Missouri Children’s Trust Fund

The Missouri Children’s Trust Fund administers grant funding to support programs focused on the prevention of child abuse and neglect across the state. As part of its broader mission to improve child and family wellbeing, the fund collaborates with state agencies and healthcare systems to invest in evidence-based interventions. This particular funding opportunity is supported through the Rural Health Transformation Program, which is administered by the Missouri Department of Social Services MO HealthNet Division. The program reflects a statewide commitment to improving maternal and child health outcomes, especially in underserved rural communities, through structured and evidence-based home visiting services. The primary purpose of this funding is to expand access to nurse-based home visiting programs that serve pregnant and postpartum families. These services are designed to improve health outcomes by offering education, screenings, early risk detection, and care coordination. Programs must follow a HomVEE approved evidence-based model and demonstrate fidelity to that model. Services may be delivered in person or through virtual visits, and must specifically target rural populations as defined by the program’s geographic eligibility framework. The initiative is structured to strengthen healthcare coordination through participation in regional HUB networks that include multiple healthcare partners. Funding is available in the amount of 588000 annually, with allocations supporting both startup and expansion activities. Up to 100000 may be used for model fees and training costs for new nurse home visitors, while up to 488000 may support expansion of service delivery. Funds can be used for staff salaries, travel, technology, outreach, training, and other operational costs directly tied to home visiting services. Indirect costs are capped at 8 percent. Programs may also provide limited incentives to participating families, such as transportation assistance or basic needs support, provided strict monitoring and compliance requirements are followed. Eligible applicants include home visiting programs that are either currently implementing or actively working toward implementing an approved evidence-based model. All services must be delivered by qualified nursing staff, and funded activities must represent an expansion of services rather than a replacement of existing funding. Applicants must demonstrate organizational capacity, compliance with data collection and reporting systems, and participation in continuous quality improvement processes. Additional requirements include participation in coordinated referral systems, regional collaboration efforts, and statewide HUB networks. The application process requires submission of a comprehensive package including a completed application form, proof of model fidelity, detailed program and organizational budgets, nonprofit or governmental status documentation, financial audits, and organizational governance information. Applications must be submitted via email to the designated grants specialist. An optional informational meeting was held during the application period to provide guidance to applicants. The application window opened on June 26, 2026 and closes on August 23, 2026. Awards are expected to be announced in late September, with project implementation beginning on October 1, 2026. Initial awards are for one year, with the possibility of up to four additional annual renewals based on performance and funding availability. Grantees must comply with strict reporting, invoicing, and audit requirements, and must maintain detailed documentation of both financial and programmatic activities. Key contacts for this funding opportunity include program leadership and grants administration staff who can provide guidance on eligibility, application requirements, and program participation. The grant is structured as a reimbursement-based contract, requiring monthly invoicing and compliance with state procurement systems. Overall, this funding opportunity represents a strategic investment in rural health infrastructure and preventative family support services through evidence-based home visiting programs.