Community Grants

Community Grants is sponsored by THCF (Truman Heartland Community Foundation). The THCF Community Grants program offers funding for up to three years for eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits and local government organizations in Eastern Jackson County, Missouri.

Z_Community Grants Program – do not use – Truman Heartland Community Foundation Z_Community Grants Program – do not use Supporting agencies and programs that benefit Eastern Jackson & Cass Counties. THCF’s Community Grants program is designed to support agencies and programs that benefit Eastern Jackson & Cass Counties. Community Grant applications are due March 23, 2026.

Community Grants Fund a Variety of Programs Grants address such issues as: Arts, Culture, and Historic Preservation Adult or Non-Traditional Education (not Children's Education) Community Betterment (improving neighborhoods, youth development and leadership, programs for seniors, transportation, violence prevention, racial equity, etc.) Health and Human Services Wildlife Conservation in Missouri – open to agencies statewide These issues encompass the full spectrum of what makes a community vibrant.

THCF strives to ensure that the needs of our service areas are addressed, resulting in resilient communities that serve all citizens and improve their quality of life.

All applicants must meet the following criteria: Who can apply & where Organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits, units of local government, or public education institutions , located in or serving individuals or communities in Eastern Jackson County (East of I-435), suburban Jackson County (outside KC), and Cass County. Funding requests are for activities that will take place in the next fiscal year.

With proposals due in March, it is recommended that your project have a start date of November/December of that year OR begin in January of the following year. Statewide applicants are accepted when applying for Missouri Wildlife Conservation projects. The 3-Year Rule Beginning in 2024, a 3-year rule was implemented.

Programs, projects, and general operating grant awards are eligible for funding for up to three consecutive years. All previous grantees and their programs/services had a “re-set” in 2024. 2024 grantees will be in their FIRST year of funding.

Grantees will be eligible for two additional years of funding (a new application is needed each year). Once an agency has received grant monies three years in a row, the agency MUST take one year off before reapplying for a grant. Apply for Only ONE Grant As of 2024, eligible organizations may apply for ONLY ONE grant, either through Community Grants OR the Jelley Family Foundation Grants.

Incomplete Applications Will Be Disqualified The THCF grants process is very competitive and we want to ensure that each proposal receives fair consideration. We ask that organizations double-check all attachments and ensure that the proposal is completed accurately and submitted before the deadline. In the event that an error is identified, Foundation staff may reach out if time allows to help alert you of errors.

However, incomplete applications will ultimately be disqualified from review. Please Note: For awards granted during the 2024 Cycle, Final Reports must be submitted by Dec 29, 2025. Late reports may have a significant impact on their 2026 application.

What Is a Typical Community Grant Award Amount? The average Community Grant award is $5,000–$7,000 . The maximum award is $10,000 .

There will be approximately $300,000 available through the Community Grants program. A percentage of these funds will be awarded to “NEW” grantees (agencies who have never received a THCF competitive grant).

Important Dates for Community Grants Applications are due the fourth Monday of March Applicants will be notified of funding decisions by early October Grant checks will be issued in November at our annual Grants Luncheon All recipient organizations must complete a final report in the Grants Portal at the conclusion of the program funded or twelve months from the date of the award First Week of January 2026 — Applications Open Grant applications for the 2026 cycle become available.

Login to Portal February 5, 2026 — Free Grants Workshop Registration TBA. Learn more about the workshop . Mon, March 9, 2026 — Jelley Family Foundation Due Jelley Family Foundation applications due (2nd Monday).

Mon, March 23, 2026 — Community Grants Due Community Grants applications due (4th Monday). What Does the Application Include?  Grants Budget Sheet Must be included in your application (not needed for General Operation requests).

 Community Grants Final Report Form Accessed through the portal to create an interim or final report.  Sample Application A sample of information requested on the Community Grants application.  Tax-Exempt Letter (Sample) THCF 501(c)(3) determination letter.

Grant Evaluations May Include a Review by our THCF Youth Advisory Council THCF's Youth Advisory Council (YAC) students participate in our Community Grants program each year. Students review at least 16 Community Grant proposals that serve the communities where they live and go to school. YAC members conduct site visits to applicant organizations during June and July.

The members then share their findings and provide recommendations to THCF's Grants Committee. YAC also uses these site visits to determine how they will award their annual grant dollars from their Endowment fund. Diana Castillo is Here to Help Vice President of Community Impact [email protected] (816) 912-4184 Open a Community Grantmaking Fund Learn how to be part of this process!