Best Grants for Teachers Continuing Education in Missouri

The FY26 Defense Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (DEPSCoR) Capacity Building opportunity aims to enhance the capabilities of university researchers in eligible states. Managed by the DoD, this initiative focuses on increasing the number of researchers capable of conducting relevant science and engineering research. The program also seeks to strengthen institutions of higher education and improve their competitiveness for federal research funding, ultimately fostering long-term growth in financial assistance for scientific research.

The FY26 Defense Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (DEPSCoR) aims to enhance research capabilities in eligible states by increasing the number of university researchers and institutions conducting relevant science and engineering research. Sponsored by the Department of Defense, this program will fund multiyear awards to promote research aligned with national security needs. Applications require a multi-stage submission process, emphasizing early registration and timely proposal submissions.

The Michael Vyrostek Musicians Fund, managed by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, offers a $1,000 scholarship to graduating high school seniors from specific schools in Missouri. Eligible students must have participated in a music program for two of their four high school years and are required to submit an essay and describe their community service. This fund aims to support aspiring musicians in their pursuit of higher education.

Mid-America Arts Alliance

Mid-America Arts Alliance (M-AAA) believes art can be a catalyst for expression, connection, collaboration, and community. This philosophy is reflected in our mission and values.

M-AAA is a nonprofit, regional arts organization representing Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas, and beyond. We focus on strengthening communities and improving lives by supporting artists, elevating arts organizations, and connecting people to extraordinary cultural experiences.

Artistic Innovations Grants for Individual Artists

Program Objectives

The Artistic Innovations program supports the development of new or original works of art across all disciplines, created exclusively by in-region individual artists and art-based organizations in M-AAA’s six-state region (Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas, and the Native Nations in this geography). Eligible applicants include individual artists and nonprofit 501(c)(3) arts organizations in the region.

Individual Artist Grant Considerations

The Artistic Innovations grant program supports direct project expenses incurred in the art-making process and production of public-facing engagements to individuals through private funds. These grants are funded through private support and, unlike Artistic Innovations grants to organizations, are not supported by the National Endowment for the Arts.

The Matthew J. England Scholarship, managed by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, offers a $1,000 award to deserving students pursuing higher education. Applicants must be graduating high school seniors from local schools or homeschooled, have a GPA of 3.5 or above, and demonstrate financial need through FAFSA-SAI. Participation in community service and school activities is required, along with a recommendation letter from a counselor. The scholarship aims to support educational aspirations and foster community engagement.

Midwest Nursing Research Society (MNRS)

The MNRS originally began to provide a place for nurses to collaborate, and collaborate they did! Over time, the founding members began to realize the benefits of having an organization dedicated specifically to nursing research. With some careful attention and a lot of hard work, we have grown into the organization it is today. We're a society where scientists, innovators, and drivers of clinical practice across the career trajectory, come together to share ideas and grow our field through innovative research.

The mission of the MNRS is to generate knowledge, translate evidence into practice, and enhance careers through collaborative engagement, implementation, and dissemination among diverse scholars. Our Vision to be the premier society that advances science, fosters leadership, and drives dissemination to improve health equity for all people.

It is an honor to recognize the important contributions of our nursing colleagues. MNRS accepts nominations for our five very prestigious awards to selected members of the Society who have made significant and notable contributions to the field of nursing through research.

MNRS Distinguished Service Award

The Distinguished Service Award recognizes an MNRS member who has demonstrated sustained influential leadership and service to the organization, such as chairing committees, organizing annual conference activities, or serving on the Board of Directors. 

The Matt Bushey Memorial Scholarship, managed by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, awards a $1,000 scholarship to a postgraduate student enrolled in an accredited graduate education program. Eligible applicants must currently teach in specified Missouri schools, including Dadeville and Fair Play. An essay is required as part of the application process. This scholarship reflects the foundation's commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and supporting aspiring educators in their academic pursuits.

The Royalty Fields Grant Program, presented by the Kansas City Royals Foundation, supports the enhancement of youth baseball and softball facilities across the Midwest. This initiative offers matching grants for major renovations, including essential upgrades such as new sod, infields, fencing, and dugouts. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations or local government entities that can demonstrate secured funding. Grants aim to foster safe and improved playing conditions for youth athletes.

The Mathew W. Placzek Scholarship, managed by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, offers a $5,000 scholarship for postgraduate law students pursuing a Juris Doctorate. Eligible applicants must be in their second or third year and have graduated from specific high schools or universities in Missouri. Required materials include a transcript, an essay, and a letter of good standing. This scholarship aims to support students in their educational and professional aspirations.

The Martin Youngblood Linesman Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, provides $2,000 to a graduating high school senior from specified counties. Applicants must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher and submit a transcript along with an essay. This scholarship aims to support students pursuing education in line worker programs, contributing to the development of skilled professionals in the electrical utility field.

Mark's Memorial Scholarship, managed by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, offers a $2,000 scholarship aimed at high school seniors from specific local schools. This renewable scholarship supports students maintaining a 2.5 GPA while enrolled in an accredited institution. Eligible candidates must demonstrate financial need and submit necessary documents, including an essay and a letter of recommendation, to pursue their higher education goals.

