Missouri Nonprofit and Funding Research - 2025
Across Missouri, nonprofits are doing vital work to support communities—but too often, their challenges around grant writing and fundraising go unseen. The Missouri Nonprofit and Funding Project was created to change that. Led by the St. Louis Regional GPA Chapter and in with partnership with many people and organizations, we aim to bridge funding and resource gaps throughout the state.
We’re gathering stories, data, and insights directly from nonprofit professionals grant writers and grant makers across the state. Our goal? To paint a clearer picture of the current funding landscape and better understand what organizations actually need to thrive.
This project is grounded in the belief that the people closest to the work hold the key to making the funding process more equitable, effective, and responsive.
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Why This Matters
Whether you're a nonprofit staff member, grant professional, or funder, the data we’re collecting can help:
Nonprofits:
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Benchmark your experience with what others across the state are facing.
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Identify patterns in funding challenges and opportunities.
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Use the data to advocate for better support and resources.
Grant Professionals:
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Learn how your peers are navigating a complex system.
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Discover shared frustrations, workarounds, and innovations.
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Use the findings to inform conversations with clients, boards, and funders.
Funders:
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See what’s working—and what’s not—when it comes to supporting nonprofits.
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Understand how your processes impact the people doing the work.
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Make data-informed decisions that reduce barriers and build trust.
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We will continue to update this page as data and insights are collected. Check back regularly to stay informed.
01
Gather Data
Goal: Understand where philanthropic dollars are going—and where they’re not.
Action: Analyze giving trends and funding patterns across Missouri, with a focus on disparities between rural and urban communities.
02
Share Data
Goal: Create a feedback loop between funders, nonprofits, and resources.
Action: Share insights with stakeholders and communicate findings in ways that elevate community voices and push for equitable grantmaking practices.
03
Survey
Goal: Capture the real experiences of people impacted by philanthropy.
Action: Conduct statewide surveys to gather data on access to funding, workload burdens, and the barriers nonprofits face in navigating philanthropy.
04
Collaborate
Goal: Build shared ownership of the research and its outcomes.
Action: Partner with rural nonprofits, funders, and intermediaries to co-design solutions, validate findings, and ensure the work is informed by those closest to the challenges.
