Best Quality of Life Grants in Missouri

The Steven C. Leuthold Family Foundation Grants support 501(c)(3) non-profits in areas such as land conservation, environmental protection, human services, and animal welfare. Founded in 1991 by philanthropist Steven C. Leuthold, the foundation prioritizes organizations that align with its giving preferences. Applications are due by June 30, 2025, with grants distributed by December 2025. Note that incomplete applications will not be accepted.

About Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation

Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) emerged from the front yard lemonade stand of 4- year-old Alexandra “Alex” Scott, who was fighting cancer and wanted to raise money to find cures for all children with cancer. Her spirit and determination inspired others to support her cause, and when she passed away at the age of 8, she had raised $1 million. Since then, the Foundation bearing her name has evolved into a national fundraising movement. Today, ALSF is one of the leading funders of pediatric cancer research in the U.S. and Canada, funding research projects and providing programs to families affected by childhood cancer. ALSF is one of the only childhood cancer research organizations that has been given the NCI peer-reviewed funder designation for rigorous selection of research grants. The mission of ALSF is to change the lives of children with cancer through funding impactful research, raising awareness, supporting families, and empowering everyone to help cure childhood cancer.

Bio-Therapeutic Impact Award

The Bio-Therapeutic Impact Award accelerates the development of clinical trials for promising biologic approaches to treating childhood cancer. These approaches include, but are not limited to, immunotherapy, gene therapy and small molecules. The award, intended for investigators who are initiating clinical trials, totals the maximum of $1.8 million awarded over three years.

The Columbus Foundation

In 1943, during the darkness of World War II, a group of passionate citizens, led by Columbus businessman Harrison M. Sayre, envisioned a way to improve the well-being of the community and the quality of life in central Ohio. With little more than this sound idea and faith, The Columbus Foundation was established.

Our Mission

To assist donors and others in strengthening and improving our community for the benefit of all its residents.

Craig Memorial Scholarship Fund

This scholarship fund was established by the family of John E. Craig, Jr. and Larry William Craig. Both John and Larry were extremely gifted musicians. John was a noted musician in the central Ohio community, studying at the Berklee College of Music in Boston at the time of his death. A well-known musician and businessman, Larry excelled at playing the piano and worked with his father in Craig & Sons Wrecking Company. This scholarship fund will provide support to students who are pursuing careers in musical arts, theatre or drama.

The Community Foundation of Shelby County

Our Mission

To inspire donor generosity and transform it into meaningful, lasting impact through charitable gifts.

Our Vision

To be the primary partner for donors who want to advance the community’s quality of life and capacity for excellence.

Emerson and Janet Koenig Family Scholarship

Selection based upon (in order of priority):

• Participation in extracurricular activities, volunteer participation in community or non-profit setting, and recommendations.

Awards

• One $2,000 renewable scholarship for up to 3 additional years at increasing amounts

The NIH Countermeasures Against Chemical Threats (CounterACT) initiative invites applications for basic research on chemical agents affecting the nervous system. This program aims to explore the toxicity mechanisms of chemical warfare agents, industrial chemicals, and pesticides. Researchers are encouraged to generate data that could reveal new therapeutic targets and manifestations of toxic exposures, contributing to public health safety against potential chemical threats.

The OREF/ASES Rockwood Clinical Shoulder Research Grant aims to foster innovative clinical research in shoulder care. By offering seed funding to new investigators, this grant supports promising projects that demonstrate clinical relevance and practical application. Successful completion will position principal investigators to pursue larger NIH or DOD funding opportunities, further advancing shoulder research. This initiative underscores the commitment to nurturing talent and excellence within the field.

The Ramiro Cortes Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of North Central Washington, honors the legacy of composer Ramiro Cortés, who was a pioneering Mexican-American musician. This scholarship supports graduating seniors from Chelan or Douglas counties who are pursuing full-time music studies. Funded entirely by concert proceeds, it aims to foster new talent in classical music while commemorating Cortés’ significant contributions to the field.

