Commerce Bancshares Foundation
The organization is a private foundation dedicated to supporting a wide range of community-focused initiatives. Its mission emphasizes community service, economic empowerment, and educational support, particularly for low to moderate-income populations. The foundation funds various causes including food banks, affordable housing initiatives, youth development programs, and health charities. It primarily serves communities in Missouri and Kansas, with a significant focus on enhancing local welfare through grants to organizations like United Way and other community service entities.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
Small-to-mid sized charities and community organizations, especially those operating in Missouri or neighboring states, seeking modest program or general operating support for community services, youth programs, food security, housing education, or financial literacy.
Good Fit
- • Organization geographically located in Missouri or serving Missouri communities.
- • Requests for modest-sized grants or general operating support (typical awards are under $5K with some up to $50–60K).
- • Programs in community services, youth development, food banks, affordable housing education, or financial literacy.
- • Ability to supply 501(c)(3) documentation and straightforward application materials.
- • Willingness to engage by phone or mailed submission to a named Program Director on a rolling timeline.
Geography
Grants appear across about a dozen states but are strongly concentrated in Missouri, which receives roughly 67% of dollars; the footprint is regional/state-focused rather than truly national.
Recipient Variety
The foundation funded hundreds of distinct organizations each year (578 recipients in 2024) across many mission areas, showing a broad and diverse recipient set rather than a tiny closed circle.
New Applicants
Direct evidence of entry is visible: roughly 200 new recipients were funded in 2024 and the filing lists application instructions plus a named Program Director with phone and mailing address on a rolling timeline, indicating legitimate paths for unfamiliar applicants.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
