Best Seed Grants for Nonprofits in Missouri

The NIH Independent Scientist Award (K02) aims to support the development of independent scientists and enhance their research capabilities. This award offers salary support and protected time for three to five years, specifically for those leading independent clinical trials or feasibility studies. Applicants must demonstrate a need for focused research to advance their careers. Key deadlines for applications span from June 2024 to February 2027, catering to various submission types including standard and AIDS-related grants.

The BJA FY 2026 DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction (CEBR) Competitive Grants Program aims to enhance the capacity of state and local government crime laboratories for processing DNA samples. This program focuses on using DNA technology to improve forensic efficiency and implement Rapid DNA in booking stations. It targets jurisdictions with operational challenges, ensuring fair access to funding. Eligible agencies can apply for both competitive and formula CEBR funding.

Who We Are

Our mission is to enhance the quality of life in our region.

We pursue our mission through resource development, community grantmaking, collaboration and public leadership — connecting passion to purpose since 1973.

In the early 1970s, a group of estate-planning attorneys learned of a sizeable estate gift that left Springfield because there wasn’t a place here to accept a general gift for community betterment. Those 11 founders, supported by then-Springfield Mayor Jim Payne and businesswoman Anne Drummond, created the region’s first public charitable foundation in 1973.

Today, the CFO is governed by community volunteers and run by a professional staff that serves a network of donors, regional affiliate foundations, nonprofit partners and professional advisors through approximately 3,700 charitable funds.

Finley River Affiliate Grantmaking Program

The Finley River Community Foundation works to improve the quality of life for individuals in Finley River Community Foundation through thoughtful grantmaking and community leadership. The Finley River Community Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors, chosen for their knowledge of the area. Grant decisions are made by the grant committee. The unique role of a community foundation is to conduct a flexible community grantmaking program which addresses the most important needs of the community at any one time. The flexibility this requires is made possible by charitable donors who established unrestricted or field-of-interest funds and place the decision-making in the hands of the community leaders serving on our Board of Directors as well as dollars raised by the Finley River Community Foundation.

The ACLS Graduate Internships on the Spiritual Infrastructure of the Future program offers summer opportunities for current PhD students in the humanities and social sciences to engage with organizations addressing the evolving American religious landscape. This initiative aims to cultivate future leaders by providing practical experiences that demonstrate the value of doctoral training beyond academia. Supported by the Templeton Religion Trust, the internships encourage collaboration between fellows and community organizations, fostering a deeper understanding of spiritual infrastructures.

The NSF Core Research in Biological Sciences (BIO Core) program supports innovative research that enhances our understanding of biological systems, from molecular to biome scales. This funding opportunity encourages interdisciplinary proposals and can fund both single and multi-investigator projects. The awards will vary in scope and duration, accommodating exploratory projects and long-term commitments, depending on available funding and alignment with the program's objectives.

The FY 2027 Department of War Multidisciplinary Research Program of the University Research Initiative (MURI) aims to fund U.S. academic teams conducting innovative research to tackle complex challenges for the Department of War. Established in 1985, MURI promotes collaboration among diverse scientific disciplines, enhancing the defense workforce and addressing critical areas of interest through multidisciplinary research efforts at U.S. universities.

The Young Faculty Award (YFA) 2027, sponsored by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), seeks to support emerging researchers in academia and non-profit research institutions. This program focuses on those without previous DARPA funding, aiming to align innovative research with national security needs. By providing significant funding, the YFA encourages the development of transformative capabilities for the Department of War, fostering the next generation of researchers dedicated to addressing critical national security challenges.

The NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Phase I program invites proposals for groundbreaking aerospace concepts, aiming to transform potential in aeronautics. This initiative supports innovative research through multiple award phases, focusing on Phase I requirements and evaluation criteria. A virtual forum will be held on October 7, 2026, to discuss the Appendix’s details and clarify submission guidelines. Additional information will be available on the NSPIRES page, ensuring participants are well-informed about the process.

