Missouri Arts Grants

This grant provides financial support to organizations in Kansas City, Missouri, focusing on education and health programs for children and older adults, as well as hospital services.

This funding opportunity supports Protestant charitable and religious organizations in Kansas City, Missouri, by providing financial assistance for their operational and programmatic needs.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations, government entities, school districts, and faith-based groups in Springfield, Missouri, to support programs that empower youth and encourage their participation in community service.

The Charless Foundation is offering grants ranging from $5,000 to $30,000 to 501(c)3 nonprofits that support the health, welfare, and wellness of economically underserved seniors in the St. Louis region, particularly through residential support, aging in place, health and safety resources, and social support, with a preference for initiatives in South St. Louis City.

LaunchKC is accepting applications for its Grants Competition to attract and retain high-growth tech startups to Downtown Kansas City, Missouri. Donor Name: LaunchKC State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/16/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: Powered by a purpose to ignite Kansas City’s entrepreneurial spirit, LaunchKC searches nationwide for innovative, diverse early-stage startups looking to take their business to the next level. Each year, they invest more than $500,000 into startups, offering founders a chance to secure $55,000 in funding and gain access to a host of support services – in exchange for headquartering their business in Kansas City, Missouri for at least one year. LaunchKC is a source of equity-free funding for early-stage startups and an opportunity to root your business within a growing entrepreneurial hub surrounded by a community of mentors, collaborators, and resources. LaunchKC believe the promise of tomorrow starts with championing the people building it today. At LaunchKC, they look for companies that are: Founders with pre-seed and seed stage companies. Companies with an innovative and scalable business model. Technology-enabled solutions. Diverse founder teams with a desire to help Kansas City’s ecosystem grow. A strong desire to grow your business in Kansas City. For nearly a decade, LaunchKC has given early-stage startups the tools, resources, capital, and talent they need to thrive and grow. Each year, the grant recipients receive a share of a $500,000 investment and also receive: One-on-one mentorship with industry experts. Curated programming, fundraising support, and access to the LaunchKC network. Free office space in Downtown Kansas City. LaunchKC grant recipients are required to relocate to Kansas City, MO for one year. Founders should not only be willing to relocate their company to Kansas City but should see significant value and opportunity in operating in  city. Companies must agree to locate in Kansas City, MO for at least one year Locate 50% of the full-time team or one full-tiime founder and 50% of their staff in Kansas City for at least a year Eligibility Criteria At LaunchKC, they look for companies that are: For-profit entities with technology-based products, services, or solutions. All industries Scalable business models Early-Stage companies (includes Bootstrapped, Pre-Seed, and Seed Stage) The following companies are not eligible: Retail businesses with brick and mortar storefronts Residential real property business Investment vehicles that invest in the securities of other entities Sports venues Gaming and gambling businesses Places of overnight accommodation Past LaunchKC cash-prize winners Entertainment-related establishments Single-purpose entertainment or event productions (e.g. movies, albums, concerts) For more information, visit LaunchKC.

Applications are now being accepted for the 2024 Small Arts Grant Fund. Donor Name: Francis Family Foundation State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/05/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Eligibility Criteria To be eligible for a Small Arts Grant, an organization should be: Located within the greater Kansas City area (60-mile radius), AND A tax-exempt 501(c)(3) public charity with a federal Employer Identification Number (EIN), or partner with another organization that can serve as a fiscal sponsor, AND An arts organization with annual revenues of less than $300,000 last fiscal year OR A non-arts organization – regardless of budget size or mission – with a community-based arts program that provides access to arts and culture opportunities in traditional and non-traditional sites throughout the greater Kansas City area. NOTE: In 2022, the Foundation structure transitioned from a community board to a family board and granting priorities and strategies changed; however, investment in the Small Arts Grants Fund will continue unchanged. For more information, visit Francis Family Foundation.

The City of Wentzville is accepting applications for its Business Development Grant Program. Donor Name: City of Wentzville State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/31/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: This program is open to new or significantly expanding businesses in Wentzville’s Historic Downtown zoning districts (HD-1, HD-2 or HD-3). The Business Development Grant is designed to ease start-up and/or business development costs. The grant can be used for various interior building improvements such as paint, finish carpentry, flooring or countertops. New businesses must have been open for less than 12 months. These grants are designed to: Boost property development Strengthen new and existing businesses Facilitate the rehabilitation and modernization of downtown buildings. For more information, visit City of Wentzville.

