Best Small Grants for Nonprofits in Missouri

The Community Possible Grant Program by U.S. Bank aims to foster economic and workforce advancement, as well as safe and affordable housing. By partnering with 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, the program seeks to drive lasting change within communities through collaborative grantmaking. Priority is given to organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and that address multiple pillars of work, home, and play. This initiative reflects U.S. Bank's commitment to creating a more equitable society.

Missouri 501(c)(3) nonprofits with innovative human services or social problem-solving programs can seek support that helps launch or redirect their work. Focused on creative approaches to societal issues, Creag Foundation invites smaller or evolving organizations nationwide to submit a letter of inquiry if they meet its one-year 501(c)(3) status requirement.

Missouri nonprofits and government entities serving children and youth in Jackson County can access funding through Jackson County Community Childrens Service Fund to build organizational and staff capacity. Support focuses on strengthening internal strategy, finance, and operations, and expanding professional development around children’s mental health, social-emotional well-being, and effective interventions for kids and families.

The DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

Nonprofit and NGO programs using technology for crisis response, education access, or economic empowerment in Missouri can apply for Global Impact Cash Grants up to US $100,000. Grants from Cisco Systems Foundation help organizations serving mostly economically underserved communities pilot or scale innovative, tech-enabled solutions, with applications accepted year-round via an initial Letter of Inquiry.

Educational institutions, government programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies in Missouri can seek funding for safety, education, and community development initiatives. Grants from State Farm Companies Foundation help support auto and home safety, disaster preparedness and recovery, affordable housing, job training, financial literacy, STEM, and K–12 and higher education programs.

Missouri cultural nonprofits with audited expenses of at least $2 million can seek more than US $100,000 to support arts and science programming that serves U.S. communities. The William Randolph Hearst Foundation provides program, capital, and limited general or endowment support for museums, performing arts organizations, arts schools, and STEAM-focused initiatives, with emphasis on youth engagement and artist development.

Nonprofit charities managing humanitarian, educational, environmental, or arts projects in Missouri can seek philanthropic support for community-focused programs. With a mission to strengthen communities and broader society, La Roche provides accredited charities with funding for humanitarian and social services, science and education initiatives, community and environmental projects, and contemporary arts and culture, via its global affiliate network.

Missouri 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking support for charitable, scientific, medical, or educational programs can access funding through the Sidney Stern Memorial Trust. Eligible, tax-exempt organizations must use awarded funds within the U.S. for well-managed services that significantly benefit their target populations and contribute to general welfare.

Missouri 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking support for community development, basic needs, workforce education, arts, or environmental initiatives can apply for sponsorship funding; awards support economic mobility and social progress. Grants from Bank of America Charitable Foundation help organizations addressing housing, jobs, hunger, diversity, and inclusion through regional sponsorships across the U.S.

Nonprofit organizations and K–12 schools in Missouri offering workforce development, youth development, or education programs can apply for $5,000 - $25,000 in small grants to support direct services and small capital improvements. With a mission to foster opportunity, St Louis Community Foundation and the Pettus Foundation prioritize strong governance, solid financials, and multiple funding partners.

Nonprofit health and human service organizations in Missouri’s Kansas City region can receive one-year, unrestricted support for their missions through the Impact 100 program, funding work in health, education, and financial stability. United Way of Greater Kansas City also offers grantees network visibility with donors and corporate partners across Cass, Clay, Jackson, and Platte Counties.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.

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.

Nonprofits and government entities serving children and youth under 19 in Jackson County, Missouri can access funding for mental health, counseling, crisis intervention, shelter, and family-strengthening services. Jackson County Community Childrens Service Fund provides up to US $750,000 through streamlined calendar- or academic-year core funding cycles, supporting equitable access for both traditional nonprofits and school-based programs.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

Missouri Prairie Foundation

The Missouri Prairie Foundation is a private, nonprofit, 501(c)(3) land trust governed by a volunteer board of directors. MPF was founded in 1966 by a small group of conservation professionals and volunteers who were concerned about the rapid decline of greater prairie-chickens and the degradation and loss of grassland habitat throughout the state of Missouri. Since that time, MPF has grown and developed with several goals in mind, including the permanent protection of prairie habitat and the need for greater understanding of the role of native grasslands in wildlife conservation, energy security and carbon storage. 

The mission of MPF is to protect and restore prairie and other native grassland communities through land acquisition, management, education, and research; to promote the use of native plants through its Grow Native! program; and to support the control of invasive plants through its administration of the Missouri Invasive Plant Council. 

Prairie Garden Grants Program 

Gardening and other conservation groups, parks, schools, and other entities in Missouri and immediately surrounding states are invited to submit proposals to MPF’s Prairie Garden Grants Program. In 2026, MPF would like to award several grants to help fund the establishment or improvement of public prairie gardens or plantings using Midwest native plants. Grants will not exceed $800 each. Those with smaller projects are encouraged to apply as well. Matching funds are not required, but proposals with secured matching funds may be evaluated higher than others.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

Missouri public agencies and 501(c)(3) or other nonprofit organizations planning historic preservation projects can access funding for planning, education, and outreach activities; awards range from US $2,500 - US $5,000. National Trust for Historic Preservation grants support professional consulting, staff time, community forums, and innovative public programs that introduce new audiences to preservation.

Nonprofit postsecondary and vocational institutions serving veterans in Missouri and neighboring Illinois counties can seek grants to support veterans’ education costs and training programs. Focused on higher and vocational education for veterans, the Community Foundation of the Quincy Area funds tuition, books, fees, and related expenses for honorably discharged veterans or veteran-focused programs.

Missouri 501(c)(3) nonprofits and aligned for-profit organizations working in preservation, education, or wellness can seek storytelling project support, with awards of more than US $50,000. With a mission to partner with local changemakers, Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation provides funding to help grantees share the real-world impact of their community work.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

Eligible rural public entities and nonprofit organizations in Missouri can apply for USDA Rural Development’s Rural Business Development Grants, awarding US $10,000 - US $500,000 for technical assistance and projects that benefit small rural businesses. Funding may support training, facilities, revolving loan funds, incubators, and broader community and technology-based economic development efforts.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.

Nonprofit and public interest organizations in the Missouri Ozarks can receive funding for conservation and environmental education projects that protect natural and cultural resources. Missouri groups in the 12 eligible counties can access funding through Community Foundation of the Ozarks for activities like grassroots organizing, new program start-up costs, capital support, seed money, workshops, and youth-focused initiatives, with awards up to US $10,000.