The MO Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) offers Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE) to assist landowners in restoring and protecting wetlands that have been degraded by agricultural practices. This program enhances habitat for wildlife, improves water quality, and mitigates flooding, while providing landowners with financial support for easement acquisition and restoration efforts. NRCS prioritizes applications that significantly benefit migratory birds and other wildlife, ensuring ecological sustainability and resilience against climate change.

The MO Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) offers Agricultural Land Easements (ALE) to protect the viability of agricultural land by limiting non-agricultural uses. Aimed at landowners, including tribes and local governments, the program prioritizes applications that enhance conservation values and protect contiguous agricultural acres. Benefits include safeguarding the nation's food supply, promoting environmental quality, and supporting local partnerships for land stewardship. Applications are accepted year-round, with funding cycles extending into future years.

The MO Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is a key initiative by NRCS aimed at assisting farmers and forest landowners in integrating conservation practices into their operations. EQIP offers both financial and technical support to address vital natural resource issues including water quality, soil health, and erosion control. Applications are accepted year-round, and special provisions exist for historically underserved producers, ensuring equitable access to vital resources for sustainable agricultural practices.

Project Lead The Way is offering a rolling grant for schools to implement the PLTW Biomedical Science program for the 2026-2029 academic years. Eligible schools can receive up to $14,000 to cover participation fees and training costs. This grant encourages public, private, and charter schools across the U.S. to enhance their science curriculum, supporting students with engaging, hands-on learning experiences. Schools must commit to offering specific courses during the grant period to qualify for funding.

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 Community Ties Giving Program by Union Pacific Foundation offers local grants aimed at enhancing community well-being through diverse funding priorities. These include safety initiatives, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability. The program emphasizes supporting organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, aiming to create impactful projects that resonate with Union Pacific's heritage and mission. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations serving Union Pacific communities and demonstrate a clear need and capacity to deliver effective programming.

The Water and Environment Grant Program by the American Water Charitable Foundation supports innovative community projects aimed at improving watersheds, conserving water, and enhancing access to recreation in underserved areas. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and educational institutions located within American Water's service areas. Projects must be completed within 12 months, and applicants should consider budget feasibility when requesting funds. Certain organizations and projects, such as those not classified as 501(c)(3), are ineligible.

The New Era Scholarship, offered by The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis, provides up to $12,000 annually for eligible students from select youth development agencies and high schools in the St. Louis area. This renewable scholarship supports those aiming to attend accredited colleges or technical schools in Missouri and select Illinois institutions. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and meet academic criteria, making this an essential opportunity for local high school seniors.

The Strategic Alliance Matching Grant by the NCAA Division III aims to bolster ethnic minority and gender representation in senior athletics administration roles. With an annual budget of $1.6 million, it supports up to 46 schools and conferences over five years. Eligible institutions must be active NCAA Division III members and meet various requirements. This grant encourages diversity in leadership, fostering an inclusive environment for student-athletes.

Home Repair Assistance (HeRO) Program

Home Repair Assistance (HeRO) Program provides home repair grants for income-qualifying Missouri residents of single-family homes. MHDC does not award funds directly to households. Interested households should contact a participating agency to apply for the program. 

All project expenses must be within the following limitations:

• The total hard cost must not exceed $25,000 per project;
• The total soft cost that is covered by MHDC must not exceed $2,000 per project; and
• The total administration cost that is covered by MHDC must not exceed 10% of the total cost covered by MHDC per project.

The Coaching Enhancement Grant by the NCAA Division III aims to increase diversity in assistant coaching roles by providing financial support to member institutions. Over two years, selected schools receive $15,000 to cover salaries, requiring a matching contribution. This initiative encourages ethnic minority and gender representation, allowing up to 11 institutions to benefit annually, thus enhancing inclusivity in collegiate sports.

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. 

McGlothlan, Arthur and Anna Scholarship

This fund was established to provide academic scholarships to young men and women attending accredited colleges, universities or graduate schools operated or formed under the auspices of or closely related to some established church.

Military Community Reinvestment Grant

Per Section 620.3300 RSMo, this program assists Missouri’s military communities in supporting and sustaining their installations, to encourage communities to initiate coordinated response programs and action plans in advance of future federal government realignment and closure decisions, and to support community efforts to attract new or expanded military missions.

Funding Limits

For FY2027, $291,000 is expected to be available under the Military Community Reinvestment Grant (MCRG). Grantees must enter an Agreement with the Department of Economic Development (DED) to receive funds. Funded activities must be completed with reimbursement requested by May 28, 2027.

Per statute, up to $300,000 may be appropriated to qualifying projects through the Missouri Military Community Reinvestment Grant Program Fund. State financial regulations also require three percent of the appropriation amount be held for the Governor’s standard reserve. 

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 Dunkin’ Prom Grant, provided by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, aims to bring joy to teenage patients unable to attend their own prom due to illness. By funding hospitals to host prom-like events, the program ensures these patients experience this significant milestone. Grants typically range from $20,000 to $50,000, supporting the creation of memorable events with themes, food, entertainment, and formal wear for the teens, making a positive impact in their lives.

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. 

St Joseph School District Foundation Knepper, Betty Scholarship

This fund was established in memory of Betty Knepper by her son, Dr. Paul A. Knepper to provide academic scholarships to graduating seniors of the St. Joseph School District who plan to major in the medical field.