Best Grants for Small Nonprofits in Missouri

The Community Possible Grant Program by U.S. Bank aims to foster economic and workforce advancement, as well as safe and affordable housing. By partnering with 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, the program seeks to drive lasting change within communities through collaborative grantmaking. Priority is given to organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and that address multiple pillars of work, home, and play. This initiative reflects U.S. Bank's commitment to creating a more equitable society.

Small 501(c)(3) nonprofits with innovative human services programs, including those in Missouri, can seek support for new approaches to social problems through grants from the Creag Foundation. Eligible organizations must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and may begin by submitting a letter of inquiry for invitation-only opportunities.

With a mission to strengthen child and family well-being, Jackson County Community Childrens Service Fund provides Missouri nonprofits and government entities with capacity-building support. Eligible organizations must serve children and youth under 19 in Jackson County, Missouri, and can seek funding to enhance internal operations and staff development around children’s mental health and related services.

Small 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving youth through education, health, development, or welfare programs in Missouri and beyond can seek up to US $15,000 for direct services. The Dan Paul Foundation supports projects such as early childhood development, child advocacy, homelessness and poverty relief, refugee enrichment, environmental education, and related workshops, scholarships, and scientific endeavors benefiting children and youth.

Nonprofit and NGO programs using technology for crisis response, education access, or economic empowerment in Missouri and worldwide can apply for Global Impact Cash Grants up to US $100,000. Grants from Cisco Systems Foundation help small nonprofits serving mostly economically underserved people pilot or scale innovative, tech-enabled solutions year-round through an LOI process.

Missouri educational institutions, government programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and volunteer fire companies can access funding through State Farm Companies Foundation for safety, education, and community development initiatives. Grants from State Farm Companies Foundation help small Missouri nonprofits support auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, job training, financial literacy, STEM, and K–12 or higher education programs.

Missouri 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on early childhood education or community economic development can access funding through PNC Foundation to strengthen low- and moderate-income communities. Grants may support early learning programs, educator development, affordable housing, small business assistance, community services, arts and culture, and neighborhood revitalization in Missouri counties where PNC has a significant presence.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

Missouri 501(c)(3) charitable, educational, scientific, and medical organizations can seek funding to support programs that significantly benefit their target populations. Grants from Sidney Stern Memorial Trust help small nonprofits across the U.S., including Missouri, that are soundly managed and contribute materially to the general welfare, with all awarded funds used domestically.

Nonprofit organizations and K–12 schools in Missouri’s St. Louis City and County can seek $5,000 - $25,000 for workforce development, youth development, and education programs. St Louis Community Foundation manages Pettus Foundation’s invitation-only process, prioritizing direct services, small capital improvements, and initiatives that build job skills, early childhood education, and strong governance with multiple funding partners.

Small 501(c)(3) and other IRS-approved entities in Missouri’s Ozark counties can apply for Community Foundation of the Ozarks’ L-A-D Foundation Grant Program, with awards up to US $10,000 for conservation-focused projects. Funding supports environmental education, cultural and natural resource conservation, grassroots organizing, start-up costs, capital needs, seed money, and workshops in the 12 eligible counties.

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.

Small public agencies and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Missouri planning or educating around historic preservation can apply for US $2,500 - US $5,000 to support local projects. National Trust for Historic Preservation funds planning, technical assistance, and outreach efforts that build capacity, engage communities, and advance preservation initiatives; a one-to-one match is required.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving communities in the Southern U.S. can seek funding for programs in education, poverty relief, health, disaster relief, families, veterans, animal welfare, conservation, and faith-based initiatives. Robinson Foundation supports single-year projects from established nonprofits (3+ years) that demonstrate fiscal responsibility and clear, tangible impact; Missouri organizations generally will not qualify geographically.

Small 501(c)(3) nonprofits providing community services in Missouri counties such as Jackson, St. Louis County, and St. Louis City can seek philanthropic grants or event sponsorships to support their service goals. Insperity supports community-focused organizations that are clients, engage its employees, or serve communities where its employees live and work.

Dudley T Dougherty Foundation provides Missouri small nonprofits with funding for community services, environmental conservation, and peacebuilding initiatives. Eligible 501(c)(3) charitable organizations may use these grants to advance programs that respect people, the environment, and all forms of life, and Missouri-based groups can compete alongside applicants from other locations.

The Georgia-Pacific Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Metro Atlanta area, focusing on education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental sustainability. Established in 1958, the foundation prioritizes investments that align with its mission and values, promoting long-term well-being within communities where Georgia-Pacific operates. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities located within 30 miles of GP manufacturing sites.

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.

Nonprofit health and human service organizations in Missouri’s Cass, Clay, Jackson, and Platte counties can receive unrestricted, one-year operating support through United Way of Greater Kansas City’s Impact 100. Funding supports missions in areas like health, education, and financial stability, and connects grantees to a broader donor and corporate partner network.

Small nonprofits and government entities serving children and youth in Jackson County, Missouri can seek funding for mental health, counseling, crisis intervention, shelter, and family-strengthening services. Focused on kids’ mental health and social-emotional well-being, Jackson County Community Childrens Service Fund offers up to US $750,000 per award through calendar- or academic-year funding cycles.

With a mission to strengthen communities, Ameriprise Financial provides Missouri small nonprofits with funding for basic needs, community vitality, and volunteer-driven programs. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations serving U.S. clients may apply for support in areas like hunger relief, shelter and housing, financial literacy, workforce readiness, and community development, with priority given where Ameriprise volunteers are actively engaged.

Missouri small nonprofits and nonprofit postsecondary or vocational institutions supporting veterans’ education can access funding through Community Foundation of the Quincy Area for tuition, books, fees, and related training costs. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations must be located within the foundation’s 12-county West Central Illinois and Northeast Missouri service area and serve honorably discharged veterans.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

Missouri small 501(c)(3) nonprofits with programs in safety, workforce development, community vitality, or environmental sustainability can access funding through Union Pacific Foundation’s Community Ties Local Grants. Awards of US $5,000 - US $30,000 support direct services and capacity-building for projects primarily benefiting communities served by Union Pacific, with emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

Rural public entities and nonprofit organizations in Missouri can seek funding to provide training, technical assistance, and infrastructure support for small rural businesses, with awards from US $10,000 - US $500,000. USDA Rural Development supports rural economic and community development projects that benefit businesses with fewer than 50 workers and under $1 million in revenue.

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.