitalization projects. With a mission to strengthen community development, Missouri Department of Economic Development provides Missouri organizations with state tax credits to attract private contributions for approved Neighborhood Assistance Program projects.

Grants from the National Trust for Historic Preservation help Missouri public agencies, tribal governments, and nonprofits preserve and interpret historic places along the Route 66 corridor. Eligible projects include restoration, stabilization, acquisition, consultant services, and preservation education. Awards range from US $2,500 - US $10,000 for Route 66–connected sites and initiatives.

Prospective child care providers in Missouri can apply for the Innovation Grant to Start-Up a New Child Care Program to launch new licensed child care facilities and reduce local child care shortages. This Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education funding supports start-up costs, staff training, licensing-related facility improvements, employee retention incentives, and assistance with regulatory requirements for CCDF-eligible programs.

Municipalities, counties, public institutions, nonprofits, businesses, and individuals in Missouri’s Region H can seek funding to develop or expand solid waste reduction, recycling, composting, and market development projects. Focused on waste management, Mid-Missouri Solid Waste Management District offers up to US $100,000 for infrastructure, equipment, education, research, and related long-term impact activities.

Cities, counties, nonprofits, businesses, schools, and individuals in Mid-Missouri can receive up to US $20,000 to reduce solid waste, improve markets for recovered materials, or better handle landfill-banned items. With a mission to support financial assistance in Missouri, Mid-Missouri Solid Waste Management District provides small project grants requiring at least a 20% match.

Missouri nonprofits and community organizations supporting positive youth development can access state tax credit support for community-based programs through the Youth Opportunities Program. Administered by the Missouri Department of Economic Development, this program incentivizes donors to fund projects for youth 21 and under, especially in high-poverty, high-crime areas and those focused on self-esteem, violence prevention, and workforce readiness.

Missouri Department of Natural Resources

Missouri’s air, land and water resources play an important role in our health and are essential to the environmental and economic vitality of our state. The department aspires to help Missouri citizens thrive by advancing environmental and economic sustainability. The department provides a range of services to help Missouri citizens, communities and businesses in these efforts. The department also provides opportunities to learn more about Missouri’s natural and cultural history at our state parks and historic sites.

Our Mission: We serve as stewards of our natural resources to benefit Missourians.

Water Safety and Security Act Project Grant

The Missouri Water Safety and Security Act, found in Missouri Revised Statutes section 640.144, RSMo, requires certain community public water systems to develop valve and fire hydrant inspection programs. The Act also requires systems to develop an accurate map identifying shut-off valve and hydrant locations using a geographic information system (GIS) or an alternative physical mapping system and create a hydrant inspection program.

Section 1452(g) and (k) of the federal Safe Drinking Water Act authorizes the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to distribute part of the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) to public water systems to improve system capacity, promote asset management and maintain compliance with federal and state drinking water laws. Through this grant program, the department provides financial assistance to eligible community public water systems to develop accurate maps that satisfy the requirements of the Missouri Water Safety and Security Act.

Eligible Projects and Costs

Eligible projects are limited to contractual agreements to develop valve and hydrant inspection programs and accurate valve and hydrant maps that include all shut-off valve and hydrant locations throughout the applying water system’s distribution system and to satisfy the requirements of Section 640.144, RSMo.

A finalized valve and hydrant inspection program plan and/ or a map accurately depicting the locations of all system shut-off valves and hydrants must be provided to the department for a project to be considered complete. Reimbursement for pre-approved project-related costs is only issued following completion of awarded projects and submission of a finalized map to the department.

Award Amounts and Match

Funding is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis after the priority application period. Matching funds are not required, but may contribute to project selection and ranking according to the priority point criteria described in section 4 of the grant application form.

Public agencies and 501(c)(3) or other nonprofit organizations in Missouri can seek grants of US $2,500 - US $5,000 for historic preservation planning and education projects. National Trust for Historic Preservation supports activities like feasibility studies, design guidelines, community forums, capacity building, and innovative outreach that introduce new audiences to preservation.

Affordable housing providers in Missouri and other Midwest states can apply for Enterprise Community Partners’ Midwest Asset Management University Cohort, a five‑month training program to strengthen asset and property management skills. Selected organizations receive CHAM online training, peer learning, and post‑training technical assistance to better preserve long‑term housing affordability.

