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.

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.

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.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

Labcorp Charitable Foundation provides Missouri nonprofits and other 501(c)(3) organizations with funding for health and welfare, education, and community initiatives. U.S.-based groups working on food pantries, healthcare access for underserved populations, STEM education, or healthy lifestyle programs may be eligible. Requests are reviewed twice yearly, in March and September.

Nonprofit and social enterprise programs serving urban low-income children with education, health, or family economic stability initiatives in Missouri and other eligible locations can seek more than US $50,000 for project support or scaling. With a mission to expand opportunity, Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides large, impact-focused grants rather than small awards.

Missouri nonprofits focused on health, education, or humanitarian services can access funding through Semnani Family Foundation for programs serving marginalized and vulnerable communities. Organizations may be eligible if their work fits areas like healthcare access, disaster relief, child welfare, or human and social services, within the foundation’s international and U.S. grantmaking scope.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

Missouri 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking support for community services programs or fundraising events may be eligible for grants or event sponsorships; organizations can apply once per year. Insperity supports community-focused nonprofits in select Missouri counties where its employees live and work or where the nonprofit is a client or volunteer priority.

Missouri 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities located within 30 miles of a Georgia-Pacific manufacturing community can seek funding for education, environment, entrepreneurship, and community enrichment projects. Focused on long-term community well-being, Georgia-Pacific Foundation invites community-based programs that serve areas where the company has facilities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Missouri that are within 15 miles of a TJX store, distribution center, or office can seek funding for basic needs, youth education, workforce readiness, and domestic violence safety programs. Grants from TJX Foundation help small nonprofits serving vulnerable families and children access resources to build better futures.

IRS-qualified nonprofit organizations in Missouri seeking small project or program support can apply for US $1,000 - US $20,000 to strengthen community-based work. The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation funds museums, cultural and performing arts, education and skills training, health facilities, environmental and wildlife efforts, and services for youth, seniors, and people with disabilities across the U.S.

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.

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.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on hunger relief, housing, adult self-sufficiency, or community vitality initiatives can apply for Ameriprise Financial Community Grants. Funding supports food access, shelters and supportive housing, workforce readiness, financial literacy, arts education, and neighborhood or economic development; Missouri organizations may be competitive, especially where Ameriprise volunteers are actively engaged.

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.

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.