Charless Foundation Grant

The Charless Foundation Grant is administered through the St. Louis Community Foundation, which supports private and family foundations with administrative and grantmaking services. The Charless Foundation itself was formed from the proceeds of the Charless Home for Seniors in South St. Louis City, which closed in 2012. Founded in 1853, the original Charless Home served the needs of senior citizens in South St. Louis City. The Foundation’s mission continues this legacy by providing funding to organizations that serve economically insecure seniors, particularly in the South St. Louis City area. In alignment with the St. Louis Community Foundation’s 2024–2028 strategic framework, the Charless Foundation’s 2025 grant cycle focuses on housing-related needs, especially home repairs, weatherization, preservation, and modifications for older adults. A recent study conducted by the University of Missouri St. Louis found that older homeowners in the city face substantial repair needs, with an average repair cost of $13,023. Addressing these housing challenges is seen as vital to supporting seniors’ health, wellness, financial security, and their ability to age in place. In addition, the Foundation acknowledges the problem of food insecurity among older adults and is offering limited grants to food banks and pantries in South St. Louis City. Grants range from $10,000 to $50,000 annually. Food-related funding is capped at $10,000 per distribution site. New applicants may only apply for a one-year grant, while previous Charless Foundation grantees may request up to three years of funding, contingent on annual reporting. The Foundation favors proposals demonstrating leveraged funding from multiple sources and innovative funding strategies. General operating support is available for organizations specializing in home repair, and program-specific support is available for broader organizations. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations or have a fiscal sponsor. While applicants do not need to be physically based in the service area, the funded work must occur in designated South St. Louis City ZIP codes (63104, 63109, 63110, 63111, 63116, 63118, 63123, 63125, and 63139). Applicants must serve older adults aged 60 and above, particularly those living at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. Applications must be submitted through the St. Louis Community Foundation’s grant portal by 12:00 PM CST on October 3, 2025. The application requires detailed narrative responses on program design, implementation, partnerships, financial needs, and outcome metrics. Applicants must also upload a program or organizational budget, two most recent audits or three IRS Form 990s, and comply with the Missouri Common Grant Budget Template. Office hours are available by appointment throughout late August and September for applicants seeking guidance. Awards will be announced in mid-December 2025. Applicants with specific questions can contact grants@stlgives.org using “Charless Foundation” in the subject line.

Applicants are encouraged to attend office hours, leverage multiple funders, and align projects with strategic priorities like housing and food insecurity.