Investing in housing, jobs, and financial health to unlock opportunity for all.
The Economic Mobility strategic priority area focuses on creating pathways for individuals and families across the St. Louis region to build long-term financial stability and generational wealth. Through investments in Housing, Financial Health, and Job Access & Creation, the St. Louis Community Foundation is working to expand access to opportunity and strengthen the economic future of our community.
Grantmaking Dates
There are currently no open grant cycles.
Our Vision
The St. Louis Community Foundation envisions a region where every individual has the resources and opportunity to achieve financial security and build wealth. Through strategic investments in housing, financial health, and workforce development, we’re strengthening the systems that help people not only make ends meet—but move ahead.
Housing
The Foundation is committed to supporting nonprofits that increase access to homeownership for low and moderate-income homebuyers—particularly for populations historically banned from purchasing a home—and organizations addressing housing stability. Strategies include investing in down payment assistance programs for renters and homeowners to keep people housed; supporting the development of affordable housing and community building; and housing stability and foreclosure prevention efforts.
Financial Health
Beyond understanding and accessing basic savings and checking accounts, proper use of these accounts is key to reap the benefits and build financial health. The Foundation will drive investments towards financial education programs that bridge this gap of knowledge. In addition, we will support long-term savings to build a safety net for regional families, including matched savings and individual development accounts.
Job Access & Creation
The Foundation will prioritize investments in small business support and development, youth employment, workforce development programs, and programs addressing barriers to employment. By focusing on programs that expand knowledge, skills, and training opportunities, we will address the gaps currently identified by employers in the workforce.
Impact Investing
The Foundation will utilize impact investing as a tool to address significant regional challenges. This will include revolving loans, loan loss reserves, gap financing, and other investment products. The affect of these investment products can be multiplied by reinvestment and interest-bearing accounts that are lower than the market rate.
Understanding the Need
Generations of St. Louisans have faced barriers to building and sustaining wealth—barriers rooted in inequities in housing, financial education, and job access. Today, these disparities continue to hold families and neighborhoods back. By addressing the region’s shortage of affordable homes, the gaps in financial health, and the need for stronger pathways to employment, we can help more people share in the region’s prosperity and create lasting economic mobility for all.
-35,000
Shortage of affordable rental homes
in the St. Louis region.
Home ownership is an essential wealth-building tool. Decades of discriminatory housing policies have contributed to the stark wealth gap in our region and across the country.
28% / 35%
Percentage of Latine and Black people in the St. Louis region who are underbanked.
Checking and savings accounts are critical tools for financial health. In the Metro St. Louis region, Black and Latine people have the highest percentage of underbanked and unbanked individuals.
2x
Unemployment rate for people who do not have a high school diploma vs a college degree.
Employers have reported one of the largest barriers to successful employment is the gap of knowledge and skills for the jobs in high demand.
Our Progress
Since launching its Economic Mobility strategic priority area, the St. Louis Community Foundation has mobilized millions in grants and investments toward housing stability, financial empowerment, and job creation. Through collaborative partnerships with nonprofits, funders, and community leaders, the Foundation is helping to expand access to homeownership, increase financial literacy, and strengthen local workforce pathways. Explore our progress below.
$150,000
Invested in Workforce Development
In June 2025, we launched the Workforce Development Grant, awarding $150,000 to six organizations. These projects will impact more than 100 individuals across St. Louis City and County.
$200,000
Invested in Financial Education
and Asset Building
In August 2025, we launched the Financial Education and Asset Building Grants. These grants focus on outcomes for adults 18 years old and older and/or multi-generational approaches to financial education and asset building.
$25,000
Average Grant Size
The Economic Mobility team has been intentional about creating more equitable access to grants through information sessions and open office hours. The goal is to reduce barriers and ensure every organization has the support needed to fully participate in the grantmaking process.
Empowering Fathers and Families
Preparing people for jobs that allow
them to support their children.
Advancing JusticeInvolved Individuals
Supporting reentry and workforce
development initiatives that help
individuals rebuild their lives after
incarceration.
Strengthening Community Health Workers
Investing in training and support for
community health workers.
Supporting Unhoused Populations
Expanding programs and partnerships that provide stability and long- term pathways to housing.
Our Impact
Talk with a team member today.
We love working with our donors and community members and want to help with your questions. We look forward to hearing from you.
