Our Annual Competitive Grants Program provides funding opportunities to nonprofits across Eastern Jackson County and Cass County. The application process begins every year in January.

We Offer Grants to Organizations and Programs that Benefit the Eastern Jackson, Cass County, and suburban Jackson (Outside KC) communities. 

Truman Heartland Community Foundation (THCF) competitive grants are made possible primarily by funds set up by donor bequests and wills. THCF invests in nonprofit organizations that strive to improve the lives of people living, working, and serving in these communities.

In Review: 2025 Competitive Grant Impact Areas

Our grant awards help to fulfill our mission to improve lives by promoting and serving private giving for the public good. We continually explore options to leverage additional funding and resources to award grants of impact throughout the area. Here was the impact of our 2025 Competitive Grants Cycle:

Grants Portal     Applicant Tutorial

We Offer Two Competitive Grant Programs

Eligible applicants may apply for ONLY ONE grant, either through Community Grants OR the Jelley Family Foundation Grants.

Jelley Family Foundation Endowment for Children's Education: These grant awards focus on Educational initiatives for children, ranging from early childhood through traditional post-secondary education.  

View Sample Application

Community Grants Program:  These grant awards focus on programs, agencies and missions in the areas of: 

• Arts, Culture, and Historic Preservation;
• Adult/Non-Traditional Education;
• Community Betterment;
• Health & Human Services; and
• Wildlife Conservation in Missouri. 

View Sample Application

Eligibility Criteria

Location Criteria

It is important to remember that grants must benefit the residents and communities within the THCF service area: Eastern Jackson County (East of I-435) in Missouri, suburban Jackson County (outside of KC metro), and Cass County. Here is a helpful zip code map that may assist you in determining if your service, program, or project qualifies.

Zip Code Map

Types of Funding Available

THCF is committed to supporting our nonprofit community, and we recognize the financial and operational strain that nonprofits may experience at times. Therefore, we provide the opportunity for agencies to apply for either general operating funding or program/project (including capital and equipment) funding through our two competitive grant-making programs.

Apply for Just One Grant

Eligible applicants may apply for ONLY ONE grant, either through Community Grants OR the Jelley Family Foundation Grants.

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.

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.

 Grants Portal Applicant Tutorial 

2026 Grant Deadlines

Grants Portal Applicant Tutorial 

Attend our Free 2026 Grants Workshop

Gain important insights on our new Dashboard, Eligibility, and Evaluation processes.  Join us February 5, 2026 at Midwest Public Health in Independence MO. One representative per nonprofit. REGISTRATION COMING SOON.