Best Financial Assistance Grants in Missouri

The Rural Business Development Grants in Missouri support small rural businesses by providing technical assistance and training. Eligible projects benefit rural areas outside urban centers with populations over 50,000. Funding is prioritized for smaller requests, with no maximum grant amount. Grants can be utilized for various purposes, including training, land development, pollution control, and community economic development. This program aims to foster growth and sustainability in rural economies.

The Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants in Missouri provide vital funding for eligible rural communities to prepare for or recover from emergencies affecting safe drinking water. This program, supported by USDA Rural Development, enables grants for water transmission lines and source construction, ensuring access to reliable water in the wake of disasters like floods and droughts. By fostering partnerships and encouraging sustainable practices, it aims to enhance water security and support community resilience.

The Family Development Account Tax Credit Program, managed by the Missouri Department of Economic Development, provides essential financing for community organizations to support low-income families in matched savings initiatives. These initiatives empower families to save for education, homeownership, renovations, or small business ventures. Applications for this program are open until April 30, 2025, or until all available tax credits are allocated, ensuring ongoing support for community development.

The Shelter Operations Support (SOS) Grant Program aims to enhance emergency shelter operations in Missouri, prioritizing assistance to programs that serve veterans. It is designed for established non-profits and community organizations with a track record of at least two years. The program provides operating and administrative funds to ensure safe temporary housing for residents facing crises, while maintaining compliance with funding restrictions and eligibility criteria.

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.

The Norfolk Southern Corporate Giving: Thriving Communities Grant Program supports initiatives that promote sustainability, workforce development, and community resilience across a 22-state network. With grants ranging from $1,000 to $50,000, the program aims to foster economic development and ensure equal access to basic necessities. Eligible organizations include tax-exempt nonprofits, government entities, and public schools, emphasizing diversity and inclusion in their community-focused efforts.

The Recreational Trails Program Grants, offered by the Missouri State Parks Foundation, aim to enhance both motorized and nonmotorized recreational trails through federal funding. These grants support local governments, school districts, and nonprofits in projects such as trail construction, maintenance, and facility development. A minimum 20% matching contribution is required from project sponsors. This initiative fosters partnerships to improve Missouri's park systems, ensuring accessibility and sustainability for public enjoyment.

The Affordable Housing Assistance Program (AHAP) in Missouri provides tax credits to incentivize donations for affordable housing initiatives. Eligible donors can receive a one-time credit of up to 55% of their donation value, supporting construction, rehabilitation, and rental assistance. With $10 million in production credits and $1 million in operating assistance credits available annually, the program aims to boost affordable housing in distressed communities. Interested organizations can apply for these credits until June 30, 2025.

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 Historic Preservation Tax Credit Program (HTC) in Missouri incentivizes the rehabilitation of historic commercial and residential structures. Targeting large projects with tax credit requests of $275,000 or more, this program aims to preserve the state's architectural heritage while promoting economic development. By providing financial support, it encourages investment in historically significant properties, ensuring their sustainable use and maintenance for future generations.

The Connecting Joy Grant, provided by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, aims to enhance the hospital experience for children battling illness through engaging gaming programs. This initiative supports children's hospitals and nonprofits by funding equipment, staffing, and connectivity, ensuring children can enjoy gaming at their bedside. With grants ranging from $25,000 to $150,000, the program focuses on offering joy and distraction, helping young patients cope with their hospital stays while facilitating connections with peers.

The Small Business Transportation Technical Assistance Center (Region 4) aims to empower small businesses by providing essential outreach and support. Funded by the US Department of Transportation, this initiative offers financial and technical assistance, training programs, and counseling to help small businesses effectively compete for DOT-related contracts. By enhancing their capabilities, the program seeks to improve the participation of small enterprises in transportation projects at federal, state, and local levels.

