How To Apply.

What To Expect.

At CSF, we have several funding opportunities, and each application process is a little different. However, each of our funding opportunities follows the same general process.

1. Through conversations with our partners and community leaders, we identify a need and develop a funding opportunity to support it. Most of our funding opportunities are multiyear awards. For example, our first funding cycle, the Core Funding Opportunity is a three-year grant, and in 2021 we launched our Grassroots Funding Opportunity, which is a two-year grant.
2. Before a funding opportunity opens for applications, we heavily advertise through several mediums, we hold community meetings in person and virtually, and provide additional guidance on how to apply and what our criteria is.
3. Applications are open for several weeks, giving organizations time to complete and submit the application. Beginning in 2025, most nonprofit applicants for CSF funding will be required to have a Gold Seal of Transparency on Candid. 
4. Community members are enlisted to help us review applications and make recommendations on which organizations best fit our funding criteria and meet the needs of the community.
5. We present those recommendations to our Board of Directors, which approves the final awards.
6. We share the good news with awardees, finalize the funding contracts, and celebrate with our new partners!

Core Funding Opportunity.

The Core Funding Opportunity was established in 2010 as CSF’s first funding cycle. Since then, we have sought partnerships with organizations that align with our value of providing quality care to kids and families in St. Louis County. Our Core partners are established organizations that address community needs through impact-driven approaches to mental and behavioral health care. We support our Core partners through a standard unit-rate reimbursement model. This is a three-year grant cycle, aligned with the academic calendar. Learn more on our Core Funding Opportunity page.