The Children’s Service Fund (CSF) of St. Louis County administers the Grassroots Funding Opportunity, a grant program developed in collaboration with its Community Advisory Committee to address systemic disparities and support smaller, community-based organizations. This program is designed to fund nonprofits and government agencies that are deeply embedded in and reflective of the communities they serve. Grassroots partners are recognized for their trust within their neighborhoods, representative leadership and staff, and strength-based service models that promote child and family well-being.
For the 2025–2027 grant cycle, the Letter of Intent (LOI) process opened on March 3, 2025, and closed on March 31, 2025, at 12:00 PM CST. Applicants were required to attend a virtual eligibility meeting and had access to an information session to understand the application process. Organizations that submitted a LOI will be notified on April 11, 2025, about whether they are invited to submit a full application. The full application will open on the same day, with an Application Meeting scheduled for April 14, 2025. Additionally, April 15, 2025, is the deadline for individuals to apply to serve as paid community reviewers for the grant program.
Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits or government agencies offering programs in CSF’s primary focus areas. Preference is given to organizations with annual operating budgets under $1 million, those with leadership and staff reflective of the populations served, and those using community-centered approaches. Programs may include youth development, trauma recovery, family strengthening, mental and physical health interventions, and substance use education and prevention.
The Grassroots Funding Opportunity supports programs through a traditional grant structure and aims to create a more inclusive and representative portfolio of funded services. All communications and inquiries regarding the grant process must be directed to the CSF team via the email address listed on their website.
