Best Large Grants for Nonprofit Organizations in Missouri

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.

The Industrial Infrastructure program will assist local governments in the development of public infrastructure that allows industries to locate new facilities, expand existing facilities, or prevent the relocation or closing of a facility. The Industrial Infrastructure Program involves participation from both the application sponsor (city/county) and the participating business. Eligible applicants include non-entitlement Cities and Counties.

Grant funds may be used for public streets, water or sewer lines, engineering and other public facilities necessary to support the private sector project. A public entity must own the facilities to be funded.

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.

This program offers opportunity for eligible Missouri communities to engage in revitalization efforts to renew downtown areas and restore them to their former prominence as a center of community activity. These projects eliminate slum and blight conditions on the front and selected side facades of eligible buildings in core downtown areas, and address code violations for commercial structures. The Downtown Revitalization Program operates under an open cycle, meaning that applications will be accepted year-round and will be funded, if meeting the minimum criteria of the guidelines, until funding is no longer available.

This program helps communities develop public infrastructure that allows industries to locate new facilities, expand existing facilities, prevent the closing of a facility or the relocation of a facility outside the state. Grant funds may be used for public streets, water or sewer lines, engineering and other public facilities necessary to support the private sector project. A public entity must own the facilities to be funded.

The Park Foundation Grants for Animal Welfare focus on advancing the protection and conservation of wildlife, particularly through policy and advocacy efforts for threatened species. The foundation supports innovative, solution-oriented models that foster systemic change and compassion. Key areas include organizing for endangered wildlife, indigenous management practices, and supporting sanctuaries for great apes. Additionally, the foundation is committed to local efforts, including support for the Tompkins County SPCA, ensuring a compassionate society for all living beings.

Project Lead The Way is offering a rolling grant opportunity for schools across the US to implement the PLTW Gateway program for the first time. With total funding of $9,100, the grant covers participation fees and training registration costs. Schools, including public, private, and charter, are encouraged to apply, particularly those serving low-income and minority majority populations. This initiative aims to enhance educational pathways in STEM for diverse student groups.

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 Native Voices Endowment Grants, managed by the Endangered Language Fund, support the preservation of endangered languages associated with Native American tribes that interacted with the Lewis and Clark Expedition from 1803-1806. Grants are available for language documentation, revitalization, and educational projects, fostering cultural heritage through various initiatives. Eligible applicants include tribal members and language programs, ensuring the continuation of linguistic traditions and community involvement in revitalizing native languages.

Navigant Credit Union 

Navigant Credit Union is the longest-operating, member-owned credit union in Rhode Island. Since its founding in 1915, Navigant Credit Union has been dedicated to providing its members with unparalleled financial products and services, while working every day to stay committed to the financial well-being of the families, businesses and communities we serve. 

Navigant Credit Union Charitable Foundation Grant

For over a century, Navigant Credit Union has been committed to making a meaningful difference in the community. In 2017, we established the Navigant Credit Union Charitable Foundation to further amplify our impact in five strategic areas:

• Education & Financial Literacy: Organizational and capital support for programs, supplies, building products, sports facilities and teams.
• Social Services: Financial support for programs and organizations for children, veterans, hunger and housing.
• Public Health, Safety & Well-Being: Support for programs addressing public safety, emergency care and eradication of disease.

The Carolyn L. Kuckein Student Research Fellowship, awarded by Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, supports first and second-year medical students conducting research over 2 to 12 months. With a total funding of $7,000, students can receive reimbursement for travel expenses up to $1,000 for presenting their findings at national conferences. Eligibility requires enrollment in schools with active AΩA chapters, while those taking a year off for research or holding a PhD are ineligible.

The Encova Foundation of West Virginia is dedicated to improving communities by supporting local causes that align with the values of its associates and policyholders. They focus on health, education, and wellness, emphasizing the importance of children's success. Organizations applying for grants must be U.S.-based and verified as charitable. Preference is given to initiatives impacting health and education, especially those involving Encova associates as active participants.

The Missouri Humanities Mini Grants support nonprofit projects focusing on Veterans Initiatives, Literacy Festivals, Film Projects, and themes aligned with their annual Signature Series. Grants provide funding up to $5,000 for innovative humanities-based projects that enhance community engagement. While alignment with specific themes is preferred, it is not mandatory, ensuring a broad range of impactful projects can be considered. This initiative fosters cultural enrichment and educational opportunities across Missouri.

Missouri Humanities offers Major Grants aimed at supporting projects that enhance veterans' initiatives, literacy programs, film projects, and themes from their annual Signature Series. Grants can fund projects up to $15,000 and are available to nonprofit organizations dedicated to the humanities. While alignment with specified themes is not required, preference is given to projects that incorporate these areas, fostering community engagement and cultural enrichment.