The Hanna H. Gray Fellows Program, supported by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, aims to enhance diversity in the academic research community. It provides funding of $250,000 and a $20,000 annual expense allowance for early-career researchers committed to fostering an inclusive scientific culture. Eligible applicants must hold a PhD or MD, commit to at least 75% research effort, and have no more than 24 months of postdoctoral experience. This initiative empowers fellows to become leaders in science.

Steve Wagner Scholarship

Steve Wagner retired as executive director of the American Council of Engineering Companies of Michigan (ACEC/M) in 2003 after 34 years of service. As a member of the Capitol Club and Michigan Society of Association Executives, Steve was well respected by his peers and colleagues and is known for his honesty and integrity.

Steve and his wife, Lana, were married in 1965 and have two daughters, Shelley and Whitney. Throughout his career, Steve has been a proponent of community service and has given many hours himself to church and community programs. Steve also has been a strong proponent of education. ACEC/M has established this scholarship in honor of Steve Wagner to award engineering and surveying students who, like Steve, are active in the community and find it important and necessary to give something back.

The NIH Support for Conferences and Scientific Meetings (R13) grant aims to facilitate high-quality conferences that contribute to public health and the scientific missions of NIH Institutes and Centers. Key application deadlines range from April 2024 to January 2027, providing vital opportunities for researchers to gather and share knowledge. This grant is particularly focused on enhancing the impact of scientific dialogue in critical health areas.

The L’Oréal USA For Women in Science Fellowship empowers women postdoctoral scientists by providing annual grants to support their research in STEM fields. This initiative not only recognizes their contributions but also encourages them to serve as role models for future generations. With a long-standing partnership with the AAAS, the program has awarded over $5 million to 105 scientists, demonstrating a strong commitment to advancing women's roles in science and technology.

The NIH Independent Scientist Award (K02) supports the development of outstanding scientists by providing three to five years of salary support and protected time for newly independent researchers. This funding opportunity is specifically for applicants proposing research that does not involve leading an independent clinical trial, allowing them to gain experience in trials led by others. Key deadlines for applications span from June 2024 to February 2027.

The Somatic Mosaicism across Human Tissues (SMaHT) Program aims to enhance understanding of biological processes and disease mechanisms due to somatic mutations in human tissues. Since 2023, it has produced multi-omic datasets from various human tissues. The NIH plans to advance this initiative by establishing the National Somatic Mosaicism Commons Data Analysis & Organizational Center, which will oversee data management, develop analytical tools, and provide training to facilitate research and clinical applications.

The NIJ FY 2026 Crime and Justice Research funding opportunity invites applications for innovative research aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of the adult criminal justice system. It comprises two main categories: one focuses on new programs and strategies to improve workforce readiness, while the other assesses the impact of the COPS De-escalation Training Program. This initiative seeks to foster safety and operational improvements within law enforcement.

The RTK Scholars Program, funded by RTK Environmental Group, provides a $1,500 scholarship to support students pursuing careers in science, particularly in environmental studies, biology, and engineering. This initiative aims to cultivate the next generation of experts in environmental testing and technology. Eligible applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher and be enrolled in an accredited institution. The application deadline is May 31 each year, promoting academic excellence and dedication to environmental sciences.

The Rea Charitable Trust, established in 2009 by Mrs. Isabel McClintic Rea, prioritizes support for charitable organizations that focus on the arts. Administered by Comerica Bank & Trust, the trust provides funding through structured application periods for organizations based on their names. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations, limited to one application per year. The trust aims to uphold Mrs. Rea's legacy by fostering artistic endeavors within the community.

The Foundations of Trusted Systems initiative seeks innovative research to develop secure, resilient, and affordable technologies for Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence (C4I) and Cyber systems. This Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) aims to establish trusted foundations for hardware and software, building on previous work to enhance information processing systems. Researchers are encouraged to submit white papers for evaluation and potential funding.

