Search Through Transportation Grants in Missouri in the U.S.

Making community possible

At U.S. Bank, we are dedicated to supporting our communities through responsive and humbled actions focused on addressing racial and economic inequities and creating lasting change in our communities. Through our Community Possible Grant Program, we are partnering with organizations that focus on economic and workforce advancement, safe and affordable housing and communities connected through arts and culture.

The U.S. Bank Foundation is committed to making Community Possible through Work, Home and Play. We advance this work through collaborative grant making to bring equitable and lasting change through our focus on sustainable, high-impact funding with 501c3 nonprofit partners.

How we partner with nonprofits

We focus on collaborative grantmaking and sustainable, high-impact funding with 501(c)(3) nonprofit partners. We partner with organizations that support:

• Economic and workforce advancement
• Safe and affordable housing
• Community arts and culture

Our strategy

Our community affairs and foundation team work closely with U.S. Bank regional leadership, business resource groups and our National Community Advisory Committee to ensure that prevailing needs are addressed in all the communities we serve.

To make the most meaningful impact, we prioritize organizations that:

• Focus on economic development issues related to work, home and play
• Address more than one of the grant pillars (work, home and play)
• Are based in and serve designated U.S. Bank communities
• Advance diversity, equity and inclusion

Charitable Contributions

Costco Wholesale’s primary charitable efforts specifically focus on programs supporting children, education, and health and human services in the communities where we do business. Throughout the year we receive a large number of requests from nonprofit organizations striving to make a positive impact, and we are thankful to be able to provide support to a variety of organizations and causes. While we would like to respond favorably to all requests, understandably, the needs are far greater than our allocated resources and we are unable to accommodate them all.

Warehouse Donations:

Warehouse donations are handled at the warehouse level - please consult your local warehouse for up-to-date information regarding their donations contacts and review process.

Grant Applications

If the request is under consideration, you may be contacted by staff for any additional information needed. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, and decisions are made based on several factors, including: type of program; identified community need not otherwise available; indication that evidenced based data will establish measurable results of intended outcomes; community collaboration; broad base of financial support; project budget and operating expenses.

Mission

The mission of the Hearst Foundations is to identify and fund outstanding nonprofits to ensure that people of all backgrounds in the United States can build healthy, productive and satisfying lives. Through its grantmaking, the Hearst Foundations support well-established nonprofit organizations that address significant issues within their major areas of focus—culture, education, health and social service—and that primarily serve large demographic and/or geographic constituencies. In each area of funding, the Foundations seek to identify those organizations achieving truly differentiated results relative to other organizations making similar efforts for similar populations. The Foundations also look for evidence of sustainability beyond their support.

Whether providing a scholarship to a deserving student, supporting a rural health clinic or bringing artists into schools so children can see firsthand the beauty of the arts, the Foundations’ focus is consistent: to help those in need, those underserved and those underrepresented in society. Since the Foundations were formed in the 1940s, the scale and capabilities of the grant making have changed, but the mission has not.

Culture Grant

The Hearst Foundations fund cultural institutions that offer meaningful programs in the arts and sciences, prioritizing those that enable engagement by young people and create a lasting and measurable impact. The Foundations also fund select programs nurturing and developing artistic talent. Supported organizations include arts schools, ballets, museums, operas, performing arts centers, symphonies and theaters.

Funding Priorities in Culture

In the recent past, 25% of total funding has been allocated to Culture. Organizations with budgets over $10 million have received 60% of the funding in Culture.

The Hearst Foundations are only able to fund approximately 25% of all grant requests, of which about 80% is directed to prior grantees and about 20% is targeted toward new grantees.

Types of Support

Program, capital and, on a limited basis, general and endowment support

Bring touring artists to your state

The Regional Touring Program (RTP) provides support for projects by organizations showcasing the work of artists from elsewhere in the M-AAA region.

• Organizations that book an artist listed on a state touring roster may be awarded up to 50 percent of the artist’s fee.
• Organizations that book an artist that lives in the region, but is not listed on a touring roster, may be awarded up to 25 percent of the artist’s fee.
• Organizations located in rural communities may receive an additional 10 percent of the artist’s fee.

Funding

• This grant will disburse matching funds of up to $5,000.
• Organizations may submit a maximum of three (3) applications and receive awards for up to three (3) different projects in a single fiscal year (July 1–June 30). Each applicant is eligible for an aggregate amount of $15,000 in a single fiscal year; and
• Similarly, an artist, ensemble, or scholar/educator can be the recipient of an aggregate of $15,000 through successful RTP grant applications submitted to M-AAA in a single fiscal year.

Mission

Driven by a philanthropic calling to support marginalized communities throughout the world, the Semnani Family Foundation partners with on-the-ground organizations and leverages its resources in a cost-effective and efficient manner that delivers the maximum benefit.