The Missouri Housing Trust Fund, established in 1994, aims to address the housing needs of very low-income families and individuals in Missouri. Managed by the Missouri Housing Development Commission, it allocates funds for homeless prevention, rental assistance, and home repairs. The fund prioritizes individuals earning at or below 25% of the area median income, ensuring that resources effectively target the most vulnerable populations. Grants are capped at $150,000 per type and $300,000 per application.

Simmons First Foundation: Make a Difference Grant

Amount:

• $2,500 up to $50,000

For the upcoming grant cycle, funding will be limited to programs focused on:Special Education:  K-12 Youth with disabilities, including physical disabilities, developmental and cognitive disabilities, and sensory impairments.   (examples including):

• Inclusive theater and performing arts programs
• Adapted, hands-on STEM learning
• Accessible coding, robotics, and maker-space activities
• Science-based learning adapted for diverse abilities
• Assistive technology and adaptive learning tools
• Adaptive physical education and recreation programs

Substance Abuse and Violence Prevention:  K-12 Youth (examples including):

• Evidence-based prevention programs targeting alcohol, opioids, vaping, and other substance use
• Skill-building programs that focus on refusal skills, decision making, coping strategies, and peer pressure resistanc
• Early intervention programs for at-risk youth
• Recovery support services for youth in early recovery (including peer support groups, mentoring, and relapse prevention planning)
• Youth-focused programs that teach emotional regulation, anger management, and non-violent communication
• Intervention programs for youth exposed to or at risk of violence
• Peer mediation and restorative justice programs that reduce disciplinary incidents and promote accountability

The Patterson Family Foundation is inviting innovative proposals to enhance community engagement in rural areas. With a focus on projects that foster long-term involvement from all generations, the Foundation aims to support initiatives that contribute to the mission of thriving rural communities. To apply, organizations must be located within the Foundation's Kansas and western Missouri catchment and possess nonprofit status. Early submission of the Letter of Intent is highly recommended for timely review.

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program provides federal funding to non-entitlement cities and counties to improve infrastructure, support community facilities, and strengthen local economies in ways that primarily help low-to-moderate income people while addressing local health and safety concerns. Project awards are available in several categories for a wide range of community development initiatives.

CDBG Competitive Cycle allows communities to apply for improvements to nearly any publicly-owned facility or infrastructure, as well as the clearance of vacant, dilapidated buildings.

Community Facilities: This program helps Missouri communities construct facilities that will serve a large portion of the public with a variety of services. With education and health/well-being programs taking priority, communities can utilize this program to construct senior centers, day care centers, rural health clinics, telecommunications, and 911 services, among others.

Upward Momentum is a collaborative fund aimed at transforming economic mobility in Missouri. By investing in community-driven initiatives, it seeks to address systemic inequities and foster opportunities for all. The fund emphasizes partnerships and innovative strategies to create lasting change, focusing on the unique diversity of Missouri's communities. With a commitment to inclusivity and collaboration, Upward Momentum is poised to drive impactful solutions that enhance economic well-being across the state.

The Financial Health and Asset Building Grant, provided by the St. Louis Community Foundation, aims to support organizations that deliver financial education and access to financial products for low-to-moderate income individuals, including ALICE households. This initiative focuses on enhancing economic mobility by equipping adults with essential financial skills and resources. By aligning with the foundation's Theory of Change, the grant seeks to create sustainable pathways for wealth building and financial independence.

The Mabee Foundation provides challenge grants for projects in Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arkansas, Missouri, and Kansas, primarily focusing on construction, renovation, and major medical equipment purchases. Organizations must raise 40% of project costs from other donors before applying. Grants can reach up to 20% of total costs, with a maximum of $2 million. Applications are considered quarterly, requiring submissions by specific deadlines for review at upcoming board meetings.

The Delta Dental of Missouri Grant Program aims to improve oral health in Missouri by funding initiatives that reduce oral disease, enhance access to quality dental care, and raise awareness, particularly among underserved populations. Grants range from over $5,000 to $100,000 and are awarded for one year, focusing on projects that increase access to care and demonstrate matching funds from other sources.

