Best Grants for BIPOC in Missouri

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) and similar tax-exempt organizations working in education, human services, conservation, health, or cultural programs can apply for McGraw Foundation support, typically ranging from US $2,000 - US $10,000. Although grants generally favor the greater Chicago area, Missouri groups serving these priorities may be eligible for project or operating support.

Graduate students pursuing research in drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can receive funding to advance actionable solutions for current water industry challenges. Focused on water-related research, American Water Works Association offers this US $3,000 scholarship, and Missouri students of color working in these areas may be especially interested.

Missouri 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on economic and workforce advancement, affordable housing, or community arts and culture may be eligible for this funding. Grants from US Bancorp Foundation support organizations in designated U.S. Bank communities, with priority for leaders of color and programs advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion for BIPOC residents.

Missouri 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving BIPOC communities with safety, workforce development, community vitality, or environmental sustainability programs can access funding through Union Pacific Foundation. Grants of US $5,000 - US $30,000 support direct services and capacity-building projects in Union Pacific–served communities, with an emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion for underrepresented populations.

Missouri 501(c)(3) organizations working on conservation, natural resources, or outdoor education can apply for the Conservation Foundation of Missouri Charitable Trust’s Carl Morrow Annual Giving Program; awards US $250 - US $5,000 for projects. Initiatives with statewide impact on fish, wildlife, forests, parks, outdoor recreation, water quality, or natural resource protection may be especially competitive and can include 12‑month or multi‑year efforts.

Nonprofits serving women, children, and families in Missouri with programs that build self-sufficiency can access funding through The Father's Table Foundation. Grants support adult readiness, child welfare, humanitarian aid, health care, disaster relief, and sustainability initiatives. Organizations working with BIPOC communities in these areas may be especially well positioned to apply.

Missouri educational institutions and 501(c)(3) charities working in areas like social equity, education, climate action, food security, or mental health can access funding and in-kind support through Caesars Foundation. Organizations serving BIPOC communities in Missouri counties where Caesars operates may be eligible for these regional and property-based community impact grants.

Undergraduate-focused higher education institutions conducting biomedical and health-related research can apply for funding to support small-scale projects and enhance their research environment. The National Institutes of Health provides up to US $375,000 for institutions in the U.S. and territories that award baccalaureate science degrees and have limited prior NIH support; Missouri colleges and universities may be eligible.

Missouri undergraduate students studying fisheries, forestry, wildlife, parks and recreation, or soil and water conservation at in-state colleges can receive financial aid for natural resource management education. Conservation Foundation of Missouri Charitable Trust awards US $1,000 scholarships in each of five areas, with preference for applicants demonstrating financial need; BIPOC students may be eligible.

Missouri graduate students studying natural resource management at in-state colleges or universities can apply for the Carl Morrow Graduate Scholarships, awarding US $1,000 for advanced study. Offered by the Conservation Foundation of Missouri Charitable Trust, this funding may benefit BIPOC students pursuing fisheries, forestry, wildlife, parks, or soil and water conservation disciplines.

Early-career medical and health researchers at low- or middle-income country institutions conducting clinical trials can apply for the Emerging Global Leader Award, with approximately US $140,000 for mentored career development. Grants from the National Institutes of Health help Missouri-based partners collaborating with LMIC investigators, including BIPOC researchers, advance global health studies across multiple disease areas.

Missouri 501(c)(3) nonprofits providing housing, health care, food, or transportation for seniors, people with disabilities, low-income individuals, single parents, children, or people experiencing homelessness may be eligible for single-year project grants. East Missouri Foundation supports charitable programs across Missouri and nearby Illinois counties that deliver these direct services, excluding start-up, capital, and individual funding.

Early-career health researchers at academic or research institutions in eligible low- and middle-income countries can apply for the Emerging Global Leader Award, with approximately US $140,000 for mentored career development and research. Scientists whose work serves BIPOC communities in Missouri or abroad may benefit from this NIH Fogarty support.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations can seek funding for education-focused programs, youth initiatives, arts education, community services, and related efforts in Missouri and other U.S. regions. Focused on education and youth, John Ben Snow Memorial Trust offers US $5,000 - US $20,000 grants, which may benefit BIPOC-serving programs that fit its priorities.

Missouri 501(c)(3) organizations running education, environmental, health, arts, or community programs can apply for Ensign-Bickford Industries’ Ensign-Bickford Foundation Grant, with awards up to US $5,000. BIPOC-led or BIPOC-serving nonprofits in eligible Missouri counties may benefit, especially for priority education and environmental initiatives in communities where the company operates.

