Gateway Children’s Charity (GCC) recently announced grant funding opportunities for nonprofit early childhood programs in St. Louis, Missouri, in partnership with YouthBridge Community Foundation. GCC offers two types of grants: an expansion grant of up to $100,000 to help programs add or build out classroom space, and a capacity-building grant of up to $50,000 for quality improvement initiatives. The organization will accept grant applications until July 31, 2026, at 5:00 PM.
If you’re an early childhood program director in St. Louis, this one’s for you. Does your program qualify? What can the funding actually be used for? How do you apply before the July 31 deadline?
As a leading vendor in the early childhood space over the past 50 years, Kaplan understands the impact grant funding can have on early childhood professionals and the children, families, and communities they serve. We are here to answer your most pressing questions and guide you through the process of securing this new funding opportunity.
Continue reading for a breakdown of eligibility requirements, how to apply, and how to make the most of your grant dollars as you work to expand or improve your program for children and families in St. Louis.
What are the Gateway Children’s Charity expansion and capacity-building grants?
High-quality early childhood education has a lasting impact on children's well-being and long-term success. But in the St. Louis region, many children—particularly those from low-income families—still don't have access to the affordable, high-quality learning environments they deserve.
Gateway Children's Charity (GCC) is on a mission to close that gap. Founded in 2009, the organization raises funds to make high-impact, tangible investments in early childhood programs that support children living in underserved St. Louis communities. Over the last 17 years, GCC has raised and granted over $2,300,000 to expand access and opportunity for thousands of St. Louis-area children.
GCC offers two types of grants to eligible participants:
Expansion grants: One-time grants awarded for capital expenses* with funding up to $100,000. The goal is to help high-quality early childhood programs expand their classroom capacity to serve more children. This funding allows program directors in St. Louis to:
- Build out or construct new classroom space
- Buy equipment and materials to outfit new classrooms. This includes classroom furniture, outdoor playgrounds, early childhood curricula, and state-of-the-art classroom technology
*Note: The GCC expansion grant is for standalone capital projects that can be completed in full with the award. Partial funding requests for broader initiatives are generally out of scope for this opportunity. Capital projects are large-scale, one-time investments in physical facilities rather than day-to-day operating expenses. These projects include new building construction, major renovations, and outdoor playground developments.
Capacity-building grants: One-year grants of up to $50,000 for early childhood programs that request support for quality improvement initiatives.* These funds allow program directors to:
- Buy and implement research-based curriculum or assessments
- Fund professional development for teachers and administrators
*Note: The GCC capacity-building grant excludes routine accreditation fees. This means recipients can't use funds to cover the cost of renewing or maintaining existing accreditations.
Am I eligible for funding through the Gateway Children’s Charity expansion and capacity-building grants?
You are eligible for this grant funding opportunity if you operate a nonprofit early childhood education program in St. Louis, MO.
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Provide services to underserved preschool- or Kindergarten-age children
- Are incorporated as an IRC 501(c)(3) public charity
- Are located in and primarily serve the St. Louis metropolitan area
To be eligible for the GCC expansion grant, programs must show student achievement results.
How much grant funding is available?
Eligible recipients of the expansion grant may receive up to $100,000. Those eligible for the capacity-building grant may receive up to $50,000.
Each year, GCC selects a cohort of nonprofit early childhood programs in the St. Louis area to receive funding. In 2025, eight organizations received grants, and in 2024, six organizations received awards ranging from $7,500 to $50,000.
See past grant recipients to get a sense of what funded programs look like and find inspiration for your own application.
When will I receive grant funding, and how long will I have to spend it?
Expansion grants are one-time awards meant to fund a single project from start to finish. Capacity-building grants are one-year awards, meaning funds must be used within a single grant year.
Do you have specific questions about disbursement and spending timelines? Reach out to Sissy Swift at YouthBridge Community Foundation at (314) 720-4408 or eswift@youthbridge.org.
How do I apply for the Gateway Children’s Charity expansion and capacity-building grants?
Submit applications through YouthBridge Community Foundation, which manages GCC's grantmaking process. To apply, visit the YouthBridge grant portal and complete the online application. If you're new to YouthBridge, you must create a free account to access the form.
You’ll need to include the following supporting documents with your grant application:
- A complete list of current Board members including their professional affiliations
- Your organization’s current year budget and the budget for the specific project you're requesting funding for. Complete and upload the Missouri Common Grant Application Budget Template for both.
- Your most recent audited financial statements
- Your most recent 990 series filing
View a PDF preview of the application to review all questions before starting your official submission. For more questions, contact Sissy Swift at YouthBridge using the contact information above.
Where can I shop for eligible items and materials?
Now that you have a better understanding of Gateway Children's Charity's 2026 grants, it’s time to start thinking about how you’ll put those dollars to work.
Kaplan is a one-stop shop for early childhood program directors looking to expand or improve their programs. From classroom furniture and curriculum to equipment and learning materials, we have everything you need to bring your project to life. A Missouri Territory Representative can help you find the right products for your program, navigate what this funding covers, and make the most of every grant dollar.
