CSF Capacity Building Grant

The CSF Capacity Building initiative aims to enhance the capabilities of organizations supporting children's mental health in Jackson County, Missouri. With over 165,000 children under 18, the program addresses a significant funding gap of $21M for children's services. It focuses on improving internal strategies, financial management, and staff development to deliver impactful services. By fostering collaboration and community equity, CSF ensures that all applicants, including smaller organizations, have access to necessary resources and support.

In 2020, Jackson County was home to more than 165,000 children and youth under 18 years of age, and ranked 75th out of 114 Missouri counties for child welfare. Hundreds are victims of abuse or neglect. Thousands require clinical psychiatric care. A prior needs assessment of funding for children’s services in Jackson County revealed an annual funding gap of over $21M. CSF exists to change this story.
CSF is an innovative way to support child well-being projects. While we are funded by a Jackson County sales tax, we are a stand-alone organization led by an independent board. Our board is balanced to reflect our county, and we work to educate and support all applicants, so everyone—including small organizations and first-timers—has a fair shot at funding.
Through awards for Capacity Building, we partner with organizations to improve performance through the development and strengthening of skills.
These investments are guided by a commitment to two desired outcomes:
Increased organizational capacity: Enhancing the internal capabilities of organizations in the areas of strategy, finance, marketing and business development, allowing continued delivery of high-quality, impactful services.
Increased professional staff growth and development: Promoting greater knowledge and understanding of children’s mental health and wellbeing, including not only needs but also the interventions to effectively assist children and their families in growth and healing.
Both outcomes help build a stronger, more resilient ecosystem for children and families.

Eligibility

We’re seeking nonprofits and government entities that support kids’ mental health and well-being, as well as strengthen families of children and youth in Jackson County. Eligibility requirements include:
Does your organization currently provide services to children ages 19 and under in Jackson County, Missouri?Is your organization incorporated or authorized to do business in the State of Missouri as a not-for-profit corporation or a government entity?Does your organization require all employees and volunteers to maintain the confidentiality of any information that would identify individuals served by your organization?Does your organization require that services be provided regardless of an individual’s race, religion, ethnicity, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or disabling conditions?Does your organization require that employees and volunteers of the agency who provide direct services be screened as required by state statute?Does your organization commit to using any funds received from the Children’s Services Fund for only secular, public benefit programs? (State law prohibits the use of public funds in support of religious worship or instruction.)

Ineligibility

The CSF cannot fund inpatient medical, psychiatric and chemical dependency services, transportation services or capital campaigns and construction or building expenses.