What Does the Community Grants Program Fund?

Grants must be written in support of 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. 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.

Applications to the Community Grants program must address one or more of the following issues:

people outside doing yoga
Gilda's Club Kansas City received a grant to support local cancer support groups for patients and caregivers.

Is My Organization Eligible to Apply?

Organizations that are 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 are eligible to apply for Community Grants funding for Arts, Culture, and Historic Preservation, Adult or Non-Traditional Education, Community Betterment, and Health and Human Services. 

Statewide applicants are accepted when applying for Missouri Wildlife Conservation projects.

3-Year Rule

Beginning in 2024, a 3-year rule will be 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 will have a "re-set." The 2024 grant awards will be considered YEAR 1 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.

Eligible organizations may apply for ONLY ONE grant, either through Community Grants OR the Jelley Family Foundation Grants. This is also a change that begins 2024.

What Is A Typical Community Grant Award Amount?

The average Community Grant award is $5,000-$7,000. Approximately $250,000-$300,000 is available annually through the Community Grants program.

Young people teaching toddlers t-ball
Raytown Youth Baseball-Softball Association received funding to provide a viable and affordable opportunity for local children to participate in youth sports programs.

Important Dates for Community Grants
 

Community Grants
 

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 and if time allows, Foundation staff will reach out promptly to update any requirements.

Youth Advisory Council Grant Evaluations

THCF's Youth Advisory Council (YAC) students participate in our Community Grants program each year. Students review 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. 

If your proposal proceeds through the first round of reviews, your agency may be asked if it is willing to host a site visit to discuss your grant proposals with our Youth Advisory Council members. This is entirely optional and will not affect final grant award decisions if you choose to decline.

Youth Advisory Council students voting with a young man in front raising his hand
Youth Advisory Council students make a real difference in the THCF grants process.

What Does The Application Include?

Enter the Grants Portal