Best Head Start Grants in Missouri

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.

The Preschool Development Grant Birth Through Five (PDG B-5) SMART Grant aims to enhance early care and education systems in the U.S. by supporting targeted investments in technology and data analytics. This initiative, led by the Administration for Children and Families, encourages states to improve program quality, family choice, and data-driven decision-making for children from birth to five years old. The funding is designed to create measurable outcomes and strengthen coordination within the mixed-delivery system.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, other not-for-profit corporations, and eligible Missouri businesses can support community service, education, preschool/early learning, crime prevention, job training, and neighborhood revitalization projects through state tax credits up to Up to US $500,000 in in-kind support. With a mission to strengthen local communities, Missouri Department of Economic Development provides Missouri early childhood and community programs with Neighborhood Assistance Program tax credits to attract private donors.

Nonprofit organizations, schools, colleges, and public libraries offering family literacy programs in Missouri can seek funding for adult education, children’s education, and joint parent-child learning time. Dollar General Literacy Foundation supports early learning and literacy within 15 miles of its stores, with awards up to US $10,000 for eligible sites listed in the National Literacy Directory.

Missouri 501(c)(3) organizations and eligible public entities seeking support for early childhood education, family empowerment, health, or environmental conservation projects can apply for capital or special project funding; awards support program expansion and capacity-building. Grants from James M Cox Foundation help Missouri early learning and Head Start-related programs in Cox service areas that have local business engagement.

Missouri early childhood and preschool education organizations, especially those with STEM or basic needs programming, can access funding through the American Electric Power Foundation if they are 501(c)(3) public charities or eligible public entities within AEP’s service territory. Grants also support social justice, housing, hunger relief, environmental, health, safety, and cultural initiatives.

501(c)(3) nonprofits improving educational outcomes for children and youth can apply for Comis Foundation grants of US $5,000 - US $75,000 to pilot programs, build capacity, or support innovative operations. Organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area, Colorado’s Northern Front Range, metro Washington, D.C., and some with national reach may be eligible, including Missouri-focused early learning efforts with national scope.

The PLTW Gateway program, backed by Ardagh Group, aims to enhance educational opportunities in local communities. Over the next decade, this initiative will support over 500,000 PreK-12 students and provide exceptional training for more than 5,000 teachers across 2,000 schools in the U.S. The program focuses on fostering innovation and creativity through engaging STEM curricula, ensuring that educational resources are accessible and effective for all students.

Nonprofit organizations running emergency, emergent, or innovative programs in early childhood, preschool learning, youth success, and related basic needs in Missouri can apply for flexible, one-year program grants up to US $100,000. United Way of Greater St. Louis prioritizes projects serving its 16-county region’s most pressing real-time community needs.

Education providers offering early learning or K–12 programs in Missouri and nationwide can apply for the Yass Foundation for Education’s Yass Prize, awarding US $1,000,000 to a standout education innovator. Organizations advancing sustainable, transformational, outstanding, and permissionless models may benefit, including those improving preschool access similar to Head Start programs.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, churches, and government entities in Missouri working on early learning, youth development, family services, or community health can apply for the Cdv5 Foundation Grant. Funding may support general operations, capital campaigns, or specific programs, and Head Start or similar early childhood initiatives may be eligible within the foundation’s broader U.S. focus.

Educators working with preschool and early elementary students in Missouri classrooms can apply for Pets in the Classroom grants, awarding up to US $50 to purchase and care for small classroom pets. Eligible applicants include pre-K–9 public or private school teachers and other school-based staff supporting student enrichment.

Title I pre-K–12 classrooms in Missouri can receive funding for student-driven trips to parks, historic sites, and other public lands, including program fees, transportation, and materials. National Park Trust supports in-park or park-themed learning that includes stewardship and focuses on outdoor recreation, environmental education/science, or history, with grants up to US $1,000.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving children and youth in Missouri can apply for the Charles and Joan Hermanowski Family Foundation’s grants, awarding up to US $10,000 for one-year projects. U.S.-based programs in early learning, K–12 education, arts, health, and youth services, including Head Start and similar initiatives, may be eligible.

Missouri early learning and education nonprofits, including Head Start-style programs, can access funding through Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation to support storytelling projects that highlight their community impact. Registered 501(c)(3) organizations or aligned for-profits working in preservation, education, or wellness may be eligible for awards of more than US $50,000, with a focus on sharing transformational work.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3)s, local governments, and public education institutions in Eastern and suburban Jackson County and Cass County, Missouri can seek funding for children’s educational initiatives through the Jelley Family Foundation Endowment. Focused on early learning through post-secondary education, Truman Heartland Community Foundation supports innovative, collaborative programs, including those serving at-risk youth and Head Start–age children, with awards of US $5,000 - US $8,000.