History

Guided by his grandmother Maliheh’s example and teachings, Khosrow Semnani and his wife Ghazaleh established the Semnani Family Foundation in 1993. The foundation’s first grant was issued through CARE International to an orphanage in Romania that cared for newborns affected by HIV. Over the last few decades, the foundation has continued to build upon its mission to empower the disaffected, partnering with a variety of organizations in different countries who can make the greatest impact.

In addition to its global influence, the Semnani Family Foundation established roots within the state of Utah with the founding of Maliheh Free Clinic in 2005 to provide free healthcare to thousands of uninsured people in the Salt Lake City area.

Where We Work

The Semnani Family Foundation focuses primarily on promoting health, education, and disaster relief for marginalized communities all around the world. Driven by a clear mission to adapt and serve at the global level, we have leveraged our resources to make a meaningful impact in the following countries so far:

• Afghanistan
• Bosnia
• Colombia
• England
• Ethiopia
• Ghana
• Guatemala
• India
• Iran
• Kenya
• Madagascar
• Mali
• Mexico
• Pakistan
• Philippines
• Romania
• Somalia
• South Africa
• Tanzania
• Tonga
• Uganda
• United States
• Yemen

At the heart of the Foundation lies a fervent commitment to human welfare, always prioritizing health and the needs of society’s most vulnerable.

Wells Fargo and the Wells Fargo Foundation collaborate with a wide range of nonprofit organizations that align with our strategic funding priorities. We prioritize our funding to activities and programs that have a broad reach and support the needs of underserved communities. We aspire to have a positive impact on the communities we serve by using our financial and volunteer resources and business expertise in collaboration with community organizations to help solve complex societal problems.

• Financial health
• Housing affordability
• Small business growth
• Sustainability

We may also support other local needs in eligible communities such as disaster relief, arts and culture, civic engagement, education, human and social services, and workforce development. However, opportunities are limited as our intent is to direct the majority of our giving within our major focus areas.

What is Zero KC?

Zero KC is Kansas City's framework for ending homelessness, driven by the Office of Unhoused Solutions (OUS). As part of the national Built for Zero initiative, Kansas City is one of many communities collaborating to reach “functional zero,” where homelessness is rare, brief, and non-recurring. Zero KC is focused on long-term solutions that stabilize the housing crisis.

Through Zero KC, the City of Kansas City partners with agencies to offer both immediate shelter options and programs that focus on long-term housing solutions. To achieve this, the City is calling on local service providers to expand their efforts and apply for grants that will enable them to deliver specialized, low-barrier services for people who may have been traditionally underserved in existing shelter systems.

The City is specifically looking for proposals that aim to:

• Expand specialized services for groups who face additional barriers to housing, including those with mental health needs, substance use disorders, LGBTQ+ individuals, and others with low-barrier access requirements.
• Promote innovation in how services are delivered, making it easier for people to access the help they need without unnecessary obstacles.
• Foster collaboration among agencies to create a more connected and responsive support network.

The City invites agencies, nonprofits, and other service providers to apply for these grants and collaborate on building a system that ensures all Kansas Citians, regardless of their circumstances, have access to safe and dignified shelter. These grants are a critical part of Kansas City’s mission to make meaningful progress in reducing homelessness and supporting long-term housing stability.

The Zero KC Grant

The Zero KC Grant is an innovative funding opportunity designed to transform how our community addresses homelessness. Unlike traditional grants that support individual programs or organizations, this initiative seeks to build a cohesive, functional system by aligning the efforts of local organizations. Area agencies serving people experiencing homelessness are invited to apply, not just for funding, but to collaborate in creating an interconnected network of services. From outreach and transportation to treatment and permanent housing, the goal is to map applicants’ capabilities and strategically fund those who can contribute to a complete, effective system. Agencies must be open to partnership and flexible in working collaboratively with others to address gaps and achieve a shared vision of ending homelessness. Together, we can shift from isolated efforts to a unified approach that ensures no one is left behind.

The Foundation is dedicated to providing financial assistance to organizations committed to improving our world. Solutions to the problems of today's world still lie in the values of innovation, practicality, hard work, and compassion.

The Foundation considers applications for grants in the following areas:

• Education
• Social Service
• Health care
• Civic and cultural
• Environmental

The categories above are not intended to limit the interest of the Foundation from considering other worthwhile projects. In general, the Foundation guidelines are broad to give us flexibility in providing grants.

The majority of our grants are made in the U.S. However, like Dr. Scholl, we recognize the need for a global outlook. Non-U.S. grants are given to organizations where directors have knowledge of the grantee.

Section 5310 Program

The Section 5310 – Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities is part of the Competitive Programs that East-West Gateway Council of Governments (EWG) administers. Section 5310 projects, like all federally funded transportation projects, are included in the Transportation Improvement Program that EWG develops for the St. Louis region. The Section 5310 program provides federal funding to improve mobility for seniors and people with disabilities. Certain portions of the St. Louis region are in the St. Louis, MO-IL Urbanized Area (St. Louis UZA).

