Best Youth Sports Grants in Missouri

The Arthur G. Tesar Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, provides two renewable $2,000 scholarships for graduating high school seniors planning to attend Missouri State University or Ozarks Technical Community College. Applicants must have a GPA between 2.5 and 3.0, be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours, and demonstrate financial need. Required application materials include a transcript, personal essay, and details of community service involvement.

The Dr. Thomas E. and Mary M. Ashley Medical Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, provides an $8,000 grant to a postgraduate student in their third or fourth year at the University of Missouri School of Medicine–Springfield. Eligible candidates must demonstrate academic excellence and financial need, supported by a FAFSA-SAI form, a letter of good standing, and a personal essay, along with a letter of recommendation.

The Dr. William M. Walker Memorial Medical Scholarship, administered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, awards a $9,000 grant to a postgraduate student entering their final year of medical school in Missouri or Iowa. Preference is given to veteran applicants. Eligible candidates must provide a letter of good standing, a personal essay, and a letter of recommendation. This scholarship aims to support future medical professionals in achieving their educational goals.

The Gabby Girls Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, provides a $550 grant to female undergraduate students in Missouri entering their third or fourth year at a four-year accredited college or university. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, demonstrate financial need through FAFSA-SAI, and submit a transcript, personal essay, and details about their community service and work experience. This scholarship aims to support women's education and empowerment.

The Gravelin Nursing Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, provides a $450 grant for undergraduate nursing students at Missouri colleges or universities. Applicants must maintain a GPA of at least 3.3 and demonstrate financial need using a FAFSA-SAI form. This scholarship aims to support future healthcare professionals and requires submission of a transcript and personal essay as part of the application process.

The Harold H. Lurie MD Scholarship, provided by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, awards a $450 grant to postgraduate medical students entering their second, third, or fourth year at the University of Missouri School of Medicine. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate financial need through FAFSA-SAI, maintain good academic standing, and submit a personal essay. This scholarship supports students dedicated to advancing their medical education and career in healthcare.

The Herbert A. and Adrian W. Woods Foundation, founded in 1999, supports charitable organizations primarily in the greater St. Louis area. Funding interests focus on aiding abused children, the poor, the Episcopal Church and its affiliates, arts and culture, animal welfare, and victims of illness. The foundation accepts special project requests, capital campaigns, matching grants, and general operation funding, while multi-year grants and endowment funding are excluded.

Community Foundation of the Ozarks

The Community Foundation of the Ozarks (CFO) provides philanthropic leadership to build stronger communities. Our mission is to enhance the quality of life in our region through resource development, community grantmaking, collaboration and public leadership.

We help donors achieve their philanthropic goals through professional management and investment of charitable funds. We work with nonprofit organizations to help them fulfill their missions through fund administration, grantmaking and learning opportunities. We award scholarships to deserving students to help them achieve their educational goals.

Cardinals Fly Together Fund — School Matching Grants

The Springfield Cardinals Fly Together Fund has been created to provide grants to area schools to give students the opportunity to attend a Springfield Cardinals (AA Affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals) home baseball game. Educational Day Field Trips are an excellent opportunity to incorporate learning through various pre-game educational topics along with the experience of attending a live sporting event.   

Matching grants may be awarded as full or partial requests to provide an amount equal to the amount contributed by the school for a Springfield Cardinals educational day field trip. For example, a full grant will cover 50% of the ticket cost for tickets requested through the grant. A partial grant will cover 25% of the ticket cost for tickets requested through the grant. (Transportation costs and food & beverage expenses are the responsibility of the school and not included in the grant.)

With support from Toyota Motor North America, the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) is pleased to announce $250,000 in grant funding to make public lands more accessible and enjoyable for people of all abilities. The 2026 grant program will focus on communities near Toyota Motor North America facilities and is restricted to 16 communities, as detailed below. 

Overview

Through the 2026 Driving Mobility and Accessibility on Public Lands grant, NEEF aims to:

• Increase the capacity of local organizations and government agencies to address mobility and accessibility considerations on public lands; and
• Improve the level of access, comfort, and enjoyment experienced by public lands visitors of all abilities, together with their families and friends.

The grant will provide up to $20,000 per grantee to increase physical or digital access, provide adaptive recreation equipment or programming, or perform accessibility assessments on public lands in communities near 16 Toyota Motor North America facilities.

The Gridiron Veterans Scholarship, provided by the Bob Woodruff Foundation, offers essential financial support for military veterans and first responders. This initiative focuses on wellness, rehabilitation, and recovery programs, ensuring participants can access mental health services, physical therapy, and holistic resources. The foundation prioritizes those facing emotional and physical challenges, empowering them to overcome barriers and improve their quality of life through customized, evidence-based support.

The Tree Campus Higher Education Program, initiated by the National Arbor Day Foundation, empowers colleges and universities to cultivate their green spaces and enhance their community forests. By adhering to five standards, institutions can earn recognition while promoting environmental stewardship among students and faculty. Participating schools benefit from reduced energy consumption, improved mental health, and a commitment to sustainability. This program not only beautifies campuses but also fosters a sense of pride among students and the wider community.

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.

