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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 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 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 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 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.