The St. Louis UZA is a large urbanized area and must have a public entity that is designated as the recipient of Section 5310 funding. EWG, the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), and Bi-State Development are the co-designated recipients of Section 5310 funding for the St. Louis UZA.

What does this program do?

This program is designed to provide technical assistance and training for small rural businesses. Small means that the business has fewer than 50 new workers and less than $1 million in gross revenue.

What is an eligible area?

Rural Business Development Grant money must be used for projects that benefit rural areas or towns outside the urbanized periphery of any city with a population of 50,000 or more. Check eligible areas.

What kind of funding is available?

There is no maximum grant amount; however, smaller requests are given higher priority. There is no cost sharing requirement. Opportunity grants are limited to up to 10 percent of the total Rural Business Development Grant annual funding.

How may funds be used?

Enterprise grants must be used on projects to benefit small and emerging businesses in rural areas as specified in the grant application. Uses may include:

• Training and technical assistance, such as project planning, business counseling and training, market research, feasibility studies, professional or/technical reports or producer service improvements.
• Acquisition or development of land, easements, or rights of way; construction, conversion, renovation of buildings; plants, machinery, equipment, access for streets and roads; parking areas and utilities.
• Pollution control and abatement.
• The capitalization of revolving loan funds, including funds that will make loans for start-ups and working capital.
• Distance adult learning for job training and advancement.
• Rural transportation improvement.
• Community economic development.
• Technology-based economic development.
• Feasibility studies and business plans.
• Leadership and entrepreneur training.
• Rural business incubators.
• Long-term business strategic planning.

Opportunity grants can be used for:

• Community economic development.
• Technology-based economic development.
• Feasibility studies and business plans.
• Leadership and entrepreneur training.
• Rural business incubators.
• Long-term business strategic planning.

East Missouri Foundation Grant

The mission of the East Missouri Foundation is to provide funding for charitable organizations recognized as exempt under Section 501(c)(3), with a focus on those charities that engage in activities related to the provision of housing, health care, food and transportation for seniors, persons with disabilities, low income persons, single parents, children or the homeless.

The foundation makes grants to qualified charitable organizations that address the following areas of interest for seniors, persons with disabilities, low income persons, single parents, children, or the homeless:

• Safe and Affordable Housing
• Health Care
• Food Services
• Transportation

The foundation is governed by a board of directors. These directors make the final decision on all grants and expenditures made by the foundation.

Missouri State Parks Foundation

The Missouri State Parks Foundation is a not-for-profit, tax exempt 501(c)(3) organization. The Foundation is a partner with the Missouri State Parks Department, but is a separate, self-governing organization with its own board of directors and bylaws. The Foundation was registered as a non-profit Missouri corporation in December 2001.

Many state park systems, as well as the national park system, have partnership relationships with non-governmental support organizations like ours that have a mission of improving and enhancing these respective park systems. 

The Foundation is an independent organization and all policy and decision making authority is vested in the Board of Directors, within the parameters of the bylaws, state and federal laws governing nonprofit corporations and the IRS Code. The Board members are volunteers and represent a cross section of Missouri's citizens. The Director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, or his/her representative serves on the Board in an ex officio (non voting) capacity to ensure good communication between the two organizations. Additionally, the Foundation's Board hires and supervises an Executive Director to manage the day-to-day functions of the Foundation.

The Foundation seeks:

• To improve and enhance the Missouri State Parks System, in harmony with the stated mission of the component parks and historic sites.
• To develop cooperative agreements and mutually beneficial agreements with other state non-profit support groups.
• To provide funding for educational, scientific, cultural, and charitable activities at the Missouri State Parks and Historic Sites.
• To support acquisition of land, buildings, and other items for improvement and enhancement of the Parks System. 

Recreational Trail Program (RTP) Grants

The Recreational Trails Program (RTP) is federally funded through the Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). The purpose of this program is to promote motorized and nonmotorized recreational trails.

Recreational Trails Program grants are available to local and state governments, school districts and nonprofit organizations and businesses. Eligible project categories include constructing new recreational trails, maintaining or renovating existing trails, developing or renovating trailheads or trail amenities, acquiring land for recreational trails, or purchasing or leasing trail maintenance equipment. Project sponsors must contribute a minimum match of 20% of the total cost of the project.

The Menorah Heritage Foundation is guided by the following principles in awarding grants:

• Perpetuate the Jewish Community
• Anticipate and adapt to changing needs
• Invest in transformational change
• Address critical/severe needs
• Support meaningful programs that benefit the Greater Kansas City Community

The Menorah Heritage Foundation seeks to support organizations who:

• Maintain a history of compassion and excellence
• Address the needs and represent the interests and viewpoints of their clients
• Possess the leadership, management, efficiencies and resources necessary to achieve the organizational objectives
• Collaborate with other providers whenever feasible and appropriate
• Establish financial stability and present a sense of awareness regarding the details of operations

Jewish Community Cycle

Our Jewish Community cycle includes grants for the following:

• Health focused grants programs which promote short-term and long-term physical or mental health. This category also includes healthcare-related social services. Examples include: nutrition counseling and food assistance, health education, medication assistance, social work services, support for providers of physical or mental health services. MHF maintains specific sources of funding set aside for health focused programs.
• Programs which foster or maintain a vibrant Jewish community. Examples include: Jewish education programs, transportation to Jewish communal social activities, initiatives focused on Jewish persons age 33 and younger, efforts that promote a literate and educated Jewish community, programs that serve older adults.
• Core support for organizations in the Jewish Community (maximum grant request of $10,000). Applicants for core support may not submit program grant requests.

