James S. McDonnell Foundation
Private philanthropic foundation based in St. Louis that funds and partners with local organizations to improve economic mobility. Focus areas include workforce development, small and midsize business support, wealth building and protection, and civic infrastructure. The foundation emphasizes evidence-based grantmaking, multi-year investments, and partnerships targeted to St. Louis City and North St. Louis County.
Industries
Nr. of Employees
small (1-50)
James S. McDonnell Foundation
Products
Annual report
Annual report summarizing investments, local insights, grantee spotlights, and strategic priorities for the year.
Annual report
Annual report summarizing investments, local insights, grantee spotlights, and strategic priorities for the year.
Services
Awarding grants to nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations aligned to the foundation's focus areas, including multi-year and strategic investments.
Operating a yearlong fellowship that pairs neighborhood leaders with civic or industry leaders to co-create and implement community-driven projects, including stipends and funded planning projects.
Collecting proposals via an online form and performing eligibility and strategic alignment reviews prior to detailed consideration.
Coordinating with other private funders, public agencies, and community organizations to extend or sustain initiatives and to jointly fund local pilot programs.
Awarding grants to nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations aligned to the foundation's focus areas, including multi-year and strategic investments.
Operating a yearlong fellowship that pairs neighborhood leaders with civic or industry leaders to co-create and implement community-driven projects, including stipends and funded planning projects.
Collecting proposals via an online form and performing eligibility and strategic alignment reviews prior to detailed consideration.
Coordinating with other private funders, public agencies, and community organizations to extend or sustain initiatives and to jointly fund local pilot programs.
Expertise Areas
- Grantmaking and philanthropic strategy
- Program monitoring and evaluation
- Workforce development
- Support for small and midsize businesses
Key Technologies
- Grant management systems
- Online proposal submission forms
- Public grants database and CSV export
- Program monitoring and evaluation methods
News & Updates
Publication of the foundation's 2024 annual report including investments, local insights, and grantee spotlights.
Announcement of JSMF support to extend the City of St. Louis's Guaranteed Basic Income program and to continue program evaluation activities.
Impact story describing a workforce development biotech boot camp supported by local partners to create entry pathways into bioscience careers.
More than $600 million awarded since founding (reported 2025).
Foundation established in 1950.
Publication of the foundation's 2024 annual report including investments, local insights, and grantee spotlights.
Announcement of JSMF support to extend the City of St. Louis's Guaranteed Basic Income program and to continue program evaluation activities.
Impact story describing a workforce development biotech boot camp supported by local partners to create entry pathways into bioscience careers.
More than $600 million awarded since founding (reported 2025).
Foundation established in 1950.