Best Grants for Community Service Projects in Missouri

Missouri 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving greater Kansas City can seek US $150,000 - US $500,000 for special programs, capacity building, or capital projects that strengthen services for low-income, underserved residents. Focused on transformational community impact, the Marion and Henry Bloch Family Foundation supports education, healthcare, social services, arts, and Jewish community organizations in Jackson, Clay, and Platte counties.

Missouri 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving the greater Kansas City area can apply for Hall Family Foundation’s grants to support community development, education, arts, health, and youth and family services. Funding emphasizes capital projects and programs that enrich communities, reduce inequity, and create long-term solutions, which may benefit community service projects in nearby Missouri counties.

The Jeffris Heartland Fund Grant, provided by the Jeffris Family Foundation, supports significant historic preservation projects across several Midwestern states, including Iowa and Wisconsin. Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000, covering 50% of costs for Historic Structure Reports, requiring a dollar-for-dollar match. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and government agencies, focusing on projects with historical significance, architectural merit, and strong community ties. Applications are accepted anytime, with decisions made approximately 30 days after submission.

Faith-based 501(c)(3) ministries and Lutheran educational or human care organizations in Missouri and nearby states can seek funding for higher education, health and human care, and faith-strengthening projects. Focused on Lutheran-rooted ministries, the Rupert Dunklau Foundation invites eligible applicants to begin with a Grant Inquiry Application Form before being invited to submit a full proposal.

Nonprofit organizations and K–12 schools in Missouri offering workforce development, youth development, or education programs can access funding through St Louis Community Foundation’s Pettus Foundation Grants, with awards of US $5,000 - US $25,000. Funding supports direct services and small capital improvements in St. Louis City and County that build self-reliance and job readiness, including soft skills and technical training.

With a mission to strengthen community development, the Missouri Department of Economic Development provides Missouri nonprofits and eligible business organizations with up to US $500,000 in in-kind support via Neighborhood Assistance Program tax credits. Community-based projects in service, education, crime prevention, job training, and physical revitalization can leverage these state tax credits to attract private donors for local improvement efforts.

The Missouri Humanities Council offers Mini Grants aimed at supporting humanities-based projects and programs. Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations and civic entities based in Missouri. The grants encourage engagement with humanities scholars, fostering community life through open exchanges of ideas. Funding may cover various expenses such as speaker fees, supplies, and promotional costs, aiming to expand understanding and participation in cultural activities. Special consideration is given to underserved communities and first-time applicants.

Public agencies, tribal governments, and nonprofits preserving historic places along Missouri’s Route 66 corridor can access funding through the Preserve Route 66 Grant Fund, with awards of US $2,500 - US $10,000. Grants from the National Trust for Historic Preservation support restoration, stabilization, planning, education, and related community revitalization projects connected to Route 66.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations running community development and service projects in Missouri counties where Penn National Gaming operates, such as Camden, Platte, and St. Louis counties, can apply for Penn National Gaming Foundation grants. Funding supports local community development, education, human services, health, cultural programs, and veteran and military support initiatives.

Missouri nonprofit organizations running public arts projects in Missouri can use this program to fund performances, festivals, exhibitions, arts education, and other cultural activities. Grants from Missouri Arts Council help Missouri community groups cover salaries, artist fees, venue rental, marketing, accessibility, production costs, travel, and more, with awards up to US $40,000 supporting community-serving arts initiatives.

The Missouri Humanities Council (MHC) offers Major Grants to support humanities-based projects and programs in Missouri. Founded in 1971, MHC aims to connect communities with humanities scholars, fostering a deeper understanding of cultural and civic life. Grants are available to non-profit and civic organizations, with applications reviewed bi-annually. Funding can cover various costs, but must not exceed 100% of project expenses. Accessibility and community engagement are key focus areas.

Missouri tax-exempt organizations running community development, human services, youth enrichment, or public safety projects may be eligible for Chaney Family Foundation support. Focused on strengthening children and families, the funder invites programs that address abuse, addiction, poverty, or faith-based family support exclusively serving Barry County residents.

Missouri public agencies and nonprofit organizations planning historic preservation projects can seek US $2,500 - US $5,000 for planning, education, and outreach activities. National Trust for Historic Preservation grants support feasibility studies, design guidelines, capacity building, and innovative public programs that engage communities and can help advance local community development and revitalization efforts.

The Specialty Care Access Grant Program, managed by the Patterson Family Foundation, aims to enhance access to specialty medical services in rural communities of Kansas and western Missouri. Organizations eligible for funding include nonprofits, school districts, and government entities serving these areas. The program emphasizes collaboration with local leaders to ensure quality healthcare access for communities, particularly in maternal care, oncology, and mental health, while encouraging early submission of proposals for timely review.

Missouri 501(c)(3) nonprofits running community service, education, health, or human services programs in central Missouri counties can access funding through the Allen P. and Josephine B. Green Foundation. Eligible organizations must serve Audrain, Boone, Callaway, Cole, Montgomery, Monroe, Pike, Ralls, or Randolph Counties and may also propose youth development, religious community services, or historic preservation projects.

