Best Grants for Children in Missouri

Missouri youth and children’s organizations focused on education, health, safety, or community well-being can access funding through Encova Foundation of West Virginia to support programs that improve families and help children succeed. Eligible applicants must be U.S.-based charitable organizations with a verifiable tax ID and nondiscriminatory practices.

Simmons First Foundation provides Missouri youth-serving 501(c)(3) organizations and qualifying schools with US $2,500 - US $50,000 for K–12 special education and substance abuse or violence prevention programs. Eligible entities must be in a county with a Simmons Bank facility and use funds for program costs rather than administrative or general operating expenses.

Missouri youth-serving organizations offering community-based programs for children and youth up to age 21 can use this program to attract private donations through state tax credits rather than direct grants. With a mission to broaden youth development opportunities, Missouri Department of Economic Development provides approved projects with Missouri income tax credits to incentivize eligible donors.

Missouri 501(c)(3) organizations serving K–12 youth in education or health care can apply for Simmons First Foundation’s Mini Grant, awarding US $1,000 - US $2,500 for immediate, long-term program needs. Eligible nonprofits in other covered states may also benefit, but prior 2024 Mini Grant recipients must wait until 2026 to reapply.

Children’s hospitals, general hospitals with pediatric departments, and nonprofits serving children battling illness in Missouri can receive US $25,000 - US $65,000 annually to build or expand gaming programs for pediatric patients. Joy in Childhood Foundation funds equipment, connectivity, staffing, and virtual programming, with a focus on providing engaging experiences especially for teens.

Children’s hospitals and general hospitals with pediatric departments in Missouri can receive funding to host prom-like experiences for teen patients ages 13–19 who cannot attend their own prom due to illness. Joy in Childhood Foundation provides US $20,000 - US $50,000 to support themes, space, food, entertainment, formal wear, and other prom essentials.

Grants from Jack in the Box Foundation help Missouri youth services nonprofits feed, educate, and empower young people in communities near its restaurants. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations within 50 miles of a Jack in the Box location can apply for US $5,000 - US $10,000 to support local youth-focused programs and opportunities.

Missouri nonprofits serving children, youth, and families through health, disability, cancer awareness, food bank, or zoological education programs can access funding through the David B. Lichtenstein Foundation. Proposals must support work within Missouri and may particularly benefit organizations focused on children’s health, special needs services, and youth-oriented welfare initiatives.

Nonprofit organizations in Missouri improving the lives of children and young adults through health, welfare, or youth services programs can seek funding for a variety of mission-specific needs. Grants from Carneys Kids Foundation help Missouri youth-focused organizations enhance children’s physical, emotional, and mental health and support disadvantaged children and families.

Missouri 501(c)(3) organizations providing housing, health care, food, or transportation for children, youth, and families in need may be eligible for this support. East Missouri Foundation funds one-time, single-year, project-specific grants serving children, seniors, people with disabilities, low-income households, single parents, or the homeless within Missouri and designated nearby Illinois counties.

Nonprofit and community organizations in Missouri engaging AmeriCorps members in community service can apply for Missouri Community Service Commission operational grants to run evidence-based programs. Funding can support youth services, early learning, second chance youth, environmental stewardship, racial justice, veterans and military families, disability inclusion, and other community-strengthening initiatives that involve AmeriCorps members in direct service.

Nonprofit organizations and educational institutions serving youth and children in Missouri can apply for cash grants up to US $2,000 to purchase long-lasting, tangible items. Mfa Oil Foundation supports rural youth leadership, agricultural and cooperative education, and community problem-solving projects in communities where the company has a strong member and employee presence.

Nonprofit organizations serving children and youth in Missouri can seek funding for special projects, capital campaigns, challenge grants, or general operations. Herbert A. and Adrian W. Woods Foundation prioritizes programs in greater St. Louis that aid abused or neglected children, families in poverty, animal welfare, Episcopal outreach, arts and culture, and people facing illness or disability.

The CAPTRUST National Partnership Grant aims to support local and national charities that serve children's needs. Each year, a Charity of Choice is selected, typically receiving a grant of over $100,000, while additional national grants are awarded to organizations aligned with the CCF mission. This initiative represents 40% of the CAPTRUST Community Foundation's annual giving budget, underscoring its commitment to impactful charitable partnerships.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving children and youth in Missouri’s New Madrid or Scott Counties can seek project funding for health and wellness, youth enrichment, arts, or community programs. Do it Best Foundation supports initiatives that directly benefit local communities, offering four grant cycles per year for eligible agencies with a valid EIN.

