Best Grants for BIPOC in Missouri

Missouri Prairie Foundation

The Missouri Prairie Foundation is a private, nonprofit, 501(c)(3) land trust governed by a volunteer board of directors. MPF was founded in 1966 by a small group of conservation professionals and volunteers who were concerned about the rapid decline of greater prairie-chickens and the degradation and loss of grassland habitat throughout the state of Missouri. Since that time, MPF has grown and developed with several goals in mind, including the permanent protection of prairie habitat and the need for greater understanding of the role of native grasslands in wildlife conservation, energy security and carbon storage. 

The mission of MPF is to protect and restore prairie and other native grassland communities through land acquisition, management, education, and research; to promote the use of native plants through its Grow Native! program; and to support the control of invasive plants through its administration of the Missouri Invasive Plant Council. 

Prairie Garden Grants Program 

Gardening and other conservation groups, parks, schools, and other entities in Missouri and immediately surrounding states are invited to submit proposals to MPF’s Prairie Garden Grants Program. In 2026, MPF would like to award several grants to help fund the establishment or improvement of public prairie gardens or plantings using Midwest native plants. Grants will not exceed $800 each. Those with smaller projects are encouraged to apply as well. Matching funds are not required, but proposals with secured matching funds may be evaluated higher than others.

Navigant Credit Union 

Navigant Credit Union is the longest-operating, member-owned credit union in Rhode Island. Since its founding in 1915, Navigant Credit Union has been dedicated to providing its members with unparalleled financial products and services, while working every day to stay committed to the financial well-being of the families, businesses and communities we serve. 

Navigant Credit Union Charitable Foundation Grant

For over a century, Navigant Credit Union has been committed to making a meaningful difference in the community. In 2017, we established the Navigant Credit Union Charitable Foundation to further amplify our impact in five strategic areas:

• Education & Financial Literacy: Organizational and capital support for programs, supplies, building products, sports facilities and teams.
• Social Services: Financial support for programs and organizations for children, veterans, hunger and housing.
• Public Health, Safety & Well-Being: Support for programs addressing public safety, emergency care and eradication of disease.

The CHS Foundation offers funding for innovative projects in precision agriculture and data analytics. This annual grant program supports colleges and universities focusing on enhancing agronomy and ag mechanics curriculum. Applications are accepted from April 15 to May 31, with priority given to initiatives that foster hands-on learning and technology development. Eligible projects should emphasize data analysis and improve students' understanding of agricultural technology, while adhering to funding guidelines.

The Encova Foundation of West Virginia is dedicated to improving communities by supporting local causes that align with the values of its associates and policyholders. They focus on health, education, and wellness, emphasizing the importance of children's success. Organizations applying for grants must be U.S.-based and verified as charitable. Preference is given to initiatives impacting health and education, especially those involving Encova associates as active participants.

The Native Voices Endowment Grants, managed by the Endangered Language Fund, support the preservation of endangered languages associated with Native American tribes that interacted with the Lewis and Clark Expedition from 1803-1806. Grants are available for language documentation, revitalization, and educational projects, fostering cultural heritage through various initiatives. Eligible applicants include tribal members and language programs, ensuring the continuation of linguistic traditions and community involvement in revitalizing native languages.

The Dana Brown Charitable Trust Grant supports organizations in the St. Louis area that aid financially disadvantaged children, focusing on health, education, and welfare. It encourages programs that expand children's knowledge of nature and wild animals. The Trust favors collaborative, high-impact projects and prioritizes immediate needs over long-term funding. Notably, individual grants are not awarded directly to individuals, and only one Letter of Intent is permitted per year.

The FY26 Defense Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (DEPSCoR) Capacity Building opportunity aims to enhance the capabilities of university researchers in eligible states. Managed by the DoD, this initiative focuses on increasing the number of researchers capable of conducting relevant science and engineering research. The program also seeks to strengthen institutions of higher education and improve their competitiveness for federal research funding, ultimately fostering long-term growth in financial assistance for scientific research.

The Carolyn L. Kuckein Student Research Fellowship, awarded by Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, supports first and second-year medical students conducting research over 2 to 12 months. With a total funding of $7,000, students can receive reimbursement for travel expenses up to $1,000 for presenting their findings at national conferences. Eligibility requires enrollment in schools with active AΩA chapters, while those taking a year off for research or holding a PhD are ineligible.

Project Lead The Way is offering a rolling grant opportunity for schools across the US to implement the PLTW Gateway program for the first time. With total funding of $9,100, the grant covers participation fees and training registration costs. Schools, including public, private, and charter, are encouraged to apply, particularly those serving low-income and minority majority populations. This initiative aims to enhance educational pathways in STEM for diverse student groups.

The NRA Foundation offers grants in Missouri aimed at promoting charitable purposes under IRS regulations. Eligible applicants include IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, government entities, and recognized nonprofits. The funding supports initiatives in firearms education, safety, and marksmanship, fostering community engagement in these areas. However, labor organizations, private businesses, and individuals are ineligible. The foundation emphasizes compliance with its mission to advance the shooting sports and enhance public safety.

