Best Grants for Grassroots Organizations in Missouri

The H. Wayne VanAgtmael Cosmetology Scholarship, established in 2005 by Wayne Van Agtmael's family, honors his legacy in the cosmetology field. This scholarship supports high school graduates from the Tri-Cities pursuing a cosmetology degree, focusing on financial need and academic achievement. Applicants must provide transcripts and additional required documents. The scholarship aims to empower students, particularly those who are the first in their families to succeed beyond high school, in their educational journeys.

The Department of Defense Research and Education Program aims to support Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority-Serving Institutions by enhancing defense-related research and educational capabilities. This initiative encourages collaboration with other educational institutions and government organizations to increase STEM graduates and strengthen national defense. Eligible applicants include accredited minority institutions and community colleges. The program is open until July 31, 2029, providing a significant opportunity for institutions meeting the defined criteria.

The Teri Rogers Filmmakers Grants, presented by ArtsKC and the Kansas City Film Office, honor the legacy of Teri Rogers by supporting early-career female and gender nonconforming filmmakers. Each grant provides $10,000 for production or post-production of new short films, alongside valuable resources like memberships and mentorship. The program prioritizes projects that reflect diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as those highlighting Kansas City as a character in the narrative.

The monetary value of each scholarship award varies depending upon the amount available in each individual scholarship fund. Scholarship award amounts range from $1,000 - $5,000 for a single year.

Robert and Judy Dreiling Scholarship

This scholarship offered to northern Nevada residents who are high school graduates or who have earned a high school equivalency certificate and adults seeking education to attain better employment.

The ideal candidates will be enrolled in an Associate's Degree track or certificate program at the school of their choice; the degree track or certificate program should result in a good lead to a good job. 

The scholarship will pay up to $5,000 for an Associate’s Degree or certificate program at private trade schools or community colleges for one or more candidates. You will be asked to write brief essays discussing: your life, your plans for the future, why you chose your certificate program, and how your education will impact your life and your family.

The Food Access and Retail Expansion (FARE) Fund Grant, part of America’s Healthy Food Financing Initiative, aims to enhance access to nutritious food in underserved regions. With a budget of $60 million over five years, the initiative supports innovative fresh food retail projects, offering grants and loans to address barriers in food access. This funding is crucial for catalyzing sustainable food enterprises and improving local food systems, ultimately fostering healthier communities.

About CFO Grants

 The CFO offers a series of grant cycles based on its July–to–June fiscal year, so grant cycles are announced beginning in July. Throughout the year, the CFO’s affiliate foundations also offer grants to eligible agencies within their geographic service areas. 

Discretionary grants are made possible through the generosity of donors who want to support a specific cause or a general field of interest, such as education or animal welfare. Each cycle has its own criteria and deadlines. 

Organizations within the CFO’s service region are eligible to apply if they hold IRS tax status of 501(c)3 or are education, faith or government institutions with similar tax-exempt status. 

The CFO uses a grant portal — GLM by Foundant Technologies — to accept applications and track grant progress for most grant programs offered by the CFO and its affiliate foundations.

Grants 

The CFO connects generous donors with nonprofit organizations seeking project funding and families in need.

Joplin Schools Launch Program Community Grant

The Joplin School District’s Launch Program is a collaboration between a student-led organization at Joplin High School and the Joplin Regional Community Foundation's Philanthropic Society. Launch’s purpose is to promote philanthropy. One way we accomplish this is through a student-directed community grant program that supports one local, non-profit organization to improve the future for the citizens of Joplin. 

The grant program focus for this year is: Impoverished Students. The maximum award amount will be up to $15,000.00 (depending on funds raised through fundraising).

The Evelyn J. Barclay Scholarship supports professional nurses pursuing advanced degrees in nursing education, practice, research, and administration. Applicants must have a current RN license and be enrolled in accredited graduate nursing programs. This scholarship, awarded by Nurses Educational Funds Inc., emphasizes the importance of nursing leadership and aims to enhance the nursing workforce. Preference is given to doctoral candidates focusing on public health, nursing education, or research, ensuring a continued commitment to improving healthcare outcomes.

The James B and Lois R Archer Charitable Foundation offers Large Grants for requests exceeding $10,000. Focused on fostering positive change, the foundation supports initiatives in Arts and Culture, Civic Engagement, Education, Health, and Human Services. Eligibility includes 501(c)(3) organizations, while restrictions apply to consecutive grant cycles and non-qualifying purposes such as endowments and fundraising events. Organizations are encouraged to apply for various projects to enhance community well-being.

The VCRC-VF Fellowship Program, a collaboration between the Vasculitis Clinical Research Consortium and the Vasculitis Foundation, offers a two-year mentored training opportunity for physician-investigators dedicated to vasculitis research. This tailored fellowship allows candidates to gain clinical and translational research experience at VCRC-affiliated sites in North America, focusing on patient-oriented investigation. Applicants must hold an MD, demonstrate a commitment to vasculitis care, and ideally possess relevant subspecialty training.

