Best Large Grants for Nonprofit Organizations in Missouri

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation offers Adult Literacy Grants to support organizations providing essential literacy services to adults. Grants of up to $10,000 are available for programs in Adult Basic Education, GED preparation, and English language acquisition. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and libraries located within 15 miles of a Dollar General store. The foundation aims to enhance educational opportunities and foster personal growth through literacy.

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 Mabee Foundation provides challenge grants for projects in Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arkansas, Missouri, and Kansas, primarily focusing on construction, renovation, and major medical equipment purchases. Organizations must raise 40% of project costs from other donors before applying. Grants can reach up to 20% of total costs, with a maximum of $2 million. Applications are considered quarterly, requiring submissions by specific deadlines for review at upcoming board meetings.

The Giving Branch Scholarship, funded by Flat Branch Mortgage, Inc. employees, aims to support working adults in pursuing higher education within the communities served by Flat Branch. This scholarship offers financial assistance ranging from $500 to $5,000, targeting individuals aged 25 and older who meet specific employment, residency, and academic criteria. By investing in education, the Giving Branch Foundation seeks to empower local residents and contribute positively to the community.

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. 

Forty and Eight Scholarship

This fund was established by World War I Veterans to provide academic scholarships to individuals obtaining a nursing or medical degree. Forty and eight refers to forty men and eight horses/mules to a French train boxcar during World War I.

Scholarships will be awarded on an annual basis and disbursed in August. 

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.

Harvest Ball Founders' Scholarship Fund

The Harvest Ball Founders’ Scholarship is created to honor the founders of the Harvest Ball Society, Patty Garney and Sandra Doolin Melinger in recognition of the leadership they demonstrated in establishing that organization to address numerous charitable needs in Clay and Platte Counties. The scholarship will be awarded to students in secondary school, military or other organizations who have demonstrated outstanding leadership.

The Anchor QEA Scholarship supports graduate students pursuing degrees in engineering, environmental sciences, or related fields, with awards between $1,000 and $10,000. This program emphasizes helping those in financial need, particularly focusing on BIPOC students to address inequities in STEM. Eligible candidates must demonstrate a commitment to community service and possess an inclusive mindset. This initiative reflects Anchor QEA's dedication to fostering a diverse and equitable educational environment.

Casey’s Donation Requests support vital community needs in Education, Hunger, and Community Servants. Eligible 501(c)3 organizations within Casey’s communities can apply through the online Donation Request Form. Requests are reviewed continuously, with feedback provided via email within one month. Priority is given to organizations that haven't received donations in the current giving calendar year, which runs from May 1 to April 30.

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.

CDBG Competitive Cycle allows communities to apply for improvements to nearly any publicly-owned facility or infrastructure, as well as the clearance of vacant, dilapidated buildings.

The General Infrastructure category helps improve local, publicly owned streets, drainage, bridges, and other infrastructure activities. Reliable and sustainable infrastructure helps support the business community as well as residents. This excludes drinking water and wastewater projects which the applicant should apply for under the water/wastewater program. The CDBG-funded construction budget cannot exceed $500,000 total or $5,000 per household benefiting.

The Dollar General School Library Relief Grant Program, managed by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, provides crucial support to K-12 public school libraries that face significant damage due to disasters such as fires or federally recognized acts of terrorism. This grant aims to restore essential library resources, ensuring that affected communities can continue to access vital educational materials and support. Libraries must be within 15 miles of a Dollar General store and meet specific eligibility criteria.

The Ralph J. Torraco Scholarship for Computer Science Studies, awarded by the UNICO Foundation, offers four scholarships of $1,000 each to full-time students pursuing a degree in Computer Science at accredited U.S. colleges. Eligible applicants must reside in specific states or have a UNICO sponsor, be U.S. citizens aged 18 or older, and continue their studies in the 2026-2027 academic year. Preference is given to those demonstrating financial need.

