The Trio Foundation of St. Louis is committed to community enhancement, fulfillment of human potential, and ecological well-being. It supports programs promoting independence, equality of opportunity, creativity, and environmental preservation, with an enhanced focus on equity, empowerment, and trust-based, collaborative efforts. It aims to be responsive to community needs, especially for those facing discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and physical ability, striving for racial equity and the empowerment of individuals to reach their potential.
The Trio Foundation's grant program is structured around increasing opportunities for all, particularly prioritizing individuals facing discrimination in various forms. It aims to address the root causes of societal problems with a keen focus on achieving racial equity. The grantmaking approach is evolving to be more empowering, trust-based, and collaborative, fostering genuine partnerships. The foundation has delineated three strategic funding areas: Women's Economic Empowerment, supporting the economic security of women, girls, non-binary, and gender-expansive individuals through education, job training, and employment; Arts, enhancing access to creative experiences for underserved communities with a commitment to diversity and inclusion; and Environment, focusing on biodiversity, environmental education, justice, and preservation of natural resources. These efforts concentrate particularly in St. Louis City and nearby counties, reflecting a commitment to local community betterment and ecological sustainability.