America 250 Missouri Mini Grant

The America 250 Missouri Mini Grant is administered by ServMO, the Missouri Community Service Commission, in partnership with the America 250 Missouri Commission. ServMO operates as the state service commission responsible for administering AmeriCorps funding and promoting volunteerism and civic engagement across Missouri. This funding opportunity is part of a broader initiative to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States by encouraging service-oriented activities that strengthen communities and promote civic responsibility. The program is funded through a combination of state-level coordination and federal AmeriCorps resources, reflecting a collaborative effort to mobilize residents in meaningful acts of service. The primary purpose of the grant is to support community-driven service and service-learning initiatives that take place during a defined project window aligned with national and state observances. Specifically, projects are intended to occur on or around the 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance or during Missouri Good Neighbor Week, which runs from September 28 through October 4, 2026. These initiatives are designed to foster unity, encourage volunteerism, and build stronger community connections through activities such as neighborhood cleanups, meal distribution, civic engagement campaigns, and recognition of community heroes. Funding is available in the form of mini-grants ranging from 500 to 3000 dollars per award. The program operates as a cost-reimbursement grant, meaning recipients must initially cover project expenses and will be reimbursed after submitting a final report and appropriate documentation. Eligible expenses include supplies, materials, travel related to service activities, volunteer support items such as food or shirts, and outreach materials. However, funding cannot be used for staffing, stipends, gift cards, subawards, indirect costs, or equipment. Additionally, funds must supplement rather than replace existing resources, and all expenses must be incurred within the designated project period. Eligibility for this opportunity is broad and inclusive, covering public and private nonprofit organizations, faith-based organizations, school districts, higher education institutions, government entities, labor organizations, partnerships, and Native American tribes. All funded projects must take place within the state of Missouri, and applicants must have an active vendor profile in the state’s MOVERS system as well as a SAM II vendor number. Required application documentation includes a W-9 form and an Employer Identification Number, ensuring compliance with state financial processes. The application process is relatively straightforward and requires submission of a completed application via email to ServMO by June 19, 2026. Applications are evaluated based on the quality and feasibility of the proposed project, the anticipated community impact, and the organization’s capacity to execute the initiative successfully. Priority consideration may be given to projects serving underrepresented or vulnerable populations, as well as those located in rural areas. Successful applicants will be notified by July 31, 2026 and must participate in a mandatory technical assistance call prior to project implementation. Awardees are responsible for executing their projects within the approved timeline, engaging at least five volunteers, and tracking measurable outcomes such as volunteer hours and participation levels. A final report and reimbursement request must be submitted by October 30, 2026, including supporting documentation such as receipts and proof of payment. Additional expectations include incorporating ServMO branding into project materials and contributing storytelling elements such as photos and testimonials to demonstrate impact. The grant period runs from September 1 through October 4, 2026, with reimbursement targeted for completion by November 30, 2026. For questions or technical assistance, applicants are directed to contact ServMO via email.

Prioritize clear community impact and measurable volunteer engagement; focus on underserved or rural populations; ensure compliance with reimbursement documentation requirements