Health and human service nonprofits and eligible public entities in Missouri can seek support for cancer and cardiovascular disease education, awareness, and support services. Grants from Bayer Fund help Missouri organizations near Kansas City, Matthews, or St. Louis provide patient and caregiver education, disease awareness, access to care, and related evidence-based health and wellness programming.

Missouri child care providers seeking to expand licensed programs can access funding to increase child care access statewide, including support for start-up or expansion costs, staff training, facility improvements, employee retention incentives, and licensing assistance. Eligible facilities must meet CCDF health and safety requirements tracked in the Missouri Professional Development system.

Missouri and West Central Illinois nonprofits running postsecondary or vocational programs for veterans can access funding through the Community Foundation of the Quincy Area to support veterans’ education expenses. Grants from the Robert & Barbara Girouard Endowment may cover tuition, books, fees, related costs, or veteran-focused educational and career training programs.

Missouri 501(c)(3) organizations with ongoing operations in the greater Kansas City metro area can apply for Menorah Heritage Foundation’s Jewish Community Grant Cycle to support health-focused services, Jewish community programs, or limited core operating needs. Eligible nonprofits serving local residents with compassionate, effective programs may benefit from this funding opportunity.

Nonprofit human and social service organizations providing emergency assistance, shelter, safety-net health care, and youth services in the greater Kansas City metro area can receive unrestricted operating support, including up to US $10,000, for core expenses. With a mission to strengthen community well-being, Menorah Heritage Foundation provides Missouri providers with flexible funding for budgeted operating costs.

Nonprofit and community organizations in Missouri can seek funding to provide rapid re-housing, emergency shelter, street outreach, and homelessness prevention services. With a mission to expand housing stability, Missouri Housing Development Commission provides Missouri financial assistance programs with competitive grants of US $50,000 - US $100,000 to support homeless and nearly homeless residents.

Missouri 501(c)(3) nonprofits improving economic stability, health, literacy, workforce readiness, or disaster relief can seek project, operating, or capital support through the O'Reilly Automotive Foundation. Grants from O'Reilly Automotive Foundation help U.S. community-based organizations serving underserved and underrepresented people in O'Reilly Auto Parts markets strengthen critical local services and quality of life.

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.

Missouri public agencies and 501(c)(3) or other nonprofit organizations preserving battlefields, viewsheds, and related historic structures can access funding through the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Grants of US $2,500 - US $10,000 support planning, capacity building, and public education or outreach initiatives that advance battlefield preservation efforts.

Military Community Reinvestment Grant

Per Section 620.3300 RSMo, this program assists Missouri’s military communities in supporting and sustaining their installations, to encourage communities to initiate coordinated response programs and action plans in advance of future federal government realignment and closure decisions, and to support community efforts to attract new or expanded military missions.

Funding Limits

For FY2027, $291,000 is expected to be available under the Military Community Reinvestment Grant (MCRG). Grantees must enter an Agreement with the Department of Economic Development (DED) to receive funds. Funded activities must be completed with reimbursement requested by May 28, 2027.

Per statute, up to $300,000 may be appropriated to qualifying projects through the Missouri Military Community Reinvestment Grant Program Fund. State financial regulations also require three percent of the appropriation amount be held for the Governor’s standard reserve. 

Missouri fire departments and fire protection districts needing support for protective gear, communications equipment, tools, water handling equipment, or training can access funding through Missouri American Water’s Firefighter Grant Program. Uniformed professional and volunteer departments in the company’s Missouri service territories may receive up to US $1,200 to strengthen local emergency response capacity.

Missouri 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving Kansas City residents can seek financial assistance for seniors, children, education, health, and Christian youth programs. Focused on community support, Ina Calkins Board invites organizations in Kansas City, Missouri to propose projects aiding older adults, vulnerable children, scholarships, higher education, and YMCA/YWCA-related services.

Developers of affordable housing in Missouri can apply for low-interest financing through the Missouri Housing Development Commission to acquire, rehabilitate, or construct rental units for low and very low income households. Projects must demonstrate local support, meet documented housing needs, leverage other funding sources, and remain economically feasible with rents affordable to targeted income levels.

Missouri 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting senior services can apply for US $10,000 - US $50,000 from the Charless Foundation to assist older adults in South St. Louis City. Focus areas include home repairs, modifications, weatherization, preservation, and limited support for local food banks and pantries serving food-insecure seniors.