Donald L Barnes Foundation
This organization is a private foundation dedicated to supporting a diverse range of causes, including education, animal welfare, community service, and disability advocacy. Its mission reflects a commitment to enhancing community well-being through funding for educational programs, church-sponsored initiatives, and local arts and culture. The foundation prioritizes support for programs that assist disabled individuals, promote youth development, and provide resources for animal shelters. It serves various populations and sectors, emphasizing the importance of civic engagement and community enrichment.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
A small-to-medium local or regional nonprofit (often in Missouri) focused on education, disability services, animal welfare, community arts, or faith-based community programs seeking modest operating or program support.
Good Fit
- • Organizational presence or programs in Missouri or nearby states.
- • A specific community program or modest budget request under $5,000–$10,000.
- • Program focus on education, disability services, animal welfare, local arts, or church-sponsored community work.
- • An existing relationship, referral, or prior small grant history with the foundation or its grantees.
Geography
Giving is regionally concentrated: about three quarters of dollars stayed in Missouri in the latest year, but recipients across five states were funded in 2024, indicating a primarily in‑state focus with some out‑of‑state grants.
Recipient Variety
The foundation funded roughly 26 distinct organizations in the latest year and has a similar count in prior years, covering many independent charities across education, disability, animal welfare, arts, and churches, so the observed recipient set is broad for the foundation's size.
New Applicants
Direct public application is not offered (grants are described as preselected), but the foundation has added new grantees each year (8 in 2024, 12 in 2023), so unfamiliar organizations can be funded—likely via referrals, introductions, or nominee routes rather than open solicitation.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
