Best Grants for Small Nonprofits in Missouri

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 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program provides federal funding to non-entitlement cities and counties to improve infrastructure, support community facilities, and strengthen local economies in ways that primarily help low-to-moderate income people while addressing local health and safety concerns. Project awards are available in several categories for a wide range of community development initiatives.

CDBG Competitive Cycle allows communities to apply for improvements to nearly any publicly-owned facility or infrastructure, as well as the clearance of vacant, dilapidated buildings.

The General Infrastructure category helps improve local, publicly owned streets, drainage, bridges, and other infrastructure activities. Reliable and sustainable infrastructure helps support the business community as well as residents. This excludes drinking water and wastewater projects which the applicant should apply for under the water/wastewater program. The CDBG-funded construction budget cannot exceed $500,000 total or $5,000 per household benefiting.

The Shelter Operations Support (SOS) Grant Program aims to enhance emergency shelter operations in Missouri, prioritizing assistance to programs that serve veterans. It is designed for established non-profits and community organizations with a track record of at least two years. The program provides operating and administrative funds to ensure safe temporary housing for residents facing crises, while maintaining compliance with funding restrictions and eligibility criteria.

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 Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants in Missouri provide vital funding for eligible rural communities to prepare for or recover from emergencies affecting safe drinking water. This program, supported by USDA Rural Development, enables grants for water transmission lines and source construction, ensuring access to reliable water in the wake of disasters like floods and droughts. By fostering partnerships and encouraging sustainable practices, it aims to enhance water security and support community resilience.

Upward Momentum is a collaborative fund aimed at transforming economic mobility in Missouri. By investing in community-driven initiatives, it seeks to address systemic inequities and foster opportunities for all. The fund emphasizes partnerships and innovative strategies to create lasting change, focusing on the unique diversity of Missouri's communities. With a commitment to inclusivity and collaboration, Upward Momentum is poised to drive impactful solutions that enhance economic well-being across the state.

Arbor Rising Grant, established in 2010, is a NYC-based nonprofit providing unrestricted multi-year funding and capacity-building support to nonprofits focused on alleviating poverty. The grant process occurs every three years, with the next round in 2025 being invitation-only. Eligible organizations must demonstrate high potential and effective leadership, typically operating on a modest budget. Arbor Rising prioritizes applicants from the NYC metro area while expanding to cover the lower 48 US states.

The Jeffris Heartland Fund Grant, provided by the Jeffris Family Foundation, supports significant historic preservation projects across several Midwestern states, including Iowa and Wisconsin. Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000, covering 50% of costs for Historic Structure Reports, requiring a dollar-for-dollar match. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and government agencies, focusing on projects with historical significance, architectural merit, and strong community ties. Applications are accepted anytime, with decisions made approximately 30 days after submission.

The Recreational Trails Program Grants, offered by the Missouri State Parks Foundation, aim to enhance both motorized and nonmotorized recreational trails through federal funding. These grants support local governments, school districts, and nonprofits in projects such as trail construction, maintenance, and facility development. A minimum 20% matching contribution is required from project sponsors. This initiative fosters partnerships to improve Missouri's park systems, ensuring accessibility and sustainability for public enjoyment.

The Historic Preservation Tax Credit Program (HTC) in Missouri incentivizes the rehabilitation of historic commercial and residential structures. Targeting large projects with tax credit requests of $275,000 or more, this program aims to preserve the state's architectural heritage while promoting economic development. By providing financial support, it encourages investment in historically significant properties, ensuring their sustainable use and maintenance for future generations.

The Connecting Joy Grant, provided by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, aims to enhance the hospital experience for children battling illness through engaging gaming programs. This initiative supports children's hospitals and nonprofits by funding equipment, staffing, and connectivity, ensuring children can enjoy gaming at their bedside. With grants ranging from $25,000 to $150,000, the program focuses on offering joy and distraction, helping young patients cope with their hospital stays while facilitating connections with peers.

The Missouri Housing Trust Fund, established in 1994, aims to address the housing needs of very low-income families and individuals in Missouri. Managed by the Missouri Housing Development Commission, it allocates funds for homeless prevention, rental assistance, and home repairs. The fund prioritizes individuals earning at or below 25% of the area median income, ensuring that resources effectively target the most vulnerable populations. Grants are capped at $150,000 per type and $300,000 per application.