The Greater Kansas City Community Foundation is providing the Eastland Giving Circle Grant Program for organizations that provide mental health resources for children and youth in Eastern Jackson County. Donor Name: Greater Kansas City Community Foundation State: Missouri County: Jackson County (MO) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/04/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Eastland Giving Circle (EGC) is a group of philanthropic and civic-minded individuals dedicated to making a substantive impact to the eastern Jackson County, Missouri area through a yearly donation. Funding Information A grant will be made in the amount of $30,000.  Geographic Area Organizations must have an eastern Jackson County, Missouri presence or mailing address.  Eligibility Criteria Grants are made only to nonprofits that have current 501(c)(3) status.  Ineligibility Individuals, political parties, candidates or political activities. Primary and secondary educational institutions> Religious organizations for denominational programs. Requests for general operating funds For more information, visit GKCCF.

The L-A-D Foundation, in partnership with the Community Foundation of the Ozarks as grantmaking service provider, invites applications from nonprofit and public interest organizations whose work benefits the natural and cultural resources of the Missouri Ozarks in its 12-county service area and align with the mission of the L-A-D Foundation. Donor Name: L-A-D Foundation State: Missouri County: Selected Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/30/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The L-A-D Foundation seeks innovative projects that support conservation of the natural and cultural resources of the Missouri Ozarks. Projects may include environmental and conservation education, grassroots organizing, new program start-up costs, capital support, seed money, and workshops. No requests for annual or operating support or support for social events or benefits are considered.  Funding Information Maximum request amount is $10,000. A 12-month grant period is preferred, but multi-year projects may be considered. Eligibility Criteria Grant proposals are accepted according to an announced time table, and grant recommendations are made as funds are available. 501(c)3 organizations or other IRS approved entities (government entities, school districts and churches) working in Carter, Crawford, Dent, Madison, Maries, Oregon, Perry, Reynolds, Ripley, Ste. Genevieve, Shannon or Texas counties are eligible to apply. For more information, visit L-A-D Foundation.