Program Grants: In order to determine the appropriate grant request amount, our Program Officer will contact you to schedule a site visit and discuss your grant. In prior years, grantees had to contact MHF, but we expect this to simplify our process.

Core Operating Support Grants: $10,000 maximum grant request

What Kinds of Proposals Does the Community Grants Program Fund?

Applications to the Community Grants program must address one or more of the following issues:

• Arts, Culture, and Historic Preservation.
• Adult or Non-Traditional Education (not Children's Education).
• Community Betterment (improving neighborhoods, youth development and leadership, programs for seniors, transportation, violence prevention, racial equity, etc.);
• Health and Human Services.
• Click here for Wildlife Conservation in Missouri

How and Why Giving Back to Communities is Important to O’Reilly

From O’Reilly Auto Parts’ inception, O’Reilly co-founder C.H. “Chub” O’Reilly instilled the culture of maintaining high standards for every endeavor, including the area of building civic pride. With Chub’s good example to guide them, all four of his children adopted a business and family philosophy of “giving back” to the community as the Company grew and prospered. Supporting a large number of charitable organizations in all communities in which we operate has long been a focal point for O’Reilly Auto Parts. In order to make an even greater impact, the O’Reilly Automotive Foundation was established in 2020.

O’Reilly Automotive Foundation, Inc.

Impact

The O’Reilly Automotive Foundation complements O’Reilly Auto Parts’ role as the Friendliest Parts Store in Town. The Foundation serves as an additional conduit to connect with, support, and strengthen the communities in which O’Reilly Auto Parts’ team members and customers live and work. The Foundation continues the philanthropic legacy of the O’Reilly family as dependable community partners, seeking to support critical services in times of need to build stronger communities.

Mission

The O’Reilly Automotive Foundation strives to have a lasting, positive impact in the communities where O’Reilly Auto Parts’ team members and customers live and work by supporting organizations and programs which address issues critical to improving the quality of life for underserved and underrepresented individuals and families. In particular, the Foundation will concentrate its giving in support of organizations and programs addressing economic stability and mobility, workforce development, health and social services, and disaster relief.

Economic Stability and Mobility

Advocating for and endowing programs which provide assistance with issues including hunger, homelessness, and poverty for the economic betterment of the communities in which we operate.

Workforce Development

Promoting programs which aid in workforce readiness, technical training, and literacy, including children’s literacy, to ensure the continuance of an educated society and a capable, innovative workforce.

Health and Social Services

Championing and prioritizing matters of health, including mental and behavioral health, access to basic needs such as medical and dental care for underprivileged communities, and providing funding for organizations focused on childhood development and children’s advocacy as well as care and support for victims of domestic violence.

Disaster Relief

Providing funding and visibility to organizations specializing in providing relief from natural disasters and state of emergency, including providing temporary shelter, food, water, and hygiene or sanitation products to those affected and aiding in cleanup efforts.

Application Requirements

We will consider three principal types of grants:

Project Support Grants support specific projects or programs aligned with our mission. These requests may include some funds earmarked for the overhead costs associated with running a project.

General Operating Support Grants provide limited general operating support for the core operations or organizations whose missions and activities are aligned with our mission. These grants will often help the grantee build organizational, programmatic, and fundraising capacity. Operating support is not intended to help organizations in fiscal crisis. Applicants must have a current strategic or business plan that clearly outlines the organization’s goals and presents a plan for achieving results. Operating support grants must not exceed 15% of an organization’s total agency budget.

Capital Support Grants provide limited support for capital campaigns to fund the acquisition and construction of facilities, existing property renovation, or the purchase of major equipment. The program has a comprehensive approach to funding capital initiatives, which also includes funding for increased program capacity. A feasibility study may be required for capital initiatives to be considered.

Missouri State Parks Bus Grant Program

Bus grants assist schools and nonprofit organizations with the transportation expenses of field trips and outdoor learning opportunities at Missouri state parks and historic sites. Bus grants have been made available to Missouri schools and youth-focused nonprofit organizations throughout the state.

Information on eligible field trip destinations can be found on the Missouri State Parks website. 

Purpose

The purpose of the grant program is to promote natural, cultural, and recreational opportunities at Missouri state parks and historic sites. Missouri State Parks offers busing grants to underwrite the cost of field trips for schools and non-profit organizations in an effort to connect children with nature. 

