2025 Seeding the Future Grants

Deaconess Foundation's Seeding the Future Grants are designed to support nonprofit organizations pursuing systemic change across Eastern Missouri and Southern Illinois. The foundation focuses its grantmaking on policy advocacy, grassroots organizing, coalition building, civic engagement, and public policy reform. The overarching goal is to promote health and wellness by dismantling racial and structural inequities and supporting intergenerational progress toward liberation. Deaconess emphasizes partnerships and long-term relationships with grantees to drive sustainable transformation. These grants provide $20,000 in general operating support for one-year terms and are not renewable. Organizations must reapply for each funding cycle, and previously awarded groups must wait until their one-year grant period ends before applying again. Grants may fund a broad array of operational needs, including salaries, benefits, technology upgrades, communications strategies, and other infrastructure improvements that enable systems-level impact. Funding will not be provided for service delivery, event sponsorship, capital campaigns, or candidate-focused political activities. Applications are accepted through four annual cycles in 2025: February 3–March 7, May 5–May 30, August 4–August 29, and October 6–October 31. The grant application is managed through an online portal that closes at 11:59 PM on each cycle’s end date. There is no required organizational age for eligibility, and both emerging and established organizations may apply. Organizations must either have 501(c)(3) status or use a fiscal agent. Deaconess also funds specific 501(c)(3) activities conducted by 501(c)(4) entities. Eligible applicants must work within Deaconess’ geographic footprint, which includes St. Louis City, and the counties of St. Louis, Jefferson, St. Charles, and Franklin in Missouri, as well as Madison, St. Clair, and Monroe in Illinois. Proposals should align with Deaconess’ commitment to advancing systems change and addressing the root causes of inequity. Strong applications typically include efforts such as public policy advocacy, voter mobilization, innovative research and analysis, and incubating policy initiatives. Instead of traditional reporting requirements, Deaconess follows a trust-based philanthropy model that emphasizes relationship-building and guided discussions to assess impact and needs. For questions, applicants may contact the Grants Team at GrantHelp@deaconess.org. Additional information and resources are available at deaconess.org/funding-opportunities.