Best Foundation Grants for Nonprofits in Missouri

The Manford and Maude Brown Medical Education Scholarship, offered by the San Luis Obispo County Community Foundation, supports local residents pursuing degrees in medical or healthcare fields. Open to high school seniors, undergraduates, and returning students, this scholarship aims to empower aspiring healthcare professionals in achieving their educational goals. With a commitment to inclusivity and community support, it fosters a brighter future for students in San Luis Obispo County.

The Maureen 'Mo' Clancy Memorial Scholarship supports female students from San Luis Obispo County who have participated in cross country or track and field during high school and are pursuing post-secondary education. This scholarship aims to empower young women, fostering their educational and career aspirations while promoting diversity and inclusion within the community. Applications for the 2025-2026 academic year are welcomed from high school seniors, undergraduates, and returning students.

The Parkinson Association of the Rockies Eric Wright Memorial Fund honors Eric Wright's legacy by providing scholarships to high school seniors and college students affected by Parkinson Disease. Recipients, eligible for up to $20,000 over four years, are selected based on merit and financial need. This fund aims to inspire the next generation while supporting students who have experienced loss or hardship due to this condition, promoting education and resilience within the community.

The Richard J. Weyhrich Leadership Scholarship, offered by the San Luis Obispo County Community Foundation, aims to support high school seniors, undergraduates, and returning students with demonstrated leadership potential. This scholarship, established in memory of Richard Weyhrich, a West Point graduate and U.S. Army officer, provides financial assistance to help students achieve their educational and career aspirations. The foundation fosters an inclusive environment, encouraging all students to apply and reach their full potential.

The Richard K. Sauret Viticulture and Enology Scholarship, offered by the San Luis Obispo County Community Foundation, supports students pursuing degrees in viticulture or enology at a four-year college. This scholarship aims to empower high school seniors, undergraduates, and returning students in San Luis Obispo County. By providing financial assistance, it encourages academic and career advancement, fostering the next generation of leaders in the viticulture and enology fields.

The Caplan Foundation for Early Childhood provides grants to support innovative projects aimed at improving the welfare of young children in the U.S. The foundation focuses on early childhood welfare, education, and parenting education, promoting safe environments and effective teaching methods. Grants are awarded to projects with significant potential impact on children's lives, emphasizing national application and interest. Eligibility requires 501(c)(3) status, while ineligibility includes funding for foreign programs and capital equipment.

The AISES Sports and Technology Scholarship aims to empower Indigenous students pursuing degrees in STEM fields. Sponsored by the American Indian Science and Engineering Society, this scholarship supports American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and First Nations students, ensuring they have the financial resources needed to excel. Eligible applicants must be full-time students in accredited programs and demonstrate tribal affiliation, contributing to a diverse future in technology and science.

Our Story

Established over 50 years ago, our founders redefined local philanthropy, fostering connections around a shared sense of place and purpose. As Virginia's largest community foundation, we bring people together to pool resources, co-create solutions and align actions for impactful change in the Richmond region.

Scholarships are offered to students living in the Richmond region and other Virginia locations. Each scholarship was established by a generous individual, family, or organization with a desire to assist high school students, recent high school graduates, and adult learners to continue their education. 

School Bus Road Scholarship Fund

The School Bus Road Scholarship Fund was established in 2023 by the Louisa County, VA Chapter of the NAACP. The purpose of the scholarship is to support postsecondary educational scholarships for qualifying graduates of Louisa County Public High School. and any future high schools built by Louisa County Public Schools in Louisa County, VA, attending an accredited two or four-year community college, techical or vocation school, college or university in the United States.

Our Story

Established over 50 years ago, our founders redefined local philanthropy, fostering connections around a shared sense of place and purpose. As Virginia's largest community foundation, we bring people together to pool resources, co-create solutions and align actions for impactful change in the Richmond region.

Scholarships are offered to students living in the Richmond region and other Virginia locations. Each scholarship was established by a generous individual, family, or organization with a desire to assist high school students, recent high school graduates, and adult learners to continue their education. 