Project Lead The Way (PLTW)

Our Mission: Empower Students to Thrive in an Evolving World

Our Philosophy for Education: We believe all students – beginning at a young age – need access to real-world, applied learning experiences that empower them to gain the skills they need to thrive in college, career, and beyond.

We believe teachers play an immeasurable role in empowering students, and our programs provide teachers with the support and resources they need to devote more time to inspiring students.

PLTW Engineering - New Program In Partnership With Ardagh Group

Ardagh Group has partnered with PLTW to support education in its local communities where Ardagh employees live and work. This partnership recognizes the critical role education, and access to education, plays in ensuring equal opportunities and in building successful, vibrant communities. It is expected that over the next 10 years, Ardagh sponsored education programs will benefit more than 500,000 PreK-12 students as well as delivering best-in-class teacher training to more than 5,000 teachers across 2,000 schools in Ardagh's U.S. communities.

Ardagh is a global supplier of sustainable packaging solutions with 16,000+ employees worldwide, and proud local employer.

Program Requirements

The purpose of this grant is to assist the grantee's implementation of the PLTW Engineering program. Grantee must offer the PLTW Engineering program for three academic years. Grantee must offer at least one PLTW Engineering course in the 2027-2028 academic year and must offer one additional course in the 2028-2029 academic year (two different courses in two years). Grantee may implement any PLTW Engineering courses of their choosing. Grantee must complete three years of grant reporting.

Wegmans Family Foundation Inc focuses on cultivating healthy communities through support for hunger relief, health initiatives, education, and youth programs. They prioritize collaborations with local nonprofits to enhance community well-being, offering assistance in key areas like economic mobility and youth engagement. Despite their wide-ranging support, they have specific ineligibility criteria, such as not accommodating personal requests or solicitation on their property, aiming to direct resources effectively where they are needed most.

The Polk County Engineering/Geological Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, awards $3,000 to high school seniors from select Polk County schools who maintain a 3.0 GPA and plan to study Engineering or Geological Sciences at Missouri universities. This scholarship is renewable for up to three years, provided recipients continue to meet academic requirements. Eligible applicants must submit a transcript and an essay detailing their community service and extracurricular activities.

The Kalliopeia Foundation Grant focuses on supporting projects that foster cultural and ecological renewal through a deep reverence for the Earth. By prioritizing US-based organizations that demonstrate strong community relationships and intergenerational leadership, the foundation seeks to empower marginalized voices and traditional practices. With an emphasis on land care and Indigenous leadership, Kalliopeia aims to cultivate a resilient future where diverse ways of knowing and being thrive harmoniously with nature.

The Ralph J. Torraco Scholarship for Special Education, offered by the UNICO Foundation, provides two scholarships of $2,500 each for U.S. students pursuing degrees in Special Education. Eligible candidates must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and plan to continue their studies into the 2026-2027 academic year. This scholarship supports students with various disabilities, ensuring that education is accessible and equitable for all.

Our Mission

The Community Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life in Greater Kansas City by increasing charitable giving, educating and connecting donors to community needs they care about, and leading on critical community issues.

Scholarships

We offer hundreds of different scholarships for students in and around Kansas City.

Kelsey Family Scholarship for Nursing and Biomedical Engineering

This scholarship was established by Rick and Darla Kelsey in memory and patrimony of Richard and Greta Kelsey and their ancestors. For six generations, the Kelsey family farmed in the Kansas River Valley near Topeka. They were active in Freemasonry and devoted to charitable work and service to their church and community.

This is a one-time award. Students can reapply annually to be considered for a scholarship.

The Ralph J. Torraco Scholarship for Veterinary Studies, offered by the UNICO Foundation, provides two scholarships of $2,500 each for students pursuing veterinary studies at accredited U.S. colleges. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens, enrolled full-time, and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher. This opportunity supports diverse applicants and emphasizes community service, reflecting UNICO's commitment to Italian American heritage and educational advancement.

Greater Kansas City Community Foundation

Greater Kansas City Community Foundation is a leading philanthropic organization founded in 1978 that inspires and facilitates charitable giving to improve quality of life in the Greater Kansas City region and beyond. From its modest beginnings, the Foundation has grown into one of the nation’s most respected public charities, managing billions in charitable assets and administering thousands of funds for individuals, families, and businesses. Through donor-advised funds and other giving vehicles, it helps donors give strategically and effectively while providing education, leadership on key community issues, and personalized guidance that amplifies lasting community impact.

