Best Higher Education Grants in Missouri

Nonprofit organizations working on education, basic needs, or economic development in Missouri communities where BOK Financial operates may be eligible for charitable contributions supporting programs and operations. BOKF Foundation focuses on basic needs, education (including higher education), economic development, and United Way initiatives across its Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas service areas.

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.)

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

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.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

Nonprofit and public organizations supporting education, health, or family economic stability for urban low-income children in Missouri and across the U.S. can seek project or scale-up funding of more than US $50,000. Michael & Susan Dell Foundation backs programs that improve outcomes for children and youth, including higher education pathways and college success initiatives.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

Higher education institutions and related 501(c)(3) ministries in Missouri and neighboring states can seek funding for Lutheran higher education, health and human care, and faith-strengthening programs. Focused on these areas, Rupert Dunklau Foundation invites eligible Lutheran colleges, universities, seminaries, and ministries to apply for projects that serve communities and promote the welfare of mankind.

Missouri higher education institutions and nonprofits focused on health, education, or humanitarian services can access funding through the Semnani Family Foundation for programs serving marginalized and vulnerable communities. Organizations working on healthcare access, medical education, literacy, or related social services in the U.S. may be eligible if their projects advance the foundation’s global human welfare mission.

Missouri higher education and other 501(c)(3) organizations can seek funding for charitable, scientific, medical, and educational programs serving U.S. communities. Grants from Sidney Stern Memorial Trust help tax-exempt nonprofits with well-managed projects that have broad reach, substantial impact on target populations, and contribute materially to the general welfare within the U.S.

St. Louis area nonprofits and K–12 schools in Missouri can access funding for workforce development, youth development, and early childhood or middle-grade education programs. St Louis Community Foundation provides Missouri education organizations with US $5,000 - US $25,000 from the Pettus Foundation for direct services and small capital improvements that build self-reliance and job readiness.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

With a mission to develop essential community facilities, this USDA Rural Development program provides Missouri public bodies, community-based nonprofits, and Federally Recognized Tribes with support to build, purchase, or improve rural facilities and equipment. Eligible projects include health, public safety, educational, community support, utility, and local food system facilities in rural areas under 20,000 residents.

Missouri 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations seeking support for community services or fundraising events may be eligible for grants or event sponsorships, including those in Jackson, St. Louis County, and St. Louis City. Insperity supports charities connected to its employees, client organizations, or communities where its employees live and work through philanthropic contributions and event sponsorships.

Missouri 501(c)(3) public charities planning capital building or renovation projects can apply for Ash Grove Charitable Foundation’s support; awards up to US $25,000 for capital needs. Grants from Ash Grove Charitable Foundation help organizations enhance community gathering spaces, protect nature, expand secondary and post-secondary STEM education, and grow skilled trades opportunities in its regional markets.

Missouri higher education and community-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and eligible government entities can seek funding for education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental initiatives that benefit communities near Georgia-Pacific facilities. Focused on strengthening local well-being, Georgia-Pacific Foundation prioritizes projects within 30 miles of its manufacturing communities listed, including eligible counties in Missouri.

Missouri 501(c)(3) nonprofits located within 15 miles of a TJX store, distribution center, or office can seek funding for basic needs, out-of-school academic support, workforce readiness, and safety from domestic violence. The TJX Foundation supports programs helping vulnerable children and families, which may include higher education access or readiness initiatives for at-risk youth.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and libraries in Missouri seeking support for environmental or human services work can apply for grants of US $5,000 - US $10,000. Grants from Lawrence Foundation help fund general operating or program/project needs, issued as unrestricted support, for U.S.-headquartered organizations working locally or globally.

Prospective child care providers in Missouri seeking to launch new licensed programs can apply for the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Innovation Grant to Start-Up a New Child Care Program, supporting start-up costs and quality improvements. Organizations connected to higher education that operate or sponsor child care services may be eligible if they meet CCDF requirements.

Missouri 501(c)(3) nonprofits addressing basic needs, community vitality, or volunteer-driven causes can seek Ameriprise Community Grants to support hunger relief, housing, financial literacy, workforce readiness, and cultural enrichment programs. With a mission to strengthen communities, Ameriprise Financial provides U.S. organizations with funding priority where there is strong Ameriprise employee or advisor volunteer engagement.

Missouri Prairie Foundation

The Missouri Prairie Foundation is a private, nonprofit, 501(c)(3) land trust governed by a volunteer board of directors. MPF was founded in 1966 by a small group of conservation professionals and volunteers who were concerned about the rapid decline of greater prairie-chickens and the degradation and loss of grassland habitat throughout the state of Missouri. Since that time, MPF has grown and developed with several goals in mind, including the permanent protection of prairie habitat and the need for greater understanding of the role of native grasslands in wildlife conservation, energy security and carbon storage. 

The mission of MPF is to protect and restore prairie and other native grassland communities through land acquisition, management, education, and research; to promote the use of native plants through its Grow Native! program; and to support the control of invasive plants through its administration of the Missouri Invasive Plant Council. 

Prairie Garden Grants Program 

Gardening and other conservation groups, parks, schools, and other entities in Missouri and immediately surrounding states are invited to submit proposals to MPF’s Prairie Garden Grants Program. In 2026, MPF would like to award several grants to help fund the establishment or improvement of public prairie gardens or plantings using Midwest native plants. Grants will not exceed $800 each. Those with smaller projects are encouraged to apply as well. Matching funds are not required, but proposals with secured matching funds may be evaluated higher than others.

Missouri child care providers seeking to expand licensed programs can access funding through the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to increase child care access statewide. Eligible CCDF providers may use funds for expansion costs, staff training, licensing-related facility improvements, employee retention incentives, and regulatory support, which may benefit institutions connected to higher education in Missouri.

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.

Higher education and other 501(c)(3) organizations in Missouri can apply for Kerr Foundation grants to support education, arts and culture, health, and human services projects. Funding can be used for capital improvements, time-limited programs, or general operating expenses, with a particular emphasis on creating opportunities for young people.

Higher education institutions and other eligible rural public or nonprofit entities in Missouri can use these USDA Rural Development grants to provide technical assistance and training for small rural businesses. Funding may support business counseling, feasibility studies, facilities and equipment, rural business incubators, and other community and technology-based economic development projects in qualifying rural areas.

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.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.