Best Grants for Charities in Missouri

The CHS Foundation supports initiatives that benefit the agriculture industry, focusing on 501c3 organizations within specific states. Their funding is aimed at empowering cooperative growth and sustainable practices. Local projects may also be eligible through the CHS Seeds for Stewardship program. However, funding is not available for individuals, sports teams, or religious groups, ensuring that the support remains directed towards community and cooperative development.

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

The Pettus Foundation Grants focus on enhancing self-reliance and productivity in underserved communities through targeted funding in St. Louis. They support nonprofit initiatives in workforce development, youth development, and education, with a keen interest in early childhood education and job training programs. Applications are by invitation only, facilitated by the St. Louis Community Foundation, emphasizing robust governance and collaboration with multiple funding partners. Typical grants range from $5,000 to $25,000.

The LASC Foundation offers grants to nonprofit organizations in the Greater Metropolitan St. Louis Area focusing on poverty relief through targeted partnerships. Eligible projects include food security, youth development, and education initiatives. First-time applicants should contact the foundation’s program officer before applying, while unsolicited proposals are accepted year-round. The foundation aims to foster sustainability and self-determination within communities, supporting both faith-based and non-faith-based organizations.

The Eichacker + Lofton Grant Fund, established by the Keokuk Area Community Foundation, aims to enhance the quality of life in the Tri-State Area, covering Hancock County, Illinois, Clark County, Missouri, and Lee County, Iowa. This fund supports nonprofit organizations focusing on arts, culture, education, health, and community betterment. Grants up to $5,000 are available to initiate projects that address local needs, promote collaboration, and foster leadership and self-sufficiency within the community.

The Ash Grove Charitable Foundation Grant supports public charities with 501(c)(3) status, focusing on capital projects that enhance community life in states where Ash Grove operates. With a commitment to environmental sustainability, education, and human services, the Foundation prioritizes funding for renovation and construction projects. Grants typically reach up to $25,000, aiming to foster better living standards and support local initiatives that are vital for community growth and resilience.

The Sumners Foundation Grant aims to engage and educate the public about self-government through various programs, including civic education, democracy reform, and teacher training. Grants are available to qualified 501(c)(3) organizations primarily in Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma, supporting activities that foster civic engagement and understanding of democratic principles. The Foundation emphasizes direct involvement in the political process and does not fund political activities or provide individual grants.

The Uncommon Leader Impact Award, presented by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, honors non-C-suite employees at 501(c)(3) public charities making significant contributions to economic mobility in Kansas City. Awarded biennially, it recognizes those demonstrating community impact, equity, collaboration, and innovation. In December, one recipient will receive $50,000 and $100,000 for their organization, underscoring the foundation's commitment to fostering sustainable change and uplifting underrepresented voices within the community.

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 Spirit of St. Louis Women's Fund Grant aims to enhance the Greater St. Louis community through informed grant-making, fostering women's engagement in philanthropy. The fund prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion while supporting organizations focused on arts, education, environment, health, and social services. Grants range from $5,000 to $25,000 for single-year projects and $100,000 for multi-year initiatives. Eligible nonprofits must demonstrate community impact and financial stability, ensuring effective use of funds to address pressing needs.

The Griffin Family Charitable Foundation Grant, established in 1998 by Anna Margaret Griffin in honor of her father, Dr. Fred Griffin, supports public charities in Audrain and Montgomery Counties. With over $1 million awarded in grants and scholarships, the Foundation focuses on educational, scientific, and charitable initiatives. Dr. Griffin's legacy of service and commitment to the community continues through this foundation, ensuring that vital resources are provided to enhance the lives of local residents.

The East Missouri Foundation Grant supports 501(c)(3) organizations focused on providing essential services such as housing, healthcare, food, and transportation for vulnerable populations including seniors, persons with disabilities, and the homeless. The foundation issues one-time grants for specific purposes and does not fund individuals or organizations outside its defined priorities. Grants are determined by a board of directors committed to enhancing community welfare through targeted charitable initiatives.

The Springfield Black Tie Grant Program, organized by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, aims to enhance community support for LGBTQ+ organizations in southwest Missouri. With over $1.5 million allocated to local charities in the past 20 years, the program invites applications for the 2025 event on November 15th. It prioritizes funding innovative projects that improve community life and encourages proposals that directly serve program activities, ensuring vital support for diverse initiatives.

The John Deere FIRST LEGO League Challenge aims to enhance equity, diversity, and inclusion in STEM by supporting teams from underserved communities. Eligible teams must have a John Deere mentor and meet specific criteria related to student demographics. Grants will be awarded to teams that demonstrate commitment to community engagement and volunteerism. This initiative aligns with John Deere’s goal to reach one million underserved youth by 2030, fostering innovation and creativity in future generations.

The Ozarks Health Advocacy Foundation Grants prioritize the health needs of children in Southwest Missouri, aiming to support nonprofit organizations that address critical physical, mental, and dental health issues. With a commitment to improving the lives of young people, the foundation provides essential funding to ensure that no child suffers from health conditions due to financial constraints. Together, we can create a healthier future for our youth, enabling them to thrive and reach their full potential.