Grant Requirements

To maximize funding availability statewide, two grants per school district may be awarded during the initial review (only one application per school per field trip will be accepted). Additional applications may be considered after all awards have been made and upon funding availability. 

Funding must be used to underwrite the costs of transporting youth (Pre-K through12th grade) to a Missouri state park or historic site. 

Examples of eligible costs include: 

• standard mileage for buses or vans owned by a school or organization; 
• charter bus costs; and 
• wage/salary costs for bus drivers.

Applicants are responsible for making all transportation arrangements. Applicants must contact the state park or historic site to coordinate field trip activities prior to submitting a grant application. 

Mission

The mission of the Community Foundation of Central Missouri is to improve lives in our communities by promoting private giving for public good. Since its beginning in 2010, the Community Foundation of Central Missouri (CFCM) has become an expert in listening and responding to community needs by providing creative charitable solutions and resources.

CFCM has prioritized funding to address many community needs. While the CFCM’s numerous donor and/or organization funds have their own mission and granting goals, the Community Granting Fund is the name of CFCM’s unrestricted fund, from which the Community Foundation board of directors distributes to chosen nonprofit agencies in central Missouri (Adair, Audrain, Boone, Callaway, Cole, Cooper, Howard, Macon, Moniteau, and Randolph counties).

Impact Grant

Impact Grants allow the Community Foundation of Central Missouri (CFCM) to have a greater effect in the mid-Missouri area with a more significant allocation, specifically, one $5,000 award.

• The Impact Grant partners CFCM with an agency to address an issue in a significant way.
• The Impact Grant award will center on one of the two following CFCM priority areas:
• human capacity development, especially for disadvantaged persons,
• or the arts.
• Projects proposed might focus on equal opportunity, poverty reduction, education and literacy, affordable housing, workforce training, diversity training, and other similar efforts.
• Projects proposed for the arts might focus on education in theater, dance, music or visual arts, or other.
• Projects proposed for senior services might focus on transportation, delivery, health/respite care, home care, etc
• In the future, the area of focus for the Impact Grant may change.

Mission

The Community Foundation of Central Missouri (CFCM) seeks to improve lives in our communities by promoting private giving for public good. Since its beginning in 2010, the Community Foundation of Central Missouri has become an expert in listening and responding to community needs by providing creative charitable solutions and resources.

CFCM has prioritized funding to address many community needs. While the Community Foundation’s numerous donor-advised and/or organization funds have their own mission and granting goals, the Community Granting Fund is the name of CFCM’s fund from which the Community Foundation board of directors distributes to chosen nonprofit agencies in central Missouri (Adair, Audrain, Boone, Callaway, Cole, Cooper, Howard, Macon, Moniteau, and Randolph counties).

Funding Priorities

The Community Foundation of Central Missouri wishes to partner with nonprofits that share our vision and passion for improving lives of central Missouri residents. We consider our grants to be community investments and look for an “improved lives” return on the investments we make.

To receive a Community Support Grant (if your organization did not receive one last year), the organization must consistently pursue work that falls into at least one of the following four CFCM priority funding areas. This means that the organization’s mission, or much of its programming, as well as the proposed application project, falls within of one of the following areas:

Animals

• projects focused on benefiting animals

Arts & Culture

• projects involving the arts, museums, historic preservation, libraries, public media

 Community

• projects focused on general community improvement such as beautification, conservation, land trusts, neighborhoods, parks/trails/environment, recreation

Education

• projects focused on supporting education for all ages

Health

• projects focused on improving or supporting health (including mental/behavioral, disease awareness/prevention/research, therapy

Human Services

• projects supporting basic human needs such as aging and disability, food, domestic violence, housing, independent living, job readiness, literacy, marginalized groups, poverty reduction, transportation, veterans

Youth

• non-school-based projects benefiting children and teens such as camps, mentoring, co-curricular education, foster care/adoption

About:

Developmental Disability Services of Jackson County – eitas is a subdivision of the Jackson County government primarily funded through a property tax.

Developmental Disability Services of Jackson County – eitas provides funding for supports and services to Jackson County citizens with developmental disabilities. Yearly, eitas make available funds to local agencies that provide the kinds of supports and services desired and needed by individuals with developmental disabilities. 

Grant Focus

Organizations that provide support and services to individuals with developmental disabilities within Jackson County.

Areas of Interest:

In keeping with the intent of its enabling legislation, eitas provides funding for the services, supports, and capital resources necessary for individuals with developmental disabilities to reside in and belong to their community. For more than 35 years, eitas has been dedicated to funding programs that offer essential services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Jackson County. Eitas' commitment ensures that everyone eligible gets the necessary support and care they deserve, aiming for both their satisfaction and well-being. Funding priorities are as follows: 

• Transportation
• Inclusion with community
• Crisis prevention and support
• Transition
• Safe equitable access to housing

Background

Aging in community is a concept that promotes interconnected relationships and supports for older adults to safely remain living in their chosen home and community to avoid prematurely entering institutional care due to the need for modest additional resources.

