Best Grants for Museums in Missouri

The rootEd Undergraduate Scholarship, established by rootEd Alliance in 2018, supports high school seniors from rural Missouri and Idaho in pursuing higher education. This renewable scholarship provides up to $12,000 annually for students attending accredited nonprofit colleges or universities. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need, maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0, and be committed to completing a bachelor’s degree program. This initiative aims to enhance educational opportunities and promote success for students in rural America.

Missouri museums and cultural organizations seeking operations support for entrepreneurship, innovation, or technology-focused programs can apply for the Missouri Corporation for Science and Technology’s Missouri Building Entrepreneurial Capacity Operations Support Grant; awards range from US $150,000 - US $500,000 for day-to-day operations and multiple projects that strengthen the state’s innovation economy.

Ava’s Grace Scholarship, founded in 2010, provides vital educational support to students with incarcerated parents or caregivers in Missouri and parts of Illinois. Offering scholarships up to $5,000 annually, it renews through graduation. This initiative promotes hope and community, transforming lives through education. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0, while also planning to pursue an accredited degree. This program, part of The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis, aims to foster a brighter future.

The Helen E. Nash, M.D. Educational Trust Fund Scholarship honors Dr. Helen Nash's legacy in St. Louis by providing need-based financial support up to $7,000 annually for qualifying high school seniors. Applicants must be residents of St. Louis City, rank in the top third of their class, and intend to enroll in a four-year college or university in Missouri. This scholarship aims to empower students to pursue higher education, reflecting Dr. Nash's commitment to equality and education.

The Insuring Rural Communities Scholarship supports students from rural Missouri and Illinois, offering renewable scholarships up to $5,000. Funded by Valley Insurance Agency Alliance and Travelers Foundation, it aims to assist those pursuing degrees in healthcare, information technology, or risk management. Eligible applicants must be permanent residents of non-metropolitan areas, enrolled in accredited programs, and demonstrate significant financial need. This initiative enhances academic and career success in underserved communities.

Missouri museums and cultural institutions developing entrepreneurship, innovation, or technology-focused projects can seek Missouri Building Entrepreneurial Capacity Project Support Grants, awarding US $150,000 - US $500,000. Focused on growing high-tech businesses and job creation, Missouri Corporation for Science and Technology funds singular projects that strengthen the state’s innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem.

What does this program do?

It provides loans and grants to Microenterprise Development Organizations (MDOs) to:

• To help microenterprises startup and growth through a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund.
• Provide training and technical assistance to microloan borrowers and micro entrepreneurs.

The Marketing Platform Development Program by the Missouri Division of Tourism aims to enhance marketing investments for tourism beyond the fiscal year. Grants up to $10,000 are available to certified and non-certified Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs), promoting projects that expand tourism marketing and increase economic impact. Eligible platforms include website development, social media strategy, and brand awareness studies, ensuring efficient implementation and collaborative marketing efforts.

The Marketing Matching Grant (MMG), offered by the Missouri Division of Tourism, aims to enhance tourism in the state by partnering with Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs). This grant supports projects that promote Missouri’s attractions and reimburse up to 50% of approved advertising costs. The application period runs from April 1 to April 30, 2025, following a certification process for DMOs. The initiative focuses on increasing visitation and visitor spending to strengthen Missouri's tourism market.

CSA Midwest Region: Beth Dunlap Award

 The Midwestern Region presents The Beth Dunlap Award at the Regional Symposium. The award will be offered to a person who has made contributions worthy of the highest commendation and the achievements will have continued importance. Beth Dunlap was one of the founding members of the Midwestern Region. A fashion illustrator and artist, she passed away in 2009.

The WNAN Natural History Research Grant supports research in biological natural history within western North America. Grants of up to $2,500 are available for five authors to assist with travel, supplies, and other research-related expenses. This initiative particularly encourages applicants from institutions where research is not the primary focus, aiming to foster diverse contributions to natural history.

