Best Grants for Children in Missouri

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 US Department of Health & Human Services announces a competitive funding opportunity for the Head Start/Early Head Start programs across various states. This initiative aims to enhance services for low-income families and children, promoting their social and economic well-being. With approximately $818.3 million available, the program seeks to expand access to quality early childhood education, thereby strengthening community stability and prosperity. Interested applicants can seek further information through the OHS Operations Center.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

About QuikTripQuikTrip believes in investing in the communities in which our employees live and work. Every year, QuikTrip donates 5% of our annual net profit to qualified 501c3 non-profit agencies, which includes our United Way campaign match, support for National Safe Place agencies, Folds of Honor scholarships and many other agencies that support at-risk youth and early childhood education.Mission: To wisely invest dollars in community efforts that will help impact (in measurable terms) individuals in our society who are dependent on the charitable support of others. We believe the most effective way to do that is to invest our contribution dollars and volunteers in strategic efforts that help those at risk reach their functional capacity as successful, independent citizens.About QuikTrip Charitable GrantsQuikTrip funds 501c3 agencies located in the cities in which we have stores and our employees live and work. Funding can include: “in-kind” products (coupons, gift cards or product donation), formal grants, fundraiser/event sponsorships and employee volunteer time.Focus Areas:

• Creating Safe Communities
  • First Responders: QuikTrip is proud to partner with law enforcement and first responders in every market we serve, making sure that they have the tools, training and support they need to keep our communities safe and to return home safely to their families after each shift.
  • Homeless Outreach & Alternatives to Police Response: To significantly reduce non-emergency calls and help people in crisis get back on their feet, QuikTrip funds dedicated homeless outreach teams across our communities. These teams engage individuals experiencing homelessness and living in encampments – connecting people to services, shelter, detox and long-term care.

• Creating Strong Communities
  • Ending Homelessness: We support emergency, transitional and permanent supportive housing, diversion and prevention programs, and more.
  • Mental Health & Substance Abuse : We know that healthy communities are safe communities, which is why we invest in detox and substance abuse treatment centers, and behavioral health centers and services to end the perpetuation of cycles of trauma and addiction.
  • At-Risk Youth: We especially prioritize services for at-risk youth – those aging out of foster care, justice-involved or without stable support systems.
• Additional Community Commitments
  • United Way: Employee donation matching in all markets.
  • Folds of Honor: Scholarships for families of fallen or wounded service members and first responders.
  • National Safe Place: QT stores serve as Safe Place locations for youth in crisis, with trained staff ready to assist.

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.

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 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.

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.

The McMillen Foundation Grants Program supports research in cardiology, lipids, and organ transplant, along with educational initiatives and social services in Washington and Alaska. With a single grant cycle annually, nonprofits certified under 501(c)(3) can apply for funding, preferably those benefiting children and promoting equity. The foundation emphasizes programs that leverage the arts to foster social change, impacting youth and disadvantaged communities. Applications must be submitted by July 31 to be considered for the current cycle.

The Dave McGillivray Finish Strong Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on inspiring youth through physical activity, literacy, and community engagement. With a mission to empower children in New England, the Foundation awards grants of up to $5,000 twice a year. Priority is given to programs serving individuals under 17, particularly in areas with low reading scores and high poverty. This initiative fosters self-confidence and community support, ensuring a brighter future for the youth it serves.

The Earth Rising Foundation Grants provide financial support ranging from $200 to $20,000 for grassroots climate initiatives. The foundation emphasizes empowering Indigenous communities, advocating for sustainable agricultural practices, and addressing social justice issues linked to climate change. By fostering youth involvement and supporting innovative projects, the foundation aims to create a vision for a sustainable future that respects both people and the planet. Applications must be submitted through a US-based nonprofit organization.

The CoreCivic Foundation Grant aims to support nonprofit organizations that help former offenders, victims of crime, and underserved youth. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charities with a commitment to measurable outcomes. Preference is given to those with a history of collaboration with CoreCivic and those operating in Tennessee. This grant provides essential resources to enhance the quality of services delivered to these vulnerable populations, fostering rehabilitation and community support.

The Joan M. Wismer Foundation, established in 2001, honors the legacy of Joan Marilynn Wismer, who was dedicated to charitable work and community service. The foundation focuses on improving lives through education, youth development, safety, humanitarian services, and medical research. It primarily supports IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and churches, while emphasizing the importance of sustainable funding and effective financial management in its grant-making process.

The Hunger to Health Collaboratory (H2HC) 2025 Prizes for Innovation aim to enhance health equity for youth through innovative funding in three categories: Food and Nutrition Policy, Nutrition Education & School Food, and Indigenous Food Justice. Supported by Newman’s Own Foundation, these prizes include $100K grants for policy work and $25K grants for education and justice initiatives. Winners will participate in the H2HC Fall Summit in Boston, fostering collaborative solutions to food challenges.

The Andrea-Mennen Family Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life for children and young adults facing mental and physical challenges. By supporting registered charitable organizations that align with its mission, the foundation seeks to ensure that 100% of grant funds directly benefit those in need within the US. Emphasizing immediate results and proven success, the foundation is dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of future generations.

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.

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 Edward and Wanda Jordan Family Foundation Grant aims to support education, scientific research, and spiritual ministries through voluntary grants. Focused on enhancing the welfare and quality of life for children and youth, this foundation perpetuates the charitable intentions of the Jordan family. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations that align with these values and objectives, ensuring impactful contributions to the community.

The Rotary Works Foundation Grant supports charitable projects primarily focused on children, youth, and families, emphasizing active Rotarian involvement. Grants range from $500 to $5,000, awarded prior to events. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(1) organizations. Preference is given to projects engaging Rotarians. The application deadline is the 2nd Wednesday of each month, and all grantees must report outcomes post-project.

The J.R. Simplot Company Foundation Grant supports U.S. non-profit organizations focused on art, education, youth, community, and global food and agriculture. Established in 1929, the foundation is committed to enhancing community welfare through creative cultural endeavors, educational initiatives, health services, and youth programs. Applications are reviewed quarterly, ensuring a timely response to organizations dedicated to making a positive impact in their communities.

Mildred's Dream Foundation Grant provides vital support to community-based non-profit organizations focused on Education, Domestic Violence, and Physical or Mental Health Challenges. With grants up to $25,000, the foundation aims to honor Mildred's commitment to improving lives and creating a better world. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) non-profits providing direct services in these areas. Notably, the foundation excludes funding for certain institutions, ensuring resources are directed to those genuinely in need.

The Josh Dubin Fellowship, launched in January 2022 by the Shawn Carter Foundation, is a seven-week paid program designed for five exceptional students interested in the legal field. This immersive experience includes mentorship from legal professionals, direct involvement in case analysis, and off-site visits to courtrooms. Fellows not only gain invaluable insights into legal practices but also receive additional scholarship support for their educational pursuits, empowering them to overcome socio-economic barriers and achieve their dreams.