Youth-focused organizations in Missouri seeking support for education or microenterprise projects can apply for the Madelyn L. Laschober Endowment Fund, which offers up to US $1,000 annually. Grants from Partners of the Americas help youth services, education, and microenterprise initiatives connected to its Chapters across the Western Hemisphere.

Nonprofit organizations providing youth services or community support in Missouri may be eligible for St. Marys Bank Charitable Foundation’s community support grants, awarding US $500 - US $5,000 for programs like youth programming, housing, and social services. Groups serving children alongside families, veterans, or broader community needs could benefit from this funding opportunity.

Nonprofit organizations developing programs that move youth and families toward financial independence can apply for US $500 - US $5,000 in Missouri and other eligible areas. St. Marys Bank Charitable Foundation supports youth programming, homelessness and housing, social services, veterans, and civic and community initiatives through its 1908 Funds grants.

The JTMF Foundation Grant focuses on improving the lives of individuals in need, particularly in the Pacific Northwest. By partnering with organizations addressing immediate needs and long-term challenges, the foundation supports children, older adults, veterans, and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Guided by Catholic values, JTMF aims to empower communities while seeking innovative solutions to societal issues. Organizations that align with these focus areas are encouraged to connect, fostering a collaborative effort towards meaningful impact.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and government programs in Missouri that run ongoing academic or life-skills programs for socioeconomically disadvantaged youth can receive US $300 - US $500 in Ross gift cards for school or professional clothing. Grants from Ross Stores Foundation help youth services near Ross or dd’s DISCOUNTS locations support low-income children and young adults ages 3–24.

The 15 and the Mahomies Foundation Grants aim to enhance the lives of children by supporting health, wellness, and community initiatives. This private foundation seeks to fund 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations, focusing on charitable causes. Grant requests are reviewed quarterly, and applicants must meet eligibility criteria. However, the foundation does not accept applications from individuals or for non-charitable items such as autographs or game tickets.

Youth organizations, middle schools, and high school girls flag football programs in Missouri can receive in-kind flag belts and footballs to support youth sports. Grants from USA Football help child- and youth-serving groups that are enrolled with USA Football, legally recognized as nonprofits or tax-exempt, and in good standing with no outstanding invoices.

The AED Grant, offered by USA Football, supports youth organizations, middle schools, and high school girls flag football programs in acquiring essential Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). This initiative ensures that lifesaving equipment is readily available during emergencies. Recipients receive specific AED models, comprehensive training, and certification to guarantee proper usage. Eligible applicants must be non-profits in good standing with USA Football, promoting safety and preparedness on the field.

The Marlene and Spencer Hays Foundation Grants support tax-exempt organizations working to enhance lives through arts, healthcare, education, and youth programs. The foundation requires a Letter of Intent (LOI) from all applicants, emphasizing its mission to select grant recipients who align with its values. Grants are not available for political purposes, endowment campaigns, or organizations that discriminate based on race, gender, or religion. This framework ensures a focused impact on community betterment.

BioMarin offers funding through its donation program focused on improving healthcare and patient advocacy, particularly for rare diseases. Organizations eligible for support include hospitals, accredited providers, and patient advocacy groups. BioMarin prioritizes innovative therapeutic solutions for rare genetic conditions. The company is dedicated to enhancing patient care and education, and it reviews funding requests year-round, although specific deadlines apply for year-end funding. This initiative reflects BioMarin's commitment to addressing unmet medical needs.

The AE Foundation Community Grants aim to support US and Canadian non-profit organizations focused on enhancing the mental health and well-being of young people. By funding local programs, the AE Foundation empowers teens and young adults to embrace authenticity and build a brighter future. Eligible organizations must be certified 501(c)3 non-profits or registered charities, and grant funding should be utilized within 365 days of receipt. This initiative reinforces the importance of mental health in today's society.

The Lockwood Affiliate Youth and Senior Citizens Grant Program, managed by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, aims to enhance the quality of life for Lockwood residents. This year's funding focuses on youth summer programs that foster education and social interaction, as well as initiatives for senior citizens that promote entertainment and cognitive engagement. Eligible applicants include 501(c)3 organizations and other IRS-approved entities serving the Lockwood area.