Our Aging in Community Cycle provides three types of grants to organizations and programs that support older adults aging in community. First, we award unrestricted operating grants to organizations which exclusively or primarily support older adults aging in community by providing social and civic engagement, home adaptations/repairs, access to healthy food, physical activity and/or learning opportunities. This unrestricted funding may be used for organizational expenses which are part of a board-approved annual budget, including administrative salaries, employee benefits, utilities, office supplies and equipment, technology, and professional development.

Second, we award grants to programs which exclusively serve older adults aging in community, even though the sponsoring organization is not primarily senior focused. This funding must be used only for the specific program supporting aging in community.

Third, from time to time and by invitation only, we award special project grants to provide seed money to early-stage and/or innovative strategies which address specific challenges of aging in community in the KC metro area. Organizations who are interested in applying for a special project grant should contact our Program Officer, Kim Lewis, to schedule a preliminary conversation.

The Menorah Heritage Foundation is guided by the following principles in awarding grants:

• Perpetuate the Jewish Community
• Anticipate and adapt to changing needs
• Invest in transformational change
• Address critical/severe needs
• Support meaningful programs that benefit the Greater Kansas City Community

The Menorah Heritage Foundation seeks to support organizations who:

• Maintain a history of compassion and excellence
• Address the needs and represent the interests and viewpoints of their clients
• Possess the leadership, management, efficiencies and resources necessary to achieve the organizational objectives
• Collaborate with other providers whenever feasible and appropriate
• Establish financial stability and present a sense of awareness regarding the details of operations

Older Adult Cycle

Our Older Adult Grants include special initiatives and core operating support.

Special Initiatives are invited proposals only that seek to convene regional stakeholders addressing the important issues facing older adults who wish to age in community. These issues include housing, care giving, transportation, and social/civic enjoyment.

Our Older Adult core operating grants support core operating expenses for organizations that provide programs and services promoting social and civic engagement of older adults. Core operating support is defined as expenses incurred for day-to-day operations such as: Utilities, accounting services, audit, technology, facility maintenance, professional development.

Older Adult Special Initiative Grants are limited to invited, collaborative proposals that convene Kansas City metro area stakeholders addressing important issues facing older adults who wish to age in community. These issues include, but are not limited to, access to community based services (healthcare, housing, care management, transportation, etc.) and social/civic engagement.

Gupta Family Foundation is a private, nonprofit foundation headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, USA. Our mission is to support organizations that provide focused intervention in the lives of people who have been disadvantaged in some way to help them become self-reliant. We take a very broad view of “disadvantage” to include anything that holds a person back from realizing their potential, such as poverty, physical or mental disability, social alienation, etc. The foundation also supports relief agencies that serve people affected by emergencies such as natural disasters.

The foundation evaluates and awards annual and multi-year grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000 (USD). Our focus is on funding smaller organizations all around the world that are led by individuals with a deep personal commitment to their missions. 

Our selection criteria include:

• Mission alignment
• The organization is run by the founder or, if not, by a successor who embodies the original inspiration, passion and commitment of the founder.
• At least 90% of grant monies reaches the intended beneficiaries.
• The organization is non-sectarian, i.e.,
  • It does not, directly or indirectly, support or condone the proselytization of any religion,
  • It is not supported by or affiliated to a religious organization.

Fund Description

The Homelessness Trust Fund was established in 1988 at The Greater Kansas City Community Foundation to serve as an endowment for assistance to homeless individuals and those in danger of becoming homeless. Grants are made annually to organizations for distribution to eligible individuals residing in Kansas City, Missouri, and/or Jackson County, Missouri. An advisory committee oversees the funds and all grant decisions.

An organization can only submit one application. Organizations with more than one location must determine which location will apply or how one grant may be split between the different locations.

Grant Range: Each applicant may request a grant of $10,000. No more than 20% of the requested amount can be used for operational or staffing costs of the grant program.

ABOUT ROOTED IN JUSTICE

“Rooted in Justice” is a funding program designed to help amplify youth voices and actions in the environmental and food justice movements.  Rooted in Justice supports community-based organizations and groups that manage established, youth-led, urban greening programs within a justice framework as a core part of their work, with two-year grants of $25,000/year.  

Rooted in Justice recognizes the importance and undeniable right of every young person to have the ability to develop their own relationship with the environment, be it through growing food, spending time with nature, creating community green spaces, or becoming environmental stewards. Rooted in Justice also honors the power and possibilities that arise when young people collectively work to be change-makers in their communities.

Rooted in Justice supports organizations, groups, collectives, and programs that work with young people between the ages of 12 to 20 in youth-led programming for communities or cultures which have historically or currently experience:

• A lack of access to land or nature;
• Agricultural oppression and/or neglect;
• Food apartheid; and/or
• Other forms of injustice based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics and disability.

