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Funding Opportunities to Strengthen Our Communities in 2026

  • Feb 3
  • 3 min read

If you have a project in mind - whether it’s downtown revitalization, historic preservation, parks improvements, arts programming, or small business growth - there are some excellent funding opportunities available right now.


Below is a curated list of current and upcoming grant programs that could benefit organizations, local governments, nonprofits, and small businesses in Randolph County and across Northeast Missouri.


As always, not every opportunity fits every project. But if you’re working on something meaningful, it’s worth taking a look.


Spark Good Local Grants – Walmart

Walmart invests directly in local communities through its Spark Good Local Grants program. Grants typically range from $250 to $5,000 and are awarded through local Walmart stores, Sam’s Clubs, and distribution centers.


This is a great option for smaller-scale community projects or nonprofit initiatives.


Opens: February 1, 2026Deadline: April 15, 2026


Placemaking Grants – Missouri REALTOR® Association


These grants support projects that create new or enhance existing outdoor public gathering spaces. Think benches, playground equipment, signage, or transforming underused areas into community destinations.


Important: Only state and local REALTOR® associations are eligible to apply.

Applications open January 5, 2026 and remain open through October 15, 2026.



ServMO / AmeriCorps State & National Grants

AmeriCorps funding supports organizations that engage members in evidence-based programs to strengthen communities. This can include workforce development, education, public health, and civic engagement initiatives.


Notice of Intent Due: February 11, 2026

Application Due: February 20, 2026

Missouri-specific information: https://servemo.org


Small Business Hero Grant – Intuit & Mailchimp


This program awards a $20,000 grant to selected small businesses (including eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits).

To qualify, businesses must:

  • Be in operation for at least one year

  • Have fewer than 99 employees

  • Be located in the United States


Opens: February 15, 2026

Closes: May 15, 2026


T-Mobile Hometown Grants (in partnership with Main Street America)


T-Mobile awards grants of up to $50,000 to help small towns (under 50,000 population) build, rebuild, or refresh community spaces.

Eligible projects include:

  • Adaptive reuse of historic buildings

  • Park and trail improvements

  • Public library technology upgrades


Applications are accepted quarterly.

Next Deadline: February 28, 2026


Grants for Arts Projects – National Endowment for the Arts (NEA)


The NEA supports arts programming, arts education, and creative arts therapy programs that enhance community well-being.


Before applying, organizations must be registered with Login.gov, SAM.gov, and Grants.gov - registration can take several weeks.


Application of Interest: February 12, 2026

Full Application: February 25, 2026


Missouri State Parks – Historic Preservation Fund


The State Historic Preservation Office anticipates awarding approximately $400,000 in grant funds for projects related to historic properties.


Awards:

  • Typically $50,000

  • One construction award between $100,000 and $200,000

  • 60% funding with a required 40% match


Application of Interest: February 27, 2026

Final Application: May 1, 2026


National Trust for Historic Preservation Grants


Two competitive grant programs are currently open:

Cynthia Woods Mitchell Fund for Historic Interiors: https://savingplaces.org/grants#mitchell-fund

Johanna Favrot Fund for Historic Preservation: https://savingplaces.org/grants#favrot-fund


Typical awards range from $2,500 to $15,000.

Deadline: March 2, 2026


National Fund for Sacred Places


Provides capital grants up to $500,000 along with technical assistance for historic congregations.


Opens: January 13, 2026

Deadline: March 3, 2026


AARP Community Challenge Grant


Part of AARP’s Livable Communities initiative, this program supports projects that improve quality of life for residents of all ages — especially those 50+.


Eligible applicants include:

  • 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(6) organizations

  • Local governments


Deadline: March 4, 2026


Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP)


This federally funded program supports park development and reinvestment projects in underserved communities.

Eligible applicants include:

  • Cities

  • Counties

  • Special-purpose districts


Deadline: March 15, 2026


Ongoing Opportunities

These programs accept applications year-round:

Hearst Foundations: https://www.hearstfdn.org

Missouri Arts Council Express Grants: https://missouriartscouncil.org/grants/

Peter H. Brink Leadership Grant Fund: https://savingplaces.org/grants#brink-fund


Missouri Main Street Connection Programs


Missouri Main Street Connection offers structured grant programs designed to support downtown revitalization and community development.


Learn more about:

Community Empowerment Grant (CEG)

Strategic Teams Engaging People (STEP)

People Energizing Places (PEP)


Need Help Getting Started?


MAEDC is happy to help organizations think through project alignment, eligibility, partnerships, and letters of support where appropriate.


If you have a project idea and aren’t sure where it fits, reach out. Leveraging outside funding can help stretch local dollars and move great ideas forward.

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