Best Grants for Jewish Nonprofits in Missouri

Missouri Jewish organizations and community groups can access funding through I Could Do Great Things Foundation to turn innovative, charitable ideas into concrete projects. Individuals, businesses, and community organizations with education, community, or Jewish-focused initiatives may be eligible, though general organizational overhead and profit-making ventures are not supported.

Jewish communal professionals ages 26–36 working full-time for 501(c)(3) Jewish nonprofits in Missouri and across North America can apply for the Wexner Davidson Fellowship, a three-year leadership and Jewish learning program. Fellows receive institutes, coaching, personalized Jewish study, professional development funds, and access to a global network of Jewish communal leaders.

Nonprofit organizations working within the Jewish community on women’s and girls’ leadership and gender equity can receive up to US $80,000 in multi-year program or unrestricted support, including those based in Missouri. With a mission to advance feminist leadership, Hadassah Foundation prioritizes collaborative, research-informed, and community education strategies in the U.S. and Israel.

Jewish-based and other 501(c)(3) public charities addressing poverty, youth, animals, or Jewish life can apply for Zera Foundation’s support; awards fund programs improving quality and equality of life. While its geographic focus is Oregon, the Board may occasionally approve grants in other locations such as Missouri.

Natan's Jewish Connections Grants empower innovative initiatives connecting diverse individuals to Jewish culture and practices. Aimed at organizations with budgets under $1.5 million, these grants foster inclusivity and creativity within Jewish communities in North America. By supporting emerging leaders and new methodologies, Natan strives to create systemic change and engage populations historically overlooked by mainstream Jewish organizations. Grants typically range from $20,000 to $30,000, promoting a collaborative approach to philanthropy.

Background

Natan’s Confronting Poverty committee requests proposals from organizations that are addressing poverty in their communities across the United States. This grant area is primarily focused on new models of direct services focused on Jewish poverty.

We understand that most social service organizations serve a diverse audience, but we anticipate that most of the funding will go towards organizations that have a special and particular interest in serving the Jewish community, in addition to other audiences.

We are particularly interested in;

• New models of direct services within existing agencies that address food insecurity, housing, job training, health and older adult care;
• New models of education, communications and awareness building around poverty
• New organizations and start ups that bring a fresh lens and voice to these matters

Natan seeks to sponsor or catalyze the creation of innovative, grassroots, and scalable strategies that address poverty and the factors that contribute to these challenges. This RFP targets both early-stage organizations and early-stage projects within larger institutions.

Natan anticipates awarding up to five grants of $30,000 - $35,000. The selected programs may be eligible for second year funding. Grant recipients will have the opportunity to work with a consultant to develop measures of success and evaluation plans.

Natan’s Confronting Poverty initiative is in partnership with The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation with the goal of surfacing new ideas in the Jewish anti-poverty space. Consideration will be given to applicants that incorporate voices of those with lived experience in their program development.

Jewish and secular organizations serving Judaism or Jewish culture projects in the Mahoning and Shenango Valleys or the Akko & Matte Asher region can seek support for programs or capital needs. With a mission to advance Jewish life, Youngstown Area Jewish Federation provides grants of US $1,500 - US $22,000 that may benefit similar Missouri-based partners with direct ties.

Nonprofits and educational institutions in Missouri can receive support for educational or artistic projects that use Holocaust history to reject hatred, promote understanding, and inspire change. The Jewish Federation of St. Louis prioritizes programs exploring the Holocaust, addressing ethical and social issues, fostering interfaith dialogue, and combating antisemitism, racism, and other forms of discrimination, including in the broader Midwest.

Missouri 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving Jewish older adults, particularly in St. Louis City and County, can apply for the Women’s Auxiliary Foundation for the Jewish Aged’s grants, with awards up to US $15,000 for impactful, ongoing programs. Funding prioritizes unmet mental health and well-being needs and encourages collaboration across Jewish community organizations.

Jewish nonprofits and congregations in Missouri serving the St. Louis area can seek funding to engage Jewish young adults, college and high school students, and families, building a vibrant local Jewish community. The Kranzberg Family Foundation, via Jewish Federation of St. Louis, prioritizes ongoing, collaborative programs with strong outreach and resources to confront rising antisemitism.