The Regional Arts Commission’s Artist Support Grant serves as funding for the career advancement of individual artists. Donor Name: Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis State: Missouri County: Saint Louis City (MO), Saint Louis County (MO) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/02/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: This grant provides funds for an individual artist’s projects, needs, or creative opportunities in all artistic disciplines. Direct support enables diverse artists of various disciplines to advance their careers and complete creative projects. It is designed to be flexible and accessible and to encourage creativity, innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustained commitment to artistic work. Grant funds may be designated for (but not limited to) equipment and materials, rental space, arts-related travel, conference fees, living artist wage, project completion, salaries, professional and artistic development, training, and other resources for an individual artist of various disciplines. Funding Criteria  Artist Support applicants will respond to three grant review criteria: Cultural and/or Artistic Essentials (weighted at 40%) A culturally and artistically significant practice or work that contributes to the creative life of the artist and, ultimately, to St. Louis. The artist has provided (1) the essential information for their request, (2) an artist statement, and (3) proof of residency. Includes clearly articulated plans such as location, dates, frequency (as applicable) (the who, what, when, where, and why). Proposed work contributes to the artist’s practice, skills, and craft. Proposed work contributes to innovation and new thinking in the artform and wider culture. Indicates how grant funds will be used. Artist statement demonstrates artistic significance, and the project is relevant to the artistic field and/or the arts & culture sector. The artist is a current resident of St. Louis City or County and has maintained primary residence in St. Louis City or County for at least one year. If the applicant is applying as a part of a collective or co-creator team, each member of the collective/co-creator team is a current resident of St. Louis City or County and has maintained primary residence in St. Louis City or County for at least one year. Community Benefit (weighted at 30%) Artist demonstrates broad community benefit with a practice or work that considers diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. The artist has provided a description of (1) their intended audience, (2) potential partners in the work, and (3) DEIA efforts. The intended audience is clearly defined. It is clear this is a direct (public project) or an indirect (artist need) contribution to the St. Louis community. Artist considers and articulates documentation/dissemination of work. Efforts in place to develop meaningful collaborations with diverse groups to expand artistic practice. Demonstrates community participation/connection. Specifies community partnerships that increase engagement. If the applicant is applying as a part of a collective/co-creator team, each member is listed and their role in the work is clear Creates and presents art that represents the telling of stories of diverse populations. Provides equitable opportunities to create and participate. Activities/artwork, and the locations where work is presented are intentionally accessible to all people. Capacity & Sustainability (weighted at 30%) Artist is intentional about artistic/practice capacity and sustainability. The artist has provided (1) a budget explaining their request, (2) a Resume or CV related to their artistic work, and (3) work samples. Has a realistic and balanced budget and clearly articulated budget narrative. Budgeting is appropriate to scope of what artist proposes. Budget indicates diverse revenue streams. Indicates contingency plan to support program completion. Resume /CV is related to the individual’s artistic career. Resume/CV conveys a clear and ongoing commitment to artistic planning, goal setting, and promotions. Resume/CV shows a connection to the artist’s earlier work or represents an intentional shift from what the artist has done in the past as indicated by artist statement and CV or resume. Resume/CV indicates in the past three years, the artist has created and presented their own original works to the public or performed for the public. Work samples indicate alignment with what is outlined in the application. Work samples are relevant to the project for which the artist is applying. Work samples are within the limits set by the application. Funding Information The maximum amount of funding an individual artist can apply for and receive is $7,500. Project Period For artistic practice and/or for project needs or creative opportunities taking place from November 2024 through May 2025. Eligibility Criteria An individual artist is eligible to apply for an Artist Support Grant if the following requirements are met: The artist is 18 years or older The artist is a current resident of St. Louis City or County and has maintained primary residence in St. Louis City or County for at least one year (documentation required) In the past three years, the artist has created and presented their original work(s) to the public or performed for the public (documentation required; this should be documented in a CV or Resume). For more information, visit RAC.

The Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District has announced the availability of approximately $150,000.00, pending MDNR official award letter, in grant funds available for solid waste projects within the seven county areas that the district serves. Donor Name: Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District State: Missouri County: Crawford County (MO), Dent County (MO), Gasconade County (MO), Maries County (MO), Phelps County (MO), Washington County (MO) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/16/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: This includes the counties of Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Phelps, Pulaski and Washington. There are two mechanisms through which citizens, businesses, and organizations of Missouri can obtain funding for solid waste management activities. These include:  Market Development: Funds for the purchase of equipment to manufacture recycled-content products or to process recovered materials through Environmental Improvement and Energy Resources Authority (EIERA).  Solid Waste Management Districts/Counties/Cities: Funds to solid waste management districts and the cities and counties within the district for activities that implement their solid waste management plans. Up to fifty percent (50%) of the grant money available to a district within a fiscal year may be allocated for district operation and plan implementation projects and at least fifty percent (50%) shall be allocated for projects of cities and counties within the district Examples of applying the above categories into activities for 2023 grant projects: Education — Waste reduction and recycling education is integral to the district’s mission. This priority emphasizes the need to carry out educational efforts that raise awareness and increase participation in waste reduction, recycling programs and contamination reduction. Example: community or school-based food waste reduction program. End-Market Development — Projects that support the development of new markets and the expansion of existing markets for recovered materials generated in their region. Example: manufacturing of products from recycled materials. Waste Reduction and Reuse — Projects which support waste reduction and reuse activities that include community-based projects that focus on repair services, lending libraries, and educational projects that teach waste reduction. Example: Fix-it clinics for repair of small appliances, lamps, and sewing. Hard-To-Recycle Items — Collection, processing and end markets for hard-to-recycle materials. Examples include furniture, mattresses, carpet, rigid plastics (such as laundry baskets and toys), Styrofoam, ceramics, and porcelain. Organics Management — Projects that address infrastructure and collection programs for food waste composting or develop pilot projects for school-based food waste reduction and composting activities. Construction and Demolition Waste — Projects which effectively address the diversion of construction and demolition materials or develop ways to incorporate the reuse of discarded construction and demolition materials into an existing business. Special Events/Business/ Multi-Family Dwelling Recycling — Improve access to recycling in multi- family buildings and increase recycling participation of businesses and special events. For more information, visit ORSWMD.