The NINDS Alzheimer’s Disease-Related Dementias (ADRD) K99/R00 program promotes diversity by supporting new independent investigators from underrepresented backgrounds in AD/ADRD research. This award facilitates a transition from mentored postdoctoral positions to independent faculty roles, providing essential NIH research support. Applicants must propose research that does not involve leading a clinical trial but may include participation in trials led by mentors. Key deadlines for applications span from October 2024 to June 2027.

The Thomas Halbert Scholarship, administered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, offers a $1,400 scholarship to undergraduate nursing students enrolled in accredited colleges in Springfield, MO. Applicants must demonstrate financial need through FAFSA and provide a transcript showing a minimum GPA of 3.0. An essay submission is also required. This initiative reflects the foundation's commitment to enhancing community quality of life through education and support.

The Berges Family Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in St. Louis through targeted philanthropic investments. This grant focuses on empowering youth, nurturing STEM futures, supporting first responders and veterans, and investing in cultural organizations. To apply, organizations must complete a Letter of Inquiry, leading to a full application by invitation. The foundation seeks mature organizations that demonstrate a commitment to lasting community impact.

The Residential Services for Unaccompanied Alien Children program, funded by the US Department of Health & Human Services, aims to provide safe and child-centered care for unaccompanied minors. This initiative supports organizations that can offer 24/7 services and are licensed to provide necessary care, including group homes and transitional foster care, particularly in areas near the U.S. southern border, ensuring the well-being of vulnerable children.

The Manning Family Foundation offers Health and Life Sciences Research Grants to support innovative research aimed at finding effective treatments and cures for diseases like diabetes and macular degeneration. Since 2003, they have funded 501(c)(3) nonprofits that contribute to these fields, emphasizing entrepreneurialism and impactful research. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with awards given three times a year, fostering advancements in health and community well-being.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) invites proposals for the Bats for the Future Fund RFP to combat white-nose syndrome (WNS) affecting bat populations in North America. This initiative seeks to advance treatments, implement management strategies, and support research that enhances bat survival and recovery. A match of 50% of the grant amount is preferred, aimed at fostering innovative conservation efforts and collaboration among stakeholders to ensure the future of affected bat species.

The Michael Hurewitz Scholarship, offered by The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region, supports high school seniors in the region who have a passion for journalism and demonstrate financial need. This scholarship aims to empower students by providing them the necessary financial assistance to pursue their educational goals in journalism, fostering the next generation of storytellers and communicators in our community.

The Jane Tschappat Nursing Advancement Scholarship, established by The Columbus Foundation, aims to support nurses pursuing advanced education in Ohio. Initiated in 1943, it honors Jane Tschappat, a dedicated nurse and public health leader. Eligible candidates must be enrolled in accredited programs, hold a valid RN license, and demonstrate financial need. The scholarship offers a minimum award of $1,000, empowering nurses to navigate the evolving healthcare landscape and enhance their professional qualifications.

The SESOT Fall Meeting Abstract Submission Award invites submissions for poster or platform presentations at the October 10, 2025 Fall SESOT Meeting in Clemson. Eligible participants include undergraduate, master's, PhD, and postdoctoral trainees who are SESOT members. Awards will be presented for the best presentations at the SESOT Reception during the SOT Meeting in March. New investigators may present but are not eligible for awards.

The Animal and Veterinary Innovation Centers (U18) funding opportunity, led by the FDA, aims to foster collaborations with academic institutions to tackle critical veterinary health challenges. This includes addressing Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, promoting genomic advancements in agriculture, and developing veterinary solutions for minor species. Applications are invited to enhance animal health and public safety, with Letters of Intent due prior to the July 2024 deadline.

The SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program, managed by the Department of War, aims to enhance the U.S. military's technical workforce by offering competitive scholarships for STEM degrees. With a funding cap of $1.3 billion over ten years, the program prepares scholars for critical roles in national defense, ensuring a pipeline of skilled professionals. Since its inception in 2005, over 8,000 scholarships have been awarded, fostering a strong connection between education and service in defense-related fields.

The Research Grants on Improving the Use of Research Evidence program aims to enhance the application of research findings for young people aged 5-25 in the U.S. It offers major grants ranging from $100,000 to $1,000,000 over 2-4 years, focusing on impactful studies and capacity-building for researchers. The foundation encourages collaboration among scholars and practitioners to strengthen research practices and evidence use in various settings.

