Best Grants for Seniors in Missouri

The Piñon Foundation Grant supports 501(c)(3) organizations and educational institutions focused on enhancing the education, health, and well-being of children and the elderly. Although it primarily funds initiatives in West Texas, the Dallas Fort Worth area, and Oklahoma City, it is open to proposals from other regions that can positively impact community growth. The foundation believes in the transformative power of education and health to foster community success and development.

This funding opportunity aims to enhance the participation of older adults in the Senior Nutrition Program by focusing on preventative health initiatives. The project seeks to build capacity through statewide efforts, develop shared resources for program sustainability, and foster collaboration among senior nutrition programs and key organizations. By achieving these goals, the initiative will improve health outcomes and strengthen community ties for older adults.

The Aging Services Leadership Fellowship, offered by the United Negro College Fund, is a one-year non-clinical program for recent master's graduates or mid-career professionals with at least five years of experience. The program emphasizes cohort learning, community building, and skill development in aging services. Participants engage in specialized training, networking events, and mentorship opportunities designed to foster leadership and cultural humility, ultimately preparing them to lead in the aging services sector.

The Combating Social Isolation of Older Adults Grant, provided by the Sephardic Home for the Aged Foundation, aims to combat elder abuse and neglect exacerbated by social isolation. This initiative recognizes that isolation can lead to severe mental and physical health issues among older adults. It promotes trauma-informed care and mental health services to help these individuals reconnect socially. Additionally, the Foundation supports intergenerational programming as a vital strategy to foster community connections and reduce isolation among seniors.

The Dementia Care and Brain Degenerative Diseases Grant, offered by the Sephardic Home For The Aged Foundation, aims to support innovative projects enhancing care and quality of life for older adults affected by dementia. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)3 nonprofits in operation for at least two years. The Foundation prioritizes proposals focusing on dementia care, promoting collaboration and resource access for aging individuals. Interested applicants should submit a Letter of Inquiry through the online application system.

The Sephardic Home For The Aged Foundation offers grants focused on end-of-life care and preventing elder neglect. They encourage nonprofits with a 501(c)3 status, operational for at least two years, to apply for funding. The foundation prioritizes innovative programs that enhance the quality of life for older adults through education, advocacy, and community outreach. Interested organizations should submit a Letter of Inquiry before applying for the grant.

The Michigan Health Endowment Fund offers Scholarships for Conferences and Professional Development to support health-related events. These scholarships, up to $2,500 per person and $5,000 per organization, are available for current or past grantees and partners. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with a requirement to submit at least four weeks before the event. Priority is given to organizations that haven't received funding in the previous year, ensuring equitable access to professional development opportunities.

The Transition to Aging Research Award for Predoctoral Students, funded by the National Institute on Aging (NIA), invites exceptional graduate students to pursue aging-related postdoctoral training. This two-phase award supports late-stage doctoral candidates in completing dissertation projects across diverse research areas. It aims to facilitate smooth transitions into competitive aging-focused postdoctoral roles, fostering the development of future investigators in aging research. This initiative is designed to enhance collaboration and impactful research in the field of aging.

The David Kelby Johnson Memorial Foundation offers grants to 501(c)(3) organizations focused on sight preservation, children's services, and environmental conservation, primarily in Utah. Established in memory of David Kelby Johnson, who tragically lost his life at a young age, the foundation aims to honor his legacy by supporting impactful charitable initiatives. Grants range from $5,000 to $100,000, with a commitment to improving communities both locally and globally.

The THCF Community Grants program offers funding for up to three years for eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits and local government organizations in Eastern Jackson County. Proposals can focus on areas such as arts, education, community betterment, and health services. Notably, applicants may only seek funding from one grant program, either Community Grants or the Jelley Family Foundation Grants, starting in 2024. This initiative aims to foster community growth and support diverse local projects.