Enterprise Community Partners

Enterprise Community Partners (Enterprise) is a national nonprofit that exists to make a good home possible for the millions of families without one. We support community development organizations on the ground, aggregate and invest capital for impact, advance housing policy at every level of government, and build and manage communities ourselves. Since 1982, we have invested $80.9 billion and created 1 million homes across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands – all to make home and community places of pride, power and belonging.

Midwest Asset Management University Program

Operating, maintaining, and preserving affordable housing is complex and requires a specialized set of skills and a deep organizational commitment to asset management. Today, affordable housing providers face a variety of economic, operational, and compliance challenges, including rising operating costs, rental arrears, staffing shortages, and an aging portfolio.

Enterprise is launching its first Asset Management University (AMU) Program in the Midwest (Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Missouri, and/or Minnesota) in March 2026 to support mission-aligned, affordable housing providers in meeting these challenges in their efforts to provide housing stability to residents and preserve the long-term affordability of properties.

The Midwest AMU is a comprehensive, five-month training program that seeks to strengthen the asset and property management capabilities of participating housing providers, improving organizations’ capacity to oversee the financial, physical, and operational health of their housing portfolios.

Midwest Asset Management University Cohort 

Enterprise is excited to offer this application for participation in the Asset Management University (AMU) Cohort (the “Cohort”). Up to fifteen (15) eligible organizations will be selected for this Cohort and will receive access to online training offered by the Consortium of Housing and Asset Management (CHAM), peer learning opportunities, and post-training technical assistance.

The James M. Cox Foundation Grant offers support to nonprofit organizations focused on conservation, early childhood education, family empowerment, and health. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt and located in areas where Cox Enterprises operates. Grant applications are accepted year-round, with deadlines before Trustee meetings. Preference is given to organizations with a history of local engagement. This foundation embodies the philanthropic spirit of its founder, James M. Cox, by giving back to the community.

The Sprouting School Gardens Grant, provided by the Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation, supports school-based gardening and cooking programs to foster healthy eating habits in children. Grants between $5,000 and $10,000 help cover program operations, supplies, and educator stipends. Eligible applicants include schools and 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas served by Sprouts Farmers Market, promoting meaningful connections between local teams and school gardening initiatives.

The Growing Healthy Kids Grant, funded by The Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation, aims to support community-based programs that enhance children's nutrition access and health education. With grant amounts ranging from $5,000 to $10,000, this initiative focuses on hands-on programs that promote healthy habits among children and their families. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Sprouts Farmers Market operates, helping to ensure that the funds directly benefit local communities.

The Wellness Across the Lifespan Grant supports the health of communities by providing access to nutritious food and essential nutrition education. Grants ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 are awarded to 501(c)(3) nonprofits in areas where Sprouts Farmers Market operates. This funding emphasizes health and nutrition education, as well as programs that promote healthy lifestyles and nutrition security, ultimately benefiting adults and vulnerable populations.

The Giving Branch Scholarship, funded by Flat Branch Mortgage, Inc. employees, aims to support working adults in pursuing higher education within the communities served by Flat Branch. This scholarship offers financial assistance ranging from $500 to $5,000, targeting individuals aged 25 and older who meet specific employment, residency, and academic criteria. By investing in education, the Giving Branch Foundation seeks to empower local residents and contribute positively to the community.

The Giving Branch Foundation, fully funded by Flat Branch Mortgage, Inc. employees, aims to support local communities through donations. By distributing funds to individuals facing hardships such as unexpected medical bills or disaster recovery, the foundation strives to uplift those in need. Grants are available for various eligible hardships, ensuring financial assistance reaches those who require immediate support. The mission is to give back to communities that have long supported the foundation's efforts.

The Needmor Fund for Social Justice aims to promote social justice by supporting community organizing efforts in the Midwest. With a focus on low- and moderate-income communities, BIPOC groups, and other marginalized populations, the fund provides grants for up to three years to organizations committed to long-term empowerment and advocacy. The initiative seeks to foster inclusive participation in democracy, ensuring that all voices are heard in shaping policies affecting their lives.