Rooted in Justice awards a small number of grants each year with applications due in the fall and decisions made the following spring. Final grant decisions are recommended to the Cedar Tree board via a participatory grantmaking process with outside reviewers who have experience in youth-led urban greening, as well as food or climate justice programming. So far the program has awarded multi-year grants to 21 organizations and one-time grants to 10 additional organizations since 2021. 

Definitions

Rooted in Justice grants support organizations or programs that include all four of the elements described below: social justice, youth-led, urban greening, and cohort-based youth work. We articulate our understanding of those terms below in an effort to provide a guide for prospective organizations to use in determining whether their program is a good fit. However as we continue our work towards questioning and dismantling some of our preconceived notions, we recognize that these are not finite definitions and encourage prospective applicants who still feel their work may be a good fit to describe in their proposals why this is the case.  

Social Justice-Based Programs

Programs dedicated to creating equitable outcomes for communities directly affected by different aspects of injustice by:

• Sharing and redistributing power and resources;
• Amplifying voices and leadership;
• Tackling root problems through ongoing engagement and collaboration to find solutions, organize against oppression of all kinds and create mechanisms for change; and
• Developing a critical analysis with youth and community members.

Youth-Led

The development of youth leadership skills is a core part of programs funded by Rooted in Justice. Young people have the opportunity to play a role in the planning and decision-making for their program and may help shape the internal workings of the organization. Examples of youth-led programs include programs where participants: 

• Managing a portion of their programming budget;
• Co-facilitating program activities, meetings and gatherings;
• Shape their own programming and/or organizational strategic planning;
• Have regular and end-of-program opportunities to provide program feedback and evaluation; and
• Have opportunities for personal and/or professional growth within the program and organization.

Urban Greening

For the purpose of this grant we define “urban greening” as any activity that creates a mutually beneficial relationship between city dwellers and their environments. Programs that are a strong fit for Rooted in Justice will have many opportunities for youth to be outdoors.  Project settings can include, but are not limited to: 

• Urban and aquaponic farms
• Greenhouses and rooftop gardens
• Community gardens, green spaces, and rain gardens
• Composting sites
• Land conservation efforts
• Urban forests
• River or other water restoration  

Cohort-Based Youth Works

Rooted in Justice looks to fund organizations that build community with cohorts of youth through intentional, recurring programming. This grant is intended to support programs that offer youth significant learning and leadership opportunities as a group and as individuals. Priority will be given to organizations that have program infrastructure that supports a cohort of youth over time.  Drop-in programming, one-time conferences, or individual internships are not a good fit for Rooted in Justice.  

Youth Budgeting

As part of grant proposal, all Rooted in Justice grantees must share a plan to allocate a portion of the grant funds for youth participants to manage. What do we mean by this? We ask applicants to specifically set aside some amount of grant funds for youth to allocate to priorities of their choosing.  For example, youth participants can use their allocated funding to:

• Fund an entrepreneurial endeavor;
• Design the brand or swag for their group;
• Hire a speaker or outside expert to teach a new skill;
• Purchase supplies for a community-based art project;
• Host a celebration for their families, friends and neighbors;
• Pay for transportation to programming, special events, or conferences; and/or
• Any other youth-led activity the group may find beneficial.

Use of Funds

Rooted in Justice funding must be used for project support of existing youth led, urban greening, social justice work and associated general operating expenses. Operating expenses can include anything from program costs like staff salaries and youth stipends to organizational sustainability needs like major equipment purchases and leadership/staff training. If your organization’s entire mission is youth led, urban greening, social justice work, the Rooted in Justice grant can be general support. 

Funding

Two Year Grant

• Rooted in Justice Grant awards are two-year grants of $25,000 per year.
• After the initial two year grant, grantees may be eligible for a third year of funding at the same or lower level through a simple renewal process.
• In the 2025-2026 grant cycle, the Cedar Tree Foundation expects to support 4 organizations with multi-year grant awards.

Funding for Professional Development

• Each Rooted in Justice grantee organization also has access to an additional $6,000 to support professional development opportunities identified by each organization.  Half of these funds must be used to directly support the professional development of youth. 
• Rooted in Justice grantees can request reimbursement from this professional development fund to attend conferences, hire consultants, purchase equipment or software that increases organizational capacity, or participate in any activities that strengthen youth programming or justice practice of program providers in support of their youth development programming. The funds set aside for youth professional development can be used for youth exchanges or youth participation in conferences and other professional development opportunities directly for youth.  

Community Professional Development Calls

• Cedar Tree works with grantee partners to assess their professional development interests and facilitates on-line gatherings of staff or youth for skill shares, trainings, and networking opportunities.
• These network calls will likely happen 2-3 times per year. 

Deaconess Foundation

Our Mission

In the spirit of our faith heritage, the mission of Deaconess Foundation is the improved health of the community and people of Eastern Missouri and Southern Illinois.

Our Vision

Deaconess Foundation envisions a community that values the health and well-being of all and gives priority attention to the most invisiblized. This community only thrives if the allocation of power and distribution of resources, benefits, opportunities and burdens are not predictable by, nor predicated on race.