J. Martin Diggs Memorial Scholarship

• 2 yr., 4yr., Community College, College or University (U.S.)

Community Foundation of the North State

The Community Foundation builds trust through relationship, integrity, and by providing safe places for donors to give their resources.

We are a nonprofit, public charity serving the people of Shasta, Siskiyou and Tehama counties, with a mission to impact the region through the power of giving.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of the North State manages many scholarship funds that are awarded to graduating high school seniors as well as students already in an undergraduate program. Some scholarships were started by families or individuals; others by businesses or organizations. All scholarships share one important focus: helping young people reach their educational goals.

Dr. Donald and Ann Gleason Memorial Scholarship

Provides scholarships for qualified Shasta County students with financial needs seeking a college education in the medical field.

Dr. and Mrs. Gleason had no heirs but still had a strong desire to help students with a financial need who were seeking a degree in the medical field. The Dr. Donald and Ann Gleason Memorial Scholarship will assist those pursuing an education in mental health, psychiatry, or pre-med studies.

The Tommy Wells Foundation Grant supports youth aged 4-18 in music and hockey programs by providing financial assistance. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the Foundation raises funds to honor Tommy Wells' legacy. Organizations in the greater Nashville, TN area are preferred for funding. The TWF encourages applicants to request funds for those who will benefit most, ensuring accountability by requiring confirmation of fund usage within a year.

The REI Cooperative Action Fund Grant supports U.S.-based organizations that align with its mission to serve communities, particularly those connecting historically excluded individuals to the outdoors. The fund prioritizes initiatives that promote equitable access to outdoor spaces, enhance community health through nature, and create inclusive outdoor experiences. Eligible applicants must have a 501(c)(3) status and demonstrate a commitment to these values. However, individuals and certain organizations are not eligible for funding.

The AISES National Conference Travel Scholarship provides financial support for full-time students in STEM fields to attend the annual conference. Covering registration, airfare, and lodging, recipients must commit to attending all events and uphold the AISES Code of Conduct. Selection is based on the quality of essays, letters of recommendation, and academic performance. Announcements for awarded scholarships will be made in late August/early September 2025, facilitating networking and professional development for indigenous students.

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.

Kendall’s Kindness Scholarship Fund

The Kendall’s Kindness Scholarship Fund was created by the Maffia Family in loving memory of their daughter, sister, niece, and granddaughter Kendall Marie Maffia (6/12/2000-10/11/2021). This scholarship has been established to provide two $1,000 scholarships to graduating seniors from either St. Charles North High School or St. Charles East High School. The Kendall’s Kindness Scholarship is intended for students who are planning to continue their education at a 4-year college and will major in an Arts-related degree.

Kendall’s family and friends want Kendall’s kind-hearted, gentle, loving, and passionate spirit to continue to impact others. The Kendall’s Kindness Scholarship Fund has been established to support young people who are interested in art, have a passion for their community, and exhibit the gentle spirit and kindness that Kendall showed others every day.

The monetary value of each scholarship award varies depending upon the amount available in each individual scholarship fund. The most common scholarship award amount is $1,000 for a single year. Scholarships are designated as non-renewable one-year awards or renewable multi-year awards depending upon the scholarship fund criteria, as established by the donor of the scholarship fund.

The Athene Charitable Foundation focuses on corporate social responsibility through community involvement, aiming to create positive social impacts in education, health, human services, and the environment. Their initiatives include partnerships, employee volunteering, and donations aligned with their mission. They prioritize organizations that support diversity and inclusion while ensuring compliance with their non-discrimination policies. Eligible entities must be registered 501(c)(3) organizations or equivalent, enhancing community welfare where Athene employees live and work.