The Polk County Engineering/Geological Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, awards $3,000 to high school seniors from select Polk County schools who maintain a 3.0 GPA and plan to study Engineering or Geological Sciences at Missouri universities. This scholarship is renewable for up to three years, provided recipients continue to meet academic requirements. Eligible applicants must submit a transcript and an essay detailing their community service and extracurricular activities.

The Kalliopeia Foundation Grant focuses on supporting projects that foster cultural and ecological renewal through a deep reverence for the Earth. By prioritizing US-based organizations that demonstrate strong community relationships and intergenerational leadership, the foundation seeks to empower marginalized voices and traditional practices. With an emphasis on land care and Indigenous leadership, Kalliopeia aims to cultivate a resilient future where diverse ways of knowing and being thrive harmoniously with nature.

The Missouri Humanities Mini Grants support nonprofit projects focusing on Veterans Initiatives, Literacy Festivals, Film Projects, and themes aligned with their annual Signature Series. Grants provide funding up to $5,000 for innovative humanities-based projects that enhance community engagement. While alignment with specific themes is preferred, it is not mandatory, ensuring a broad range of impactful projects can be considered. This initiative fosters cultural enrichment and educational opportunities across Missouri.

Missouri Humanities offers Major Grants aimed at supporting projects that enhance veterans' initiatives, literacy programs, film projects, and themes from their annual Signature Series. Grants can fund projects up to $15,000 and are available to nonprofit organizations dedicated to the humanities. While alignment with specified themes is not required, preference is given to projects that incorporate these areas, fostering community engagement and cultural enrichment.

Project Lead The Way (PLTW)

Our Mission: Empower Students to Thrive in an Evolving World

Our Philosophy for Education: We believe all students – beginning at a young age – need access to real-world, applied learning experiences that empower them to gain the skills they need to thrive in college, career, and beyond.

We believe teachers play an immeasurable role in empowering students, and our programs provide teachers with the support and resources they need to devote more time to inspiring students.

PLTW Engineering - New Program In Partnership With Ardagh Group

Ardagh Group has partnered with PLTW to support education in its local communities where Ardagh employees live and work. This partnership recognizes the critical role education, and access to education, plays in ensuring equal opportunities and in building successful, vibrant communities. It is expected that over the next 10 years, Ardagh sponsored education programs will benefit more than 500,000 PreK-12 students as well as delivering best-in-class teacher training to more than 5,000 teachers across 2,000 schools in Ardagh's U.S. communities.

Ardagh is a global supplier of sustainable packaging solutions with 16,000+ employees worldwide, and proud local employer.

Program Requirements

The purpose of this grant is to assist the grantee's implementation of the PLTW Engineering program. Grantee must offer the PLTW Engineering program for three academic years. Grantee must offer at least one PLTW Engineering course in the 2027-2028 academic year and must offer one additional course in the 2028-2029 academic year (two different courses in two years). Grantee may implement any PLTW Engineering courses of their choosing. Grantee must complete three years of grant reporting.

Wegmans Family Foundation Inc focuses on cultivating healthy communities through support for hunger relief, health initiatives, education, and youth programs. They prioritize collaborations with local nonprofits to enhance community well-being, offering assistance in key areas like economic mobility and youth engagement. Despite their wide-ranging support, they have specific ineligibility criteria, such as not accommodating personal requests or solicitation on their property, aiming to direct resources effectively where they are needed most.

The GPCAH Community Pilot Grant supports innovative research and outreach aimed at enhancing the health and safety of agricultural workers in the Midwest. Funded by NIOSH, this program encourages projects focusing on critical issues like mental health, injury prevention, and chemical safety. With grants up to $30,000, it invites collaboration from various organizations, particularly those within the nine-state region. Special emphasis is placed on proposals addressing the needs of underrepresented groups in agriculture.

The Dogs for Joy Grant, funded by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, supports the integration of trained facility dogs in pediatric hospitals. These dogs provide emotional support, help children cope with medical procedures, and enhance overall well-being. The program aims to increase the presence of in-residence dogs, as research highlights their positive impact on reducing anxiety and improving patient outcomes. Grants typically cover multi-year funding, promoting innovative animal-assisted therapy approaches in healthcare settings.

Our Mission

The Community Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life in Greater Kansas City by increasing charitable giving, educating and connecting donors to community needs they care about, and leading on critical community issues.

Scholarships

We offer hundreds of different scholarships for students in and around Kansas City.

Kelsey Family Scholarship for Nursing and Biomedical Engineering

This scholarship was established by Rick and Darla Kelsey in memory and patrimony of Richard and Greta Kelsey and their ancestors. For six generations, the Kelsey family farmed in the Kansas River Valley near Topeka. They were active in Freemasonry and devoted to charitable work and service to their church and community.

This is a one-time award. Students can reapply annually to be considered for a scholarship.

