Best Volunteer Grants in Missouri

Nonprofits, school districts, and government entities enhancing rural community engagement in Kansas or western Missouri can apply for Patterson Family Foundation’s Innovation in Community Engagement grants, with awards from US $25,000 - US $500,000. Projects that boost volunteerism, cross-generational involvement, and long-term civic participation in eligible Missouri communities may be especially competitive.

Missouri 501(c)(3) nonprofits and independent volunteer emergency response organizations can access funding for safety, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability projects through the Union Pacific Foundation’s Community Ties Local Grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $30,000. Volunteer-driven programs in Union Pacific–served communities that advance these priorities and demonstrate strong DEI commitments may be competitive.

About Colin Farrell FoundationThe Colin Farrell Foundation is committed to transforming the lives of individuals and families living with intellectual disability through education, awareness, advocacy, and innovative programs. Inspired by his two sons, he is excited and deeply humbled by the hope that the Colin Farrell Foundation can help those who the larger systems of governance have neglected.

CFF Innovation GrantsWe’re looking for bold, scalable solutions focused on one or more of these priority areas:

• Affordable co-housing models for individuals and families
• Employer-partnered day programs and inclusive job opportunities
• Tools and technologies that enhance accessibility at home and in community spaces
• Cross-sector collaborations between public, private, and nonprofit organizations

Excellence in Medicine Awards

The AMA Foundation’s Excellence in Medicine Awards honor physicians and medical advocates who exemplify the highest values of the profession—volunteerism, community engagement, leadership, and service to underserved populations. Each recipient is recognized at a ceremony during the AMA Annual Meeting in Chicago and receives a $2,500 grant honorarium directed to a nonprofit health organization of their choice. Since 2005, more than 100 honorees have been celebrated through this program, with over $250,000 awarded to strengthen community health and advance equitable care nationwide. 

Excellence in Medicine Awards- Dr. Jacqueline A. Bello Friend of the AMA Foundation Award

Honors volunteers, AMA staff and donors for their active engagement and unwavering support of the AMA Foundation. Recipients are those who inspire hopefulness and encourage others to join them in giving their time and personal resources to further advance the Foundation’s mission.

L’Oréal Paris Celebrates 20 Years of Women of Worth

For 20 years, L’Oréal Paris has honored women who uplift their communities through service. These non-profit leaders, our Women of Worth, each receive $25,000 to support their causes, mentorship from the L’Oréal Paris network and a national platform to share their stories.

Missouri students who are children of full-time first responders, nurses, law enforcement, corrections officers, or military personnel can access funding through The NRA Foundation for higher education costs. This one-time scholarship awards up to US $10,000, paid directly to an accredited nonprofit college or university for tuition, fees, books, room, board, or eligible research materials.

Graduating high school seniors pursuing higher or technical education and demonstrating strong academics and volunteer service can receive the Robert and Margaret Pulliam Scholarship, awarding US $1,400 - US $1,600. With a mission to encourage academic excellence and community service, Community Foundation for Southwest Washington provides support that may benefit students engaged in volunteerism and philanthropy.

With a mission to strengthen communities through trust-building, nonprofit organizations in Missouri and beyond can access the Aspen Institute’s Trust in Practice Awards to support collaborative initiatives that build trust in local or virtual communities. Grants of US $100,000 - US $1,000,000 may benefit groups advancing volunteerism, civic engagement, and community development within a national network.

Nonprofits nationwide supported by U.S.-based financial advisors can receive up to US $100,000 through the Invest in Others Lifetime Achievement Award to advance long-term volunteer-driven community impact. Grants from Invest in Others help Missouri organizations whose programs are championed by eligible financial professionals strengthen volunteerism, philanthropy, and nonprofit development.

Missouri nonprofits supported by U.S.-based financial advisors can benefit from grants for volunteer-driven community service through the Invest in Others Volunteer of the Year Award. Invest in Others Charitable Foundation provides up to US $60,000 to the advisor’s designated charity, recognizing at least three years of impactful, hands-on volunteer leadership and service.

Missouri nonprofits supported by a U.S.-based financial advisor who volunteers with them may be eligible for Invest in Others Emerging Impact Award grants, providing up to US $60,000 for the nonprofit. Missouri volunteerism and philanthropy programs can access funding via this award when nominated by an eligible financial professional meeting the advisor criteria.

Nonprofits nationwide partnering with U.S.-based financial advisors can receive up to US $60,000 to support community service and volunteerism through the Invest in Others Community Service Award. With a mission to amplify financial professionals’ philanthropy, Invest in Others provides Missouri volunteer and philanthropy initiatives with grants tied to an advisor’s long-term leadership and impact.