Missouri early childhood education nonprofits and public schools can seek seed funding for innovative projects serving children through sixth grade. Focused on early learning, the Francis R. Dewing Foundation invites U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations and government entities to propose new, untried approaches that directly benefit young children and could positively influence broader educational practice.

With a mission to strengthen early learning systems, Stranahan Foundation provides Missouri early childhood education organizations with up to US $500,000 over three years to develop or expand professional development models. U.S. nonprofits, school districts, and colleges serving mostly low-income birth-to-five populations may be eligible, including those supporting Head Start and similar early learning programs.

Nonprofit educational institutions and organizations in Missouri and across the U.S. can seek large-scale funding for education programs, scholarships, capital projects, and limited general support. Focused on education, William Randolph Hearst Foundation invites applicants working in higher education, early childhood, K-12, STEM, or educator development, including early learning efforts related to Head Start-style programming.

The Generosity Collective Grantmaking Program, led by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, aims to address pressing local issues in Springfield by funding impactful projects. With a total of $120,000 available, grants of $30,000 will be awarded to one agency in each of four categories: early childhood development, child abuse prevention, mental health support, and affordable housing. This initiative fosters community collaboration and empowers organizations to create meaningful change.

The Roy and Gloria Dinsdale Foundation, established in 2022, is dedicated to enhancing lives in rural Nebraska, Wyoming, and Colorado through grants exceeding $10,000. It supports nonprofits and government entities focused on food, shelter, healthcare, education, and the arts. The foundation prioritizes local initiatives that enrich communities and improve access to essential services, while maintaining a commitment to assisting veterans, first responders, and individuals with disabilities.

The PNC Foundation's Grow Up Great Grant is a significant initiative aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for children from birth to age 5. With a commitment of $500 million, this program focuses on improving school readiness through support in vocabulary development, social-emotional learning, and the arts. By partnering with community-based nonprofits, PNC aims to foster stronger, smarter, and healthier communities, ensuring a brighter future for the next generation.

The Ohio Children’s Foundation Grant aims to enhance the lives of at-risk children and families through funding for early childhood education programs. With nearly $1 million awarded in grants over three years, the Foundation supports initiatives that promote school readiness, advocate for public policies, and provide resources for parents. Prioritizing children aged 0-5, the Foundation seeks innovative programs that address early brain development and minimize toxic stress, ensuring a brighter future for vulnerable families.

The On My Way to Kindergarten Program offers essential resources to prepare children aged 3-5 for kindergarten. Developed with input from educators, it includes a bilingual activity book and online access to games, songs, and crafts in both Spanish and English. Funded by The Larry and Helen Hoag Foundation, this initiative aims to empower at-risk children and their families, ensuring they have the tools needed for a successful transition into school.

The Gateway Children’s Charity Grant, offered by YouthBridge Community Foundation, focuses on funding early childhood programs in underserved areas of metropolitan St. Louis. With grants available for capital expenses up to $100,000 and capacity-building support up to $50,000, GCC aims to enhance educational quality and infrastructure. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations serving youth from preschool to kindergarten. This initiative represents a significant opportunity to improve childhood education and community welfare.

Greater Salina Community Foundation

Our mission is to build permanent endowment funds and meet charitable community needs. The Foundation achieves its mission by:

• Enabling donors to fulfill their charitable desires
• Increasing the capacity of nonprofit organizations to fulfill their individual missions
• Facilitating prudent management and care of funds
• Promoting community philanthropy through education
• Providing affiliate services to neighboring communities
• Meeting needs through grants, scholarships, and pass-through funds

Scholarship Program

The community foundation offers a wide variety of scholarships for students, provided by the generosity of local donors. Whether you are a high school senior, a current college student, or a non-traditional student we work with donors to help you take the next step in your education.

Linda K. Freeland Early Childhood Education Scholarship

For High school senior from Saline County, KS, with an intended major of early childhood education.

Applicant must submit an essay that states why they have chosen to major in early childhood education.

Renewals

• This award is not renewable.

Jacquie Porter Scholarship for Aspiring Early Childhood Teachers in Austin ISD

Aspirations of becoming an early childhood educator.

Awards

• (1) $5,000.00