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Jelley Family Foundation Grants

The Jelley Family Foundation Grant Process occurs every year. The application process begins annually in January, and applications will be due the 2nd Monday in March. Awards will be distributed in November at the Annual Grants Luncheon.

children learning by

School of Economics received funding for resources and supplies for the 2024 Summer Programming, including field trip experiences for 600 students at the Blue Springs location.

The Jelley Family Foundation Endowment for Children's Education Fund

In 2013, the Jelley Family Foundation was established by Dr. Carl Jelley, who cared deeply for the well-being and education of local children. He firmly believed that hard work, responsibility, honesty, and integrity are the building blocks of a meaningful and purposeful life.

Dr. Jelley was deeply devoted to helping all children and youth, regardless of demographics, reach their full potential. The endowment established in his name continues to exemplify Dr. Jelley’s dedication to children’s education. Click here to learn about the Endowment

 

Camp Encourage received a grant to provide local youth on the autism spectrum with meaningful experiences so they can be empowered participants in the community.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Applications for the Jelley Family Foundation Endowment for Children's Education must focus on educational initiatives for children, ranging from early childhood through traditional post-secondary education. Proposals that take an innovative approach to education, focus on at-risk youth, and are collaborative with other organizations are encouraged.
  • Organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits, units of local government, or public education institutions
  • Must be located in or serving individuals or communities in Eastern Jackson County (East of I-435), Missouri, suburban Jackson County (outside KC), and Cass County
  • With EDUCATION proposals due in March, it is recommended that your project has a start date of August/September when school starts OR begin in January of the following year.

3-Year Rule

Beginning in 2024, a 3-year rule was implemented. Programs, projects, and general operating grant awards are eligible for funding for up to three consecutive years. All previous grantees and their programs/services had a "re-set." in 2024. 2024 grantees will be in their FIRST year of funding. Grantees will be eligible for two additional years of funding (a new application is needed each year). Once an agency has received grant monies three years in a row, the agency MUST take one year off before reapplying for a grant.

Apply For Just One Grant

As of 2024, eligible organizations may apply for ONLY ONE grant, either through Community Grants OR the Jelley Family Foundation Grants. 

Incomplete Applications will Be Disqualified

The THCF grants process is very competitive and we want to ensure that each proposal receives fair consideration. We ask that organizations double-check all attachments and ensure that the proposal is completed accurately and submitted before the deadline. 

In the event that an error is identified, Foundation staff may reach out if time allows to help alert you of errors. However, incomplete applications will ultimately be disqualified from review.

Please Note: For awards granted during the 2024 Cycle, Final Reports must be submitted by Dec 29, 2025.  Late reports may have a significant impact on their 2026 application. 

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What Is A Typical Jelley Grant Award Amount?

The average Jelley Grant award is $5,000-$8,000. The maximum award is $10,000. Approximately $143,000 is available annually through the Jelley Family Foundation for Children's Education.

Important Dates for Jelley Grants

Annual Timeline

  • Applications Due: Second Monday of March
  • Applicants Notified:  of funding decisions by early July
  • Grant Checks Issued: November at our annual Grants Luncheon.
  • All recipient organizations must submit a written final report to THCF at the conclusion of the program funded or twelve months from the date of the award.
Grant APPLICATIONSDATES 
DUE: Final Reports from 2024 CycleDec 29, 2025Login to Portal
Grant Applications OpenFirst Week of JanuaryLogin to Portal
Free Grants WorkshopFebruary 5, 2026       FREE Registration TBA
DUE: Jelley Family Foundation Mon, March 9, 2026 (2nd Monday)Sample Application             
DUE: Community GrantsMon, March 23, 2026 (4th Monday)Sample Application

Grants Portal 

2026 Jelley Foundation Grants are Due March 9, 2026

Enter the Grants Portal

Application Requirements

  • SAMPLE GRANTS BUDGET SHEET:  This must be included in your application. This form is not needed if you are requesting general operating funds.
  • SAMPLE FINAL GRANTS REPORT  All organizations that have previously received grant funding must submit a final report THROUGH THE PORTAL regarding their most recent completed grant award. This would be any grant awarded prior to the most recent November check distribution.
  • SAMPLE APPLICATION:  information requested on the Jelley Family Foundation grant application.
  • TAX EXEMPT STATUS: Request a Copy of your organization's tax-exempt letter from the IRS. Here is a SAMPLE of a correct 501(c)(3) letter.

Download Sample Application

Apply Now      Applicant Tutorial 

Questions?

Diana Castillo is here to help, email or call (816) 912-4184.

Email Diana

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