Missouri nonprofits working with U.S.-based financial advisors on sustained volunteer-driven initiatives can receive up to US $60,000 in grant support for their charitable work. Grants from Invest in Others help organizations nationwide grow financial literacy, volunteerism, and nonprofit development when championed by advisors demonstrating at least three years of leadership and impact with the nonprofit.

Pediatric surgeons providing long-term humanitarian surgical care to underserved children, including work based in Missouri, can be nominated for the Donald E. Meier Surgical Humanitarian Award, which honors career-long volunteerism and philanthropy. This American Pediatric Surgical Association award recognizes APSA members whose surgical careers focus on charitable or missionary care rather than routine practice.

Missouri volunteer and youth organizations can access funding through Yellowstone Club Community Foundation’s Big Bald Dave Adventure Scholarship, which sends one Big Sky high school student on a summer outdoor adventure and service trip. Eligible applicants are Big Sky students in grades 9–11, at least 15 by June 1, 2025, who show leadership, volunteerism, and passion for the outdoors.

Graduating high school seniors committed to community service and volunteerism can receive scholarship support to attend college, university, or trade school, including students from Missouri. The Foundation for Enhancing Communities’ Douglas W. Pfautz Memorial Scholarship offers up to US $500 for students of good moral character, strong academic standing, financial need, and a demonstrated record of civic engagement.

High school seniors planning to attend a college, university, or technical school can receive up to US $2,000 for academic costs through the Big 33 Academic Scholarship Fund, open to Pennsylvania students. Missouri volunteerism and philanthropy programs working with eligible Pennsylvania seniors may help them apply for this one-time award, managed by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities.

Graduating high school seniors with financial need who are active community volunteers and live in Middle Paxton Township or Dauphin Borough can receive up to US $1,000 for postsecondary education. The Foundation for Enhancing Communities administers the Lynn E. Poffenberger Memorial Scholarship Fund, which may interest Missouri organizations supporting youth volunteerism and college access.

Graduating high school seniors pursuing college or trade education who demonstrate volunteerism and financial need can receive up to US $2,500 for tuition and related costs. Missouri volunteer-focused organizations may share this scholarship opportunity with eligible students at Cedar Cliff High School or Northern York High School, funded by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities.

Pennsylvania HOSA student members pursuing healthcare-related post-secondary education and demonstrating financial need can receive $2,500 scholarships supporting tuition and training. With a mission to promote compassionate healthcare careers, the Penn HOSA Foundation also offers the Helen Heidelbaugh Aspire Award recognizing outstanding community service and volunteerism, which may interest students engaged in volunteer efforts, including those from Missouri chapters studying in Pennsylvania.

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 Capital Region Chamber Chuck Steiner Memorial Scholarship supports high school seniors from Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga, or Schenectady counties who demonstrate diverse interests and local community service. This scholarship has no academic requirements, making it accessible to a wide range of students. The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region has been empowering local communities since 1968, providing meaningful giving opportunities to enhance the quality of life for all.

The Michael Gregory Boyd Scholarship, offered by The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region, supports high school seniors from Troy-area schools who aim to pursue higher education. Eligible applicants must demonstrate a commitment to community service and belong to the African American or African descent groups. This scholarship opens doors for students seeking 2- or 4-year college programs or technical training, fostering educational growth and community involvement.

The Helen M. Free Award for Public Outreach, established by the American Chemical Society, recognizes outstanding volunteer achievements in public outreach that enhance public appreciation for chemistry. Awardees, selected based on their advocacy, creativity, and impact, receive a crystal award and a $2,000 prize. Nominees must be ACS members whose volunteer efforts have significantly increased public awareness of chemistry's importance. This annual award highlights activities that engage diverse audiences, promoting the significance of chemical sciences in everyday life.

The Gage County Agricultural Society Scholarship, managed by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, awards four $500 scholarships to graduating seniors from Beatrice High School. Candidates must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 and have participated in Gage County Agriculture Society events. The foundation, established in 1987, supports educational opportunities and does not consider economic need in its selection process. Applications are available through local resources and online.

The Hays, Karla, Loving Heart Scholarship offers financial support to graduating seniors of Beatrice High School, with one to three scholarships available totaling up to $1,000. Administered by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, this initiative aims to assist deserving students in pursuing higher education. The foundation, established in 1987, supports academic achievement and civic involvement in the community. Eligible students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and demonstrate ethical scholarship application practices.

The Fiscal Year 2027 AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP Competition invites communities to apply for funding aimed at engaging adults aged 55 and older in addressing pressing local needs. Through national service and volunteerism, AmeriCorps strengthens communities and fosters civic engagement. This open competition spans all states and territories, encouraging organizations to harness the skills and expertise of older adults to enhance community well-being and promote a culture of service.