Inez Y. Kaiser GKC-PRSA Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Dr. Inez Y. Kaiser Scholarship, offered by the Public Relations Society of America Greater Kansas City Chapter, honors the legacy of Inez Y. Kaiser, a trailblazing public relations leader and the first Black woman to own a national PR firm. The scholarship supports African American/Black college juniors and first-semester seniors nationwide who are enrolled in an accredited public relations or communications program and maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA. The $5,000 award recognizes students who demonstrate leadership, commitment to public relations excellence, and volunteerism—hallmarks of Dr. Kaiser’s career. Additional consideration is given to PRSSA members, PRSSA chapter leaders, and residents of Kansas or Missouri, though residency is not required. Scholars also receive recognition and networking opportunities to support their professional development.

The Alwyn H. Gentry Fellowship, offered by the Missouri Botanical Garden, supports young scientists from Latin America in the fields of botany and plant sciences. This fellowship provides funding for research and training at the Garden in St. Louis, including access to valuable resources and a stipend for living expenses. It honors Dr. Alwyn H. Gentry's legacy and aims to facilitate professional development through independent research or collaboration with MBG scientists.

The GPCAH Community Pilot Grant supports innovative research and outreach aimed at enhancing the health and safety of agricultural workers in the Midwest. Funded by NIOSH, this program encourages projects focusing on critical issues like mental health, injury prevention, and chemical safety. With grants up to $30,000, it invites collaboration from various organizations, particularly those within the nine-state region. Special emphasis is placed on proposals addressing the needs of underrepresented groups in agriculture.

Greater Kansas City Community Foundation 

The Greater Kansas City Community Foundation is a nationally respected leader in charitable giving, dedicated to improving quality of life in Greater Kansas City by increasing philanthropy, educating and connecting donors to community needs, and leading on critical local issues. Founded in 1978 with a simple belief that charitable giving should be accessible to all, the Foundation has grown into one of the largest and most innovative public charities in the country, offering donor advised funds and other giving vehicles that make philanthropy convenient, efficient, and impactful. Today, it manages more than $7 billion in assets, administers over 7,000 charitable funds, and has distributed more than $8 billion in grants, consistently ranking among the top community foundations nationwide.

R. E. (Rosey) Roseberry and Eileen E. Roseberry Scholarship Fund at the College of the Ozarks

R. E. (Rosey) Roseberry and Eileen E. Roseberry Scholarship Fund provides scholarship support to residents of Kansas or Missouri who are enrolled as full time students at the College of the Ozarks in Point Lookout, Missouri. Eligible applicants must have been residents of Kansas or Missouri for at least ten years at the time of application and must maintain continuous enrollment with a minimum 2.5 GPA to remain eligible. Scholarship award amounts vary, recipients may reapply in subsequent years, and the fund is administered through the Franklin County Community Foundation, supporting students in pursuing their postsecondary education.

The Aroid Fellowship, offered by the Missouri Botanical Garden, supports young scientists in botany and plant sciences, particularly in Neotropical aroid research. This fellowship provides funding for research and training at MBG in St. Louis, covering travel, lodging, and stipends for living expenses. Open to students and young professionals with recent degrees, it encourages independent research or collaboration with MBG scientists, fostering professional growth and access to extensive botanical resources.

The Indian Environmental General Assistance Program (GAP), administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), provides crucial funding to tribal governments and intertribal consortia for developing environmental protection programs. Since 1992, GAP has focused on remediation of pollutants and, more recently, supports climate adaptation initiatives. The program emphasizes tribal sovereignty while aiding in capacity building, policymaking, and establishing joint EPA-Tribal Environmental Plans to effectively address environmental challenges faced by tribal communities.

The California Casualty Music & Arts Grant supports K-12 public schools facing budget cuts that threaten their music and arts programs. Eligible applicants, who must be active employees of public K-12 schools and members of specified educator associations, can request grants of $250 for music or arts needs. This initiative aims to enhance creative education across the states, excluding AK, HI, MA, MI, NY, and WI. Applications received by July 15 will be notified by November 30.

Gilead North America Grants support community-informed programs that enhance healthcare for vulnerable populations. Grants are available for innovative projects addressing HIV, liver diseases, oncology, and inflammatory diseases. Applications are invited from tax-exempt nonprofits based in the U.S. who focus on health equity and community engagement. Gilead prioritizes funding for projects that demonstrate a strong capability to deliver impactful outcomes, helping to eliminate barriers to healthcare and improve access to essential services.

Our Mission

The Community Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life in Greater Kansas City by increasing charitable giving, educating and connecting donors to community needs they care about, and leading on critical community issues.

Scholarships

We offer hundreds of different scholarships for students in and around Kansas City.

Harley and Geneva Anderson Memorial Scholarship Fund

This fund was established in memory of Harley and Geneva Anderson by their Family to provide academic scholarships for students to/from the Kansas City area and Scandinavia.