Missouri Business and Commerce Grants

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local governments in Missouri for revitalizing downtown areas by improving commercial buildings and infrastructure in communities facing slum and blight conditions.

This grant provides funding to K-12 educators and community organizations in St. Charles County, Missouri, to acquire materials for innovative STEM activities that inspire students and prepare them for future careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

This grant provides funding to K-12 Fine Arts teachers in St. Charles County, Missouri, to integrate technology into their curricula and enhance student engagement in art, music, and theatre.

This grant provides funding to non-profit organizations in Missouri that are working to improve economic mobility through education, workforce development, and entrepreneurship initiatives in the Kansas City region.

This funding opportunity supports researchers focused on addressing economic mobility and racial wealth gaps through innovative studies that provide actionable insights for equitable growth in the Kansas City region.

This grant provides funding to non-profit organizations in Missouri that support entrepreneurs in developing high-tech companies and creating sustainable jobs through innovation and commercialization of new technologies.

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.

This grant provides funding to organizations in the Kansas City region to strengthen their capacity in areas such as college access, workforce development, and entrepreneurship, ultimately aiming to improve economic mobility for all residents.

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.

The James S. McDonnell Foundation is seeking applications that propose innovative, sustainable, and scalable approaches to wealth building and preservation for JSMF priority communities and groups. Donor Name: James S. McDonnell Foundation State: Missouri County: Saint Louis City (MO), Saint Louis County (MO) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/30/2024 Size of the Grant: $500,000 to $1 million Grant Duration: 3 Years Details: These include the City of St. Louis and North St. Louis County, with a focus on low and moderate-income individuals and families, and Black and historically marginalized groups, including immigrants. Objectives Increase the number of individuals and families in JSMF priority communities and groups served by proposed financial products, services, or practices. Increase in wealth and preservation of wealth for individuals and families. Successful proposals will present concepts aligned with one or more of the following tactics, which support strategic framework for helping individuals and communities build and protect wealth within our priority communities and groups  Tactic A: Increase access to existing or new low-cost, low-barrier financial products and services that drive asset attainment, growth, and preservation. Tactic B: Build the capacity of community-based organizations and financial institutions to support wealth building and preservation. Tactic C: Attract new investment capital to disinvested communities in the City of St. Louis and North St. Louis County. The foundation fully expect proposals will go beyond these examples. Developing new loan products to scale homeownership. Providing private equity access for companies owned by people of color. Adjusting financial products to support small and diverse-owned business success. Creating investment products and services that increase ownership in financial markets. Supporting the adoption of employee ownership business models. Implementing systemic changes to credit building. Funding Information Awards totaling $1.8 million. Two to four grants ranging from $450,000 to $900,000. Most grants will be awarded for one to three years.  Criteria Develop innovative financial products, services, or practices to create and preserve wealth in JSMF priority populations. Potential for scalability and sustainability of the proposed approach. Align with JSMF’s mission and guiding principles. Applicants must be a 501(c)3 or have a fiscal sponsor. For more information, visit JSMF.

The James S. McDonnell Foundation is seeking applications from organizations collaborating to bring people together across diverse zip codes, races, and income levels to support economic mobility in JSMF priority communities and groups. Donor Name: James S. McDonnell Foundation State: Missouri County: Saint Louis City (MO), Saint Louis County (MO) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/30/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 3 Years Details: These include the City of St. Louis and North St. Louis County, with a focus on low and moderate-income individuals and families, and Black and historically marginalized groups, including immigrants. Objectives Strengthen the collaborative capacity of people from different backgrounds to work across differences. Improve the economic well-being of JSMF priority populations. The foundation fully expect proposals will go beyond these examples. Youth mentorship across class divisions Networking support for landing a first job Community investment clubs Business-to-business mentorship Peer-to-peer lending Funding Information Awards totaling $200,000. Five to ten grants ranging from $20,000 to $40,000. Most grants will be awarded for one to three years.  Eligibility Criteria Bring people together across diverse geographies, races, and income levels to partner for the first time. Demonstrate a clear alignment with JSMF’s mission and guiding principles. Employ approaches to strengthen the collaborative capacity of participants. Create a positive, long-term, tangible impact on the economic well-being of JSMF priority populations. Applicants must be a 501(c)3 or have a fiscal sponsor. For more information, visit JSMF.

The spring application period for Wentzville’s Facade Improvement Grant Program is now open! Donor Name: City of Wentzville State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/31/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The purpose of this program is to permit and encourage the preservation of historic structures and avoid general neighborhood deterioration through renovation and restoration. This program is open to businesses and mixed-use buildings more than 30 years old that are located in the HD-1, HD-2 or HD-3 zoning districts.  These grants are designed to: Boost property development Strengthen new and existing businesses Facilitate the rehabilitation and modernization of downtown buildings. Funding Information Facade Improvement Grants are a 50-50 match for an amount not to exceed $10,000, per project. For more information, visit City of Wentzville.

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 Nevada/Vernon County Community Foundation is seeking applications to improve the quality of life for individuals in Vernon County through thoughtful grantmaking and community leadership. Donor Name: Nevada/Vernon County Community Foundation State: Missouri County: Vernon County (MO) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/23/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Nevada/Vernon County Community Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors, chosen for their knowledge of the area. 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 our Board of Directors as well as dollars raised by the Nevada/Vernon County Community Foundation. This grant program is funded by the Nevada/Vernon County Philanthropic Society. The mission of the Philanthropic Society is to pool the annual membership gifts of up to 100 individuals, couples, and businesses in Nevada/Vernon County for distribution in support of local projects that improve the services and quality of life in this community. Funding Information Maximum grant request amount is $25,000.  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 the Nevada/Vernon County area are eligible to apply.  For more information, visit CFO.