Health-focused organizations in Missouri planning congresses, conferences, or educational events can seek corporate sponsorships that provide Biogen Foundation with visibility, exhibit space, or other tangible benefits. Biogen considers a wide range of disease areas, and BIPOC-serving groups may be eligible if their events align with these medical and scientific priorities.

Nonprofit 501(c) or 170(c) organizations in Missouri working in economic development, education, financial wellness, arts and culture, disability services, or support for service members and veterans can benefit from this matching gift program. Regions Bank provides up to US $1,000 per recent retiree in matched donations to eligible organizations within its footprint.

Nonprofit 501(c) or 170(c) organizations in Missouri working on economic and community development, education and workforce readiness, financial wellness, arts and culture, veterans, or disability services can benefit from Regions Bank’s employee Matching Gifts Program. BIPOC-led or BIPOC-serving groups may be eligible if they are within the Regions footprint and receive donations from full-time associates or recent retirees.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations focused on regenerative farming, food access, climate justice, or healthy environments can seek US $5,000 - US $50,000 in general operating support from Clif Family Foundation. Missouri groups, especially grassroots organizations serving historically marginalized communities, may be competitive if they work within these U.S.-focused priority areas.

Nonprofit or conservation-focused organizations supporting regenerative agriculture and habitat conservation in Missouri and other eligible states can seek US $250,000 - US $750,000 to provide technical assistance on private lands. National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s Conservation Partners Program funds management planning, best-practice implementation, Farm Bill program participation, and sharing of lessons with landowners and operators.

The Youth Opportunities Program (YOP) aims to enhance community engagement and positive development for youth under 21 years old through public-private partnerships. Administered by the Missouri Department of Economic Development, YOP offers tax credits to eligible donors, facilitating funding for local projects that promote self-esteem and reduce youth violence, particularly in high-crime areas. With $6 million in credits available, YOP prioritizes initiatives that foster community-based solutions for youth.

The William G. McGowan Charitable Fund provides grants focusing on Education, Human Services, and Healthcare initiatives. The fund prioritizes programs with measurable outcomes that aim to alleviate poverty and suffering. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits and align with the fund's mission to create sustainable change. Applications are accepted by invitation only in specific regions, with a rolling deadline. The fund seeks collaborative efforts to maximize impact across its program areas.

The Soil and Water Stewardship Scholarship, sponsored by the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois, provides financial support to students pursuing careers in natural resources. Applicants must reside in specific Illinois counties and plan to enroll in a full-time program related to fields such as ecology, hydrology, and conservation. Academic performance is a key consideration in the selection process. For more details, contact the Winnebago County Soil & Water Conservation District.

NAFC Open Grant/Product Donation Applications

The National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC) is the only nonprofit 501c(3) organization whose mission is solely focused on the issues and needs of the medically underserved throughout the nation and the more than 1,400 Free and Charitable Clinics that serve them. The NAFC has earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar and a 4-Star rating from Charity Navigator. Founded in 2001 and headquartered near Washington, D.C., the NAFC is working to ensure that the medically underserved have access to affordable quality healthcare and strives to be a national voice promoting quality healthcare for all. For more information about the NAFC, including how to become a member, please visit https://www.nafcclinics.org.

NAFC Healthcare Services Expansion Fund

The NAFC Healthcare Services Expansion Fund supports the launch or expansion of clinical programs and new service areas that increase access to care for underserved patients. This funding is designed to help NAFC members introduce new services or grow existing programs that address unmet community health needs and improve access to comprehensive, patient-centered care.

The OECD Conference Sponsorship aims to enhance scientific knowledge and provide essential information to influence policy decisions on sustainable resource use in food, agriculture, forestry, and fisheries. It supports international events that showcase innovative research and developments, inviting applications from scientists in these fields. The event sponsorship encourages collaboration among policymakers, industry, and academia, ensuring that research insights are effectively communicated and utilized in decision-making processes.

The RNRF Implementation/Collaboration Grants support innovative projects that enhance collaboration among stakeholders to address critical challenges in environmental, social, and economic systems. Offering up to $200,000 for initiatives lasting 12 months or more, these grants aim to implement evidence-based practices and facilitate multidisciplinary teamwork. Eligible applicants must be from 501c3 organizations in the U.S., ensuring alignment with RNRF's mission and focus areas, fostering sustainable and impactful outcomes.

The RNRF Planning and Small Grants program provides funding up to $50,000 to support projects that enhance collaboration among community partners in addressing critical environmental issues. Eligible applicants must be 501c3 organizations in the U.S. and demonstrate multidisciplinary cooperation. Projects should align with RNRF's mission and focus areas, including air quality, biodiversity, and renewable energy. The initiative aims to create sustainable and impactful outcomes by bridging research and practical implementation.