Best Large Grants for Nonprofit Organizations in Missouri

The Springfield Bar Past Presidents Scholarship in Honor of Crista Hogan, managed by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, offers a $500 scholarship to a postgraduate law student in Missouri. Applicants must demonstrate financial need by submitting the FAFSA-SAI form and provide a letter of good standing. This scholarship aims to support students in achieving their educational goals and fostering future legal professionals in the community.

The Springfield Area Retired Teachers Association Scholarship, managed by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, offers a $2,500 scholarship to undergraduate students entering their third or fourth year at Drury University, Evangel University, or Missouri State University. Applicants must demonstrate financial need through FAFSA-SAI, describe their community service involvement, and submit an essay. This scholarship aims to support future educators committed to making a positive impact in their communities.

The Ruth Olesen Kelley Scholarship, managed by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, awards a $2,000 scholarship to a graduating high school senior or undergraduate student from Springfield. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, submit a FAFSA-SAI, and write an essay. Eligible candidates are female students majoring in Women's History with a minimum GPA of 2.5. This scholarship aims to support educational aspirations and foster academic excellence in the community.

The Royce Fugate OMC Scholarship, managed by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, awards $1,200 to a deserving Certified Nursing Assistant employed at Ozarks Health Care in West Plains, MO. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and submit a FAFSA-SAI form. This scholarship supports individuals entering an LPN program at an accredited college or university, contributing to their educational goals and professional development in the healthcare field.

The Ronda Seaton, DVM Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, awards a $400 scholarship to a postgraduate student entering their second year at the College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri-Columbia. Applicants must demonstrate financial need by submitting a FAFSA-SAI and provide a letter of good standing. An essay is also required. This scholarship aims to support students pursuing veterinary education and enhance their academic journey.

The Romines Family Scholarship, managed by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, awards five $5,000 scholarships annually to graduating high school seniors from specific schools or homeschooled graduates. It emphasizes financial need and requires applicants to be enrolled in a two-year or vocational program. Preference is given to students from Mountain Grove, supporting local educational aspirations and fostering community growth.

The Robert C. Boehner Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, awards one $1,000 scholarship to undergraduate students entering their final year at accredited institutions. Eligible candidates must major in areas like Construction Architecture or Engineering, reside in specific counties within SWMO, and maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher. Applicants must submit an essay, transcripts, and two letters of recommendation to demonstrate their community service involvement.

The Richard E. Dorr Memorial Scholarship, managed by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, offers a $4,000 award to postgraduate law students who graduated from a Missouri High School. Eligible candidates must demonstrate financial need, submit a FAFSA-SAI, and provide a letter of good standing. Applicants are required to describe their community service involvement and work experience, along with submitting an essay and a letter of recommendation. This scholarship aims to support deserving students in their educational pursuits.

The Richard and Jeanne Cavender Scholarship for Public Service, managed by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, awards a $1,500 scholarship to a graduating high school senior from select schools. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, participate in community service, and submit an essay. Eligible students should be pursuing degrees in fields such as Education, Healthcare, or Public Policy, with a minimum GPA of 2.5. This initiative supports local youth in achieving their educational goals.

The Quigley Jasper County Christian Athlete Scholarship, funded by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, offers a $500 scholarship for high school seniors from specific local schools. Eligible students must demonstrate financial need and describe their community service and sports involvement in an essay. This scholarship aims to support students pursuing higher education, particularly those majoring in Ministry, and is a part of the foundation's broader mission to enhance community quality of life through educational opportunities.

The PTSC Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, awards $2,500 to an undergraduate student at Missouri State University-Springfield. Applicants must be in their second or third year, have graduated from a Missouri high school, and submit an essay. Eligible candidates should be majoring in Education and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher. This scholarship aims to support students in their pursuit of higher education.

The Physical Therapy Specialist/Nathan Murphy Scholarship, administered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, awards a $1,000 scholarship to a student enrolled in a law enforcement academy. Applicants must have graduated from a Missouri high school and submit a transcript along with an acceptance letter from their academy. This initiative aims to support students in achieving their educational goals while promoting careers in public service.

The Paul and Joe Anne Ripley Scholarship, managed by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, offers two $10,000 scholarships annually for undergraduate students at Three Rivers College. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, enroll in at least 12 credit hours, and demonstrate financial need by submitting a FAFSA-SAI. This scholarship is non-renewable for students majoring in Physical Education, Coaching, or similar fields, and an essay is required.

The Patricia Higham Nursing Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, awards a $1,200 scholarship to an undergraduate student attending the College of Health Professions at Southwest Baptist University. Applicants must demonstrate community service involvement and work experience, as well as submit an essay along with their application. To qualify, students must maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher and provide a transcript. This scholarship aims to support aspiring nursing professionals in their educational journey.