The Walker Charitable Foundation provides funding for charitable, religious, scientific, literary, and educational endeavors. Organizations must contact the Foundation at least 30 days prior to grant submission to discuss eligibility. The Foundation aims to support as many worthy organizations as possible, guided by its Executive Director and Board, primarily consisting of Walker family members. Over the years, it has proudly funded numerous organizations that have made significant contributions to their communities.

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.

CDBG Competitive Cycle allows communities to apply for improvements to nearly any publicly-owned facility or infrastructure, as well as the clearance of vacant, dilapidated buildings.

Community Facilities: This program helps Missouri communities construct facilities that will serve a large portion of the public with a variety of services. With education and health/well-being programs taking priority, communities can utilize this program to construct senior centers, day care centers, rural health clinics, telecommunications, and 911 services, among others.

The Von Voigtlander Family Foundation Grant, though currently closed, aims to support 501(c)(3) charitable organizations, primarily in Michigan. The foundation emphasizes animal welfare, parks preservation, veteran support, and youth empowerment. Their mission is to enhance lives through community-focused initiatives that foster resilience, education, and well-being. They prioritize charities that promote responsible pet ownership, outdoor recreation, and provide resources for veterans and youth, ensuring a positive impact across multiple sectors.

The Insuring Rural Communities Scholarship supports students from rural Missouri and Illinois, offering renewable scholarships up to $5,000. Funded by Valley Insurance Agency Alliance and Travelers Foundation, it aims to assist those pursuing degrees in healthcare, information technology, or risk management. Eligible applicants must be permanent residents of non-metropolitan areas, enrolled in accredited programs, and demonstrate significant financial need. This initiative enhances academic and career success in underserved communities.

The Jones/Goddard Scholarship Fund for Public Health offers a $750 scholarship to postgraduate students enrolled in a Master of Public Health program at accredited schools in Missouri or Kansas. Applicants must submit a letter of good standing, describe their work experience, and provide an essay along with a letter of recommendation. This initiative aims to support future public health leaders and enhance community well-being.

The Brownfield Remediation Program, administered by the Missouri Department of Economic Development, offers financial incentives for the cleanup and redevelopment of contaminated commercial and industrial sites abandoned for at least three years. Eligible applicants include any Missouri taxpayer, with tax credits potentially covering up to 100% of remediation costs. The program encourages environmental restoration while promoting economic growth through job creation in affected communities.

The DPS’ strategic priorities encompass several key initiatives including; building relationships with external stakeholders, identifying hazards and threats to public safety, maintaining sufficient capacities to perform statutorily required responsibilities and utilizing federal and state programs to protect, as well as provide impactful service to Missouri citizens. The grant opportunity provides resources to combat drug related crimes. 

The Needmor Fund for Social Justice aims to promote social justice by supporting community organizing efforts in the Midwest. With a focus on low- and moderate-income communities, BIPOC groups, and other marginalized populations, the fund provides grants for up to three years to organizations committed to long-term empowerment and advocacy. The initiative seeks to foster inclusive participation in democracy, ensuring that all voices are heard in shaping policies affecting their lives.

The Jay L. Smith Family Foundation provides grants to tax-exempt non-profit organizations in the United States, primarily focusing on healthcare, family values, and supporting the disadvantaged. With a strong commitment to Alzheimer's research, the foundation has funded various initiatives including elderly care, domestic violence prevention, and cancer research. Their mission is to enhance the quality of life for individuals and communities through meaningful contributions, aiming to address critical social issues and promote well-being.

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 Alleghany Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) organization in Virginia, focuses on enhancing the quality of life in the Alleghany Highlands through strategic funding initiatives. It seeks grant applications that address key areas such as economic transformation, educational excellence, health and wellness, community capacity, and civic leadership. By prioritizing innovative projects and supporting local organizations, the Foundation aims to foster sustainable growth and community engagement, ensuring a vibrant future for the region.

The Research Foundation

The Research Foundation invests in health-centered programs and partnerships that benefit health care students and professionals, patients, and people in the Kansas City community.