The Della Mabel Wright Scholarship Trust, managed by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports students pursuing a Bachelor's Degree at Southeast Missouri State University or the University of Missouri. This scholarship is open to residents of Stoddard and Bollinger Counties who demonstrate financial need and leadership qualities. It is renewable for up to four additional years, contingent upon maintaining enrollment and a minimum GPA of 2.5, ensuring ongoing support for education and community development.

The California Casualty Music & Arts Grant supports K-12 public schools facing budget cuts that threaten their music and arts programs. Eligible applicants, who must be active employees of public K-12 schools and members of specified educator associations, can request grants of $250 for music or arts needs. This initiative aims to enhance creative education across the states, excluding AK, HI, MA, MI, NY, and WI. Applications received by July 15 will be notified by November 30.

The North Central Branch John Henry Comstock Award recognizes one graduate student from each of the Entomological Society of America's six branches. This award promotes graduate-level entomology and encourages attendance at the ESA Annual Meeting. Benefits include an all-expense-paid trip to the national meeting, a $500 cash prize, and a certificate presented during the meeting. Eligibility includes current enrollment in a graduate entomology program or recent graduation.

The Windgate Charitable Trust Grant supports contemporary craft and visual arts in the U.S. It offers funding for fellowships, residencies, educational outreach, and materials for craft programs. The foundation prioritizes strengthening visual arts in colleges and expanding K-12 art-integrated programs, providing opportunities for artists and educators to enhance their skills and foster creativity among students. Organizations with previous funding from Windgate can apply through the grantee portal.

The Virginia H. Glasson Charitable Trust Grant supports Christian charitable organizations and preferred beneficiaries. It funds projects in areas such as education, scientific research, religious activities, and arts and culture. Eligible applicants are nonprofit organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS tax code, located in states such as California, Colorado, Florida, Missouri, North Carolina, and Washington D.C. However, individuals cannot apply for funding.

The XENO PRIZE for Performance Arts, awarded by Franklin Furnace, supports early-career LGBTQ+-identifying performance artists creating new work in 26 states with restrictive gender-affirming laws. This annual prize, established in 2023, offers $5000 to a selected recipient from proposals submitted for the Franklin Furnace FUND for Performance Art. The deadline for submissions is April 1, 2025, encouraging innovative voices in the contemporary performance art landscape.

Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri

The Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri Inc. was established in 2009 as a 501(c)3 public charity to help donors support their favorite charities while receiving maximum tax advantage.

We serve as a vehicle for charitable giving, helping donors give to the causes they care about. Donor gifts will strengthen nonprofits increasing programs and services. 

Allen, Mollie J and Nelson G Morgan County R-II Scholarship

This fund was established by Mollie and Nelson Allen to provide academic scholarships to graduating high school seniors in the Morgan County R-II School District.

Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri

The Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri Inc. was established in 2009 as a 501(c)3 public charity to help donors support their favorite charities while receiving maximum tax advantage.

We serve as a vehicle for charitable giving, helping donors give to the causes they care about. Donor gifts will strengthen nonprofits increasing programs and services. 

Allen, Mollie J and Nelson G Scholarship

This fund was established to provide academic scholarships to graduating seniors of Northwest Missouri intending to pursue a degree in education at a 2 or 4-year college/university or a Vocational degree/certificate at a 2-year college or Vocational/Technical School.

There are two types of this scholarship: Scholarship 1 and Scholarship 2

One recipient will be chosen for each scholarship. Scholarship 1 is awarded on an annual basis and is renewable for up to 4 years with disbursements in August and January. Scholarship 2 is awarded on an annual basis and is renewable for up to 2 years if needed. 

Scholarship 1

The students eligible shall be graduating seniors of a high school within the 18-county region of The Community Foundation intending to pursue a degree in education (elementary or secondary) through a two or four-year college and/or university. 

Scholarship 1 renewing students must have a GPA of 2.0 or higher their freshman year and 2.5 or higher the remaining 3 years to be eligible.