The AARP Community Challenge Grant supports projects that enhance community living for residents aged 50 and older. With a focus on immediate improvements and long-term progress, grants range from $10,000 to $25,000, covering areas like public spaces, transportation, and digital literacy. Since 2017, AARP has awarded over $20.1 million through more than 1,700 grants across the U.S. Eligible organizations include nonprofits and government entities committed to serving the needs of older adults.

The Moffat Geriatric Research Grant, offered by the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research, supports innovative physical therapy research. With a commitment to enhancing healthcare outcomes, this grant aims to fund both emerging and established researchers. By addressing health disparities and fostering a new generation of researchers, the program seeks to advance evidence-based practices that improve movement and health across diverse populations.

The Fred J. Brunner Foundation Grant supports organizations that aid vulnerable populations, particularly the young and elderly, through education, shelter, and hunger initiatives. Established in 1956 by Fred J., the foundation distributes grants annually in the fall, focusing primarily on recipients in the greater Chicago area, although exceptions are made. The foundation operates without regard to race, creed, or ethnicity, allowing all recipients to reapply each year.

The Allen P. and Josephine B. Green Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in Missouri by supporting 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations. With a focus on human services, education, and community health, the foundation provides grants ranging from $1,000 to $50,000 annually. The application process is competitive, with deadlines twice a year, ensuring substantial support for impactful community projects. Interested organizations can find more details and apply through the foundation's website.

The Gould Charitable Foundation Grant supports 501(c)(3) organizations in Boston and Kansas City. The foundation prioritizes innovative projects that can make a significant impact, particularly those with high leveraging potential and long-term benefits. Areas of interest include elder services, environmental stewardship, health care, personal rights, disadvantaged training, children's welfare, and women's issues. Applications are accepted year-round, with a focus on projects that offer valuable community enhancements.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

The Senior and Dorinda’s Dream Funds Grant Program provides financial assistance to fulfill end-of-life wishes for terminally ill adults in hospice care. Established by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, it supports patients aged 18-65 through the Dorinda's Dream Fund, and those over 65 via the Senior Dream Fund. The grant covers costs like airline tickets for loved ones, with applications accepted anytime, ensuring that patients can make meaningful final connections.

The Charles L. and Dorothy Weaver Memorial Orthodontic Grant offers three scholarships annually for full orthodontic treatment to individuals aged 10 to 30 within the CFO Region. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, have a complete set of permanent teeth, and reside in the southern Missouri Ozarks. Successful candidates must also have reliable transportation to orthodontic appointments and access to ongoing dental care during their treatment. This initiative aims to enhance dental health and quality of life for eligible youth.

The Ensign-Bickford Foundation Grant supports diverse community initiatives, emphasizing education and environmental sustainability. Established in 1952, it funds accredited educational programs, ecological preservation, and health services, while encouraging employee volunteerism and matching contributions. The Foundation prioritizes support for 501(c)(3) organizations and local projects that enhance community welfare. With a history of impactful giving, it plays a vital role in fostering societal well-being and innovation across various sectors.

The Ina Calkins Board Grant supports 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Kansas City, Missouri, providing approximately $200,000 annually. Founded in 1930, it aims to assist organizations that promote total abstinence from alcohol, care for the elderly, and support children's welfare. Grants are awarded to enhance social services, education, and health care for those in need. Eligible organizations must serve residents of Kansas City, ensuring that aid benefits the local community.

The Chatlos Foundation provides grants to nonprofit organizations in the U.S. and globally, focusing on Bible colleges, religious causes, liberal arts colleges, medical concerns, and social issues. Grants typically range from $2,000 to $20,000, depending on the category. The Foundation prioritizes program support and typically funds requests under $10,000. Eligible organizations must be U.S.-based, tax-exempt for at least two years, and aligned with the Foundation's mission, ensuring that funded projects achieve independence.

The George H. Nettleton Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life for older adults in the Greater Kansas City area by funding unmet basic needs. The foundation envisions a healthy senior population and invites both new and existing programs to apply. Grants typically average under $100,000 and can extend for a maximum of two years. Agencies must be licensed 501C3 and serve specific counties in Missouri and Kansas.

