Spire Foundation
/OVERVIEW: The Spire Foundation supports human services, education, health, civic, community and environment in Missouri and beyond.
FUNDING AREAS: Human services, education, health, civic, community, environment, disaster relief
IP TAKE: This is an accessible corporate funder that pays special attention to St. Louis but also funds programs in the various places where the company does business. It’s rolling application process welcomes broad funding in its geographic areas.
PROFILE: Established in 1966, the Spire Foundation is a corporate foundation based in St. Louis Missouri. It was formerly known as the Laclede Group Foundation. Spire is a natural gas company that serves approximately 1.7 million customers. The company’s history dates back to 1857 and was originally named after the French explorer who founded St. Louis, Pierre Laclede. The foundation aims to "invest our time and resources in the organizations and initiatives that make life better for everyone.” It funds local efforts for human services, education, health, civic, community and environment.
The Spire Foundation supports health and human services through grants for food, housing, healthcare, energy assistance and efficiency services. It funds civic and community development efforts through projects that address community-wide issues and unite neighbors around heritage and culture. Education grants focus on the next generation and 21st century jobs by funding STEM programs for K-12 students and collaborations with technical and vocational schools. The funder supports the preservation and stewardship of natural resources through grants for clean energy, energy efficiency and open space restoration. The Spire Foundation is a big supporter of United Way programs and services. It also promotes volunteering among its employees and funds disaster relief efforts when emergencies occur.
Grants range between about $50 and $5,000. Learn more about this funder’s local giving by examining its recent tax records. Grantmaking largely focuses on Missouri, Alabama and Mississippi. Many grants go to groups in the St. Louis area of Missouri. Past local grantees include Lift for Life Gym, Forest Park Forever and the Missouri Botanical Garden.
This foundation accepts unsolicited grant applications from nonprofits. There are no application deadlines, and grantseekers may apply at any time. The foundation reviews applications in February, April, July and September. The application process begins with an online eligibility quiz.
Direct general questions to the staff at ServingCommunities@spireenergy.com or 314-342-0551.
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