Best Grants for Environmental Projects in Missouri

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with innovative environmental or other human services projects in Missouri may be eligible for this grant, which supports new approaches to social problems. Creag Foundation funds smaller or evolving organizations with creative strategies to address societal issues; applications are by invitation, but interested groups can submit a letter of inquiry.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on youth-focused environmental and child welfare programs in Missouri may be eligible for funding to support education, health, development, and basic needs. The Dan Paul Foundation supports projects such as clean air and water education, homelessness and poverty services, refugee enrichment, and related youth development initiatives, with awards up to US $15,000.

Early-stage, impact-first nonprofit and mission-driven for-profit organizations tackling major environmental or sustainability challenges, including those serving Missouri, can seek funding to scale bold solutions. Focused on scalable, systems-based models for underserved communities, Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation offers up to US $300,000 plus intensive capacity-building support and access to a global peer community.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

Missouri 501(c)(3) nonprofits and equivalent charities working in health, education, or community services can seek funding for programs such as food pantries, healthcare access, STEM education, and preventive health. Focused on community well-being, Labcorp Charitable Foundation invites applications that support underserved populations and promote healthy lifestyles; requests are reviewed in March and September.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

Missouri 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on early childhood education or community economic development can access funding through PNC Foundation to expand programs serving low- and moderate-income families. Eligible projects include early learning, affordable housing, small business support, community services, arts and culture, and neighborhood revitalization in Missouri communities where PNC has a significant presence.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations running environmental or wildlife conservation projects in Missouri and the broader Southern region can seek support for programmatic work. Robinson Foundation supports nature and environmental initiatives by funding single-year projects from established charities that demonstrate fiscal responsibility and tangible, meaningful impact, excluding facilities or other capital projects.

Missouri environmental nonprofits and 501(c)(3) community organizations can seek support for conservation, environmental, or peacebuilding projects through the Dudley T Dougherty Foundation. The foundation provides flexible funding for charitable initiatives, and Missouri groups working on environmental projects may be eligible if they hold federal tax-exempt status.

Missouri environmental and community-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities located within 30 miles of a Georgia-Pacific manufacturing community can seek funding for education, environment, entrepreneurship, and community enrichment projects. Focus is on programs that align with Georgia-Pacific Foundation’s mission and improve the long-term well-being and sustainability of GP communities.

Missouri 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and libraries working on environmental or human services projects can apply for grants of US $5,000 - US $10,000 to support programs or operations. Grants from Lawrence Foundation are unrestricted and may also benefit Missouri organizations involved in disaster relief or other community-focused initiatives within its stated priorities.

IRS-qualified nonprofit organizations in Missouri seeking support for environmental and wildlife protection activities can apply for US $1,000 - US $20,000 in funding. The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation also considers community-based programs, including education, cultural institutions, and services for youth, seniors, and people with disabilities across the U.S.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3)s, government entities, school districts, and tax-exempt faith-based organizations in rural Missouri can seek up to US $10,000 for outdoor access and environmental education projects. Focused on environmental education and outdoor equity, Community Foundation of the Ozarks supports programs that engage residents with Ozarks natural spaces and outdoor community placemaking.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

Missouri Department of Natural Resources

Missouri’s air, land and water resources play an important role in our health and are essential to the environmental and economic vitality of our state. The department aspires to help Missouri citizens thrive by advancing environmental and economic sustainability. The department provides a range of services to help Missouri citizens, communities and businesses in these efforts. The department also provides opportunities to learn more about Missouri’s natural and cultural history at our state parks and historic sites.

Our Mission: We serve as stewards of our natural resources to benefit Missourians.

Water Safety and Security Act Project Grant

The Missouri Water Safety and Security Act, found in Missouri Revised Statutes section 640.144, RSMo, requires certain community public water systems to develop valve and fire hydrant inspection programs. The Act also requires systems to develop an accurate map identifying shut-off valve and hydrant locations using a geographic information system (GIS) or an alternative physical mapping system and create a hydrant inspection program.

Section 1452(g) and (k) of the federal Safe Drinking Water Act authorizes the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to distribute part of the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) to public water systems to improve system capacity, promote asset management and maintain compliance with federal and state drinking water laws. Through this grant program, the department provides financial assistance to eligible community public water systems to develop accurate maps that satisfy the requirements of the Missouri Water Safety and Security Act.

Eligible Projects and Costs

Eligible projects are limited to contractual agreements to develop valve and hydrant inspection programs and accurate valve and hydrant maps that include all shut-off valve and hydrant locations throughout the applying water system’s distribution system and to satisfy the requirements of Section 640.144, RSMo.

A finalized valve and hydrant inspection program plan and/ or a map accurately depicting the locations of all system shut-off valves and hydrants must be provided to the department for a project to be considered complete. Reimbursement for pre-approved project-related costs is only issued following completion of awarded projects and submission of a finalized map to the department.

Award Amounts and Match

Funding is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis after the priority application period. Matching funds are not required, but may contribute to project selection and ranking according to the priority point criteria described in section 4 of the grant application form.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

With a mission to support environmental conservation, nonprofits and educational institutions in Missouri and Illinois can apply for St. Louis Audubon Society’s Creley Memorial Conservation Grant, offering up to US $7,000 for bird-focused education and habitat projects. Funding may cover supplies, materials, equipment, and on-the-ground conservation activities benefiting birds and their habitats.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits improving quality of life through economic stability, workforce development, health and social services, or disaster relief may be eligible for project, operating, or capital support in Missouri communities. O'Reilly Automotive Foundation supports organizations serving areas where O’Reilly Auto Parts operates, including Missouri, that benefit underserved and underrepresented individuals and families.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) charities and eligible public entities in Missouri seeking to expand agricultural education for students can apply for grants up to US $1,500. With a mission to enhance regional quality of life, Community Foundation of the Ozarks offers three awards that may benefit school- or community-based environmental and agriculture education projects in Missouri.

Missouri environmental organizations and 501(c)(3) nonprofits can access funding through Union Pacific Foundation’s Community Ties Local Grants to support environmental sustainability, conservation, and community safety projects. Awards of US $5,000 - US $30,000 back programs in eligible Union Pacific–served communities, including efforts in environmental stewardship, recycling, outdoor recreation, and related community vitality initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Missouri working on environmental stewardship, youth development, housing, or food security can apply for Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards, with grants of US $30,000 - US $350,000. Programs that support environmental projects, community beautification, gardens, outdoor classrooms, or related youth and family services may be eligible.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.

Nonprofit organizations helping disadvantaged people become self-reliant can apply for Gupta Family Foundation’s US $5,000 - US $250,000 grants, including groups in Missouri. Grants from Gupta Family Foundation help fund poverty alleviation, disability services, social services, and disaster relief; Missouri environmental organizations with qualifying humanitarian or community-focused programs may be eligible.

Nonprofit and public-interest organizations in the Missouri Ozarks can apply for Community Foundation of the Ozarks’ L-A-D Foundation Grant Program, awarding up to US $10,000 for conservation projects. Funding supports environmental education, grassroots organizing, start-up costs, capital needs, seed money, and workshops that protect natural and cultural resources in a 12-county Missouri service area.