The Sedora Foundation Grant offers approximately $14,000 annually to support tax-exempt organizations in Southwest Missouri. Established by Stephen and Helen Sedora, this grant aims to maximize community impact through unrestricted funding. Eligible applicants must provide an IRS Determination Letter confirming their 501(c)(3) status. This initiative reflects the Sedoras' commitment to philanthropy and enhancing the wellbeing of local charities.

The American Association of University Women / Wagy Fund supports initiatives that empower women and girls in Kansas City, Missouri. By promoting education, economic opportunity, and personal safety, the fund seeks to foster societal change. It prioritizes partnerships with organizations that share its mission and focus on measurable improvements in self-image and lifelong education. Eligible applicants must be public charities dedicated to benefiting women and girls in the region.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

The John Deere FIRST Robotics Competition grant aims to enhance diversity and inclusion in STEM by supporting teams in underserved communities. Teams must apply for funding before registration and meet specific eligibility criteria. This grant promotes equity in engineering and technology through mentorship and community support, aligning with John Deere's commitment to reach one million underserved youth by 2030. Priority is given to teams with confirmed John Deere mentors and those meeting diverse participation requirements.

The John Deere FIRST LEGO League Discover program aims to support equity, diversity, and inclusion in STEM fields by providing grants to teams that meet specific eligibility criteria. Teams must be associated with an educational institution or nonprofit and demonstrate a commitment to recruiting underserved and underrepresented students. The initiative is part of John Deere’s goal to empower one million youth by 2030, fostering innovation and better decision-making in local communities.

The JDF: FIRST LEGO League Explore Grant Program, supported by the John Deere Foundation, aims to enhance participation in STEM for underserved youth. Teams must apply for the grant before registration and ensure compliance with eligibility criteria, including training requirements. This initiative is part of John Deere's commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in technology and engineering fields, ultimately seeking to impact one million youth by 2030.

The Elevance Health Foundation's Behavioral Health Grant aims to address significant challenges in mental health and substance use disorders. With a commitment of up to $90 million over three years, the Foundation seeks partnerships with nonprofits to enhance treatment access, promote prevention strategies, and alleviate loneliness among affected individuals. This initiative emphasizes innovative solutions and measurable outcomes, targeting both national and local programs, particularly in states with pressing health disparities.

The Water and Environment Grant Program by the American Water Charitable Foundation supports innovative community projects aimed at improving watersheds, conserving water, and enhancing access to recreation in underserved areas. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and educational institutions located within American Water's service areas. Projects must be completed within 12 months, and applicants should consider budget feasibility when requesting funds. Certain organizations and projects, such as those not classified as 501(c)(3), are ineligible.

The Pott Foundation

The Pott Foundation was established in 1963 by Herman T. Pott. The grant making process is overseen by an Advisory Committee made up of seven members. This Committee, four of whom are descendants of Herman and Phenie Pott, determines how the funds will be distributed to accomplish the mission of the trust.

The Advisory Committee of the Pott Foundation honors the values that were important to Herman T. Pott and Phenie R. Pott; children, education and health and human services. Most of the grant recipients are located in Herman Pott's adopted city of St. Louis, Missouri. The Foundation distributes approximately $1.5 million annually to over 100 charities.

Grant Guidelines and Helpful Hints

The following information will be useful for organizations inquiring about grants from the Pott Foundation.

The fiscal year of the Foundation is January 1 - December 31.

 

Community Foundation of the Ozarks

The Community Foundation of the Ozarks (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.

We help donors achieve their philanthropic goals through professional management and investment of charitable funds. We work with nonprofit organizations to help them fulfill their missions through fund administration, grantmaking and learning opportunities. We award scholarships to deserving students to help them achieve their educational goals.

Missouri Beef Days Grantmaking Program

Missouri Beef Days exists to appreciate those in the beef and agriculture industries and their contributions to the economy; educate all on the importance of beef to Missouri - economically, nutritionally, and environmentally; celebrate Missouri's top industry and all those involved. Established in 2022, Missouri Beef Days has provided beef to local schools, raised over $100,000 in scholarship funding, and made community improvements in Polk County.

Missouri Beef Days seeks to support projects related to increasing access to agricultural education for students and will award three grants this cycle. Grant proposals are accepted according to an announced timetable, and grant recommendations are made as funds are available. .

The Delta Dental of Missouri Grant Program aims to improve oral health in Missouri by funding initiatives that reduce oral disease, enhance access to quality dental care, and raise awareness, particularly among underserved populations. Grants range from over $5,000 to $100,000 and are awarded for one year, focusing on projects that increase access to care and demonstrate matching funds from other sources.

The Elevance Health Foundation's Food as Medicine Grant aims to enhance access to nutritious foods and improve health outcomes for individuals facing diet-related conditions. This initiative invites qualified nonprofits to submit proposals focused on scalable solutions that address food insecurity and promote health equity. The foundation prioritizes programs that demonstrate measurable outcomes and support whole-person health, particularly for populations at high social risk. Grants will be awarded for a term of 1-3 years, with funding based on program needs.