Project Lead The Way is offering a rolling grant for schools to implement the PLTW Biomedical Science program for the 2026-2029 academic years. Eligible schools can receive up to $14,000 to cover participation fees and training costs. This grant encourages public, private, and charter schools across the U.S. to enhance their science curriculum, supporting students with engaging, hands-on learning experiences. Schools must commit to offering specific courses during the grant period to qualify for funding.

Home Repair Assistance (HeRO) Program

Home Repair Assistance (HeRO) Program provides home repair grants for income-qualifying Missouri residents of single-family homes. MHDC does not award funds directly to households. Interested households should contact a participating agency to apply for the program. 

All project expenses must be within the following limitations:

• The total hard cost must not exceed $25,000 per project;
• The total soft cost that is covered by MHDC must not exceed $2,000 per project; and
• The total administration cost that is covered by MHDC must not exceed 10% of the total cost covered by MHDC per project.

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. 

The Patterson Foundation offers Oral Health Grants to support programs that enhance access to dental care for underserved communities. Eligible 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations can apply for funding up to $35,000 for capacity expansion, $10,000 for personnel support, or $10,000 for program support. The foundation prioritizes projects led by volunteer dental professionals and requires follow-up reports for continued funding. Applications are accepted year-round through a two-step process.

The Community Ties Giving Program by Union Pacific Foundation offers local grants aimed at enhancing community well-being through diverse funding priorities. These include safety initiatives, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability. The program emphasizes supporting organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, aiming to create impactful projects that resonate with Union Pacific's heritage and mission. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations serving Union Pacific communities and demonstrate a clear need and capacity to deliver effective programming.

The School Age Community Grant supports school-based programs catering to children aged 5 to 12, including those with disabilities. It aims to enhance academic achievement through various activities such as tutoring, mentoring, and enrichment programs. The grant encourages applications from local education agencies, with funding options for single or multiple sites. Priority points are awarded for targeting schools with higher needs and for year-round programming, ensuring that diverse community needs are met effectively.

The rootEd Community College Transfer Scholarship supports students transitioning from Missouri community colleges to accredited four-year institutions. This renewable scholarship awards up to $12,000 annually, aiming to enhance educational access for those in rural areas. Established by the rootEd Alliance in 2018, it addresses the unique challenges faced by these students, ensuring financial barriers do not hinder their academic aspirations.

The New Era Scholarship, offered by The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis, provides up to $12,000 annually for eligible students from select youth development agencies and high schools in the St. Louis area. This renewable scholarship supports those aiming to attend accredited colleges or technical schools in Missouri and select Illinois institutions. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and meet academic criteria, making this an essential opportunity for local high school seniors.

The Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant, managed by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, aims to enhance student learning through various programmatic components. These include academic enrichment, family engagement, and a range of additional services that support students, particularly those in low-performing schools. The grant is designed to create safe environments for students after school hours, promoting holistic development through tutoring, arts, sports, and community service.

The Connecting Joy Grant, provided by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, aims to enhance the hospital experience for children battling illness through engaging gaming programs. This initiative supports children's hospitals and nonprofits by funding equipment, staffing, and connectivity, ensuring children can enjoy gaming at their bedside. With grants ranging from $25,000 to $150,000, the program focuses on offering joy and distraction, helping young patients cope with their hospital stays while facilitating connections with peers.

The Dunkin’ Prom Grant, provided by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, aims to bring joy to teenage patients unable to attend their own prom due to illness. By funding hospitals to host prom-like events, the program ensures these patients experience this significant milestone. Grants typically range from $20,000 to $50,000, supporting the creation of memorable events with themes, food, entertainment, and formal wear for the teens, making a positive impact in their lives.

The Dunkin' Joyful Spaces Grant supports children's hospitals and community health centers in creating joyful environments for pediatric patients. Launched in 2022, this initiative helps fund play areas, healing gardens, and other kid-friendly spaces, enhancing the hospital experience. Grants typically range from $25,000 to $65,000 annually, with a maximum of $150,000 over three years. This opportunity encourages creativity in designing spaces that provide comfort and joy to children and their families during hospital stays.

The Dogs for Joy Grant, funded by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, supports the integration of trained facility dogs in pediatric hospitals. These dogs provide emotional support, help children cope with medical procedures, and enhance overall well-being. The program aims to increase the presence of in-residence dogs, as research highlights their positive impact on reducing anxiety and improving patient outcomes. Grants typically cover multi-year funding, promoting innovative animal-assisted therapy approaches in healthcare settings.

The Shelter Operations Support (SOS) Grant Program aims to enhance emergency shelter operations in Missouri, prioritizing assistance to programs that serve veterans. It is designed for established non-profits and community organizations with a track record of at least two years. The program provides operating and administrative funds to ensure safe temporary housing for residents facing crises, while maintaining compliance with funding restrictions and eligibility criteria.

The Brownfield Remediation Program, administered by the Missouri Department of Economic Development, offers financial incentives for the cleanup and redevelopment of contaminated commercial and industrial sites abandoned for at least three years. Eligible applicants include any Missouri taxpayer, with tax credits potentially covering up to 100% of remediation costs. The program encourages environmental restoration while promoting economic growth through job creation in affected communities.