St. Louis

St. Louis is very important to Monsanto as its worldwide headquarters. The St. Louis community has nurtured and embraced Monsanto, and we in turn have a long history of giving back to the community through the Monsanto Fund. We’re working to help build a vibrant, robust and flourishing St. Louis.

The Monsanto Fund will be supporting initiatives that improve science and math education for students, foster youth-centered gardens to enhance nutrition and create natural laboratories to apply math and science learnings, provide arts education opportunities to underserved communities, and partner on key civic projects that invigorate our city.

We will be accepting grant proposals in the following areas:

Organizations can view and familiarize themselves with the grant application any time throughout the year, but we only accept applications during two periods annually. The first period ranges from January 1 through February 29 (ending at midnight CST). The second period ranges from July 1 through August 31 (ending at 5:00 p.m. CST). The Kids Garden Fresh Program is the only exception. Application information and dates for this program are indicated below.

 

  • Science and Math Education K-12

    A recent report from the President’s Advisory Council on Science and Technology states that, “science and math education will determine whether the United States will remain a leader among nations.” The Monsanto Fund wants to do all it can to ensure the next generation of students excels in science and math, two areas crucial to our nation’s competitiveness. In the St. Louis area, we are supporting programs that inspire and nurture students’ interest in science and/or math, offer innovative approaches to teaching or learning in math and science, and foster student achievement in science and/or math. Priority will be given to program using evidenced-based methodology.


    Start a New Grant Application   |   Complete an Application In-Progress

  • Access to the Arts

    A thriving arts culture makes St. Louis a vibrant place to live, work and visit. The Monsanto Fund’s Access to the Arts support is designed to help arts organizations broaden opportunities for underserved children and adults in the performing, visual or literary arts. In the St. Louis area, our Access to the Arts grants help organizations reach underserved groups and communities, identify the barriers – real or perceived – that keep them from participating in the arts, and implement strategies to reduce barriers and engage them in arts education experiences.


    Start a New Grant Application   |   Complete an Application In-Progress

  • Kids Garden Fresh Program

    In partnership with Gateway Greening


    The Monsanto Fund is a proud supporter of youth-centered gardens throughout the world. Gardens are invaluable tools in teaching children how to grow food, showing them the important role food plays in our health, and an opportunity to integrate hands-on lessons in not only math and science, but all subjects. In addition, when the fruits and vegetables grown in youth gardens are integrated into home and school meals, they are a source of vitamins and nutrients children need for cognitive development as well as a source of pride for the kids who helped grow them. The Monsanto Fund Kids Garden Fresh grant program is implemented in partnership with Gateway Greening Inc.

    Gateway Greening serves schools and youth organizations located in St. Louis City and County. Projects are selected based on a number of factors including: need, the quality of the garden space, the level of community and staff support, and the thoroughness of the plan for using the garden space. Awarded sites are typically supported with garden tools, materials (hardscape and landscape), curricular resources and trainings.  Groups are urged to apply only for projects they are certain they can maintain.  Much weeding and watering will be required to establish successful new plantings.  In the warmest months, projects may require deep watering and weeding several times weekly.

    The Kids Garden Fresh application is extensive because we are committed to funding projects that are prepared for long term success.  Coordinating with organization/school staff, planning garden logistics, and assessing the project's needs are time consuming and necessary steps for successful completion of the application.  Gateway Greening recommends a minimum of two weeks turnaround time to complete an application.

    Please consult the FAQs and examples of projects funded in the past to see if Kids Garden Fresh is a good fit for your school.

    To be eligible to apply in this category, organizations must be:

    • Located in St. Louis City or St. Louis County
    • Serving children or youth, 60% of whom qualify for or receive free or reduced lunch
    • A non-profit organization including:
      • A licensed child care facilities, or
      • A youth-focused program serving children up to age 19
    • A public, private or independent school

    The Kids Garden Fresh program will have only one application and review cycle a year. We will begin taking applications on January 1, 2012. The deadline for applications in the Kids Garden Fresh program is May 1, 2012.  If your organization is eligible you will be prompted to register.  A Gateway Greening staff member or volunteer will then contact to set up a site visit.


    Start a New Grant Application


    Complete an Application In-Progress:
    I have received funding in the past   |   I have NOT received funding in the past

  • Civic Partnerships

    The Monsanto Fund has a long history of taking part in major civic initiatives that benefit the greater St. Louis community. Given the scope and complexity of these kinds of transformational initiatives, applications to the Monsanto Fund for civic partnerships are by invitation only.