The Indian Environmental General Assistance Program (GAP), administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), provides crucial funding to tribal governments and intertribal consortia for developing environmental protection programs. Since 1992, GAP has focused on remediation of pollutants and, more recently, supports climate adaptation initiatives. The program emphasizes tribal sovereignty while aiding in capacity building, policymaking, and establishing joint EPA-Tribal Environmental Plans to effectively address environmental challenges faced by tribal communities.

The Gabby Girls Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, provides a $550 grant to female undergraduate students in Missouri entering their third or fourth year at a four-year accredited college or university. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, demonstrate financial need through FAFSA-SAI, and submit a transcript, personal essay, and details about their community service and work experience. This scholarship aims to support women's education and empowerment.

The Starseed Foundation Grant offers support to 501(c)(3) organizations focused on enhancing the arts, environmental protection, literacy, and social services. Grants are available to organizations throughout the United States, with a specific emphasis on programs based in Oregon. Interested parties must first submit a Letter of Inquiry to be considered for funding. This initiative aims to improve the quality of life for underserved communities through cultural and educational enrichment.

The Arthur G. Tesar Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, provides two renewable $2,000 scholarships for graduating high school seniors planning to attend Missouri State University or Ozarks Technical Community College. Applicants must have a GPA between 2.5 and 3.0, be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours, and demonstrate financial need. Required application materials include a transcript, personal essay, and details of community service involvement.

The Aloyce and James Barnhill Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, supports a graduating high school senior or undergraduate student pursuing education at Mineral Area College, Three Rivers College, or Southeast Missouri State University. This $900 scholarship requires applicants to demonstrate financial need through a FAFSA-SAI form and submit a personal essay. It aims to alleviate financial barriers for students aiming for higher education in Missouri.

Greater Kansas City Community Foundation 

The Greater Kansas City Community Foundation is a nationally respected leader in charitable giving, dedicated to improving quality of life in Greater Kansas City by increasing philanthropy, educating and connecting donors to community needs, and leading on critical local issues. Founded in 1978 with a simple belief that charitable giving should be accessible to all, the Foundation has grown into one of the largest and most innovative public charities in the country, offering donor advised funds and other giving vehicles that make philanthropy convenient, efficient, and impactful. Today, it manages more than $7 billion in assets, administers over 7,000 charitable funds, and has distributed more than $8 billion in grants, consistently ranking among the top community foundations nationwide.

R. E. (Rosey) Roseberry and Eileen E. Roseberry Scholarship Fund at the College of the Ozarks

R. E. (Rosey) Roseberry and Eileen E. Roseberry Scholarship Fund provides scholarship support to residents of Kansas or Missouri who are enrolled as full time students at the College of the Ozarks in Point Lookout, Missouri. Eligible applicants must have been residents of Kansas or Missouri for at least ten years at the time of application and must maintain continuous enrollment with a minimum 2.5 GPA to remain eligible. Scholarship award amounts vary, recipients may reapply in subsequent years, and the fund is administered through the Franklin County Community Foundation, supporting students in pursuing their postsecondary education.

Our Mission

The Community Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life in Greater Kansas City by increasing charitable giving, educating and connecting donors to community needs they care about, and leading on critical community issues.

Scholarships

We offer hundreds of different scholarships for students in and around Kansas City.

AABE William Grant Pinkard Scholarship Fund

The American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE) is a professional organization of African Americans in the energy industry. Through its Scholarship Program, AABE seeks to help increase the number of African Americans, Hispanics and Native Americans (underrepresented minorities) in energy related fields. By doing so, we help our nation address a critical need and a challenge to our future economic vitality in the world market.

About William Grant Pinkard II

The William Grant Pinkard Scholarship Fund was named after a member of the Kansas-Missouri Chapter of the AABE who best exemplified the organization’s purpose and goals. William Grant Pinkard, II was a dedicated and active member.

Awards

The Kansas-Missouri Chapter of AABE will award one scholarship of $2,000 per semester paid in August and January. Awards of $1,500 per semester will be issued to community college students. The top winner’s application is forwarded to compete for one of six National AABE Regional Awards of $3,000 per year. Additionally, a “Rufus D. Gladney” Premier Award of $5,000 is given annually to the candidate who is judged to demonstrate the most outstanding achievement and promise. National Awards are made to the students upon presentation of proof of enrollment at an accredited college or university. Distribution of local chapter awards are made at the discretion of the local chapter upon proof of enrollment at an accredited college or university. A William Grant Pinkard Scholar may renew the scholarship for a second year provided documentation that all scholarship guidelines and criteria have been sustained.

The Dr. Carolyn Ghazal Dental Assistant Scholarships, offered by the Pacific Dental Services Foundation, provide financial aid of up to $5,000 for eligible dental assistant students. Applicants must be over 18, U.S. citizens or legal residents, and enrolled in a qualifying program. The scholarship emphasizes mentorship and training, supporting the next generation of dental assistants. Awards are based on financial need and application quality, with multiple cycles each year to support aspiring professionals.