Best Higher Education Grants in Missouri

Nonprofit organizations working on education, basic needs, or economic development in Missouri communities where BOK Financial operates may be eligible for charitable contributions supporting programs and operations. BOKF Foundation focuses on basic needs, education (including higher education), economic development, and United Way initiatives across its Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas service areas.

Community Foundation of the Ozarks

The Community Foundation of the Ozarks (CFO) provides philanthropic leadership to build stronger communities. Our mission is to enhance the quality of life in our region through resource development, community grantmaking, collaboration and public leadership.

We help donors achieve their philanthropic goals through professional management and investment of charitable funds. We work with nonprofit organizations to help them fulfill their missions through fund administration, grantmaking and learning opportunities. We award scholarships to deserving students to help them achieve their educational goals.

Cardinals Fly Together Fund — School Matching Grants

The Springfield Cardinals Fly Together Fund has been created to provide grants to area schools to give students the opportunity to attend a Springfield Cardinals (AA Affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals) home baseball game. Educational Day Field Trips are an excellent opportunity to incorporate learning through various pre-game educational topics along with the experience of attending a live sporting event.   

Matching grants may be awarded as full or partial requests to provide an amount equal to the amount contributed by the school for a Springfield Cardinals educational day field trip. For example, a full grant will cover 50% of the ticket cost for tickets requested through the grant. A partial grant will cover 25% of the ticket cost for tickets requested through the grant. (Transportation costs and food & beverage expenses are the responsibility of the school and not included in the grant.)

Higher education-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Missouri working on economic and workforce advancement, housing stability, or community arts and culture can seek support for programs and operations. Focused on community development, US Bancorp Foundation invites organizations in designated U.S. Bank communities, especially those led by people of color, to apply through its Community Possible Grant Program.

Missouri 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting children, education, or health and human services can seek monetary program funding through Costco Foundation, including organizations connected to higher education. Costco Foundation provides Missouri education-focused nonprofits with grants for community-based programs that demonstrate measurable outcomes, address identified local needs, and show strong collaboration and diversified financial support.

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

The DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

Missouri Arts Council

The Missouri Arts Council supports the arts that strengthen the cultural, educational, and economic vitality of our state.

Established as a state agency in 1965, the Missouri Arts Council is a division of the Office of the Lieutenant Governor. The Council is funded through the Missouri General Assembly, Missouri Cultural Trust, and National Endowment for the Arts.

The Missouri Arts Council is the state agency dedicated—as public leader, partner, and catalyst—to broadening the growth, availability, and appreciation of the arts in Missouri and fostering the diversity, vitality, and excellence of Missouri’s communities, economy, and cultural heritage. The grants we award make possible quality arts programming to communities both large and small throughout the state. We provide grants to arts projects that meet our strategic goals:

• Engage people in meaningful arts experiences
• Grow Missouri’s economy using the arts
• Strengthen Missouri education through the arts

In addition to funding, we provide technical assistance in community development, fundraising, marketing, grant writing, arts education, artistic disciplines (visual arts, music, literature, theater, dance, festivals, and film/media) and more.

Express Grants

Express Grants are designed to encourage small and emerging arts organizations and organizations based in rural communities to seek financial assistance for arts activities.

Express Grants are designed for first-time applicants to Missouri Arts Council or smaller budget projects. They have a simpler application, more flexible deadline schedule, and quicker turnaround. The funding is smaller and corresponds with an easier application process. Also, Express Grants receive a higher amount of their request amount (ranging 60-100%) based on their average score. For example, an organization that requests $2,500 may receive a grant for $1,500 or more for an acceptable project scoring 60%. Higher scores would receive proportionally more funding.

Express Grants include the following programs: Arts Council Basic; Arts Education; Big Yellow School Bus; Organizations of Color; Project; and Touring – Community or School

Touring – Community 

Supports hiring artists on MAC’s Missouri Touring Performers Directory to perform in the community 

Missouri Arts Council

The Missouri Arts Council supports the arts that strengthen the cultural, educational, and economic vitality of our state.

Established as a state agency in 1965, the Missouri Arts Council is a division of the Office of the Lieutenant Governor. The Council is funded through the Missouri General Assembly, Missouri Cultural Trust, and National Endowment for the Arts.

The Missouri Arts Council is the state agency dedicated—as public leader, partner, and catalyst—to broadening the growth, availability, and appreciation of the arts in Missouri and fostering the diversity, vitality, and excellence of Missouri’s communities, economy, and cultural heritage. The grants we award make possible quality arts programming to communities both large and small throughout the state. We provide grants to arts projects that meet our strategic goals:

• Engage people in meaningful arts experiences
• Grow Missouri’s economy using the arts
• Strengthen Missouri education through the arts

In addition to funding, we provide technical assistance in community development, fundraising, marketing, grant writing, arts education, artistic disciplines (visual arts, music, literature, theater, dance, festivals, and film/media) and more.

Express Grants

Express Grants are designed to encourage small and emerging arts organizations and organizations based in rural communities to seek financial assistance for arts activities.

Express Grants are designed for first-time applicants to Missouri Arts Council or smaller budget projects. They have a simpler application, more flexible deadline schedule, and quicker turnaround. The funding is smaller and corresponds with an easier application process. Also, Express Grants receive a higher amount of their request amount (ranging 60-100%) based on their average score. For example, an organization that requests $2,500 may receive a grant for $1,500 or more for an acceptable project scoring 60%. Higher scores would receive proportionally more funding.

