It’s Our Region Fund

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It's Our Region Fund was designed to reach nonprofits and community agencies in the St. Louis region that have difficulty funding small but important capital improvement projects.

The It’s Our Region Fund “Small Change, Big Impact” grant provides funding for projects in the $1,000-$10,000 range. The It's Our Region Fund has distributed $50,000 each year with a matching gift of $50,000 from the Regional Business Council for a total distribution of $100,000 annually.

The 2026 It's Our Region (IOR) Fund grant application period is now closed.

Grant Guidelines

The fund will only support capital improvement projects, not general operating expenses for organizations. Each organization may submit one application per year. Organizations will submit before and after photos to show the impact of the grant. Your agency’s request should not be part of a larger capital campaign. We want to fund projects that can be accomplished with our contribution. Applicants who provide matching funds for part of their project budget receive preference.

  • If you've received funding from the It's Our Region Fund in the past, you may apply again. However, preference will be given to organizations that have not been previously selected. Only ONE application will be awarded per agency per year. Only one application will be accepted from each tax identification number.

  • Your agency must have 501(c)(3) tax status.

  • Nonprofits must be located in and serve populations within the 16-county St. Louis MSA.

  • Nonprofits considered include social services/basic needs, youth/education, or community development organizations.

FAQs

  • We will only award grants to organizations with a 501(C)3 tax status or exempt municipal agencies.

    For-profit businesses are not eligible.

    Any agency based in the 16 county Greater St. Louis bi-state region is eligible to apply.

    Missouri

    Crawford County

    Franklin County

    Jefferson County

    Lincoln County

    Charles County

    St. Louis City

    St. Louis County

    Warren County

    Illinois

    Bond County

    Calhoun County

    Clinton County

    Jersey County

    Macoupin County

    Madison County

    Monroe County

    St. Clair County

  • We will consider funding capital expenditures, including equipment.

    We will not fund operating expenses.

  • We are looking for organizations that have a clearly demonstrated need for the funds and provide relevant services. We may also give preference to organizations that have matching funds allocated for the project. The best applications follow all directions as given and answer the questions completely and concisely.

  • Applications will only be accepted through website submissions.

  • It depends on the value of the projects we select. We have a total of $100,000 to distribute, so with projects ranging from $1,000-$10,000 we will clearly fund multiple projects.