The Ozarks Teacher Corps Scholarship, managed by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, offers eight $4,000 scholarships for undergraduate students majoring in Education at select Missouri universities. To qualify, applicants must maintain a 3.0 GPA, attend mandatory workshops, and commit to teaching in a rural community for three years post-graduation. This initiative aims to support future educators and enhance educational opportunities in rural areas.

The Ozarks Regional Graduate Scholarship, managed by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, offers a $1,000 scholarship for postgraduate students demonstrating financial need. Applicants must submit a FAFSA-SAI and provide an essay detailing their community service and work experience. Preference is given to graduates from Reeds Spring, MO high school. Each year, the CFO awards $1.7 million in scholarships to support higher education in the region.

The Ozark Chapter of the Missouri Society of Professional Engineers Scholarship offers two $1,500 scholarships to graduating high school seniors pursuing engineering. This renewable scholarship requires a minimum 2.0 GPA, enrollment in 12 credit hours, and submission of FAFSA-SAI to demonstrate financial need. Applicants must provide an essay, community service description, and two letters of recommendation. Preference is given to children of MSPE members and students in foster care.

The Norbertine and John Mais Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, provides a $500 award to a graduating high school senior from specific schools in the region. Applicants must pursue a degree in Engineering, Home Economics, or Child Development, maintain a GPA of 3.75 or above, and submit an essay detailing their community service and school activities. This scholarship aims to support students in achieving their educational aspirations.

The National Art Shop/Sanders Scholarship, managed by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, awards two $425 scholarships to undergraduate students at Missouri State University-Springfield or Ozarks Technical Community College. Applicants must demonstrate financial need via FAFSA-SAI, describe their work experience, and submit an essay. The scholarship aims to support art majors with a GPA of 2.5 or above, helping them pursue their educational goals.

The Missouri Beef Days Charitable Scholarship Fund, managed by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, offers a $1,000 scholarship for students pursuing degrees in agricultural fields. Eligible applicants must be graduating high school seniors with a minimum GPA of 2.5 and are required to submit a transcript, an essay, and details about their community service involvement. This initiative helps foster education and community service among future agricultural leaders.

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.

Ruth Marie Park Scholarship Fund for Advancement in Healthcare

The purpose of the Fund shall be to provide scholarships to non-traditional students who are currently professionals in the healthcare field and pursing advancement or, a non-traditional student who are aspiring to attain credentials for entry into the professional healthcare field. For purposes of the scholarship, a non-traditional student is defined as a person who has been out of high school for at least two years prior to applying for the scholarship.

The Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants in Missouri provide vital funding for eligible rural communities to prepare for or recover from emergencies affecting safe drinking water. This program, supported by USDA Rural Development, enables grants for water transmission lines and source construction, ensuring access to reliable water in the wake of disasters like floods and droughts. By fostering partnerships and encouraging sustainable practices, it aims to enhance water security and support community resilience.

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 Barton, Elmer Scholarship

This scholarship program was initiated to recognize the leadership of Mr. Elmer Barton in the field of Industrial Technology. One scholarship recipient will be selected annually to receive a $500.00 scholarship. 

With support from Toyota Motor North America, the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) is pleased to announce $250,000 in grant funding to make public lands more accessible and enjoyable for people of all abilities. The 2026 grant program will focus on communities near Toyota Motor North America facilities and is restricted to 16 communities, as detailed below. 

Overview

Through the 2026 Driving Mobility and Accessibility on Public Lands grant, NEEF aims to:

• Increase the capacity of local organizations and government agencies to address mobility and accessibility considerations on public lands; and
• Improve the level of access, comfort, and enjoyment experienced by public lands visitors of all abilities, together with their families and friends.

The grant will provide up to $20,000 per grantee to increase physical or digital access, provide adaptive recreation equipment or programming, or perform accessibility assessments on public lands in communities near 16 Toyota Motor North America facilities.

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.

Susan Pepperdine Memorial Scholarship Fund

The purpose of this scholarship is to support students pursuing any type of agriculture degree in a qualifying 4 year institution.

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. .

This funding opportunity invites innovative pilot studies focused on biological, behavioral, and social mechanisms related to HIV pathogenesis, aligning with NIDDK's mission and NIH HIV/AIDS research priorities. Topics may include exploring pathophysiological mechanisms of HIV comorbidities and coinfections, understanding HIV reservoirs in relevant tissues, and examining social determinants affecting health outcomes. Applications are due by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization.