Best Forestry Grants in Missouri

Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC)

Our work began in 1937, when citizen-led efforts created the Department of Conservation to restore, conserve and regulate Missouri's over-stressed fisheries, forests and wildlife populations. During our first 40 years, hunting, fishing, and trapping permits provided most of our funding, but in 1976 an expanded program, the "Design for Conservation," was passed to set aside one-eighth of one percent sales tax directly to the agency. That consistent funding, plus a strong, non-political structure and very supportive public helped make Missouri a national leader in conservation. Today we continue our legacy of protecting our state's wild resources and helping Missourians connect with their natural heritage. Our goal is to sustain diverse, healthy plant and animal communities — well into the future.

We protect and manage the fish, forest, and wildlife of the state. We facilitate and provide opportunity for all citizens to use, enjoy, and learn about these resources.

Community Forestry Cost Share Program

Community Forestry Cost-Share is designed to assist Missouri communities with improving their community forest. This cost-share program encourages communities to have a sustainable, balanced, and comprehensive community forestry program based on a current tree inventory and managed with the guidance of a community forestry professional. Lastly, Community Forestry Cost-Share is designed to promote community forest benefits through the proper management and care of trees.

Cost-share opportunities are available beginning in July. Due to limited funding, applications are funded on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information about the cost-share opportunities, please contact your regional office. 

Missouri 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on economic and workforce advancement, safe and affordable housing, or community arts and culture may be eligible for this program. Focused on equitable community development, US Bancorp Foundation invites organizations in designated U.S. Bank communities to apply, with priority for leaders of color and projects advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion; forestry-related efforts may fit if aligned.

Missouri nonprofits focused on children, education, or health and human services can access funding through Costco Foundation to support community-based programs. The foundation provides monetary grants to 501(c)(3) organizations across the U.S.; forestry or conservation groups that also deliver qualifying youth, education, or human services programming in Missouri may be eligible.

Early-stage independent nonprofits and impact-first, mission-driven for-profits in Missouri tackling urgent social or environmental challenges can apply for Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation’s support, with awards up to US $300,000 over three years. Focused on scalable, systems-based solutions for underserved communities, organizations working in areas like environment, sustainability, or economic mobility may be competitive.

Nonprofit and NGO programs using technology for crisis response, education, economic empowerment, or climate resilience in Missouri can seek up to US $100,000 to address critical social challenges. Grants from Cisco Systems Foundation help forestry and conservation-focused organizations serving primarily economically underserved communities pilot or scale innovative, tech-enabled solutions year-round through a two-step LOI and full application process.

Missouri educational institutions, government programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies can seek funding for safety, education, and community development initiatives that benefit local communities. Grants from State Farm Companies Foundation help organizations working on disaster preparedness, community safety, and related projects that may complement forestry and land-management efforts.

Nonprofits, social enterprises, schools, and public entities working on education or youth-focused programs in Missouri may be eligible for more than US $50,000 to support or scale projects benefiting urban low-income children. Michael & Susan Dell Foundation funds work in education, health, and family economic stability in the U.S., India, and South Africa.

Nonprofit charities managing humanitarian, educational, environmental, or arts projects can seek funding for programmatic work and community initiatives, including those in Missouri. Grants from La Roche help organizations worldwide deliver sustainable development, disaster relief, youth and science education, and contemporary arts and culture projects that actively engage Roche affiliates and employees.

Missouri nonprofits and community organizations working on health, education, or humanitarian services can access funding through Semnani Family Foundation for programs serving marginalized and vulnerable populations. While the foundation works globally, Missouri-based efforts in areas like health care access, child welfare, or disaster relief may be eligible if they align with its mission to support human welfare.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Missouri working on community development, housing, jobs, hunger, or related basic needs can seek sponsorship support to advance economic mobility and social progress. Bank of America Foundation’s U.S. regional sponsorships may benefit forestry-related initiatives that preserve neighborhoods, support environmental stewardship, or strengthen low- and moderate-income communities.

Diverse 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Missouri working on environmental conservation, community services, or peacebuilding can access funding via Dudley T Dougherty Foundation. The foundation supports charitable organizations that respect people, the environment, and all life, and Missouri groups with forestry-related or broader environmental programs may be eligible.

Nonprofit organizations, public schools, and local government entities in Missouri communities within 30 miles of a Georgia-Pacific manufacturing facility can seek funding for education, environment, entrepreneurship, and community enrichment projects. Focused on community well-being, Georgia-Pacific Foundation invites eligible Missouri applicants to propose programs that benefit residents in counties where the company operates.

Missouri 501(c)(3) nonprofits located within 15 miles of a TJX store, distribution center, or office can seek funding for basic needs, at-risk youth enrichment, workforce readiness, and domestic violence safety programs. The TJX Foundation supports organizations aligned with its mission to help vulnerable families and children build better futures, which may include forestry-related youth or family services.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and libraries seeking support for environmental or human services programs, including work in Missouri, can apply for grants of US $5,000 - US $10,000. Grants from Lawrence Foundation help eligible groups worldwide with unrestricted operating or program funding, which may include forestry-related initiatives that fit its environmental priorities.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

Missouri graduate students studying natural resource fields such as forestry, fisheries, wildlife, parks and recreation, or soil and water conservation can apply for the Carl Morrow Graduate Scholarships, awarding US $1,000 in Missouri. These scholarships from the Conservation Foundation of Missouri Charitable Trust support advanced study in natural resource management disciplines.

Missouri undergraduate students pursuing forestry or related natural resource fields at in-state colleges can receive scholarships to support their studies. With a mission to encourage careers in natural resource management, Conservation Foundation of Missouri Charitable Trust provides Missouri students with US $1,000 awards in forestry, fisheries, wildlife, parks and recreation, and soil and water conservation, with preference for those with financial need.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

Missouri students improving wildlife habitat through field-based projects can access funding via Webster Groves Nature Study Society, with awards up to Up to US $4,000. Support goes to institutions for projects that plant, protect, manage, or demonstrate habitat improvements for fish, wildlife, or native plants, including forestry-related conservation and restoration work.

Missouri forestry and natural history students can access funding through the Bo Koster Grant for Nature Study to support fieldwork or field courses in areas like forestry, ecology, ornithology, entomology, conservation, and related disciplines. Offered by Webster Groves Nature Study Society, this annual scholarship provides up to US $5,000 to graduate or undergraduate students at accredited Missouri and Illinois institutions.

Undergraduate students in Missouri studying forestry, natural resource management, or related environmental fields can receive up to US $1,000 to continue their bachelor’s studies. With a mission to support education, Community Foundation of the Ozarks provides this scholarship, giving preference to graduates of specified Missouri high schools who meet GPA and credit-hour requirements.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

Missouri forestry and conservation nonprofits can access funding through Union Pacific Foundation for safety, environmental sustainability, and community vitality projects, with awards from US $5,000 - US $30,000. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations in Union Pacific–served communities may apply for programs like habitat restoration, outdoor recreation, environmental education, or youth development with a strong DEI focus.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.

Nonprofit organizations working on poverty alleviation, disability services, disaster relief, or other human and social services can apply for Gupta Family Foundation grants of US $5,000 - US $250,000. Grants from Gupta Family Foundation help smaller organizations worldwide, including those that may incorporate forestry-related programs in Missouri, become more effective in serving disadvantaged people.