The Greater Kansas City Community Foundation is seeking applications for EITAS Grants to provide funding for support and services to Jackson County citizens with developmental disabilities. Donor Name: Greater Kansas City Community Foundation State: Missouri County: Jackson County (MO) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/14/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Areas of Interest In keeping with the intent of its enabling legislation, eitas provides funding for the services, supports, and capital resources necessary for individuals with developmental disabilities to reside in and belong to their community. For more than 35 years, eitas has been dedicated to funding programs that offer essential services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Jackson County. Eitas’ commitment ensures that everyone eligible gets the necessary support and care they deserve, aiming for both their satisfaction and well-being. Funding priorities are as follows:  Transportation Inclusion with community Crisis prevention and support Transition Safe equitable access to housing. Eligibility Criteria Grants are made to nonprofits that have current 501(c)(3) status, and provide support to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families residing within Jackson County, Missouri. Ineligibility Eitas will not fund routine costs of business or administrative items such as annual financial audits, technology or equipment not directly related to services and supports for individuals being served, insurance or benefits for provider staff, and costs for personnel that are covered in contracted purchase of service rates from Medicaid or state services. For more information, visit GKCCF.

The Kansas City Outdoor Dining Enhancement Grant Program is offering eligible restaurants an opportunity to apply for grants of up to $15,000 to enhance their outdoor dining spaces. Donor Name: City of Kansas City State: Missouri City: Kansas City Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/16/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: This program aligns with the City’s broader goals of fostering a thriving local economy, supporting small businesses, and creating vibrant, community-oriented neighborhoods. Funding Information Eligible businesses can apply for a grant up to $15,000 to enhance their outdoor dining spaces. Eligiblity Criteria To be eligible a restaurant must:  Be a private, for-profit, full-service restaurant.  Be located within Kansas City, Missouri  Possess all necessary licenses and permits for your business, and be in good standing with the city, a KCMO Tax Clearance letter will be required.  Use the Grant funds to increase the total number of available tables for outdoor dining, specifically, at least six (6) months out of a calendar year.  Must have been in business for at least one (1) year, i.e. acquired a KCMO business license as of July 1, 2023. The size of Street Café or Sidewalk Café to be used must be able to accommodate a 5-foot clear path to meet ADA requirements.  The totality of all grant monies issued must be used for the sole purpose of outdoor dining enhancement of the space listed on application, including but not limited to, building structure construction, building infrastructure, expanding walkways, purchasing of furniture and coverings and necessary permit(s) costs. For more information, visit City of Kansas City.

The Greater Kansas City Community Foundation is seeking applications for EITAS Grants to provide funding for support and services to Jackson County citizens with developmental disabilities. Donor Name: Greater Kansas City Community Foundation State: Missouri County: Jackson County (MO) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/14/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Areas of Interest In keeping with the intent of its enabling legislation, eitas provides funding for the services, supports, and capital resources necessary for individuals with developmental disabilities to reside in and belong to their community. For more than 35 years, eitas has been dedicated to funding programs that offer essential services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Jackson County. Eitas’ commitment ensures that everyone eligible gets the necessary support and care they deserve, aiming for both their satisfaction and well-being. Funding priorities are as follows:  Transportation Inclusion with community Crisis prevention and support Transition Safe equitable access to housing. Eligibility Criteria Grants are made to nonprofits that have current 501(c)(3) status, and provide support to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families residing within Jackson County, Missouri. Ineligibility Eitas will not fund routine costs of business or administrative items such as annual financial audits, technology or equipment not directly related to services and supports for individuals being served, insurance or benefits for provider staff, and costs for personnel that are covered in contracted purchase of service rates from Medicaid or state services. For more information, visit GKCCF.

The Kansas City Outdoor Dining Enhancement Grant Program, under the leadership of Mayor Quinton Lucas and Councilman Wes Rogers, offers financial support to enhance permanent and multi-season outdoor dining spaces for restaurants in Kansas City, Missouri. The program aims to foster a vibrant restaurant industry, contributing to a thriving local economy and community-oriented neighborhoods. Eligible restaurants can receive grants of up to $15,000 for outdoor dining enhancements such as building structures, infrastructure improvements, and the purchase of furniture and coverings. Eligibility criteria include being a private, for-profit, full-service restaurant located in Kansas City, Missouri, possessing necessary licenses and permits, and having been in business for at least one year. Applications are accepted from July 29 to August 16, 2024, with selections announced in September 2024.

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 IDEA Fund program is a state-sponsored venture capital initiative that utilizes public funding (both state and federal) to drive economic development within the state. The primary focus of this program is to foster innovation and support technology-driven entrepreneurial endeavors that contribute to the state’s overall economic development growth. MTC’s Venture Capital Program was created to accelerate private venture capital investment in Missouri-based start-up companies and to increase the overall investment impact of third-party investments. The Venture Capital Program supports technology startups through matching equity or convertible debt investments up to $2,000,000 for the purpose of scaling the business to attract additional venture capital. Since 2010, MTC has invested over $49 million in more than 150 early-stage Missouri-based high-growth technology-focused companies. Since 2018, our portfolio companies have gone on to raise over $1.6 billion in additional private capital.