Best Private Grants for Nonprofits in Missouri

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.

Henry, Trina, Laurianna Wash Family Scholarship Fund

The purpose of this scholarship fund is to allow African American young men who have graduated from the High Asperations program to get scholarships for 2 or 4 year colleges and/or vocational/trade schools.

This scholarship is named after the foundation family of High Aspirations. The scholarship is named after them for their tireless work they have done in the Kansas City community through High Aspirations, Inc. since 2003.

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.

Hillcrest Transitional Housing Youth Scholarship Fund

The purpose of the Fund shall be to provide scholarships to current residents or graduates of Hillcrest’s Youth Program who demonstrate a desire and an aptitude to pursue higher education.

In evaluating applicants, the student’s response to an essay question in the scholarship application inviting them to express personally why they are pursuing their education will be a determining factor.

Scholarships will be awarded on an annual basis and disbursed in equal payments to the educational institution in August and January.

Applications are accepted year round however formal announcements will be made in April and November of each year.

Students may reapply annually up to four years as long as the student is making progress towards earning a degree. Progress towards earning a degree includes: a minimum of 6 credit hours per semester or its equivalent, passing classes, being in good standing with the educational institution, not dropping out, and other criteria as determined by the Youth Scholarship Committee.

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 Ann and Doug Sickles Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, awards $2,800 to an undergraduate student in their third or fourth year pursuing a degree in Health or Social Science at a Missouri college. Preference is given to students from specific high schools in Missouri. Applicants must maintain a GPA of at least 2.5 and provide a transcript along with a personal essay detailing their community service efforts.

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.

Kansas Association of Independent Crop Consultants Scholarship Fund

The Kansas Association of Independent Crop Consultants created this scholarship fund to award to a qualified individual majoring in an agricultural field.

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.

Mark's Memorial Scholarship, managed by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, offers a $2,000 scholarship aimed at high school seniors from specific local schools. This renewable scholarship supports students maintaining a 2.5 GPA while enrolled in an accredited institution. Eligible candidates must demonstrate financial need and submit necessary documents, including an essay and a letter of recommendation, to pursue their higher education goals.

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.

Military Community Reinvestment Grant

Per Section 620.3300 RSMo, this program assists Missouri’s military communities in supporting and sustaining their installations, to encourage communities to initiate coordinated response programs and action plans in advance of future federal government realignment and closure decisions, and to support community efforts to attract new or expanded military missions.

Funding Limits

For FY2027, $291,000 is expected to be available under the Military Community Reinvestment Grant (MCRG). Grantees must enter an Agreement with the Department of Economic Development (DED) to receive funds. Funded activities must be completed with reimbursement requested by May 28, 2027.

Per statute, up to $300,000 may be appropriated to qualifying projects through the Missouri Military Community Reinvestment Grant Program Fund. State financial regulations also require three percent of the appropriation amount be held for the Governor’s standard reserve. 

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.

Modern Enigma Society Memorial Scholarship Fund

The purpose of the Modern Enigma Society Scholarship is to provide scholarships to members of the Modern Enigma Society who intend to further their education at a post-secondary institution or trade/vocational school.

Past receipts may reapply for up to three (3) additional years.

Consideration will be given to the applicant’s academic and civic performance, community service record and essay quality. Scholarship recipients are also expected to give back to the community by completing at least eight (8) hours of community service per quarter for one-year after they receive the scholarship. Scholarship recipients are expected to report back to the Advisory Committee of the Fund at least annually about their community service.

The NCR-SARE Graduate Student Grant Program funds up to $20,000 for graduate student projects addressing sustainable agriculture in the North Central Region. Established in 2002, it supports Master's and Ph.D. students at accredited institutions. Projects can last up to 36 months, and applicants may receive only one grant during their academic career. The program aims to promote innovative solutions to agricultural challenges and enhance sustainability practices in the region.

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.

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.

Morning Grange #227 Scholarship Fund

The Morning Grange #227 Scholarship Fund will benefit students who are planning to attend a college or vocational school who have attended high school in the Olathe, Gardner, and Spring Hill areas.

Morning Grange #227 members will be exempt from residency requirements. A Grange member is defined as a member of good standing or related to a member in good standing by no more than two generations – grandparent, parent or grandchild.

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 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.

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.

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.

CSA Midwest Region: Beth Dunlap Award

 The Midwestern Region presents The Beth Dunlap Award at the Regional Symposium. The award will be offered to a person who has made contributions worthy of the highest commendation and the achievements will have continued importance. Beth Dunlap was one of the founding members of the Midwestern Region. A fashion illustrator and artist, she passed away in 2009.

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 RMEF Grant Program lies at the core of advancing our mission.

RMEF established the program in 1986 to provide financial and logistical support to projects that align with our priorities and goals. Grant funds raised by RMEF members, volunteers and generous donors from across the country translate into significantly more conservation accomplishment when matched with partner funds. The RMEF Grant Program also aims to build recognition for RMEF’s work, grow engagement, and boost local fundraising efforts.

Governed by clear guidelines and criteria, the RMEF Grant Program seeks to foster meaningful collaborations and long-term impacts in the conservation of natural resources and outdoor traditions. Grant project partners include federal, state, local, and tribal wildlife and land management agencies, private landowners and local stakeholders, sportsmen and women, and conservation organizations, universities, foundations and the outdoor industry. Eligible projects primarily focus on habitat stewardship, land conservation and access, wildlife management, and hunting heritage.

We support organizations recognized by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as a 501(c)3 entity, federal, state, local, or tribal government entities, sportsmen’s organizations, or educational institutions. All applicants must have a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) issued by the IRS. RMEF does not offer grants to individuals.

Land Conservation and Access

RMEF conserves critical big game habitat and migration corridors, while expanding and improving public access, including through land acquisitions and voluntary conservation agreements. RMEF's

2026 priorities include:

• Conserving migratory corridors and connecting landscapes through land conservation efforts
• Creating new or improved public access through access easements and agreements and state-run access programs

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 Community Facilities Grant Program in Missouri offers vital funding to enhance essential community facilities in rural areas. Eligible projects include health care centers, public safety services, and educational institutions, targeting communities with populations under 20,000. With grants covering up to 75% of project costs based on income criteria, this program aims to foster community development and support local needs. Applications are accepted year-round, ensuring continuous assistance for rural projects.

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.

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.

Jerry Sharp Memorial Scholarship Application

This scholarship is in memory of Jerry Sharp who promoted motorcycle racing throughout Missouri.

Consideration will be given to financial need and the student’s work and community service record. 

These scholarships will be supplemental for students who have already earned athletic and/or academic scholarships. This scholarship is not automatically renewable, however, students may reapply for subsequent years.

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.