The Research Foundation story began in 1965 when Research Hospital Foundation was formed to raise funds to help Research Hospital provide health care services to the community. For nearly 40 years, the foundation provided support to Research Medical Center to bring the latest in medical advancements and treatments and to provide a broad base of services to serve the health care needs of patients in the greater Kansas City community. With the purchase of Research Medical Center by the for-profit health care company HCA in 2003, The Research Foundation became an independent 501c(3) non-profit organization.

The Research Foundation serves the community and carries on the spirit of the original foundation through our many health-centered programs and partnerships.

Dr. Nancy O. DeBasio Faculty Leadership Award

The Dr. Nancy O. DeBasio Faculty Leadership Award is given annually to a nursing faculty member in honor of Dr. Nancy O. DeBasio, who served as president and dean of Research College of Nursing from 1992 to 2017. The purpose of this award is to recognize a rising leader and nurse educator who exemplifies the four pillars of leadership, as framed by Chris Lowney: self-awareness, ingenuity, love, and heroism. 

• Self-Awareness – An understanding of personal strengths and weakness as part of a worldview of nursing and health care
• Ingenuity – Confident innovation in adapting to changes in education, the community and the world
• Love – Engaging students and colleagues with a positive attitude that unlocks their potential and fosters their growth
• Heroism – Energizing self and others with ambitions and passions for heroic excellence in every aspect of life

Faculty will be eligible for the award once every three years.

See the nomination requirements here.

The Robert J. Tarte Scholarship for Italian Studies, offered by the UNICO Foundation, supports students of Italian descent pursuing a major or minor in Italian Studies or Language. Valued at $1,000, this scholarship is awarded to full-time undergraduate students attending accredited institutions in the U.S. Eligible applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.0 and continue their studies through the 2026-2027 academic year, with preference given to those demonstrating financial need.

The Research Foundation

The Research Foundation invests in health-centered programs and partnerships that benefit health care students and professionals, patients, and people in the Kansas City community.

The Research Foundation story began in 1965 when Research Hospital Foundation was formed to raise funds to help Research Hospital provide health care services to the community. For nearly 40 years, the foundation provided support to Research Medical Center to bring the latest in medical advancements and treatments and to provide a broad base of services to serve the health care needs of patients in the greater Kansas City community. With the purchase of Research Medical Center by the for-profit health care company HCA in 2003, The Research Foundation became an independent 501c(3) non-profit organization.

The Research Foundation serves the community and carries on the spirit of the original foundation through our many health-centered programs and partnerships.

Outstanding Community Service Award

The purpose of this award is to recognize the involvement of faculty members in outstanding service to the community. The award is given to those who demonstrate service to the community and encourages faculty and students to provide leadership and service that fosters community growth. Faculty members can be nominated on any one or more of the following criteria:

• Has inspired teachers and students to more actively perform community service
• Has developed or originated new service projects, including interdisciplinary projects that identify and help alleviate community health problems
• Has devised or demonstrated a new, original or pioneering community service model that has been emulated or proved successful over time
• Has shown leadership in demonstrating professional nursing’s cultural competence and commitment to community service
• Has demonstrated effective use of political and networking skills to promote implementation of effective community health policy
• Has demonstrated, in a scholarly manner, the importance and effectiveness of professional nursing service to the community

See the nomination requirements here.

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 ECHO Scholarship

Established by ECHO to be awarded to a graduating second-year student that will be employed in the construction field after graduation from high school OR continuing postsecondary training in the field of construction.

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.

Missouri Beef Days Grantmaking Program

Missouri Beef Days exists to appreciate those in the beef and agriculture industries and their contributions to the economy; educate all on the importance of beef to Missouri - economically, nutritionally, and environmentally; celebrate Missouri's top industry and all those involved. Established in 2022, Missouri Beef Days has provided beef to local schools, raised over $100,000 in scholarship funding, and made community improvements in Polk County.

Missouri Beef Days seeks to support projects related to increasing access to agricultural education for students and will award three grants this cycle. Grant proposals are accepted according to an announced timetable, and grant recommendations are made as funds are available. .