CSF Core Funding Grant

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.
Core Funding is at the heart of our mission to make transformative investments in the mental health and emotional well-being of children in Jackson County. It supports organizations dedicated to improving the lives of children and families, enabling them to provide essential services that strengthen protective factors, mental health and social-emotional well-being. This funding is central to creating lasting impact, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive.
Organizations can access Core Funding through two different funding cycles to best meet the needs of the organization. For traditional non-profit organizations, calendar year funding (January 1 – December 31) is the intended option to provide support. For schools and school-based/school-adjacent services, academic year funding (July 1 – June 30) is available. Both cycles follow a clear and structured process for requesting and awarding funds, with flexibility to suit different program needs. The application process has been streamlined to allow for more equitable access, with applicants now engaging in in-person presentations rather than submitting lengthy applications. This change fosters stronger relationships between the CSF and funded partners and levels the playing field for all organizations.
CSF can fund:

• Up to 30 days of temporary shelter, respite care and services for unwed mothers.
• Outpatient treatment, transitional living services, family intervention, crisis services and prevention programs.
• Professional counseling, psychological evaluations and mental health screenings.

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.