The Huether/Gillan Scholarship, established by the Niskayuna Community Foundation, supports community-minded students from Niskayuna or its school district. This need-based scholarship aims to assist those pursuing higher education while emphasizing academic achievement and community service. Mr. Huether initiated this scholarship in honor of his parents, promoting values of dignity, diversity, impact, inclusion, innovation, and integrity. Interested applicants should contact Mr. Vince Bianchi for further details.

The Brett Candela Lacrosse Scholarship, established by the family of Brett Candela, honors his passion for lacrosse and supports central Ohio players pursuing higher education. A standout athlete from Columbus, Brett was recognized for his leadership and competitiveness in lacrosse and basketball. This scholarship aims to invest in student-athletes who embody his values of dedication, teamwork, and perseverance, ensuring that the next generation of lacrosse players can achieve their educational goals while upholding Brett's legacy.

The BioMarin Grant aims to support events, activities, and projects that enhance public health and benefit patients with rare diseases. This corporate funder focuses on scientific innovation and provides resources for organizations such as hospitals, universities, and patient advocacy groups. With an emphasis on education and community support, BioMarin encourages applications for funding throughout the year, ensuring timely assistance for eligible projects.

The Hope for the Journey Foundation for Cancer Treatment Support, backed by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, offers vital non-medical financial assistance to cancer patients and their families. This support is crucial for those navigating the challenges of cancer treatment, ensuring that they can focus on their health and well-being. The foundation prioritizes applicants from specific counties in Missouri, helping local families during their difficult journeys.

 YWCA Clark County Chan Barnett Scholarship

The mission of the YWCA Clark County Scholarship is to advance, support and promote education for women returning to the workforce.

The YWCA Clark County Scholarship was founded in 1994 by Channing R. R. Barnett with the purpose of helping women acquire training they need to become employable and self-sufficient.

Channing was sixty when she left her marriage. She had been a wife and mother for thirty two years - and worried she had no 'marketable skills' with which to support herself. Conquering her fears, Chan enrolled in Clark College's Displaced Homemakers Program. With the support of other women, Chan began to explore and develop her own talents. Drawing on her strong conviction to 'paddle her own canoe' she decided to make the most of her resources.

Reading the Wall Street Journal from cover to cover, taking advantage of every free resource she could find, and having the confidence to call investment brokers and ask lots of questions eventually paid off! As Chan said, she went from, "just having my toes in the stock market, then my ankle, and now I'm swimming up to my neck!"

The support she received from YWCA during this challenging time inspired Chan to start YWCA Scholarship. Her personal success is an inspiration to us all; it is her hope to pass along that inspiration to other women who face similar challenges.

Award Amount

One to two scholarships in the range between $1,000 - $4,000 may be awarded at the scholarship committee's discretion.

The Skyler James Wenger Scholarship, established in 2012 in memory of Skyler, a 14-year-old who tragically lost his life, supports graduating seniors from Cedar Cliff or Red Land High School. Eligible applicants must plan to attend college or trade school, come from a single-parent household, be athletes, and demonstrate financial need. This one-time award aims to honor Skyler's legacy by helping deserving students achieve their educational goals.

Who We Are

The Community Foundation of Central Illinois will make a sustainable philanthropic impact in our community through visible leadership in connecting people who care with causes that matter.

Joyce and Thomas H. Stanisic Scholarship Fund 

The Joyce and Thomas H. Stanisic Scholarship Fund was established to award scholarships based on need to students working toward a degree or certification in the music or healthcare fields. This scholarship will be given for the entire expected course of study, up to 4 years.

The Arthritis Foundation is seeking research proposals focused on Patient Reported Outcomes (PROs) to enhance shared decision-making in arthritis care. Projects should aim to deepen the understanding of patient treatment goals, monitor disease activity, and improve communication of PRO data. Research can span various arthritis types, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, and should last up to two years. This initiative emphasizes the integration of patient perspectives to elevate care quality.