Seniors Community Revitalization & Development Fund

The Seniors Community Revitalization & Development Fund (Seniors Community Fund) aims to improve the public health system infrastructure to better serve residents 55 years of age and older and promote transparency and accountability. The Seniors Community Fund is done in partnership with the St. Louis Regional Health Commission to support services for seniors in the region.

Priority Areas

Proposals must support services for seniors ages 55 and above in one or more of the following priority areas:

• Transportation
  • includes transportation to more than just health-related services (transportation to grocery stores, self-care appointments, social activities, etc.)
• Safety
  • focuses on measures that increase overall safety AND the feeling of safety within neighborhoods (outdoor lighting, home maintenance and landscaping, security cameras)
• Navigation Support
  • includes support staff or programming that makes accessing social and health services more transparent, understandable, and accessible for seniors.

Funding

Applicants can request and be awarded up to $30,000 for each proposal.

Fund Description

The Northland Community Foundation (NCF), an affiliate of the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation, seeks to improve the quality of life in the Northland by increasing charitable giving, connecting donors to community needs they care about and providing leadership on critical community issues. By using an RFP approach, NCF aims to solicit the best thinking of nonprofit organizations, public sector agencies, research institutions, and other entities serving Clay and Platte counties.

Grant Focus

NCF released a Community Needs Assessment in March 2023. Following a rigorous research process in partnership with several organizations and entities in the Northland, the completed Community Needs Assessment pinpoints gaps in the community ecosystem, and identifies opportunities where investments of philanthropic dollars will have the greatest potential to make measurable differences in the community which are: 

• Mental and behavioral health.
• Growing needs of a rapidly expanding senior population.
• Limited availability of childcare/early childhood education.
• Limited transportation access/infrastructure.

NCF continues to build on the opportunities identified in its 2023 Community Needs Assessment to invest philanthropic dollars in the community’s areas of greatest need. The RFP will focus on sustaining current programs that focus on the well-being of children in Clay and Platte Counties.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Vision

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation, "A Foundation for All", was established in 2002. It was begun in order to give a clear voice for those who wish to be a part of the many, worthy, forces for change in our world.

We are a foundation whose purpose is to look ahead towards the future, giving the past its due by remembering where we came from, and how much we can all accomplish together. We aim to make the critical difference on our planet by recognizing and having respect for our ever changing world. We respect all Life, the Environment, and all People, no matter who they are.

Background

AmeriCorps improves lives, strengthens communities, and fosters civic engagement through service and volunteering. AmeriCorps brings people together to tackle some of the country’s most pressing challenges through national service and volunteerism. AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers serve with organizations dedicated to the improvement of communities and those serving. AmeriCorps helps make service a cornerstone of our national culture.

AmeriCorps grants are awarded to eligible organizations proposing to engage AmeriCorps members in evidence-based or evidence-informed interventions practices to strengthen communities. An AmeriCorps member is an individual who engages in community service through an approved national service position.

Funding Priorities

AmeriCorps’ priorities for this funding opportunity are:

• Organizations leading service in communities with concentrated poverty, rural communities, tribal communities, and those organizations serving historically underrepresented and underserved individuals, including but not limited to communities of color, immigrants and refugees, people with disabilities, people who identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community, people with arrest and/or conviction records, and religious minorities;
• Evidence-based interventions on the AmeriCorps Evidence Exchange that are assessed as having Moderate or Strong evidence.
  • Please note that many of these interventions have demonstrated effectiveness in improving outcomes for individuals living in underserved communities and that the agency has committed resources to supporting grantees seeking to replicate and evaluate these interventions in similar communities;
• Veterans and Military Families, Caregivers, and Survivors – a program model that improves the quality of life of veterans and improves the well-being of military and veteran families, caregivers, and survivors;
• Faith-based organizations;
• Programs that provide additional benefits to AmeriCorps members aimed at enhancing member experience and bolstering member recruitment and retention such as paying more than the minimum living allowance, transportation, housing, food, etc.;
• Programs that create workforce pathways for AmeriCorps members, including deliberate training, certifications, and hiring preferences or support;
• Environmental Stewardship, including supporting communities to become more resilient through measures that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, conserve land and water, increase renewable energy use and improve at-risk ecosystems, especially in underserved households and communities;
• Community-based programs that enhance and expand services to second chance youth and or engage those youth as AmeriCorps members;
• Programs that support civic bridgebuilding programs and projects to reduce polarization and community divisions; and providing training in civic bridgebuilding skills and techniques to AmeriCorps members;
• Programs focused on implementing or expanding access to high-quality early learning and those that prepare AmeriCorps members to enter early learning careers.

In addition to these federal priorities, MCSC will prioritize the investment of national service resources in the following areas:

• Geographic areas of the state that are currently underserved
• Programs focusing on academic improvement in mathematics
• Urban environmental stewardship programming
• Racial justice programming
• Serving people/recruiting people with disabilities
• Returning citizens/incarcerated individuals programming