Lutheran School Mini Grants

The Foundation continues to encourage congregations to reach out to their surrounding communities through organized, effective social service outreach ministry efforts. We also recognize congregations are looking for innovative ways, outside the traditional social service outreach model, to build relationships and engage their communities.

We look to accomplish this in two ways:

• Supporting congregations as they work to engage and serve their neighbors and community through planning and program implementation grants.
• Strengthening the ability of congregations to engage in community engagement efforts through coaching assistance, mentoring, and training (through Send Me St. Louis).Examples of Possible Ministry Projects

Congregation Community Engagement is defined for this Funding Focus Area as activities, services, or efforts designed to reach out to others on a local level (St. Louis metropolitan region). Examples include both serving the immediate needs of people and efforts to engage and build relationships with the community. The focus is on bringing the care of Jesus Christ into the lives of hurting people in the community, rather than serving the congregation’s own members. This funding focus area is not meant to support “Word and Sacrament” activities.

• Health care/mental health services
• Fitness/healthy living programs
• English as a second language
• After-school mentoring/tutoring
• Social activities for seniors
• Community revitalization
• Recreation activities
• Home repair/beautification
• Partnerships with local schools/other institutions
• Social enterprise/business that benefits the community and/or creates space for relationships
• One-time events (run by the congregation) to meet a need in the community

Idea Exploration

Congregations should know what they want to do and have an idea of how to get started. If you are not at this point, coaching services to assist your congregation are offered through Lutheran Foundation’s relationship with Send Me St. Louis. Services include coaching and guidance on:

• mapping the congregation’s and community’s assets, 
• researching opportunities for social service outreach ministry, and/or
• planning for a social service outreach ministry.

There are no grant deadlines for the Congregation Mini Grants. Application can be made at any time of the year.

The Community Foundation of Central Missouri (CFCM) promotes community well-being through its Community Support Grants. Since 2010, CFCM has focused on addressing local needs by funding nonprofit projects in areas such as health, education, arts, and community improvement. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits or local government entities serving central Missouri. CFCM seeks partnerships that align with its mission to enhance lives and foster sustainable community investments.

The Paul B. Beeson Emerging Leaders Career Development Award in Aging (K76)

The National Institute on Aging (NIA), The John A. Hartford Foundation, and the National Institute on Neurological Disorders and Strokes (NINDS) are collaborating on this initiative to develop of a cadre of talented scientists prepared and willing to take an active leadership role in transformative change that will lead to improved health care outcomes.

Emerging leaders are clinically trained (primarily physician) early-stage investigators who have begun to establish research careers and have shown signs of leadership potential who will use this award to further develop the tools, skills and resources to have a significant impact in their field of expertise. 

The National Institute on Aging is pursuing this initiative to recruit talented new investigators who have begun to establish research programs and through this award will be ready to assume leadership roles in their field of expertise and well poised to change theory, practice and health outcomes related to the health of older individuals. Unlike other mentored K awards candidates for this award must have received competitively awarded research support as a PD/PI at the faculty level and have had prior leadership responsibilities in the clinical or research domain.

It is anticipated that seven to ten awards will be granted in 2017, up to 5 years of funding limited to $225,000 in direct costs per year. 

The William J. Brace Charitable Trust Grant supports educational, cultural, human services, and health care initiatives, focusing on the well-being of children and older adults, as well as hospitals in Kansas City, Missouri. Established in 1958, this private funder emphasizes general operating and program support for eligible organizations. Note that capital support requests are not considered. Grants typically last for one year, aiding community improvement and capacity building.

The Christine and Katharina Pauly Charitable Trust Grant supports educational, health, and human services for underserved populations in Springfield, Missouri. Established in 1985, it prioritizes programs benefiting children and older adults, focusing on systemic school improvement, effective healthcare delivery, and strengthening community safety nets. Grants typically last one year, with special consideration for organizations with operating budgets under $1 million. This trust aims to enhance the quality of life for vulnerable populations in the region.