The Missouri Arts Council offers annual grants ranging from $500 to $40,000 to support arts projects that engage communities across Missouri. These grants are aimed at enhancing public access to diverse arts experiences, boosting economic growth through the arts, and strengthening educational initiatives. Eligible projects include performances, festivals, exhibitions, artist residencies, and educational programs. The Council's mission is to foster appreciation for the arts, contributing to the vitality of Missouri's cultural heritage.

The L.B. Research and Education Foundation Grant Program supports U.S.-based nonprofits focusing on innovative education and health solutions for underserved populations. Eligible organizations can apply by submitting a 400-word concept paper, and selected applicants may receive funding ranging from $10,000 to $75,000. The Foundation prioritizes projects that foster critical thinking and creativity, address health disparities, and encourage collaboration. There are no application deadlines, promoting year-round engagement.

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program provides federal funding to non-entitlement cities and counties to improve infrastructure, support community facilities, and strengthen local economies in ways that primarily help low-to-moderate income people while addressing local health and safety concerns. Project awards are available in several categories for a wide range of community development initiatives.

CDBG Competitive Cycle allows communities to apply for improvements to nearly any publicly-owned facility or infrastructure, as well as the clearance of vacant, dilapidated buildings.

The General Infrastructure category helps improve local, publicly owned streets, drainage, bridges, and other infrastructure activities. Reliable and sustainable infrastructure helps support the business community as well as residents. This excludes drinking water and wastewater projects which the applicant should apply for under the water/wastewater program. The CDBG-funded construction budget cannot exceed $500,000 total or $5,000 per household benefiting.

The RMEF Grant Program lies at the core of advancing our mission.

RMEF established the program in 1986 to provide financial and logistical support to projects that align with our priorities and goals. Grant funds raised by RMEF members, volunteers and generous donors from across the country translate into significantly more conservation accomplishment when matched with partner funds. The RMEF Grant Program also aims to build recognition for RMEF’s work, grow engagement, and boost local fundraising efforts.

Governed by clear guidelines and criteria, the RMEF Grant Program seeks to foster meaningful collaborations and long-term impacts in the conservation of natural resources and outdoor traditions. Grant project partners include federal, state, local, and tribal wildlife and land management agencies, private landowners and local stakeholders, sportsmen and women, and conservation organizations, universities, foundations and the outdoor industry. Eligible projects primarily focus on habitat stewardship, land conservation and access, wildlife management, and hunting heritage.

We support organizations recognized by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as a 501(c)3 entity, federal, state, local, or tribal government entities, sportsmen’s organizations, or educational institutions. All applicants must have a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) issued by the IRS. RMEF does not offer grants to individuals.

Land Conservation and Access

RMEF conserves critical big game habitat and migration corridors, while expanding and improving public access, including through land acquisitions and voluntary conservation agreements. RMEF's

2026 priorities include:

• Conserving migratory corridors and connecting landscapes through land conservation efforts
• Creating new or improved public access through access easements and agreements and state-run access programs

What does this program do?

It provides loans and grants to Microenterprise Development Organizations (MDOs) to:

• To help microenterprises startup and growth through a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund.
• Provide training and technical assistance to microloan borrowers and micro entrepreneurs.

The Disaster Resilience Program, supported by Equal Justice Works, aims to provide free civil legal aid to communities affected by disasters in the Midwest. With funding for attorney and summer law student fellows, the program addresses the unique legal needs of low-income families, helping them recover from the impacts of disasters. This initiative not only stabilizes lives but also promotes resilience in communities by ensuring access to essential legal services.

The Missouri Building Entrepreneurial Capacity: Operations Support Grant, provided by the Missouri Technology Corporation, aims to enhance the growth of high-tech companies in Missouri. This grant supports the operational needs of organizations fostering entrepreneurship and innovation. With funding amounts ranging from $150,000 for one year to $500,000 for three years, it facilitates day-to-day operations and strategic projects, excluding those already receiving MOBEC Project Support funding.