Best Preservation Grants in Missouri

The Historic Preservation Tax Credit Program (HTC) in Missouri incentivizes the rehabilitation of historic commercial and residential structures. Targeting large projects with tax credit requests of $275,000 or more, this program aims to preserve the state's architectural heritage while promoting economic development. By providing financial support, it encourages investment in historically significant properties, ensuring their sustainable use and maintenance for future generations.

The Historic Preservation Tax Credit Program (HTC) in Missouri incentivizes the rehabilitation of historic commercial and residential structures. Small Projects, which seek under $275,000 in tax credits, allow for significant renovations while adhering to caps based on Qualified Rehabilitation Expenditures (QREs). For instance, a project eligible for a 25% tax credit requires less than $1.1 million in QREs, ensuring broad access for smaller rehabilitation efforts.

The Jeffris Heartland Fund Grant, provided by the Jeffris Family Foundation, supports significant historic preservation projects across several Midwestern states, including Iowa and Wisconsin. Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000, covering 50% of costs for Historic Structure Reports, requiring a dollar-for-dollar match. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and government agencies, focusing on projects with historical significance, architectural merit, and strong community ties. Applications are accepted anytime, with decisions made approximately 30 days after submission.

The John Deere FIRST LEGO League Challenge aims to enhance equity, diversity, and inclusion in STEM by supporting teams from underserved communities. Eligible teams must have a John Deere mentor and meet specific criteria related to student demographics. Grants will be awarded to teams that demonstrate commitment to community engagement and volunteerism. This initiative aligns with John Deere’s goal to reach one million underserved youth by 2030, fostering innovation and creativity in future generations.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

The Penn National Gaming Foundation Grants support various community initiatives across North America, emphasizing education, health services, and cultural affairs. Launched post-Hurricane Katrina, the foundation aids local nonprofits, enhancing community development, public safety, and veteran support. The grants cater to organizations that address the needs of children, senior citizens, and disadvantaged populations, ensuring a broad impact in areas where Penn National Gaming operates. This commitment reflects the foundation's dedication to uplifting communities and fostering resilience.

The Hulston Family Foundation Grant supports initiatives aimed at enhancing health, education, and welfare for children and families, while addressing hunger and homelessness. The foundation prioritizes funding for organizations based in West Central and Southwest Missouri, with a focus on effective management and measurable community impact. Grants are capped at $25,000 and typically not extended beyond two consecutive years, ensuring a sustainable approach to funding community-based projects.

The National Trust Preservation Funds provide grants ranging from $2,500 to $5,000 to support local preservation projects and ongoing work. These funds aim to enhance community engagement in preservation, foster technical expertise, and stimulate financial participation from the private sector. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofit organizations focused on planning and education efforts related to preservation. The program is particularly interested in initiatives that reach new audiences and further the preservation movement.

The Charless Foundation, part of the St. Louis Community Foundation, aims to support charitable organizations that promote the health and wellness of Missouri senior citizens, especially in South St. Louis City. Starting in 2025, grantmaking will focus on housing assistance, including home repairs and modifications for older adults. Additionally, funding for food banks will be available, capped at $10,000 per site. Grants can range from $10,000 to $50,000 annually, depending on the applicant's history with the foundation.

The Ash Grove Charitable Foundation Grant supports public charities with 501(c)(3) status, focusing on capital projects that enhance community life in states where Ash Grove operates. With a commitment to environmental sustainability, education, and human services, the Foundation prioritizes funding for renovation and construction projects. Grants typically reach up to $25,000, aiming to foster better living standards and support local initiatives that are vital for community growth and resilience.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

The Clifford Willard Gaylord Foundation, established in 1948, is dedicated to supporting non-profit organizations in Missouri across various sectors including education, health, social services, and the arts. Founded by industrialist Clifford Willard Gaylord, the foundation aims to enhance community well-being through grants that foster scientific research, historic preservation, and cultural initiatives. Gaylord's legacy continues to impact many lives through this philanthropic effort.

The Whitaker Foundation, established in 1975, supports arts and parks initiatives in St. Louis, Missouri. By funding arts organizations and park projects, it enriches community life through creativity and shared spaces. Eligible applicants must have 501(c)(3) status and provide free public programming. The foundation does not fund playgrounds, sports leagues, or individual grants, ensuring support is directed towards impactful community projects that promote relaxation, beauty, and celebration.

The John Deere FIRST Robotics Competition grant aims to enhance diversity and inclusion in STEM by supporting teams in underserved communities. Teams must apply for funding before registration and meet specific eligibility criteria. This grant promotes equity in engineering and technology through mentorship and community support, aligning with John Deere's commitment to reach one million underserved youth by 2030. Priority is given to teams with confirmed John Deere mentors and those meeting diverse participation requirements.

The Preserve Route 66 Grant Fund offers financial support to public agencies, tribal governments, and nonprofit organizations aiming to preserve historic places along Route 66. This initiative prioritizes projects that enhance underrepresented narratives, including those related to diverse communities. Grants typically range from $2,500 to $10,000, with a focus on activities that restore, rehabilitate, or educate about significant historical sites, ensuring that this iconic American highway's legacy is maintained for future generations.