Jewish 501(c)(3) agencies, organizations, and synagogues in the St. Louis community can receive US $1,000 - US $5,000 for one-time needs like technology purchases or minor capital and building improvements. The Staenberg Family Foundation, through the Jewish Federation of St. Louis, requires projects under $10,000 total with a 50% match in new funds.

Missouri Jewish nonprofits and 501(c)(3) organizations serving the Jewish community with health, social service, or community programs in Greater Kansas City may be eligible for this funding. Missouri Jewish organizations can access funding through Menorah Heritage Foundation for health-focused services, Jewish education and engagement initiatives, and limited core operating support benefiting the Greater Kansas City metropolitan area.

Nonprofits supporting cultural arts, community relations, or education in the Greater Kansas City area can seek funding for programs serving the Jewish community. Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Kansas City supports Judaism and Jewish culture initiatives across eligible Missouri and Kansas counties, with applications reviewed two to three times per year on a rolling basis.

Jewish community organizations running innovative, collaborative programs in Missouri and nearby Kansas counties can receive up to US $5,000 for services or activities that are Jewish in nature and positively impact the Jewish community. Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Kansas City’s J-LEAD grants support groups serving the Greater Kansas City Jewish community, including eligible Missouri counties.

Jewish communal 501(c)(3) organizations in Missouri seeking support for Jewish life, education, cultural arts, safety net services, or essential programs can apply for the Community Legacy Fund. Focused on strengthening Judaism and Jewish culture, Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Kansas City invites eligible agencies in the Greater Kansas City area and neighboring Jewish communities to request core or innovative/emergency funding.

Jewish educational institutions and nonprofit organizations in Missouri can access funding for innovative Jewish education programs through the Covenant Foundation’s Signature and Ignition Grants. Grants support creative, adaptable approaches in schools, community centers, camps, museums, and similar settings across North America, with Ignition Grants offering up to US $35,000 for one-year projects.

Jewish nonprofits and organizations serving young people with disabilities in Missouri can apply for Oklahoma City Community Foundation’s Kirschner Trusts grants, with awards up to US $40,000. U.S.-based groups focused on Judaism or Jewish culture, education, youth, health, or human and social services may be eligible for this family-prioritized funding.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving children through youth development, mentorship, or education programs can apply for Kars4Kids’ small grants, typically around US $5,000. Missouri organizations with secular, non-religious programming for America’s children, including those rooted in Jewish culture or values, may be eligible for support to expand their local impact.

Jewish and civic-focused nonprofits addressing Jewish life, culture, and community needs in Missouri may be eligible for funding to support social and spiritual programs. Grants from Charles H. Revson Foundation help organizations in the U.S. and Israel advance Jewish Life initiatives, including community chaplaincy, multi-faith spiritual care, and leadership in civic and urban-planning contexts.

Jewish-focused 501(c)(3) public charities with programs in the San Francisco Bay Area or implemented nationally can apply for the Lisa & Douglas Goldman Fund’s Jewish Community support. Grants may benefit Missouri-based Jewish nonprofits whose work combats antisemitism, advances Jewish education and advocacy, or offers innovative, experiential projects that enhance Judaism’s relevance today.

Jewish 501(c)(3) organizations in Missouri and beyond can seek support for programs that strengthen Jewish life, protect and nurture children, or address community needs. Focused on Jewish life, mental health and substance abuse, and food security in the U.S. and Israel, the Lillian and Larry Goodman Foundation invites aligned organizations to submit an initial contact form.

Missouri Jewish nonprofits and related community organizations can access funding for programs in Judaism, Jewish culture, education, arts, environment, and human services, primarily in the St. Louis region. St. Louis Jewish organizations can access funding through Trio Foundation of St. Louis, with awards up to US $25,000 for program, operating, and select capital support.

The Wexner Field Fellowship is a three-year program aimed at enhancing the leadership skills of Jewish professionals in North America. Participants engage in leadership institutes, receive personalized coaching, and gain access to professional development funds. This fellowship fosters a robust network of leaders committed to serving the Jewish community, encouraging a deeper understanding of its diversity and strengthening essential leadership competencies. Eligible candidates must be full-time employees at Jewish organizations with at least five years of relevant experience.