Missouri 501(c)(3) public charities and eligible K–12 schools, colleges, and universities can seek support for community projects that protect watersheds, conserve water, or expand equitable access to water-based recreation. Focused on water and environmental initiatives, American Water Charitable Foundation funds projects completed within 12 months in its Missouri service areas.

Grants from Cigna Foundation help Missouri nonprofits improve youth mental health and social-emotional development, with awards of US $100,000 - US $150,000 for one-year projects. Eligible 501(c)(3) public charities serving underserved youth ages 5–18 in schools and related settings may fund program staff and other direct project costs.

Missouri 501(c)(3) nonprofits, local government units, and public education institutions serving Eastern Jackson and Cass Counties can apply for Truman Heartland Community Foundation’s Community Grants, awarding up to US $10,000 for community programs and operations. Funding supports community development, health and human services, adult education, arts, and related community service projects, with separate eligibility for statewide wildlife conservation efforts.

The Osage Chapter Service Scholarships, funded by the Association for Women Geoscientists, support undergraduate and graduate students in geosciences. These scholarships of $500 aim to promote the participation of underrepresented groups in the field. Eligible applicants must be AWG members and enrolled in a university within the Osage region. The program encourages outreach and community service while honoring the contributions of Sean S. Thomson to the Osage Chapter.

The Sisters' Circle Fund, established in 2016, aims to enhance charitable giving within African American communities in Greater Kansas City. This fund awards grants to nonprofit organizations dedicated to improving quality of life and providing essential services in the region. Eligible nonprofits must have 501(c)(3) status and focus on serving African-Americans in specific counties in Missouri and Kansas. This initiative fosters impactful community development and strengthens local support networks.

The Rural Business Development Grants in Missouri support small rural businesses by providing technical assistance and training. Eligible projects benefit rural areas outside urban centers with populations over 50,000. Funding is prioritized for smaller requests, with no maximum grant amount. Grants can be utilized for various purposes, including training, land development, pollution control, and community economic development. This program aims to foster growth and sustainability in rural economies.

Missouri 501(c)(3) arts organizations, government units, and tribal entities can receive up to US $5,000 in matching funds to present touring artists from elsewhere in the Mid-America Arts Alliance region. Grants support direct artist fees and public-facing performances plus outreach events, which may strengthen community development and service projects across the state.

The Community Foundation of Central Missouri (CFCM) offers the Impact Grant, a $5,000 funding opportunity designed to significantly address critical issues in mid-Missouri. This grant focuses on human capacity development for disadvantaged individuals or arts initiatives. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations based in central Missouri and operational for at least five years. Projects may target equal opportunity, education, and senior services, among others, adapting to community needs over time.

Grants from the Community Foundation of Central Missouri help Missouri community organizations fund projects in areas like community development, education, health, human services, animals, arts, and youth. Eligible 501(c)(3)s, local governments, and public education institutions in ten central Missouri counties can request US $500 - US $1,500 for programs improving residents’ lives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations running community, education, health, youth sports, or military and veteran programs in Missouri’s Kansas City metro area may be eligible for this support. Royals Charities prioritizes projects in literacy and education, healthy and active communities, and military and veteran support within designated Kansas and Missouri counties around Kansas City.

The Community Facilities Grant Program in Missouri offers vital funding to enhance essential community facilities in rural areas. Eligible projects include health care centers, public safety services, and educational institutions, targeting communities with populations under 20,000. With grants covering up to 75% of project costs based on income criteria, this program aims to foster community development and support local needs. Applications are accepted year-round, ensuring continuous assistance for rural projects.

About Us

Our History

Since its founding, The H & R Block Foundation has been committed to assisting underserved individuals and improving the quality of all aspects of life. The Foundation supports nonprofit organizations that increase access to the arts, build stable neighborhoods, offer diverse learning opportunities, and expand access to services that respond to all individuals’ physical and emotional needs. The Foundation continues to support the H&R Block culture by aligning resources and leadership to create positive social change.

Grants

Community Impact

The H & R Block Foundation awards grants that help nonprofits improve or strengthen services, enhance operations, and achieve greater results. The Foundation’s grant strategy focuses on the following:

• Helping underserved individuals pursue and attain post-secondary education
• Improving the quality of life throughout neighborhoods in greater Kansas City
• Enhancing nonprofits’ operational efficiency and service delivery and strengthening major community assets and institutions

Since its inception, The H & R Block Foundation has invested over $84 million in various charitable organizations.

Grants FAQ

The Foundation’s areas of focus are:

• Arts & Culture
• Education
• Health & Human Service
• Neighborhood Revitalization

There are no fixed minimum or maximum amounts, though most grants do not exceed $150,000.  

The Foundation’s sister organization, the Marion and Henry Bloch Family Foundation makes single-year and multiyear grants that typically fall in the range of $150,000 to $500,000. Grants may be funded by either Foundation, as determined by Foundation staff.