Nearly a decade ago, HCLTech Grant was launched by the HCLFoundation to enable cross-sector collaboration and empower non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to play a decisive role in building a stronger, future-ready India. Today, HCLTech Grant has invested nearly $18 million in groundbreaking projects and is recognized as one of the largest grant programs in India—impacting over 27,000+ villages across 22 states and 2 UT's

HCLTech Grant for Climate Action in Americas Edition III

The future of cross-sector climate collaboration

We’re proud to bring our learnings and innovations from India to the Americas. As part of our global CSR strategy, we’ll start by investing $5 million over five years to impact-focused, Americas-based NGOs to supercharge their replicable, scalable and sustainable climate action projects. As a $13.7 billion technology company with over 218,000 people worldwide, our mission is to bring together the best of technology and people to supercharge progress for our clients, our people, our communities and our planet.

We’re looking to supercharge innovative, replicable, scalable and sustainable climate solutions. If the work you do fits the following criteria, our mission is to amplify your impact:

Prerequisites

• The organization’s bylaws should expressly permit engagement in purpose-driven projects and, where relevant, climate action initiatives, in accordance with the legal regulations of the country of registration.
• The proposed project must be designed for direct implementation by the applicant organization. Sub-granting of HCLTech funds is not allowed.
• The grant amount must not be used solely for infrastructure development / purchase of fixed assets like land, buildings, and vehicles, among others. Further, proposed infrastructure development costs must be spent in line with project objectives and activities defined.
• The applicant organization, including its governing body members, must not have any pending litigations.
• The applicant organization must not be blacklisted by any government agency, department, ministry, donor or international agency.
• The organization must not have faced cancellation of its license, registration or membership from the country-specific regulatory or statutory body.
• The applicant organization or its board members or employees must not have any political or religious affiliations.

Three organizations will be selected each year—first place will receive $500,000 and two runners-up will receive $250,000 each for a two-year project.

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.

Eleanor C. Hungar Scholarship Endowment Fund

This fund was established to administer a bequest from the estate of Eleanor Hungar.

Miss Hungar (1905-2005) attended Greenman Elementary School. She was a graduate of West Aurora High School and Illinois State University at Normal. Miss Hungar was a beloved and greatly admired teacher. She had a profound influence on the children whose lives she touched.

To this day, former students fondly recall her extraordinary kindness to those who had the good fortune to learn at her side.

In keeping with her lifelong devotion to children, she bequeathed a portion of her estate to provide scholarships for students entering the field of elementary education.

The monetary value of each scholarship award varies depending upon the amount available in each individual scholarship fund. The most common scholarship award amount is $1,000 for a single year. Scholarships are designated as non-renewable one-year awards or renewable multi-year awards depending upon the scholarship fund criteria, as established by the donor of the scholarship fund.

The Marcy Shulman Memorial Organization Grant Program, established by the Colburn-Keenan Foundation, supports organizations improving the lives of individuals with chronic illnesses, particularly within the bleeding disorders community. Proposals should enhance health and quality of life, with examples including educational programs and facility upgrades. Only 501(c)3 organizations are eligible, and they may receive one grant per cycle. Applications must be submitted at least two months prior to the project start date.

The Family Fun & Connections Event Grant Program, initiated by the Colburn-Keenan Foundation, aims to support community engagement through events for families affected by bleeding disorders. This program, established after a successful 10th Anniversary Celebration, offers $1,000 grants for various fun activities such as dance parties, BBQs, and outdoor adventures. It emphasizes the foundation's commitment to enhancing the lives of those with chronic illnesses and promoting community strength and advocacy.

The Abortion Bridge Collaborative Funds, initiated by the Women Donors Network, aim to enhance abortion access across the U.S. in response to the 2022 Dobbs decision. The fund prioritizes support for 501c3 organizations committed to reproductive justice, focusing on immediate community needs and sustainable solutions. Emphasizing grassroots leadership and innovative approaches, the fund seeks to build a robust infrastructure for reproductive care, ensuring equitable access for all individuals in need.

The B-Fund Grant by the Brem Foundation aims to enhance early detection of breast cancer by funding crucial screening and diagnostic tests for women in need. This initiative supports entities in the DC metro area, providing financial assistance for services like mammograms and ultrasounds, while ensuring equitable access regardless of socio-economic status. However, it excludes costs related to post-diagnosis care, employee salaries, and administrative expenses, promoting targeted and effective use of funds in the fight against breast cancer.