The NIH Director's New Innovator Award supports creative early-stage investigators pursuing innovative research with transformative potential for science relevant to the NIH mission. Applications are encouraged across all NIH-related fields, enhancing support for emerging talent. This award is part of the NIH Common Fund's High-Risk, High-Reward Research Program, which aims to cultivate groundbreaking research and foster the next generation of scientists.

The Zuckerman Postdoctoral Scholars Program fosters collaboration between leading scientific institutions in the U.S. and Israel by attracting top postdoctoral researchers. With a focus on STEM leadership, this program offers a unique two-year scholarship, allowing scholars to conduct research at participating Israeli universities and North American institutions. The initiative aims to strengthen academic ties, enhance research capabilities, and support the return of talented Israeli scholars to their home institutions, ultimately enriching the global scientific community.

The Air Force Basic Research Sciences Conference and Workshop Support program encourages proposals from U.S. institutions of higher education and nonprofit organizations for conferences and workshops that promote research and technology interchange. These events are vital for sharing recent findings and educational techniques in key scientific areas. The program specifically invites Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Minority-serving Institutions, and Tribal Colleges to participate, aiming to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange among researchers.

The Japanese-Language Education Project Grant supports initiatives that enhance Japanese language education across various regions. Offered by the Japan Foundation, Los Angeles, this grant targets workshops, seminars, and original projects that connect language learning with Japan Studies. Eligible applicants include non-profit educational organizations in the U.S. Projects should benefit multiple programs, ensuring a broad impact on Japanese language education. The deadline for applications is two months before the project start date, which must be between April 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026.

The Nature Awards for Inspiring Women in Science celebrate outstanding contributions by women in STEM fields. These awards recognize early-career female researchers who demonstrate exceptional achievements, face challenges, and inspire the next generation through outreach. Winners receive prizes totaling $50,000, mentorship opportunities, and invitations to prestigious ceremonies. This initiative promotes inclusivity and aims to enhance the representation of women in science, thereby supporting a diverse and equitable scientific community.

The American Association of Law Libraries (AALL) Research Fund Grant supports projects that enhance legal information services and law librarianship. With a funding cap of $5,000 per round, the grant encourages diverse scholarship in legal research. Eligibility includes individuals with relevant research experience, while preference is given to AALL members. Applications are reviewed biannually by a jury, ensuring that the most impactful projects receive support. This initiative aims to foster innovation and collaboration within the legal information community.

The Hometown Partners Giving Circle Grant Program aims to strengthen communities in Aurora, Marionville, and Verona by fully funding impactful projects. The program, managed by the Aurora Area Community Foundation, invites nonprofit organizations to submit proposals. Eligible applicants include IRS-approved entities that serve the local area and can attend a check presentation on May 17, 2025. Grant submissions are accepted from March 17 to April 11, 2025, fostering collaboration and community enhancement.

About the Hertz Foundation

Empowering the Nation’s Most EXCEPTIONAL Innovators

The Hertz Foundation identifies and empowers the nation’s most exceptional innovators in science and technology, fueling a lifelong community dedicated to solving our most pressing problems.

Hertz Community

Awards & Recognition

We’ve established several awards to recognize and support Hertz community members who are accelerating solutions to significant real-world challenges, either through their individual careers or volunteering to strengthen the Hertz Foundation’s work. In addition to providing financial and professional support at a critical time, we also hope to generate more awareness within the Hertz community and inspire collaborations that build on the momentum.

Hertz Thesis Prize

The Hertz Thesis Prize recognizes fellows who publish exemplary doctoral theses with applications to real-world problems. Winners receive a $5,000 honorarium.

Exemplary Graduate Work

Since 1981, more than 60 fellows have been recognized with the Hertz Thesis Prize. Much of their work has led to successful patents, the formation of influential companies and contributed solutions to some of our most pressing challenges.

The Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) offers predoctoral training grants aimed at enhancing clinical and translational science. Administered by the NCATS, this program supports institutions in training aspiring researchers for a PhD or equivalent, ensuring a diverse cohort of scientists equipped to tackle pressing health challenges. The ultimate goal is to cultivate a skilled workforce capable of advancing biomedical research and addressing community health needs effectively.