UNITED WAY OF CENTRAL MISSOURI ANNOUNCES HISTORIC $430,000 IN GRANT OPPORTUNITIES TO SUPPORT LOCAL NONPROFITS
United Way of Central Missouri is excited to announce a historic grant funding opportunity, offering up to $430,000 to support area nonprofit health and human service agencies in 2025. This marks the largest grant funding pool in the organization’s history, surpassing the previous high of $423,535 awarded in 2021. The milestone coincides with United Way’s 100-year anniversary, reinforcing its commitment to strengthening the community.
Two Grant Opportunities: Community Support Grants & The Century of Caring Grant
Of the total funding, up to $330,000 will be available through Community Support Grants, which address immediate, critical unmet needs or emerging challenges across United Way’s nine-county service area. Both United Way member and non-member agencies that meet prequalification requirements are eligible to apply. Since 2002, United Way has awarded a total of $3,294,069 in one-time grants, averaging $126,695 per year. Individual grants typically range from $1,000 to $30,000, with most awards falling between $5,000 and $10,000.
To commemorate its 100th anniversary, United Way is introducing a special Century of Caring Grant in the amount of $100,000. Open exclusively to United Way member agencies, this grant is designed for significant, transformative projects rather than operational expenses. Eligible agencies can apply for up to the full $100,000, which can be used over a two-year period—an extended timeframe unique to this grant—rather than the traditional one-year period. The Century of Caring Grant aims to drive lasting change within the United Way of Central Missouri service area.
United Way Leadership Emphasizes Community Impact
Bob Gilbert, 2025 United Way of Central Missouri Board Chairman, expressed deep appreciation for the community’s generosity, which exceeded the 2024 campaign goal of $2.6 million.
“The success of our campaign allows us not only to provide essential one-time grants to local nonprofits but also to introduce an additional $100,000 in funding to mark our 100-year milestone,” said Gilbert.
Lee Knernschield, United Way of Central Missouri President/CPO, emphasized the organization’s ongoing commitment to community support.
“We are proud to invest back into the community, ensuring nonprofits have the resources they need to address urgent challenges, expand services, and launch impactful initiatives,” said Knernschield. “The record-breaking grant funding in 2025 will support the vital role local health and human service agencies play in strengthening the community every day.”
Eligibility & Application Details
Community Support Grant applications are open to any 501(c)(3) health and human service agency serving all or part of United Way’s nine-county region—Cole, Moniteau, Osage, Miller, Camden, Morgan, Maries, Phelps, and southern Callaway counties. To qualify, agencies must meet prequalification requirements and have been in operation for at least five years and propose projects addressing one or more of the following areas: behavioral health, education, food insecurity, financial stability, health, shelter, transportation or other critical needs.
The Century of Caring Grant is exclusively available to United Way member agencies and follows the same eligibility criteria.
Key Deadlines & Award Announcements
• Community Support Grant Applications Open: February 26, 2025
• Community Support Grant Deadline: March 28, 2025, at 4:00 PM
• Community Support Grant Recipients Notified: No later than May 30, 2025
• Community Support Grant Awards Announced: Early to Mid-June, at a Press Conference
• The Century of Caring Grant Applications Open: February 26, 2025
• The Century of Caring Grant Deadline: April 25, 2025, at 4:00 PM
• The Century of Caring Grant Recipient(s) Announced: Mid-September 2025, at United Way’s Community Campaign Launch Event & 100 Year Birthday Celebration
The Century of Caring Grant recipient(s) will be recognized at United Way’s Community Campaign Launch in September 2025—an outdoor block party open to the public to celebrate both the beginning of the annual community fundraising campaign and the organization’s 100-year anniversary.
A selection committee comprised of United Way Board Members and community volunteers will review applications. Agencies interested in applying can learn more and begin the application process using the APPLY button below.
For questions or additional information, please contact the United Way of Central Missouri office at (573) 636-4100.