The James B and Lois R Archer Charitable Foundation offers Smaller Grants of $10,000 or less to support initiatives in Arts and Culture, Civic Engagement, Education, Health, and Human Services. Organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and comply with eligibility criteria, including a one-year waiting period for reapplications. The foundation aims to have a significant impact on communities, especially in West Texas, while avoiding funding for specific exclusions such as endowments and fundraising events.

The NIDCD Early Career Research (ECR) Award (R21) supports new scientists establishing independent research careers in areas related to hearing, balance, smell, taste, voice, speech, or language. This grant encourages innovative projects such as secondary data analysis, small research initiatives, and technology development, aiming to generate preliminary data for future R01 applications. All applications must be submitted by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization.

Fund the Dream Scholarship

The Fund the Dream Scholarship Fund was established in 2022 by the Hispanic Alliance, GA. The purpose of this scholarship is to ‘Build the Dream, One Graduate at a Time.’ Minority students from first-generation/low-income backgrounds face systemic roadblocks while navigating the college admissions process. Graduating seniors coming from low-income families are seven times more likely to drop out than those from families with higher income. In addition, 74% of Latino students enrolled in colleges and universities in the U.S. cut their education short due to the financial pressures of supporting their families. To help mitigate the educational opportunity gap and student debt crisis, the Hispanic Alliance Georgia Fund the Dream Scholarship will support one student who has huge aspirations for their life and is willing to work through anything to achieve them. This scholarship is funded by proceeds from the annual Latino Fest in Gainesville, Georgia and is part of our commitment to making academic and scholarship support more accessible for all students.

When choosing a recipient, the selection committee will take into consideration factors such as the applicant’s academic achievement, financial need, immigration status, volunteering efforts, future educational goals, and responses to essay question. Special consideration will be given to students participating in the Latino Youth Leadership Academy. The 2026 scholarship will be a one-time award of $1,500.

The NIH is inviting applications for interventions aimed at enhancing cancer screening and preventive services in underserved populations. This initiative focuses on addressing barriers to healthcare access and promoting timely follow-up on abnormal findings. Collaborations with community partners are encouraged to foster effective outreach. The program particularly seeks to engage patients, clinicians, and healthcare settings in improving health equity and outcomes in cancer prevention.

The Rodger H. Baker Scholarship, managed by the Northern Piedmont Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Fauquier County Public Schools pursuing health careers at 2- or 4-year institutions. Ideal candidates excel academically, demonstrate leadership, have community service experience, and show commitment to their field of study. Financial need is considered, with preference given to nursing students, although all health disciplines are welcome. This scholarship reflects the Foundation's dedication to enhancing local educational opportunities.

TryMarine Grant

The Reservoir Fish Habitat Partnership (RFHP) is seeking candidate pilot sites for evaluating two water quality treatment technologies—TryMarine and Oase Water Technology—in small urban fishing lakes (1–3 acres).

Urban fishing lakes are important community resources, providing accessible angling opportunities and supporting local outdoor recreation. Many of these lakes experience nutrient‑driven water quality impairments such as algal blooms, low dissolved oxygen, and reduced water clarity. These issues degrade fish habitat and diminish angler satisfaction.

This pilot initiative aims to identify lakes where these technologies can be tested to determine their effectiveness, feasibility, and potential for broader application across the RFHP network.

Objectives

Water Quality & Habitat Objectives

• Reduce nutrient concentrations (total phosphorus, total nitrogen).
• Improve water clarity and reduce turbidity.
• Reduce harmful algal blooms (HABs).
• Increase dissolved oxygen stability to support sportfish populations.
• Improve habitat conditions for stocked and naturally occurring fish species.
• Reduce internal nutrient loading from sediments.

RFHP Program Objectives

• Demonstrate scalable tools for improving fish habitat in small urban lakes.
• Support community‑based fisheries enhancement.
• Provide case studies and data for future RFHP guidance.
• Strengthen partnerships among agencies, municipalities, NGOs, and angling groups.

Beckley Area Foundation

Beckley Area Foundation was established in January 1985 by ten community-minded citizens. It began with a gift of $1.1 million from the Dr. Thomas Walker Memorial Health Foundation as “seed” money for this Raleigh County project. BAF assets have grown to over $70 million with over 500 different funds managed by our three trustee banks. Today, Beckley Area Foundation is one of West Virginia’s largest community foundations.

Since its inception, BAF has distributed over $23 million to charities and other worthy projects in the fields of education, public recreation, health & human services, the arts, animal services and beautification.

Scholarships

The Beckley Area Foundation proudly manages scholarship funds established by individuals, businesses, and organizations dedicated to helping students pursue higher education. Many of these scholarships are tailored for specific schools, fields of study, or graduates from local high schools, while others offer broader opportunities. No matter the path, our scholarships aim to support students from our region as they work toward achieving their educational goals.

Most of these scholarships must be awarded to students from our geographic area or at least preference given to such students. While the majority of scholarships benefit Raleigh County applicants there are others designated for Fayette, Summers, Webster, and Wyoming students. 

