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Jefferson Foundation

Annual Giving
$7.6M
Grant Range
$5K - $0.3M
Decision Time
2mo

Jefferson Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $7,587,855 (2023)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
  • Decision Time: Decisions made in April and October; applicants notified within 2 weeks
  • Grant Range: $5,000 - $250,000
  • Geographic Focus: Jefferson County, Missouri

Contact Details

Website: https://www.jfmo.org
Phone: 636-638-1400
Email: mendres@jfmo.org (Missy Endres, Executive Vice President)
Address: 1450 Parkway W, Festus, MO 63028

Pre-Application Support: Contact Missy Endres at 636-638-1400 or mendres@jfmo.org for information about the grant process.

Overview

The Jefferson Foundation was established on January 31, 2013, with more than $153 million in proceeds from the sale of Jefferson Regional Medical Center in Crystal City. Originally named Jefferson Memorial Community Foundation, it adopted its current name in late 2016. With assets exceeding $100 million, the foundation has distributed over $80 million in total funding since inception, with annual giving of approximately $7.6 million in 2023. The foundation operates as a perpetual organization, designed to sustain itself through investment earnings rather than fundraising. The foundation made 2,008 grants over its first 10 years of operation, with 187 awards in 2023 alone. The foundation maintains minimal overhead costs with a small staff operating from modest office space in Festus, focusing resources on mission rather than administration.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation offers three distinct funding categories. Organizations may apply for multiple categories but can receive only one award per category annually:

  • Program Support: $5,000 - $250,000 (funding for specific programs and services)
  • Capacity Building: $5,000 - $250,000 (organizational development and infrastructure improvements)
  • Capital Projects: $5,000 - $250,000 (facilities, equipment, and physical improvements)

Larger or smaller grants may be awarded at the discretion of the Board of Directors.

Application Deadlines: Two annual cycles with deadlines of February 6 and July 17, with decisions made at April and October board meetings.

Priority Areas

The foundation supports charitable and educational activities that promote individual and community health and well-being in Jefferson County. Most grants fund:

  • Mental health counseling and services
  • Basic needs assistance: food, shelter, utilities, prescription assistance
  • Health-related education and preventative care
  • Dental services and oral health
  • Substance abuse treatment and prevention
  • Fitness education and obesity prevention
  • Foster care and adoption support
  • Domestic violence and homelessness services
  • Medical equipment and technology
  • Disability services and accessibility improvements
  • Safe housing initiatives
  • Transportation for health and well-being purposes
  • Academic scholarships

The foundation has noted that "basic need grants in that $10,000 or less category...are always a priority for us."

What They Don't Fund

  • Endowments
  • Loans or debt financing
  • Deficit financing
  • Travel expenses
  • Political activities or lobbying
  • Fundraising events or ticketed events
  • Church operating expenses
  • General overhead costs
  • Individuals (only 501(c)(3) organizations)

Governance and Leadership

Board of Directors

  • Chair: Jeffrey Draves, M.D.
  • Members: Stokely Wischmeier, Jeffrey Buck, Daniel Eckenfels, Jim Muehlhauser, Lindell Carter, Timothy Patterson, Ronald Ravenscraft, and Benjamin Albano Sr., M.D.

Leadership Staff

  • President & CEO: Michael Ravenscraft (appointed 2022, third person to serve as CEO)
  • Executive Vice President: Missy Endres
  • Program Associate/Financial Coordinator: Jennifer Bieser
  • Office Coordinator: Jan Miller

Leadership Quotes

Michael Ravenscraft, CEO: "We will continue to be good stewards of the investments so we can support the organizations throughout Jefferson County and help to improve people's lives. The focus of the foundation is on the mission, not on high overhead. The bottom line is we are here to support the grantees who serve the people of Jefferson County and improve the standard of living for the people of Jefferson County."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Applications are submitted through an online application system accessible through the foundation's website (www.jfmo.org).

Critical Requirements:

  • Only submit requested materials - do not include unsolicited items such as letters of recommendation or testimonials
  • Applications must be fully completed to be considered
  • All prior grant reports must be completed before new awards will be considered
  • Organizations may apply for multiple categories but can receive only one grant per category per calendar year

Decision Timeline

  • February 6 deadline: Board decisions made at April meeting
  • July 17 deadline: Board decisions made at October meeting
  • Notification: Applicants notified within two weeks of board meetings

Success Rates

Specific success rates are not publicly disclosed. However, the foundation made 187 awards in 2023, 205 awards in 2021, and 227 awards in 2020, totaling 2,008 grants over its first 10 years.

Reapplication Policy

Organizations may apply once per category per calendar year. Unsuccessful applicants may reapply in subsequent cycles, but must ensure all prior grant reports are completed before submitting new applications.

Application Success Factors

The foundation evaluates proposals based on four key criteria:

  1. Eligibility Compliance: The proposal meets all eligibility criteria (501(c)(3) status with 509(a)(1) or (2) designation, serving Jefferson County)

  2. Clearly Defined Impact: "Increased health and well-being is clearly defined with stated need(s) and outcome(s)" - applications must articulate specific, measurable improvements

  3. Community Impact: "The project or program has broad and/or strong community impact" - demonstrate how the grant will benefit Jefferson County residents

  4. Efficient Use of Funds: "The grant funds will be utilized efficiently and effectively" - show responsible stewardship and cost-effectiveness

Examples of Successful Grants

Top Recipients (over the foundation's 10-year history):

  • Jefferson County Community Partnership (JCCP): Received $2,148,191 over 10 years for Hammers of Hope (home repairs for low-income homeowners) and The Parenting Network (family support services)
  • Upward Smiles: Multiple grants including $150,000 in 2024 to subsidize dentist employment costs; expanded to include sedation station and mobile van

2024 Grant Examples:

  • Pony Bird Inc.: $108,912 for facility repairs and renovations
  • Provident Inc.: $87,982 for mental health services
  • PreventEd: $60,000 for substance abuse prevention and counseling
  • American Red Cross: $50,000 for disaster relief and preparedness
  • Annie's Hope – The Bereavement Center for Kids: $30,000 for grief services
  • Parents as Teachers-Festus: $30,000 for program support and health screening incentives
  • Jefferson County Health Department: $175,000 in 2023 (provided 2,630 direct-client services)

Foundation-Specific Guidance

  • Basic needs grants under $10,000 are explicitly noted as "always a priority"
  • The foundation values efficiency and low overhead - they model this in their own operations
  • Focus on serving Jefferson County residents specifically
  • Submit only what is requested - extraneous materials can work against you

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Geographic requirement is absolute: You must be located in or serve residents of Jefferson County, Missouri
  • Complete applications only: Incomplete submissions are not considered; follow instructions exactly and submit only requested materials
  • Clear outcomes required: Articulate specific, measurable improvements to health and well-being with defined needs and outcomes
  • Basic needs are valued: Smaller grants ($10,000 or less) addressing basic needs are explicitly prioritized
  • Choose your category carefully: You can only receive one grant per category per year, so select the most appropriate funding stream
  • Stay current on reporting: All prior grant reports must be completed before new applications will be considered
  • Two opportunities per year: Plan ahead for February 6 or July 17 deadlines with 2-month decision windows
  • Demonstrate efficiency: Show how grant funds will be used efficiently and effectively - the foundation values stewardship and low overhead

References

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