Truman Heartland partners with nonprofit agencies aimed at improving Eastern Jackson County, suburban Jackson County, and Cass County communities. They focus on investments in the area with an emphasis on leveraging additional funding and resources to make impactful grants across the region.
The grant program introduces a new 3-year rule for funding eligibility, allowing programs, projects, and general operating grants to receive funding for up to three consecutive years, after which a year-off is required before reapplying. This approach aims to refresh opportunities for grantees starting 2024, marking the beginning of the new funding cycle. Eligible organizations may apply for only one grant annually, choosing between Community Grants or the Jelley Family Foundation Grants. The Community Grants program supports proposals that focus on Arts, Culture, and Historic Preservation; Adult or Non-Traditional Education; Community Betterment (including neighborhood improvement, youth leadership, programs for seniors, violence prevention, racial equity, etc.); Health and Human Services; and Wildlife Conservation in Missouri. These guidelines underscore the program's broad goals to foster community development, education, health, and cultural preservation.