The File Girls Cystic Fibrosis Scholarship

Weighted for educational merit, personal achievement and financial need; West Virginia high school matriculating senior with a confirmed diagnosis of Cystic Fibrosis. Recipient will provide physician’s letter affirming a diagnosis of Cystic Fibrosis as part of the application process; The scholarship is to be awarded for post-secondary education through college, vocational or technical schools.

This scholarship is renewable.

The Henry D. and Ruth G. Swartz Family Fund Scholarship, established in 1996, supports high school seniors from North Ottawa County pursuing post-secondary education in engineering, computer science, pre-law, or medicine. Awarded competitively by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, applicants must demonstrate financial need and provide necessary documentation, including transcripts and recommendation letters. This scholarship honors the legacy of local residents Hank and Ruth Swartz, encouraging students to achieve their educational goals.

The Bea Goodwin Scholarship, established in 2026, honors the legacy of Dr. Bea Goodwin, a dedicated nursing leader. This scholarship is aimed at supporting professional nurses pursuing master's or doctoral degrees in nursing education. Applicants must have a minimum of two semesters remaining in their studies and must hold current RN licenses. Preference is given to candidates whose work reflects Dr. Goodwin's commitment to excellence in nursing education and preparing future nurse educators.

The American Heart Association (AHA) offers Student Scholarships in Cardiovascular Disease to encourage research among students in health-related fields. Open for applications starting January 27, 2025, these scholarships provide $2,000 for student projects focused on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. The top awardee will be named the Howard S. Silverman Scholar, receiving an additional $1,000 stipend. AHA membership is required by April 3, 2025, to apply.

The Barbara L. Tate Scholarship, offered by Nurses Educational Funds Inc., supports professional nurses pursuing advanced degrees in nursing. To be eligible, applicants must have a minimum of two semesters of study remaining, possess a valid RN license, and maintain a GPA of at least 3.6. This scholarship honors the legacy of Dr. Barbara Tate, a prominent figure in nursing education, and aims to promote leadership within the nursing profession.

The DoW Toxic Exposures Investigator Initiated Research Award aims to fund critical studies addressing diseases linked to military-related toxic exposures. This award supports a wide range of research phases, from basic laboratory investigations to translational research involving both animal models and human subjects. Projects may also explore New Approach Methodologies, enhancing our understanding and treatment options for affected individuals. By facilitating innovative research, this initiative seeks to improve patient care and outcomes.

The FY26 Toxic Exposures Research Program (TERP) Clinical Trial Award supports clinical trials aimed at addressing health issues from military-related toxic exposures. This initiative encourages collaboration through a Partnering Principal Investigator Option, enhancing interdisciplinary research efforts. Projects range from early-phase trials to large-scale studies, focusing on innovative treatments and management strategies for affected populations. The goal is to expedite the translation of research findings into effective clinical applications.

Cumberland Community Foundation ("CCF") manages more than 60 scholarship endowment funds created by local individuals, families, civic organizations, and corporations who want to provide a path to higher education for future generations. 

Each year, Cumberland Community Foundation announces more than $1,000,000 in college scholarships to students from southeastern North Carolina.

Leonard G. McLeod Theatre Scholarship

Receiving a diploma from any high school in Cumberland County.

The DoW Toxic Exposures Translational Research Award aims to foster translational research that bridges military-related toxic exposure studies and clinical applications. This program encourages innovative collaborations by allowing for a Partnering Principal Investigator Option, enhancing interdisciplinary partnerships. By integrating basic science with clinical insights, the initiative seeks to expedite the development of impactful health care products and interventions to address toxic exposures faced by military personnel.

The AJN/Thelma Schorr Scholarship, offered by Nurses Educational Funds Inc., supports professional nurses pursuing master's or doctoral degrees. Applicants must have at least two semesters remaining after the award notification and hold a current RN license. The scholarship aims to foster nursing leadership, particularly for those advocating for the profession through various platforms. Established in memory of Thelma Schorr, it recognizes candidates demonstrating leadership qualities in nursing.

The Cynthia Davis Sculco Scholarship, established by Nurses Educational Funds, Inc., supports nurses pursuing doctoral programs in nursing education. To qualify, applicants must hold a current RN license and be enrolled in an accredited nursing program with a minimum GPA of 3.6. This permanent scholarship, initiated with a generous $50,000 donation in 2012, honors Cynthia Sculco, a dedicated NEF Board member known for her leadership roles. It aims to promote nursing leadership through financial assistance for advanced education.

Who We Are

The Community Foundation of Central Illinois will make a sustainable philanthropic impact in our community through visible leadership in connecting people who care with causes that matter.

Joyce and Thomas H. Stanisic Scholarship Fund 

The Joyce and Thomas H. Stanisic Scholarship Fund was established to award scholarships based on need to students working toward a degree or certification in the music or healthcare fields. This scholarship will be given for the entire expected course of study, up to 4 years.