The Grassroots Funding Opportunity is a grant program developed by the St. Louis County Children’s Service Fund (CSF) in partnership with its Community Advisory Committee. CSF, a public entity funded through a voter-approved quarter-cent sales tax, is dedicated to improving the lives of children, youth, and families in St. Louis County. It strategically invests in mental and behavioral health as well as substance use prevention and treatment services. The Grassroots Funding Opportunity specifically aims to support smaller, community-based organizations that are well-positioned to address localized issues and deliver services that reflect the strengths and needs of their communities.
This funding initiative was created to counteract long-standing systemic disparities and underinvestment in underserved areas of St. Louis County. CSF recognizes the value of grassroots organizations whose leadership and staff mirror the populations they serve. These entities often have deep roots in the community and are trusted by local families. Through this grant opportunity, CSF fosters a more inclusive portfolio of programs by backing innovative, community-informed approaches to child and family wellness.
Eligible applicants include registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and government entities that deliver services in CSF’s focus areas. Preference is given to organizations with annual operating budgets under $1 million that are geographically and culturally aligned with their service communities. Qualifying programs include youth development, trauma recovery, family support services, and initiatives that promote mental and physical well-being.
In the 2025–2027 funding cycle, CSF awarded $3.5 million to 24 grassroots organizations. This three-year performance period highlights the fund's commitment to sustained community impact. Funding is delivered through a traditional grantmaking process; however, detailed submission steps, timelines, or application components were not provided in the available materials.
While the grant appears structured as a periodic or cohort-based opportunity, no recurring cycle or next round was announced. As a result, this particular round is considered closed. Future opportunities may be contingent upon funding availability and community needs assessments. Applicants are encouraged to monitor CSF’s official website for any updates.
