Best Grants for Charter Schools in Missouri

Missouri K–12 schools, colleges, libraries, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits offering family literacy programs can seek up to US $10,000 for adult education, children’s education, and parent–child learning time. The Dollar General Literacy Foundation supports organizations within 15 miles of a Dollar General store that are listed in the National Literacy Directory.

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.

Missouri public and private K–12 schools with 501(c)(3) status can receive matching funds to take students on Springfield Cardinals Educational Day field trip games. Grants from Community Foundation of the Ozarks help Missouri schools, including charter schools, offset a portion of ticket costs while integrating classroom learning with a live baseball experience.

K-12 youth-serving 501(c)(3) organizations in Missouri can apply for Simmons First Foundation’s mini grants, awarding US $1,000 - US $2,500 for education or health care projects. Charter schools with qualifying programs may be eligible for support addressing immediate, long-term needs for their students.

Missouri K–12 schools and 501(c)(3) organizations serving youth can seek funding for special education or substance abuse and violence prevention programs through Simmons First Foundation; awards range from US $2,500 - US $50,000. Eligible entities must be in a county with a Simmons Bank facility and use funds for program costs, not administrative or capital expenses.

Missouri K–12 education and environmental organizations can seek funding for conservation and environmental projects that benefit youth, including indirect impacts. With a mission to support youth-focused education and health, Simmons First Foundation provides US $2,500 - US $25,000 for projects such as outdoor education, water, air, forestry, energy, and related initiatives.

K–12 educators at public, private, and charter schools in Missouri can use this grant to purchase tools and materials for STEM-focused classroom instruction. Grants from Adopt-A-Classroom help U.S. K–12 educators, with priority for high-needs schools, access $500 to $5,000 to strengthen experiential science, technology, engineering, and math curricula.

Nonprofit organizations, school sports programs, and government-run programs in low income Missouri communities that offer recreational sports for K–12 students can seek support for youth sports costs. With a mission to expand access to play, All Kids Play provides organizational grants nationally on a case-by-case basis, which may benefit charter schools meeting these criteria.

Early-stage U.S. PK–12 education organizations developing innovative supports for students with learning differences can apply for NewSchools Venture Fund’s Learning Differences Grant Program, with awards of US $150,000 - US $250,000 in general operating support. With a mission to reimagine public education, NewSchools provides Missouri K–12 and charter school leaders and entrepreneurs with funding, expert coaching, and a national peer community.

Missouri public, charter, and eligible private schools serving grades 6–12 can access funding to expand on-campus mental health support services for students with chronic absenteeism, behavioral issues, or declining performance. School-Based Healthcare Solutions Network provides a fully funded mental health professional plus US $5,000 - US $25,000 in discretionary, performance-based grants to high-need schools.

Middle and high school science teachers in Missouri and other U.S. locations can receive up to US $3,000 to improve chemical safety in their classrooms and labs. The American Chemical Society funds curriculum integration of safety, professional development, CHO training, PPE and safety materials, inventory systems, and related safety infrastructure upgrades.

Full-time preK–12 classroom teachers can pursue self-designed professional learning fellowships that enhance their instructional practice and student achievement, including those working in Missouri charter schools. With a mission to empower educators, Fund For Teachers provides U.S. teachers with funding to address individualized gaps, deepen culturally sustaining practice, and bring new skills and insights back to their school communities.

K-12 teachers and educators in Missouri can seek funding for insect-focused classroom or outreach projects, with awards up to US $2,500 for direct project expenses. The Entomological Society of America’s Chrysalis Fund supports hands-on insect science education, which may benefit charter schools developing or expanding K-12 STEM and science curricula.

Missouri K–12 education programs run through state or county Farm Bureaus can seek funding to start or expand agricultural literacy projects, with awards up to US $1,000. Focused on agricultural education, the American Farm Bureau Federation invites Farm Bureaus partnering with charter schools and other schools to build reusable teaching resources.

Missouri K–12 schools and education organizations running STEM and biomedical science programs can access funding through the National Institutes of Health Science Education Partnership Award to develop innovative classroom or informal learning projects. Eligible projects include pre-K–12 curriculum, teacher support, and out-of-school STEM activities that build quantitative and computational skills.

K–12 educators seeking agricultural literacy materials in Missouri can use this grant to purchase accurate ag resources for their classrooms. With a mission to educate teachers and students about agriculture, American Farm Bureau provides U.S. K–12 education programs with US $100 in Ag Foundation store credit for approved resources.

Nonprofit organizations providing K-12 education for Native American children living on reservations can apply for approximately US $77,000 from the Ruth Danley and William Enoch Moore Fund. With a mission to support charitable and educational purposes, it favors year-round, measurable programs; Missouri charter schools serving this population may be eligible.