The JDF: FIRST LEGO League Explore Grant Program, supported by the John Deere Foundation, aims to enhance participation in STEM for underserved youth. Teams must apply for the grant before registration and ensure compliance with eligibility criteria, including training requirements. This initiative is part of John Deere's commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in technology and engineering fields, ultimately seeking to impact one million youth by 2030.

The John Deere FIRST LEGO League Discover program aims to support equity, diversity, and inclusion in STEM fields by providing grants to teams that meet specific eligibility criteria. Teams must be associated with an educational institution or nonprofit and demonstrate a commitment to recruiting underserved and underrepresented students. The initiative is part of John Deere’s goal to empower one million youth by 2030, fostering innovation and better decision-making in local communities.

Enterprise Community Partners

Enterprise Community Partners (Enterprise) is a national nonprofit that exists to make a good home possible for the millions of families without one. We support community development organizations on the ground, aggregate and invest capital for impact, advance housing policy at every level of government, and build and manage communities ourselves. Since 1982, we have invested $80.9 billion and created 1 million homes across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands – all to make home and community places of pride, power and belonging.

Midwest Asset Management University Program

Operating, maintaining, and preserving affordable housing is complex and requires a specialized set of skills and a deep organizational commitment to asset management. Today, affordable housing providers face a variety of economic, operational, and compliance challenges, including rising operating costs, rental arrears, staffing shortages, and an aging portfolio.

Enterprise is launching its first Asset Management University (AMU) Program in the Midwest (Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Missouri, and/or Minnesota) in March 2026 to support mission-aligned, affordable housing providers in meeting these challenges in their efforts to provide housing stability to residents and preserve the long-term affordability of properties.

The Midwest AMU is a comprehensive, five-month training program that seeks to strengthen the asset and property management capabilities of participating housing providers, improving organizations’ capacity to oversee the financial, physical, and operational health of their housing portfolios.

Midwest Asset Management University Cohort 

Enterprise is excited to offer this application for participation in the Asset Management University (AMU) Cohort (the “Cohort”). Up to fifteen (15) eligible organizations will be selected for this Cohort and will receive access to online training offered by the Consortium of Housing and Asset Management (CHAM), peer learning opportunities, and post-training technical assistance.

The Allen P. and Josephine B. Green Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in Missouri by supporting 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations. With a focus on human services, education, and community health, the foundation provides grants ranging from $1,000 to $50,000 annually. The application process is competitive, with deadlines twice a year, ensuring substantial support for impactful community projects. Interested organizations can find more details and apply through the foundation's website.

The Griffin Family Charitable Foundation Grant, established in 1998 by Anna Margaret Griffin in honor of her father, Dr. Fred Griffin, supports public charities in Audrain and Montgomery Counties. With over $1 million awarded in grants and scholarships, the Foundation focuses on educational, scientific, and charitable initiatives. Dr. Griffin's legacy of service and commitment to the community continues through this foundation, ensuring that vital resources are provided to enhance the lives of local residents.

The THCF Community Grants program offers funding for up to three years for eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits and local government organizations in Eastern Jackson County. Proposals can focus on areas such as arts, education, community betterment, and health services. Notably, applicants may only seek funding from one grant program, either Community Grants or the Jelley Family Foundation Grants, starting in 2024. This initiative aims to foster community growth and support diverse local projects.

The Community Ties Giving Program by Union Pacific Foundation offers local grants aimed at enhancing community well-being through diverse funding priorities. These include safety initiatives, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability. The program emphasizes supporting organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, aiming to create impactful projects that resonate with Union Pacific's heritage and mission. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations serving Union Pacific communities and demonstrate a clear need and capacity to deliver effective programming.

The Affordable Housing Assistance Program (AHAP) by the Missouri Housing Development Commission incentivizes affordable housing production through tax credits. This program allocates up to 55% of the total donation value as a one-time credit for eligible donors, supporting non-profits in providing housing assistance in distressed communities. With $10 million available in production credits and $1 million for operating assistance annually, AHAP aims to enhance community development and improve living conditions in Missouri.

The Battlefield Preservation Fund Grant aims to support initiatives that preserve battlefields and related historic sites. This funding encourages planning and educational efforts, particularly those that engage new audiences in preservation activities. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofits in specified states. Grants can be used for staff support, consultant fees, and educational materials. Applicants must provide a one-to-one match for funding, ensuring strong community involvement in preservation efforts.

The Community Foundation of Central Missouri (CFCM) offers the Impact Grant, a $5,000 funding opportunity designed to significantly address critical issues in mid-Missouri. This grant focuses on human capacity development for disadvantaged individuals or arts initiatives. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations based in central Missouri and operational for at least five years. Projects may target equal opportunity, education, and senior services, among others, adapting to community needs over time.

The Community Foundation of Central Missouri (CFCM) promotes community well-being through its Community Support Grants. Since 2010, CFCM has focused on addressing local needs by funding nonprofit projects in areas such as health, education, arts, and community improvement. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits or local government entities serving central Missouri. CFCM seeks partnerships that align with its mission to enhance lives and foster sustainable community investments.

The L-A-D Foundation Grant Program, established in 1962, is dedicated to conserving the natural and cultural resources of the Missouri Ozarks. Through partnerships and community support, the Foundation has awarded over $600,000 in grants to eligible 501(c)(3) organizations. Projects may focus on conservation education, community engagement, and innovative initiatives within a 12-county service area. The program encourages applications that align with its mission to enhance ecological and cultural sustainability.