Best Grants for Capital Funding in Missouri

The Immunology and Immunotherapy SMRT Grant by Pacific Biosciences aims to enhance research through advanced sequencing technologies. This grant offers free sequencing to support innovative projects in immunology and immunotherapy, encouraging researchers to apply their findings to better understand the immune system and develop new therapies. With the opportunity to utilize highly accurate long-read sequencing, winners will gain access to state-of-the-art technology that can accommodate multiple libraries, enhancing their research outcomes significantly.

The Steve Rolland Youth Peacemaker Award Fund recognizes high school students in Duluth who exemplify community service and peacemaking qualities. Named after a respected Duluth Police officer, the fund offers a $2,500 award to support youth who volunteer in their communities and embody the values of compassion and justice as articulated by Martin Luther King Jr. This award aims to inspire the next generation of leaders dedicated to making a positive impact.

The NEA Envision Equity Grants empower educators to implement innovative projects that foster cultural understanding, anti-racism, and civic engagement among students. With funding of up to $5,000, these grants support diverse educational initiatives over a 12-month period. Eligible applicants include NEA members, and funds can be allocated for resources, materials, and professional development aimed at enhancing student learning experiences. Projects that prioritize critical thinking and collaboration are particularly encouraged.

The Harry N. and Melva A. Derickson Scholarship, managed by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, supports residents of Cumberland, Dauphin, and Perry Counties pursuing degrees in medical, dental, nursing, physical therapy, or engineering fields. This endowment aims to promote academic achievement and community service, with a preference for gender balance in award distribution. By investing in future healthcare professionals, the scholarship fosters educational advancement and strengthens local communities.

Pat Gainey Student Scholarship Award

In 2006/07, through support from the Shoen Family Foundation, the Pat Gainey Student-Athlete Scholarship Award was established to recognize "Athletic Achievement and Strength of Character" annually and provide financial support for two student-athletes with a major focus on need-based applicants.

Pat Gainey, a Dunn, NC native and proponent of women's athletics, showcased a phenomenal record in women's basketball. His overall women's basketball record at Pamlico was an incredible 93-6. He then moved to Taylorsville where he coached from 1955-1964. His women's basketball teams collectively won five Western North Carolina High School Activities Association titles and at one point, recorded 54 consecutive wins and 140 straight conference victories. His overall women's basketball mark was 358-57.

Under Pat's tutelage, the Pamlico baseball teams captured 4 Seashore Conference Championships and compiled an overall record of 67-7 including 24 straight conference wins. Pat Gainey always had a great knowledge of baseball and spent the summer months scouting professional baseball prospects. Pat scouted a combined 18 years for the New York Giants and Chicago White Sox.

Award presentation: NCHSAA Annual Awards Celebration, Piedmont Hall/Greensboro; June 2026 (date TBD)

Awards

• 2, $5000

The Conrad Siegel “Numbers Matter” Community Scholarship Fund, established by Conrad M. Siegel, Inc., supports underserved students in Central PA pursuing degrees in math, finance, and related fields. This initiative aims to enhance diversity in financial professions by alleviating the financial burden of higher education for students from minority backgrounds. The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, dedicated to strengthening local communities, manages this scholarship to empower the next generation of leaders in these disciplines.

The ACES Foundation Fund, managed by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, offers scholarships to high school seniors from Cumberland, Dauphin, or Perry County. Eligible students must pursue business-related studies or trades, demonstrate academic achievement with a minimum GPA of 2.5, and show commitment to community service. This initiative aims to support future entrepreneurs and enhance community development through educational funding.

The Combined Pilot Research Grants from the Plastic Surgery Foundation and the American Society of Maxillofacial Surgeons aim to promote innovative research in maxillofacial surgery. With funding of up to $15,000 for one-year pilot projects, this initiative supports the preliminary phases of research, fostering the development of surgeon scientists and enhancing scientific knowledge in the field. Eligible applicants include MDs, DOs, or PhDs holding full-time positions in U.S. or Canadian institutions.

This funding opportunity aims to enhance the participation of older adults in the Senior Nutrition Program by focusing on preventative health initiatives. The project seeks to build capacity through statewide efforts, develop shared resources for program sustainability, and foster collaboration among senior nutrition programs and key organizations. By achieving these goals, the initiative will improve health outcomes and strengthen community ties for older adults.

The VFW Student Fellowship, hosted by the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Student Veterans of America, empowers student veterans to advocate for their community on Capitol Hill. Running from October 2025 to March 2026, this program offers selected fellows the chance to collaborate on policy priorities, attend leadership training, and participate in significant conferences, ensuring their voices are heard among 500 advocates at the VFW Washington Conference. Travel expenses are fully covered.

The Dr. & Mrs. Yang Ho Rhee Scholarship, established in 2000, aims to support students of Korean heritage in the Quad Cities region. This scholarship provides up to $2,500 to graduating seniors who demonstrate financial need and have a minimum GPA of 3.0. It honors the Rhee family's commitment to education, ensuring that opportunities are available for local students to pursue higher education and achieve their academic goals.

The Malcolm F. and Harriet B. Brown Scholarship, managed by the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, provides financial support ranging from $4,000 to $8,000 over four years to graduating high school seniors from Southeastern Connecticut. Established in 1983, this scholarship aims to encourage students to pursue their educational goals, contributing to over $11.9 million awarded since its inception.

The Liv A Life of Love Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, aims to support high school seniors from various local schools who are pursuing a major in Health Science. With a scholarship amount of $1,200, applicants must demonstrate community service involvement, submit an essay, and provide a GPA between 2.5 and 3.0 along with financial need documentation. This initiative empowers students to further their education while contributing positively to their communities.

The Preserving Black Churches Grant Program, managed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, aims to support the preservation of historic Black churches. Grants range from $50,000 to $500,000 and fund various projects, including restoration, capacity building, and community engagement. The program encourages applications from active and non-active congregations, nonprofits, and public agencies, emphasizing the importance of these churches in their communities. This initiative seeks to strengthen heritage and foster cultural connections.

The Shari Simon Greenberg Community Scholarship, offered by the Simon Youth Foundation, supports high school seniors residing near Simon malls. This scholarship aims to help first-generation college students and those with financial need pursue higher education. With an annual funding of approximately $1 million, the foundation ensures more students have the opportunity to chase their dreams by alleviating post-secondary expenses for those determined to learn.

The Spotlight Funds: Inclusive Classroom Grants support K-12 educators by providing financial assistance to acquire essential tools and materials for diverse classrooms. These grants address inequities based on race, gender identity, and ability, ensuring that all students have the resources they need to succeed. With awards ranging from $500 to $1,000 per educator, the program prioritizes high-needs schools, empowering teachers to create inclusive learning environments that reflect their students' unique backgrounds.

The St. Mary Catholic Community School Scholarship, established in 1989 by Dr. John Birdzell and the Crown Point Rotary, aims to enrich the quality of life in South Lake County. This non-renewable scholarship is available to graduating high school seniors who are alumni of St. Mary's Catholic Community School and actively involved in religious activities. Award recipients are invited to a special Scholarship Awards Night on May 7, 2026.

The Brinson Prize Fellowship Program, in partnership with The Brinson Foundation, offers support for early career astrophysicists and cosmologists pursuing innovative research in observational cosmology. This program emphasizes the importance of connecting science with society and provides up to three years of funding, including a stipend for independent research. Applicants must hold a PhD in relevant fields and can apply for fellowships starting in 2026, which include professional development opportunities.

The CFO provides philanthropic leadership to build stronger communities.

Our mission is to enhance the quality of life in our region through resource development, community grantmaking, collaboration and public leadership.

Scholarship Programs 

The CFO awards $1.7 million in scholarships each year for college, graduate and technical education.

Captain Andrew W. Long Jr. Scholarship

• Multiple awards at various amounts
• Essay required

The Institutional Translational Research Training Program (T32) aims to prepare trainees for advancing basic research into clinical applications. This program focuses on developing essential skills in experimental design, statistical analysis, and effective science communication. Participants, including advanced predoctoral students and postdoctoral fellows, will engage in a two-year training program that fosters collaboration among neuroscientists and clinicians, ultimately equipping them to tackle basic research challenges and translate discoveries into viable therapies.

The Tri Kappa Scholarship, established by the Crown Point Community Foundation, aims to enrich the quality of life in South Lake County by providing financial assistance to graduating high school seniors who are residents of Crown Point, IN, and involved in community service. This non-renewable scholarship invites awardees to a special Scholarship Awards Night on May 7, 2026, at the Halls of St. George.

Community Foundation of the Quincy Area

My Community Foundation (also known as The Community Foundation Serving West Central Illinois & Northeast Missouri) is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to improving quality of life in the communities it serves by connecting compassionate donors with meaningful causes. The foundation works with individuals, families, businesses, and nonprofit partners to gather charitable contributions, grow those funds through professional investment strategies, and grant the earnings in ways that address local needs now and into the future. It builds and manages permanent endowments tailored to donors’ goals, ensuring their philanthropic visions—whether honoring a loved one, establishing a legacy, or supporting community needs—are realized. Serving a 12-county region across West Central Illinois and Northeast Missouri, the foundation acts as a steward of charitable assets, helping donors make a lasting impact through customized giving opportunities, community grants, and strategic support for nonprofit organizations.

AgForward Program for Agricultural Education

AgForward Program for Agricultural Education provides grant funding to support education, innovation, and workforce development in the field of production agriculture. Grants from the fund will promote and benefit education relating to production agriculture at any educational level throughout the Community Foundation’s service area. Funded programs must directly involve and/or impact students. Grants must be for project or program support. Grants may not be used for scholarships or general operating support.

Priority will be given to applicants whose proposals demonstrate one or more of the following:

• Educational projects and programs that seek to advance the field of production agriculture in the Community Foundation’s service area.
• Programs to encourage or inspire agricultural careers and/or to develop a skilled agricultural workforce at any education level.
• The development of and training in technologies and techniques that will enable agriculture to be more productive, efficient, and safe.

The Early Career Research Development Grant from the Emergency Medicine Foundation supports early career faculty in developing comprehensive career plans and leading impactful research projects. With over $20 million awarded since its inception, EMF aims to enhance emergency medicine research and improve health policy. This grant encourages partnerships between research universities and community emergency departments, fostering collaboration that promotes patient care and effective health policy.

The Nathan Cummings Foundation offers Venture Grants to support social entrepreneurs with innovative solutions addressing inequality and climate change. These short-term grants aim to foster partnerships and expedite necessary funding. The foundation prioritizes projects aligned with its mission of advancing racial, economic, and environmental justice, focusing on systemic change through a holistic approach. Eligible applicants must demonstrate alignment with the foundation's values of diversity, equity, and inclusion to qualify for funding opportunities.

The Quad Cities Mexican American Organization Scholarship, administered by the Quad Cities Community Foundation, offers up to $1,000 to students of Hispanic descent pursuing post-secondary education. Applicants must maintain a GPA of at least 2.0 and can apply for renewal. This scholarship aims to support educational advancement in the Quad Cities region, reflecting a commitment to fostering academic success among underrepresented communities.

The Blepharitis Fund, managed by the HealthWell Foundation, aims to alleviate financial barriers for underinsured patients suffering from blepharitis, an inflammatory condition of the eyelids. This program assists with prescription drug copays and insurance premiums, covering up to $3,500 annually for treatments. With a mission to ensure no patient is deprived of necessary healthcare due to financial constraints, the HealthWell Foundation has provided over $1.2 billion in grants, supporting more than 1.1 million patients since its inception.

The Viola A. and Henry W. Turner Memorial Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, supports high school seniors from Southeastern CT pursuing a four-year degree, particularly in education. Since 1983, over $11.9 million in scholarships have been awarded. The scholarship provides approximately $500, with awards sent to colleges by August 1, and is primarily need-based.