Express Grants include the following programs: Arts Council Basic; Arts Education; Big Yellow School Bus; Organizations of Color; Project; and Touring – Community or School

Touring – School

Supports hiring artists on MAC’s Missouri Touring Performers Directory to perform in schools 

Nonprofit and public organizations supporting education, health, or family economic stability for urban low-income children in Missouri and across the U.S. can seek project or scale-up funding of more than US $50,000. Michael & Susan Dell Foundation backs programs that improve outcomes for children and youth, including higher education pathways and college success initiatives.

Accredited charities running humanitarian, education, community, environmental, or arts projects can access funding through La Roche; support focuses on innovative, sustainable initiatives worldwide. Missouri higher education institutions or related nonprofits may be eligible when projects promote science and education, engage local Roche affiliates, and involve employees in educational or social activities.

Higher education institutions and related 501(c)(3) ministries in Missouri and neighboring states can seek funding for Lutheran higher education, health and human care, and faith-strengthening programs. Focused on these areas, Rupert Dunklau Foundation invites eligible Lutheran colleges, universities, seminaries, and ministries to apply for projects that serve communities and promote the welfare of mankind.

Missouri higher education and other 501(c)(3) organizations can seek funding for charitable, scientific, medical, and educational programs serving U.S. communities. Grants from Sidney Stern Memorial Trust help tax-exempt nonprofits with well-managed projects that have broad reach, substantial impact on target populations, and contribute materially to the general welfare within the U.S.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

St. Louis area nonprofits and K–12 schools in Missouri can access funding for workforce development, youth development, and early childhood or middle-grade education programs. St Louis Community Foundation provides Missouri education organizations with US $5,000 - US $25,000 from the Pettus Foundation for direct services and small capital improvements that build self-reliance and job readiness.

Missouri 501(c)(3) public charities planning capital building or renovation projects can apply for Ash Grove Charitable Foundation’s support; awards up to US $25,000 for capital needs. Grants from Ash Grove Charitable Foundation help organizations enhance community gathering spaces, protect nature, expand secondary and post-secondary STEM education, and grow skilled trades opportunities in its regional markets.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.

Missouri 501(c)(3) nonprofits located within 15 miles of a TJX store, distribution center, or office can seek funding for basic needs, out-of-school academic support, workforce readiness, and safety from domestic violence. The TJX Foundation supports programs helping vulnerable children and families, which may include higher education access or readiness initiatives for at-risk youth.

U.S. IRS-qualified nonprofit organizations offering higher education or related educational programs, including those in Missouri, can apply for Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation’s grants, awarding US $1,000 - US $20,000 for impactful projects. Funding may support colleges, universities, skills-training, youth and adult education, or community-based educational initiatives where modest grants create significant benefit.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

Prospective child care providers in Missouri seeking to launch new licensed programs can apply for the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Innovation Grant to Start-Up a New Child Care Program, supporting start-up costs and quality improvements. Organizations connected to higher education that operate or sponsor child care services may be eligible if they meet CCDF requirements.

Missouri 501(c)(3) nonprofits addressing basic needs, community vitality, or volunteer-driven causes can seek Ameriprise Community Grants to support hunger relief, housing, financial literacy, workforce readiness, and cultural enrichment programs. With a mission to strengthen communities, Ameriprise Financial provides U.S. organizations with funding priority where there is strong Ameriprise employee or advisor volunteer engagement.

Missouri Prairie Foundation

The Missouri Prairie Foundation is a private, nonprofit, 501(c)(3) land trust governed by a volunteer board of directors. MPF was founded in 1966 by a small group of conservation professionals and volunteers who were concerned about the rapid decline of greater prairie-chickens and the degradation and loss of grassland habitat throughout the state of Missouri. Since that time, MPF has grown and developed with several goals in mind, including the permanent protection of prairie habitat and the need for greater understanding of the role of native grasslands in wildlife conservation, energy security and carbon storage. 

The mission of MPF is to protect and restore prairie and other native grassland communities through land acquisition, management, education, and research; to promote the use of native plants through its Grow Native! program; and to support the control of invasive plants through its administration of the Missouri Invasive Plant Council. 

Prairie Garden Grants Program 

Gardening and other conservation groups, parks, schools, and other entities in Missouri and immediately surrounding states are invited to submit proposals to MPF’s Prairie Garden Grants Program. In 2026, MPF would like to award several grants to help fund the establishment or improvement of public prairie gardens or plantings using Midwest native plants. Grants will not exceed $800 each. Those with smaller projects are encouraged to apply as well. Matching funds are not required, but proposals with secured matching funds may be evaluated higher than others.

Missouri child care providers seeking to expand licensed programs can access funding through the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to increase child care access statewide. Eligible CCDF providers may use funds for expansion costs, staff training, licensing-related facility improvements, employee retention incentives, and regulatory support, which may benefit institutions connected to higher education in Missouri.

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.

Higher education and other 501(c)(3) organizations in Missouri can apply for Kerr Foundation grants to support education, arts and culture, health, and human services projects. Funding can be used for capital improvements, time-limited programs, or general operating expenses, with a particular emphasis on creating opportunities for young people.

Higher education institutions and other eligible rural public or nonprofit entities in Missouri can use these USDA Rural Development grants to provide technical assistance and training for small rural businesses. Funding may support business counseling, feasibility studies, facilities and equipment, rural business incubators, and other community and technology-based economic development projects in qualifying rural areas.

With a mission to develop essential community facilities, this USDA Rural Development program provides Missouri public bodies, community-based nonprofits, and Federally Recognized Tribes with support to build, purchase, or improve rural facilities and equipment. Eligible projects include health, public safety, educational, community support, utility, and local food system facilities in rural areas under 20,000 residents.