Best Grants for Churches in Missouri

Christian 501(c)(3) organizations in Missouri can seek funding for education, scientific, religious, or arts and culture programs through the Virginia H. Glasson Charitable Trust. Focused on Christian initiatives, this trust invites eligible churches and related ministries to apply for support alongside similar organizations in select other states.

The Louisville Institute Doctoral Fellowship supports Ph.D. and Th.D. students in their first or second year, providing a $3,000 annual grant for two years. This fellowship encourages theological education as a vocation through participation in three formational gatherings each year. Fellows engage in discussions on leadership, pedagogy, and vocational discernment while receiving financial support for all related expenses. The program aims to foster growth and collaboration among future theological educators.

The Exploring Christian Practices Initiative by Lilly Endowment aims to enhance access to settings that enable diverse individuals to engage in Christian practices. This initiative seeks to address spiritual interests, foster community connections, and support the growth of faith. By multiplying opportunities for exploration, it encourages meaningful participation in religious life and nurtures a deeper understanding of Christian traditions.

The Pittsburgh Foundation provides scholarship opportunities for students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four–year universities, graduate schools, and career/technical schools.

Kenneth P. Rutter (Rotary) Scholarship Fund

The Kenneth P. Rutter Scholarship Fund was established at The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County to award a scholarship to a traditional or non-traditional applicant residing in Westmoreland County, who has achieved a high school diploma or equivalent including a GED or Home School certificate. Preference will be given to students who seek to enter the Christian Ministry, and/or who have exhibited a strong interest in Community Service and Humanitarian Service.

• Average Award: $2,500
• Award Type: Single Year. Previous recipients are encouraged to re-apply in consecutive years.

William C. and Anna Rose Chamberlain Memorial

The fund was established in 1926 "for the propagation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ," to be used to educate those interested in the ministry; or as a missionary; or ordained professional minister of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ); or for some definite religious work in connection with the church. Priority is given to members or former members of Gender Road Christian Church (formerly known as Southeast Christian Church).

Award Amount:

• Minimum $500

Homeschooled high school seniors pursuing two- or four-year degrees and residing in a Shelby County, Ohio school district can receive $1,000 toward college costs. With a mission to inspire donor generosity, the Community Foundation of Shelby County gives preference to students enrolling in Christian-affiliated colleges or universities, which may interest church-connected families in Missouri considering relocation.

Adults or graduating seniors pursuing Christian or vocational education in Missouri can receive scholarship support for accredited adult education, trade school, or associate’s degree programs. The Community Foundation of Shelby County provides two US $2,000 Bruce and Lynn Lindsey Skills Scholarships, with preference for careers in HVAC, plumbing, or electrical and strong work or service experience.

Christian churches and ministries in Missouri can apply for Fish Family Foundation of Maine grants to support missions, programs, materials, equipment, construction, or renovations. Faith-based organizations with education, scholarship, medical research, or job-creation initiatives may also be eligible; applications must be mailed and are evaluated on services, leadership, and financial practices.

Missouri 501(c)(3) public charities planning capital projects can seek funding for shovel-ready efforts that enhance wildlife habitats, parks, educational spaces, artistic installations, or Christian church mission projects. The Jandy Ammons Foundation provides support for specific, standalone construction or improvement projects rather than ongoing programs or operations, which may benefit churches and faith-based groups undertaking tangible community improvements.

Missouri Christian high school seniors, recent graduates, and adult learners pursuing post-secondary education can access funding through the Community Foundation for a Greater Richmond’s R.C. and Betsy Williamson Scholarship, with awards up to US $4,500. Eligible students must be from Central Virginia high schools, demonstrate Christian values, financial need, community commitment, and maintain good academic standing at an accredited U.S. institution.

Aurora-area high school graduates pursuing college studies in law, teaching, Christian ministry, or agriculture can receive scholarship support to further their education. Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley provides Missouri Christian-focused students who meet these criteria with awards around US $1,000, typically as one-year, non-renewable or designated multi-year scholarships.

Christian 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Missouri launching new programs addressing poverty, violence, and inequality can receive Emerging Leader support, including US $15,000 over two years for program costs and leadership development. With a mission to empower Christian leaders, We Raise Foundation provides funding and coaching for leaders ages 20–35 serving under-resourced communities in the U.S.

Christian students pursuing college or technical education can receive scholarship support for higher education from Stark Community Foundation, primarily serving residents of Carroll County, Ohio. Missouri churches and Christian organizations may share this opportunity with eligible congregants who are active church participants and accepted or enrolled at accredited postsecondary institutions; typical awards exceed US $500.

Christian 501(c)(3) organizations in Missouri and across North America can receive US $5,000 - US $15,000 for Adventist-focused journalism projects, including investigations, storytelling, training, and related travel or technology. Versacare supports Seventh-day Adventist publications, educational institutions, and independent media reporting on issues affecting the Adventist church through its Journalism for Adventist Solutions program.