Missouri higher-education faculty who mentor future K–12 physical education and health professionals can be recognized for exemplary guidance and role modeling through the Mentor of the Year Award. Charter school partners in educator-preparation programs may benefit when their faculty collaborators are honored by Society of Health and Physical Educators for outstanding student support and professional engagement.

The Bill Breen Bluegrass Youth Education Fund provides Missouri K–12 and youth music education programs with support to help young people experience and learn to play bluegrass. Administered by the IBMA Foundation, this fund is used where needed most to benefit individuals age 21 and younger across bluegrass-related educational activities.

The OneAmerica Financial Community grant supports 501(c)(3) organizations focused on education, workforce development, safety, wellness, and community vibrancy. With a commitment to making a difference, OneAmerica aims to transform lives through strategic philanthropy. Their initiatives include disaster relief, arts support, and civic engagement, fostering resilient communities. By investing in meaningful change, they build a foundation for shared success across the country, ensuring that community needs are met and future generations thrive.

The National Girls and Women in Sports (NAGWS) Legacy Award, established by SHAPE America, honors exemplary contributions to increasing opportunities for women in sports. This annual award recognizes current SHAPE America members who submit impactful proposals related to women's sports, with a monetary prize of $1000. The award will be presented at the National Convention & Exposition, with a special deadline of November 1st. Nominations can include various initiatives aimed at empowering women in sports.

About

Paul Newman was born and raised in Ohio by parents who owned a successful sporting goods store. He enlisted in the Navy and completed his military service as a radioman/gunner in the Pacific during World War II. Seeing his father’s business ethic during the Great Depression and experiencing the war fueled his desire to help others in need.

In 1958, Paul made his acting debut on Broadway in “Picnic,” where he also met his future wife, Joanne Woodward. Paul started a successful race car driving career inspired by training for the film Winning. He went on to win second place in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the world’s oldest endurance race event. After years of acting and being recognized for his achievements on screen and stage, he received many accolades including an Oscar for Best Actor in The Color of Money.

Paul used his fame for good. He was dedicated to civil rights–attending the March on Washington in August 1963–women’s rights, and gay rights. He used his platform to advocate for equal pay for his female co-stars. He was a vocal political advocate committed to ending the nuclear arms race and determined to elect opponents of war and militarism. President Jimmy Carter appointed him to a United Nations General Assembly session on nuclear disarmament.

In 1982, Paul Newman and his friend Hotch founded a food company on a bit of a lark. They turned a profit selling salad dressing that first year, and did something truly radical when they decided to “give it all away” to good causes.

Paul established Newman’s Own Foundation to ensure the continuation of his philanthropic legacy after his passing. 40+ years since its founding, his first of its kind food company and its innovative business model are still going strong.

Garden Grants

Through Whole Foods Market’s Garden Grant program, schools turn outdoor spaces into powerful hands-on learning gardens that connect kids with food, spark their curiosity and support classroom curriculum.

Missouri 501(c)(3) organizations providing K–12 education, charter or alternative schooling, or related youth programs can apply for the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund’s program or operating support. Eligible work must address achievement gaps or related human services and healthcare needs in Jackson County and align with the fund’s focus on breaking cycles of poverty.

The Knowles Teaching Fellowship supports emerging high school science and mathematics teachers in the U.S. Ideal candidates possess a strong academic background, leadership skills, and a commitment to teaching. The fellowship emphasizes comprehensive development through mentoring and financial support, including grants for classroom materials and stipends to alleviate financial burdens. By fostering a community of over 500 educators, the program aims to enhance teaching quality and sustainability in the profession over a five-year trajectory.

The NEA Federal Rescue Implementation Network Grant provides up to $100,000 per year for two years to state affiliates for hiring a coordinator to implement the American Rescue Plan in support of public education. This funding is specifically for backfilling a position that must remain filled for at least ninety days, ensuring effective oversight of federal recovery initiatives within the affiliate.

The Read Across America State Affiliate Event Grant supports NEA state affiliates in enhancing coordinated events that celebrate diverse reading. This grant encourages proposals aimed at providing students with access to diverse books, addressing challenges such as curriculum bans. Activities may include guest readings, establishing diverse book clubs, and promoting literacy through community engagement. Applications are open only to state affiliates, with a strong emphasis on year-round reading awareness.

The CAO Legislative Crisis Grant, funded by the National Education Association Staff Organization, is designed to support affiliates in creating and refining student-centered initiatives. Grants can be utilized for contract campaigns, new program development, or enhancing existing practices to improve sustainable learning conditions. This opportunity is exclusive to affiliates, ensuring a focused approach to advocacy and collective bargaining efforts that benefit students.