The Research Foundation awards community grants in support of programs and organizations that expand access to care, promote health equity, and engage students in health care careers. Donor Name: The Research Foundation State: Missouri County: Jackson County (MO) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/15/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Eligibility Requirements  The Research Foundation focuses its funding on organizations that primarily serve residents of Jackson County, Missouri with a priority on urban Kansas City. Organizations must be tax-exempt under IRS Code Section 501(c)(3). They do not support 509(a)(3) organizations. We do not make grants to organizations with a pending 501(c)(3) status. Community grants are awarded in alignment with the following priorities: •        Expanding Access to Care •        Promoting Health Equity •        Engaging Students in Health Care Careers Support will be considered for any program delivered by an eligible applicant that aligns with the stated priorities. All program applicants are allowed to request 10% in indirect costs to help ease the burden of overhead necessary to deliver the program. Nonprofit organizations with health-centric missions for whom more than half of their program offerings are in alignment with The Research Foundation’s stated priorities can apply for general operating support For more information, visit The Research Foundation.

The Table Rock Lake Community Foundation (TRLCF) is seeking applications to improve the quality of life for individuals in Stone and southeast Barry counties through thoughtful grantmaking and community leadership. Donor Name: Table Rock Lake Community Foundation State: Missouri County: Barry County (MO), Stone County (MO) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/29/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The unique role of a community foundation is to conduct a flexible community grantmaking program which addresses the most important needs of the community at any one time. The flexibility this requires is made possible by charitable donors who established unrestricted or field-of-interest funds and place the decision-making in the hands of the community leaders serving on the Board of Directors as well as dollars raised by the TRLCF. The TRLCF has a primary interest in supporting institutions and projects that provide vital community services. The TRLCF will consider applications for operating expenses if the applicant can demonstrate how the grant will help stabilize the organization and will implement plans to achieve sustainable funding on a continuing basis. The TRLCF also has strong interests in projects that provide innovative solutions for existing and emerging community needs as well as projects which encourage collaboration between local organizations. While these are areas of strong interest to the TRLCF, requests need not be limited to these interests. Funding Information Maximum request amount is $3,000.00 Eligibility Criteria Grant proposals are accepted according to an announced time table, and grant recommendations are made as funds are available. 501(c)3 organizations or other IRS approved entities (government entities, school districts and churches) serving Stone and southeast Barry counties are eligible to apply. Grant requests from individuals will not be considered. The TRLCF has a primary interest in supporting institutions and projects that provide vital community services. For more information, visit TRLCF.

This grant provides financial support to charitable organizations in or near Carthage, Missouri, focusing on community welfare, arts encouragement, and animal cruelty prevention, with an emphasis on projects like public parks and outdoor recreation.

This funding opportunity supports charitable organizations in the greater St. Louis area that assist abused or neglected children, the poor, the Episcopal Church, arts and culture, animal welfare, and victims of illness or disability.

This grant provides financial support for educational, cultural, and health programs focused on improving the well-being of children and older adults in Kansas City, Missouri.

The Jefferson Foundation provides grants for charitable and educational activities promoting individual and community health and well-being. Donor Name: Jefferson Foundation State: Missouri County: Jefferson County (MO) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/18/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Grant Categories Funding will be awarded in the following categories: program support; capacity building; and capital projects. Grant Topics  Grants will be made to qualified public charities and government units to support activities that increase the health and well-being of Jefferson County residents. Grant topics include but are not limited to: Academic scholarships Basic needs limited to food, shelter and rent/mortgage and utility assistance Dental services Drug and alcohol abuse (treatment and prevention) Exercise and healthy lifestyle education Foster care and adoption services Health and health-related education Homelessness and domestic violence shelters and services Medical equipment Mental health counseling Obesity Physical and mental disabilities Prescription assistance Preventative health care Safe housing Transportation assistance. Funding Information Grant sizes will be a minimum of $5,000 and a maximum of $250,000. Larger or smaller grants are awarded at the discretion of the Jefferson Foundation Board of Directors. Geographical Area Grants will be awarded to qualified public charities and government units that are located in or serve residents of Jefferson County, MO. Eligibility Criteria Grants will be made only to tax-exempt public charities as defined in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code with a designation of 509(a)(1) or (2). Grants to government units will be made under special circumstances. Grants will not be awarded for endowment funds, loans, deficit financing, travel, political activities, fundraising activities or to individuals. Grants will not be awarded to programs that are political in nature. Grants will not be awarded for lobbying activities or to influence political elections. Grants will be awarded to religious organizations as long as the agency does not discriminate based upon clients’ religious preference. Grants will not be awarded for general operating expenses of churches. Grants will not be provided to fund overhead or the payment of general, administrative, or other expenses that are not directly associated with the activities related to the Grant. Grants will not be made for dinners or other ticketed events. Organizations are only eligible to receive one grant per grant category during the grant year (January 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024). All progress and final grant reports that are due for any previous grant must be on file before the next grant will be awarded. For more information, visit Jefferson Foundation.

