Grant Opportunities

The foundation’s grant program provides targeted and typically nonrecurring funding for projects and programs likely to have a measurable impact in promoting the foundation’s mission of advancing the administration of justice, fostering public appreciation and understanding of the rule of law, and furthering our constitutional form of government.

For the 2026 grant cycle, the foundation will prioritize funding of projects or programs that:

• address unmet legal needs in rural Missouri counties (see, e.g., December 2024 Missouri Lawyers Media article);
• build student and public appreciation and support for the rule of law, due process, judicial review, and other legal guarantees within our constitutional form of government; and/or
• enhance lawmakers’ understanding of the role of the judicial branch of government.

The foundation will also consider other projects that advance the administration of justice, rule of law, constitutional form of government, or legal profession.

The foundation is more likely to fund projects that:

• have a statewide impact;
• have the potential to serve as a best-practices model; and/or
• address significant law-related needs in innovative ways.

The foundation does not make grants to individuals. Organizations that are potential grantees include:

• bar associations — including local or specialty bar associations;
• law schools or law school legal clinics;
• Legal Services Corporation-funded organizations; and
• non-profits or civic organizations with law-related programming in Missouri.

To apply for a grant, an organization must submit a proposal to the Foundation no later than March 15 that includes the following information(note: do not submit proposals in notebooks, binders, or plastic folders):

• A one-page cover letter: Summarize the project, including the amount of requested funding.
• Organizational background: Include a brief history and mission of your organization, an overview of its current programs and any affiliations, and its principal geographic service area and specific populations served.
• Project description: Briefly summarize the proposal, including the following:

• description of need,
• target population,
• specific goals and objectives,
• activities planned to meet those goals,
• anticipated outcomes,
• expected challenges,
• project timeline,
• methods of evaluation,
• any collaborating organizations,
• any linkages between the program and other community resources, and
• statewide impact.

• Budget: Provide a detailed project budget, including total anticipated income, other potential or acquired sources of funding, and specifics of how foundation funds would be used.
• A completed grant application: The grant application form is available here.