Building a global community of creative problem solvers, effective collaborators, and empathetic individuals through theatre

Our Mission and Goals

The Educational Theatre Foundation (ETF) is the philanthropic arm of the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA).

ETF advances the field of educational theatre by broadening representation and increasing access for all. ETF’s programs aim to support students, educators and the field at large by realizing three strategic goals:

• Subsidizing new, emerging, and underserved student theatre programs;
• Creating paths for theatre educators to develop new skills; and
• Commissioning research to showcase the value of a theatre education.

Grants for Educators & Theatre Programs

A core piece of the Educational Theatre Foundation’s work is supporting theatre educators and theatre programs directly. We do this through a series of production and educator grants available to both members of EdTA as well as non-members.

For EdTA Members

Production Grants are offered in collaboration with the rights holders for specific plays and musicals or for initiative-based productions that build community.

Production Grants

Show-specific financial assistance for educational theatre programs

Fiddler on the Roof Grant

The Fiddler on the Roof Grant covers performance royalties and support resources for middle or high school Thespian troupes to perform Fiddler on the Roof or Fiddler on the Roof JR. through Music Theatre International. Funders Helene and Edward Cole created the grant to help educate students and communities about Jewish heritage and culture.

About NIF

Advancing Equality for All Israelis

The New Israel Fund (NIF) helps Israel live up to its founders’ vision of a society that ensures complete equality to all its inhabitants. Our aim is to advance liberal democracy, including freedom of speech and minority rights, and to fight the inequality, injustice and extremism that diminish Israel.

From Israel’s first rape crisis centers, to fighting discrimination, NIF-funded organizations have driven positive social change and furthered justice and equality. NIF has provided over $350 million to more than 950 organizations since our inception in 1979.

Naomi Chazan Global Activism Fellowship

Want to travel to Israel/Palestine while advancing equality, democracy, and peace for all?

The New Israel Fund’s Naomi Chazan Global Activism Fellowship offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to visit Israel/Palestine, meet frontline Israeli and Palestinian activists, and learn about issues of war, peace, and inequality by seeing the reality on the ground. 

Fellows will visit Israel/Palestine on November 3-10, 2026.

This trip is a great opportunity to learn alongside peers and friends (ages 21 – 35). NIF is based on the simple idea that those of us who share a commitment to Israel/Palestine and to progressive values can join together to work for equality, freedom, and human rights. You will join a cohort of participants from the U.S. and Canada building relationships across borders to be sustained for years to come.

Following the trip, participants are expected to organize at least two NIF events in their home communities, with support from NIF staff. These events could look like a report-back highlighting the participants’ learnings from the trip, educational programs featuring NIF grantees/partners, or something else entirely that is tailored to the intellectual, emotional, and spiritual needs of the fellow’s communities.

The program is subsidized by generous donors in the NIF community. All “on-the-ground” costs—your hotel accommodation and almost all meals—will be covered by NIF. Participants are responsible for purchasing their own airfare and travel/health insurance. If the cost of airfare is a barrier for you, please apply anyway. Limited airfare subsidies may be available.

The Amy Adina Schulman Memorial Fund

The Amy Adina Schulman Memorial Fund is a Princeton, New Jersey-based endowment fund providing grants to individuals, young adults who volunteer or intern for progressive social action projects or programs in an area of their interest and commitment. The Amy Adina Fund also sponsors a lecture each year on a relevant and timely topic related to its educational mission.

The Amy Adina Schulman Memorial Fund was started in 1987 one year after Amy Adina, 20, died suddenly while a student and activist at Rutgers University. It is a realization of her family and her communities’ desire to celebrate her life, to fulfill her dreams and her potential. Since its inception, almost 1,500 grants have been awarded for work in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and the United States—nearly $1,000,000 in total. The Amy Adina Schulman Memorial Fund is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.

About Our Grants

Small grants (depending on length of service), are awarded to as many applicants as possible rather than giving larger amounts to fewer individuals. The number of awards has grown each year thanks to annual contributions as well as to gifts sent to the Fund to honor special occasions and life cycle events.

JFO Music & Cultural Arts Programs

This scholarship opportunity is available year-round.

The current program requirements include the following:

• Scholarships are awarded on a financial-need basis.
• Scholarships are available only to Jewish residents of the Omaha metropolitan area.