The Ina Calkins Board is seeking grant proposals from a selected group of 501(c)(3) nonprofits in the Kansas City, MO area. Donor Name: The Ina Calkins Board State: Missouri City: Kansas City Type of Grant: Grant Deadline:  09/01/2024 Size of the Grant: More than $1 million Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Ina Calkins directed that the income from the assets of her estate be used by the board: To some organization or organizations in the State of Missouri, which are engaged in teaching to the public generally or to some portion thereof, and particularly to the young, advantages, social, moral, economical, and physical of the total abstinence from the use of alcoholic liquor as a beverage, and the advantages of the enactment and enforcement of law for the prohibition of the traffic in intoxicating liquor. To meet the physical needs of needy men and women who are above the age of sixty years. To provide for the care of children who cannot be properly provided for by those upon whom they are dependent or who have none upon whom they may depend, or/and, to make provision for such children so that they may have the benefit of life in a home, either with their parents or friends or elsewhere. To furnish medical or surgical aid for poor children who are crippled or deformed. To provide means for the education of those, who being without means thereto, wish to study and prepare themselves for social service of one type or another. To aid from time to time in endowing any college or colleges, or any university or universities situated within Kansas City, Missouri, which admit the worthy youth of Kansas City to the privileges thereof. To assist in providing funds for erecting buildings for, or/and for carrying on the work of some Young Men’s Christian Association or Associations, or Young Women’s Christian Association or Associations. Provided that the people or/and institutions receiving financial aid as aforesaid, and to be benefited thereby, shall be within the City of Kansas City, Missouri, that is, all such people shall be residents of Kansas City, Missouri, and all such institutions shall be located in said City of Kansas City, Missouri, except that the moneys expended under the provisions of sub-paragraph (a) above shall not be so limited. Funding Information It is a granting body that will distribute approximately $200,000 each year. Eligibility Criteria Organizations that receive funding must be 501c3 organizations located and operating in Kansas City, Missouri and must meet the criteria established by Mrs. Calkins. Grant proposals seeking support for the following will not be considered: Athletic programs/projects, student trips, and cultural exchanges Advertising or marketing campaigns Association memberships Building funds for educational institutions Direct payments or grants to individuals Direct support to elementary and secondary schools to support basic operations such as maintenance of buildings, teacher salaries, etc. Fundraising activities, such as event sponsorships, benefits, dinners, galas, sporting events, seminars, and symposia Government-supported organizations Operating support for colleges and universities Political or lobbying organization Religious organizations for religious purposes to the exclusion of others University collaborative research named academic chairs For more information, visit The Ina Calkins Board.

