City of St. Louis Announces Funding Assistance Applications for Non-Profit Organizational Work in Tornado Response

The City of St. Louis is awarding funds from the Rams Settlement Funds for the Tornado Relief and Recovery Fund to eligible non-profit organizations that have been assisting in the response to the May 16th tornado.

“Since May 16, many non-profit organizations have been working tirelessly to help the people impacted by the tornado. While helping our neighbors, these non-profits have incurred expenses,” Mayor Cara Spencer said. “In acknowledgment of this dedication and the mission of supporting area non-profits, the City of St. Louis has allocated these funds to provide reimbursement grants to eligible non-profits.”

The City of St. Louis will contract with the United Way of Greater St. Louis, which will seek proposals from eligible non-profits and award funds to non-profits to cover some of the expenses they incurred during the tornado response activities. Eligible non-profits may receive a grant of up to $150,000 to reimburse for costs incurred between May 16 and August 31. The total anticipated amount of funds available for these grants is $3,500,000.00, less United Way administrative fees.

Examples of expenses organizations may have incurred during the response include, but are not limited to; providing resources, emergency contracts, staff support, temporary housing, and funding. 

“Many of our non-profit partners have been working side-by-side with city workers since the tornado impacted our city almost three months ago,” said Julian Nicks, Chief Recovery and Neighborhood Transformation Officer. “By making these funds available, the City has the opportunity to show its thanks and appreciation. Recovery efforts will not be a quick and easy process, and this fund helps to show that the City has long-term recovery goals in mind.”

Eligible non-profits can submit by visiting the City’s website.

A document listing the requirements for eligible non-profits can also be found on the Human Services website.

Submissions must be submitted by no later than 4 p.m. on September 19, 2025.

Other response and recovery resources for residents and volunteers can be found at stlouis-mo.gov/tornado.