Christian ministries and organizations in Missouri and beyond can seek funding for spreading the gospel and humanitarian aid projects through grants from Bellevue Heights Church Foundation. This U.S.-based funder also supports Master of Divinity students at selected seminaries, with recipients expected to submit periodic activity updates and hard-copy applications.

Local churches can receive up to US $500 for stewardship, technology, or leadership development projects, with a focus on Christian ministry needs. Grants from the Kentucky Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church help congregations, including those similar to Missouri churches, enhance AV technology, cultivate generosity, and train and equip church leaders.

Missouri Christian 501(c)(3) ministries serving first responders, military, police, firefighters, disaster relief, prisons, healthcare facilities, children, or at-risk populations can access funding through 1687 Foundation’s Book Ministry for Christian book resources. Churches and faith-based nonprofits that fit these categories may receive books to support outreach, care, and spiritual growth programs.

Churches and Christian 501(c)(3) organizations in Missouri can seek funding for religious, charitable, and educational programs that promote the Christian faith. The Bolick Foundation supports Christianity-focused initiatives across the U.S., including program-related activities and limited capital improvements for organizations aligned with Christian beliefs and holding a valid EIN.

Christian nonprofits and churches working on international development, community development, education access, or Latter-day Saint initiatives in Missouri and beyond can seek Strategic Impact Grants to support mission-aligned programs. Bertin Family Foundation prioritizes 501(c)(3) organizations with strong governance, clear project plans, measurable outcomes, and demonstrated stewardship and transparency.

Christian 501(c)(3) charitable, benevolent, and religious organizations in Missouri can apply for the Robert J. Keown Trust’s US $10,000 - US $20,000 grants to aid needy Christians. Organizations serving elderly Christian women, infirm Christians, or those without visible means of support may be especially competitive; organized churches and individuals are not eligible.

Protestant charitable and religious institutions in the Kansas City, Missouri area can seek one-year grants for general operating or program support. George H & Elizabeth O Davis Trust supports Christian organizations in Missouri, particularly in Cass, Clay, Jackson, and Platte counties, that advance Protestant charitable and religious work; capital projects are not eligible.

Beatrice High School graduating seniors active in a Christian church can receive US $500 for undergraduate tuition, room and board, or books through this scholarship. The Beatrice Educational Foundation considers financial need and requires at least a 3.0 GPA; Missouri church communities may share this opportunity with eligible students connected to them.

Christian university and college faculty in Missouri can seek research funding to study Scripture engagement among next-generation adults. Focused on Bible engagement, American Bible Society invites projects testing interventions for ages 18–35, with US $5,000 - US $15,000 available for one-year research, evaluation, and reporting using ABS’s Scripture Engagement Scale.

Missouri Christian students pursuing 2- or 4-year post-secondary education can access funding through the Ted & Marian Stout Scholarship for members of First Baptist Church of Greensburg. Managed by Decatur County Community Foundation, this endowed fund supports applicants who demonstrate Christian values, good scholastic standing, and clear educational and life goals.

Witness To Win Inc

Witness to Win, Inc. is a product of the Mathena family’s deep commitment to honoring God and God’s mission as stated in Matthew 28:19-20. These legacy values of giving and sharing were not only taught but were caught by the Mathena children. Many times, foundations are created to honor people and their legacy; however, Gary, Teresa, David, Melissa and John’s desire is to glorify the person of Jesus Christ and make Him known to all peoples. Therefore, the Mathena children unanimously decided to create the Witness to Win Foundation in 2017.

Over the past 10 years, the Mathena Family has given over $80M through their tithes and offerings to their local churches and to charitable organizations whose sole purpose is to share the love and message of Jesus Christ. 

Witness to Win Grant Program

To encourage and support charitable 501(c)(3) organizations who have as among their primary purpose to share and spread the gospel of Jesus Christ to the nations. These organizations will directly fulfill this purpose through Christian religious education and qualified Christian ministries. These charitable organizations must all be headquartered in the United States and must adhere to Christian, moral, and conservative standards of belief and conduct as specified in our Statements of Belief.

The Clark and Ruby Baker Foundation Grant aims to support charitable organizations that align with the philanthropic mission of the Baker family, focusing on Methodist-affiliated educational institutions, aid for disadvantaged children, and assistance for the sick in Georgia. The Foundation considers funding for construction projects of educational and medical facilities, ensuring that grants are awarded to meet specific community needs and promote long-term benefits.

Rolland and Dorothea Face Family Christian Ministry College Scholarship

Scholarships awarded to students who have received Jesus Christ as his/her Savior and are in good standing as a member of a local Christian church. Applicants must be pursuing a career as a Minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ or other full time ministry and show proof of enrollment to the following Christian colleges:

• Cornerstone University
• Springfield Bible Baptist College
• Moody Bible Institute
• Northland Baptist College
• Pensacola Christian College and/or any additional Christian colleges approved by the committee.

Preference may be given to applicants with associations to Calhoun County, Mich. and the surrounding area. Financial information is requested, but not necessarily a determining factor. Students who receive this scholarship are encouraged to apply for further support in subsequent years.