Norman J Stupp Foundation
Commerce Trust is a private foundation dedicated to supporting various charitable initiatives, primarily focusing on youth development, foster care, and community welfare. Its mission is inferred from its funding patterns, which emphasize youth mentoring, educational programs, and support for vulnerable populations, including those experiencing homelessness and mental health challenges. The foundation serves a diverse range of organizations, particularly those that provide direct assistance to children and families in need. While it primarily operates in the St. Louis area, its commitment to community engagement and support is evident through its extensive grantmaking efforts.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
A St. Louis–based nonprofit working in youth development, child welfare/foster care, homelessness, or education seeking general operating or program support in the typical $5K–$50K range.
Good Fit
- • Organization is based in St. Louis / Missouri with local programming.
- • Program focus on youth, foster care/child welfare, education, or services for people experiencing homelessness or mental health needs.
- • Request is for general operating or program support consistent with prior grants.
- • Asks fall in the observed grant ranges (roughly $5,000–$50,000).
- • Willingness to apply via Commerce Trust Company (mail/phone) and meet March 1 or September 1 deadlines.
Geography
Observed giving is overwhelmingly local: roughly 97% of grant dollars support organizations in Missouri, concentrated in the St. Louis area with only small out-of-state activity.
Recipient Variety
The foundation funded many distinct independent recipients each year (about 78–96 recipients historically and 80 in the latest year), across multiple issue areas such as youth services, foster care, education, homeless services and health.
New Applicants
Direct evidence of openness includes an available application route via Commerce Trust Company with posted deadlines and a substantial share of new recipients in the latest year (29 new grantees), so unfamiliar local organizations appear plausibly able to enter the portfolio.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