The Patterson Family Foundation is inviting innovative proposals to enhance community engagement in rural areas. With a focus on projects that foster long-term involvement from all generations, the Foundation aims to support initiatives that contribute to the mission of thriving rural communities. To apply, organizations must be located within the Foundation's Kansas and western Missouri catchment and possess nonprofit status. Early submission of the Letter of Intent is highly recommended for timely review.

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program provides federal funding to non-entitlement cities and counties to improve infrastructure, support community facilities, and strengthen local economies in ways that primarily help low-to-moderate income people while addressing local health and safety concerns. Project awards are available in several categories for a wide range of community development initiatives.

CDBG Competitive Cycle allows communities to apply for improvements to nearly any publicly-owned facility or infrastructure, as well as the clearance of vacant, dilapidated buildings.

Community Facilities: This program helps Missouri communities construct facilities that will serve a large portion of the public with a variety of services. With education and health/well-being programs taking priority, communities can utilize this program to construct senior centers, day care centers, rural health clinics, telecommunications, and 911 services, among others.

The Family Development Account Tax Credit Program, managed by the Missouri Department of Economic Development, provides essential financing for community organizations to support low-income families in matched savings initiatives. These initiatives empower families to save for education, homeownership, renovations, or small business ventures. Applications for this program are open until April 30, 2025, or until all available tax credits are allocated, ensuring ongoing support for community development.

The Affordable Housing Assistance Program (AHAP) in Missouri provides tax credits to incentivize donations for affordable housing initiatives. Eligible donors can receive a one-time credit of up to 55% of their donation value, supporting construction, rehabilitation, and rental assistance. With $10 million in production credits and $1 million in operating assistance credits available annually, the program aims to boost affordable housing in distressed communities. Interested organizations can apply for these credits until June 30, 2025.

The Norfolk Southern Corporate Giving: Thriving Communities Grant Program supports initiatives that promote sustainability, workforce development, and community resilience across a 22-state network. With grants ranging from $1,000 to $50,000, the program aims to foster economic development and ensure equal access to basic necessities. Eligible organizations include tax-exempt nonprofits, government entities, and public schools, emphasizing diversity and inclusion in their community-focused efforts.

The Cigna Group Foundation is launching the Improving Youth Mental Health Grant, committing $9 million over three years to enhance mental health support for youth aged five to 18. This initiative targets post-pandemic challenges, offering resources to parents, caregivers, and youth service professionals. Nonprofits are encouraged to apply for funding between $100,000 and $150,000 to develop programs that promote social-emotional skills, enhance caregiver support, and improve access to mental health interventions in underserved communities.

The RMEF Grant Program lies at the core of advancing our mission.

RMEF established the program in 1986 to provide financial and logistical support to projects that align with our priorities and goals. Grant funds raised by RMEF members, volunteers and generous donors from across the country translate into significantly more conservation accomplishment when matched with partner funds. The RMEF Grant Program also aims to build recognition for RMEF’s work, grow engagement, and boost local fundraising efforts.

Governed by clear guidelines and criteria, the RMEF Grant Program seeks to foster meaningful collaborations and long-term impacts in the conservation of natural resources and outdoor traditions. Grant project partners include federal, state, local, and tribal wildlife and land management agencies, private landowners and local stakeholders, sportsmen and women, and conservation organizations, universities, foundations and the outdoor industry. Eligible projects primarily focus on habitat stewardship, land conservation and access, wildlife management, and hunting heritage.

We support organizations recognized by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as a 501(c)3 entity, federal, state, local, or tribal government entities, sportsmen’s organizations, or educational institutions. All applicants must have a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) issued by the IRS. RMEF does not offer grants to individuals.

