K.D. and M.L. Steadley Memorial Trust Fund

The K.D. and M.L. Steadley Memorial Trust, established in 1959, is a private philanthropic entity committed to supporting charitable organizations that serve the Carthage, Missouri area. The Trust’s mission encompasses a broad spectrum of charitable purposes, with particular emphasis on scientific, educational, literary, and artistic advancement, as well as the prevention of cruelty to animals. Over the decades, the Trust has played a significant role in supporting local nonprofits dedicated to improving the welfare of the community and enhancing the quality of life for residents in and around Carthage. This grant program funds a wide array of focus areas, including animal welfare, arts and culture, health, housing and shelter, human services, and youth development. Although general operating support is discouraged and only considered in exceptional circumstances, the Trust welcomes proposals for project, program, and capital support. On occasion, proposals related to outdoor recreation programs or capital support for public parks and playgrounds are also considered if they align with the broader charitable goals of the Trust. Applicants must be charitable organizations operating in or near Carthage, Missouri. The Trust does not support projects or organizations outside this geographic boundary. There is no formal pre-application process, but interested organizations are advised to ensure alignment with the funder's mission and geographic requirement prior to submission. Applications must be submitted online through the Bank of America Philanthropic Solutions portal. Only one application may be submitted per organization per year for the same geographic region, although an exception exists for the Steadley Memorial Trust due to its narrow regional focus. Applications are accepted biannually, with deadlines on May 15 and November 15. If a deadline falls on a weekend or federal holiday, the proposal must be submitted by 11:59 PM Central Time on the prior business day. The Trust accepts applications year-round, but proposals must be submitted before the deadlines to be considered for review. Grant decisions are made on a rolling basis following submission. All grant awards are for a one-year term. However, organizations may submit project budgets that span up to three years, provided they include a clear indication of anticipated requests for future funding. A final report is required within one year of the award date, regardless of whether all funds have been expended. Multi-year grant recipients must submit annual reports throughout the term of the grant. For questions or additional guidance, organizations may contact the Bank of America Missouri Philanthropic Solutions office at mo.grantmaking@bofa.com.

Ensure the program is directly tied to Carthage, Missouri; avoid applying for general operating support unless exceptional; begin early due to no weekend tech support and hard deadline at 11:59 PM CT.