The Homelessness Trust Fund at The Greater Kansas City Community Foundation is an endowment for assistance to homeless individuals and those in danger of becoming homeless. Donor Name: Greater Kansas City Community Foundation State: Missouri County: Jackson County (MO) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/22/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: Grants are made annually to organizations for distribution to eligible individuals residing in Kansas City, Missouri, and/or Jackson County, Missouri. An advisory committee oversees the funds and all grant decisions. Grant funds may be expended for any of the following activities: Obtaining and/or reproducing clients’ personal identification documents Obtaining work-specific clothing. Commercial storage for clients’ personal possessions Food, including hot meals, to go sack meals, and pantry items. Client transportation, including vehicle repairs, registration, insurance, and titling fees (excluding general gas station cards, non-transferrable gas only cars are allowable). Obtaining emergency medicines for client (excluding all dental)Obtaining prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses for client or other durable medical equipment (excluding all dental) Obtaining, activating, or maintaining service to a cellular device for client Application fees and deposits to obtain housing or utility service (excluding rent, mortgage and utility payments) Other emergency assistance needs of clients (excluding home repair expenses; and normal agency operating costs) Grant funds may be expended on the following individuals: Persons receiving grant funds shall verify that they understand themselves to be residents of Kansas City, Missouri, or Jackson County, Missouri. Recipients shall have a combined gross income of not more than 150% of the federal poverty guidelines and shall be homeless or at imminent risk of becoming homeless. Preference will be given to the following:  Small to mid-sized homeless service organizations where awards can make a significant impact on services (i.e. agencies with operating budgets of $2 million or less) Mid-sized to larger homeless service organizations may be considered with specialized program(s) for highly underserved and disproportionately impacted populations within the homeless community (i.e. formerly incarcerated, LGBTQ, victims of sex trafficking, individuals in recovery from substance abuse, etc.). Programs that use funds to implement expanded services, not replace other funds for on-going efforts. Funding Information Each applicant may request a grant of $10,000. Project Period October 1, 2024 to July 1, 2025. Eligibility Criteria Applicant must have current 501(c)(3) status. Applicant must have its primary office in Jackson County, Missouri, or Kansas City, Missouri. Applicant must have a mission statement directed towards assistance to homeless persons or those at imminent risk of becoming homeless and offer services to this population on a regular basis. Applicant must utilize and report through a shared data reporting system such as MAACLink, CaseWorthy, or other comparable system (i.e. Community CareLink, Apricot, etc.). For more information, visit Greater Kansas City Community Foundation.

As a giving circle dedicated to Springfield, the Generosity Collective brings like-minded individuals together by pooling their donations, learning about high-priority community issues, then collectively determining grant recipients. Donor Name: Community Foundation of the Ozarks State: Missouri City: Springfield Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/31/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: Through this process, the Generosity Collective plays an active role in confronting pressing local issues. The Generosity Collective has chosen four grantmaking categories for 2024 from the Community Focus Report for Springfield & Greene County: Economic Disparities Impacting Early Childhood Development The Springfield Community Focus Report 2023 Update – Early Childhood indicates ongoing economic disparities as a significant concern, while the Mayor’s Commission for Children’s Kindergarten Readiness Survey for 2022 highlights the importance of preschool and pre-K programs, particularly for low-income students, in preparing children for kindergarten. Child Abuse and Neglect The 2022 Child Abuse & Neglect – Annual Statistical Report from the Greene County Juvenile Office reveals that 448 child abuse and neglect referrals were recorded, with July seeing the highest peak, and highlights the concerning trend that one of every two children referred in Greene County were under four years old, potentially affecting their development and sense of safety and security at home. (retrieved from Springfield Community Focus Report 2023 Update – Early Childhood) Mental Health and Substance-Use Problems In Springfield, mental health and substance abuse represent significant concerns, with suicide mortality, though slightly decreased since 2020, still exceeding state and national rates, and overdose mortality steadily rising, at 25% higher than the national rate. (retrieved from Springfield Community Focus Report 2023 Update – Community Health) Shortage of Safe, Affordable Housing Housing issues persist as significant concerns in Springfield, with high construction costs limiting affordable housing development, a shortage of 114,609 rental homes for extremely low-income renters across the state, less than one in three people having access to affordable housing in Springfield, and various challenges including expiring affordable housing, rental rates surpassing federal assistance, decreased support for home repairs, and a lack of comprehensive rental inspection programs for ensuring housing safety. (retrieved from Springfield Community Focus Report 2023 Update – Housing) Funding Information A total of $120,000 is available in this grant round. One agency will be selected in each of the four categories to receive $30,000. A 12-month grant period is preferred. Eligibility Criteria 501(c)(3) organizations or other IRS approved entities (government entities, school districts, and churches) serving the Springfield, Missouri area are eligible to apply. For more information, visit CFO.