Land Conservation and Access

RMEF conserves critical big game habitat and migration corridors, while expanding and improving public access, including through land acquisitions and voluntary conservation agreements. RMEF's

2026 priorities include:

• Conserving migratory corridors and connecting landscapes through land conservation efforts
• Creating new or improved public access through access easements and agreements and state-run access programs

The Disaster Resilience Program, supported by Equal Justice Works, aims to provide free civil legal aid to communities affected by disasters in the Midwest. With funding for attorney and summer law student fellows, the program addresses the unique legal needs of low-income families, helping them recover from the impacts of disasters. This initiative not only stabilizes lives but also promotes resilience in communities by ensuring access to essential legal services.

The Mabee Foundation provides challenge grants for projects in Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arkansas, Missouri, and Kansas, primarily focusing on construction, renovation, and major medical equipment purchases. Organizations must raise 40% of project costs from other donors before applying. Grants can reach up to 20% of total costs, with a maximum of $2 million. Applications are considered quarterly, requiring submissions by specific deadlines for review at upcoming board meetings.

The US Department of Health & Human Services announces a competitive funding opportunity for the Head Start/Early Head Start programs across various states. This initiative aims to enhance services for low-income families and children, promoting their social and economic well-being. With approximately $818.3 million available, the program seeks to expand access to quality early childhood education, thereby strengthening community stability and prosperity. Interested applicants can seek further information through the OHS Operations Center.

Patterson Family Foundation

The Patterson Family Foundation, based in Kansas City, Missouri, is a family-led foundation that extends the legacy of Neal and Jeanne Patterson. The Foundation’s mission, “Working together to help rural communities thrive,” is carried forward through strategic grantmaking and other collaborative initiatives that serve rural counties across Kansas and western Missouri. 

At the Patterson Family Foundation, we believe that thriving rural communities aren’t just about the numbers—they’re about the people who choose to live there. A strong and engaged community is built on essentials like access to good jobs, quality healthcare, educational opportunities, and a sense of belonging. But keeping rural communities strong doesn’t happen on its own—it takes all of us working together. That’s why we focus on working with local leaders, businesses, and organizations to invest in the areas that matter most, ensuring that rural places don’t just get by but thrive for generations to come.

Community Needs Grant

We continue to invest in community-focused work through dedicated programs and initiatives that strengthen local leadership and support long-term community vitality. Our Community Engagement opportunities for the 2026 cycle are offered through targeted, collaborative efforts rather than an open call application process, allowing us to work closely with communities and organizations on high-impact, locally driven projects.

This opportunity supports projects that strengthen resident retention and encourage former residents to return by enhancing the spaces, services, and community assets that make rural places appealing to live, work, and build a future. Projects should help communities create environments where people feel connected, supported, and inspired to stay or come home. Applicants should plan to report on community participation, improvements to key spaces or assets, and early indicators of resident retention or increased engagement from returning residents. 

The Conservation Partners Grant Program, funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, supports private landowners in implementing regenerative agriculture and conservation practices. By awarding competitive grants, the program facilitates technical assistance for developing management plans and best practices, enabling landowners to maximize the ecological benefits of their lands. This initiative is crucial for enhancing fish and wildlife habitats, addressing pressing conservation issues, and promoting sustainable land stewardship across the United States.

The Delta Dental of Missouri Grant Program aims to improve oral health in Missouri by funding initiatives that reduce oral disease, enhance access to quality dental care, and raise awareness, particularly among underserved populations. Grants range from over $5,000 to $100,000 and are awarded for one year, focusing on projects that increase access to care and demonstrate matching funds from other sources.

The Missouri Arts Council offers annual grants ranging from $500 to $40,000 to support arts projects that engage communities across Missouri. These grants are aimed at enhancing public access to diverse arts experiences, boosting economic growth through the arts, and strengthening educational initiatives. Eligible projects include performances, festivals, exhibitions, artist residencies, and educational programs. The Council's mission is to foster appreciation for the arts, contributing to the vitality of Missouri's cultural heritage.

The L.B. Research and Education Foundation Grant Program supports U.S.-based nonprofits focusing on innovative education and health solutions for underserved populations. Eligible organizations can apply by submitting a 400-word concept paper, and selected applicants may receive funding ranging from $10,000 to $75,000. The Foundation prioritizes projects that foster critical thinking and creativity, address health disparities, and encourage collaboration. There are no application deadlines, promoting year-round engagement.