Alkermes Medical Education Grants support educational initiatives aimed at enhancing patient care through continuing medical education. Proposals are invited for activities related to schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, narcolepsy, and idiopathic hypersomnia. Funding is available for various CME formats, focusing on practical training and understanding treatment complexities. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based organizations that are either non-profit or accredited CME providers. This initiative prioritizes innovative strategies to improve healthcare outcomes and knowledge dissemination.

The Rapid Outcomes from Agricultural Research (ROAR) Grant Program, managed by the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (FFAR), provides urgent funding for research addressing unexpected threats to the food supply. This program supports diverse projects related to pest and pathogen outbreaks, facilitating quicker responses than traditional funding avenues. With grants up to $150,000, ROAR aims to enhance agricultural resilience by fostering collaborations among researchers, institutions, and organizations to combat emerging challenges in the food and agriculture sector.

Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri

The Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri Inc. was established in 2009 as a 501(c)3 public charity to help donors support their favorite charities while receiving maximum tax advantage.

We serve as a vehicle for charitable giving, helping donors give to the causes they care about. Donor gifts will strengthen nonprofits increasing programs and services. 

McLaughlin, Delbert & Mary Teaching Scholarship

This fund was established in memory of Delbert and Mary McLaughlin by their son, Bill McLaughlin to provide academic scholarships to graduating seniors of the St. Joseph School District pursing a degree in Education.

The Raskob Foundation offers domestic grants to organizations located in the U.S. and its territories. Founded in 1945, this private, non-profit foundation focuses on supporting Catholic institutions. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations, listed in the P.J. Kenedy Official Catholic Directory. However, requests from individuals and certain projects, such as debt reduction or completed projects, are not accepted. The foundation emphasizes its commitment to philanthropy and community support.

The Tilles Fund Grant focuses on innovative charitable investments in the Greater St. Louis Area, aiming to support children with developmental, intellectual, and physical disabilities. The foundation seeks to partner with effective non-profit organizations that demonstrate measurable outcomes in education and community impact. Since 1926, the Tilles Foundation has been committed to providing essential services and educational opportunities, ensuring disadvantaged children have the tools they need for a brighter future.

The Retina Society, Inc.

The Retina Society was founded in 1968 exclusively for educational and scientific purposes concerning the diagnosis, care and treatment of diseases and injuries to the retina. The Retina Society began as an outgrowth of alumni meetings of Retina Associates, a retina practice founded in Boston in 1951 by Charles L. Schepens. Dr. Schepens is credited with establishing retina surgery as a sub-specialty.  

Our mission is to reduce worldwide visual disability and blindness by promoting the education and professional interaction of vitreoretinal specialists, providing optimal care for patients with vitreoretinal diseases, and encouraging, through clinical and basic research, the discovery and development of new means to further patient care.

Retina Society Underrepresented in Medicine (RESOURCE) Mentoring Program

The Retina Society Underrepresented in Medicine (RESOURCE) Mentoring Program was created to engage and interest ophthalmology residents from underrepresented populations* in research and in pursuing careers in the retina subspecialty through dedicated mentoring exposure. The program will pair ophthalmology residents from underrepresented backgrounds with Retina Society mentors, with the goal of providing the residents with research and career mentorship.

*The American Association of Medical Colleges definition of underrepresented in medicine is: "Underrepresented in medicine means those racial and ethnic populations that are underrepresented in the medical profession relative to their numbers in the general population." We define the following groups as underrepresented: Black (African American or African), Latino/Hispanic, American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander. We will also be considering applicants from LGBTQIA+ and socioeconomically underprivileged backgrounds.

Mentors will work with their designated mentees on research projects that will be presented at the Retina Society Annual Meeting in 2027 and submitted for publication consideration. Mentors and mentees will be acknowledged at the Retina Society Annual Meeting.