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.)

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

Missouri higher education institutions and related nonprofits working in health, education, or community services can seek funding for programs and services. Focused on community well-being, Labcorp Charitable Foundation invites U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations to apply for support such as STEM programming, healthcare access for underserved populations, food pantries, and healthy lifestyle initiatives.

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.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

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 institutions and nonprofits focused on health, education, or humanitarian services can access funding through the Semnani Family Foundation for programs serving marginalized and vulnerable communities. Organizations working on healthcare access, medical education, literacy, or related social services in the U.S. may be eligible if their projects advance the foundation’s global human welfare mission.

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.

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.

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.

Missouri 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations seeking support for community services or fundraising events may be eligible for grants or event sponsorships, including those in Jackson, St. Louis County, and St. Louis City. Insperity supports charities connected to its employees, client organizations, or communities where its employees live and work through philanthropic contributions and event sponsorships.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and libraries in Missouri seeking support for environmental or human services work can apply for grants of US $5,000 - US $10,000. Grants from Lawrence Foundation help fund general operating or program/project needs, issued as unrestricted support, for U.S.-headquartered organizations working locally or globally.

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 higher education and educational nonprofits can seek one-year project funding in education, social services, health care, civic and cultural, or environmental fields. Missouri institutions and 501(c)(3) organizations may be eligible for US $5,000 - US $25,000 grants from Dr Scholl Foundation, which primarily supports U.S.-based applicants working to improve communities.

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.

Missouri higher education and workforce nonprofits can access funding through Union Pacific Foundation for safety, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability projects. 501(c)(3) public charities serving Missouri communities on the Union Pacific service list may apply for US $5,000 - US $30,000 to deliver direct services or build organizational capacity with a strong DEI focus.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Missouri serving youth and families can apply for Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards, with grants of US $30,000 - US $350,000 for community-impact programs. Funding supports youth education and leadership, housing and family services, food access and hunger, and environmentally focused projects connected to these efforts.

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.

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.