The Reinvention by Community Grant program (RBC) supports individuals and teams with innovative ideas to address challenges faced by our students and communities.
Historically, those most directly impacted by racial and education inequality have little to no voice. The RBC Fund was established to give grant-making power to members of our community. An Advisory Committee made up of community members most impacted by our school’s conditions and quality will serve as the decision-making body for grant recipients.
Previous grants have supported programs to bring culturally relevant books to students and families, deliver Social-Emotional Professional Development courses to teachers, establish a Charter sports league, and even take students on an international field trip to experience diverse cultures.
This year’s grant awards will be given to applicants with creative ideas for supporting unhoused youth. The Advisory Committee is particularly interested in programs that are:
- Collaborative with local partners – including schools
- Centered on long-term solutions
- Serves target zip codes 63106, 63107, 63112, 62113, 63115 and/or 63147
- Demonstrates a plan for sustainability or growth
- Clearly defines historical or expected impact and outcomes
The 2025 RBC Grant Application is now closed. Recipients will be announced on May 8.
Please follow us on LinkedIn for more updates and announcements about the 2025 Reinvention by Community Grant application cycle.
See the RBC Committee on Fox 2 News
What to Expect
- Simple application process
- Equitable award determination by impacted community members
- Seamless grant delivery
- Implementation support and access to our network of thought-partners and strategists
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for RBC funding?
Anyone individuals or organizations who currently operate a program or initiative that benefits unhoused youth is encouraged to apply.
Is this grant available for initiatives in St. Louis County?
Grantees must serve unhoused you in St. Louis City, though they may also serve populations in the greater St. Louis area.
How much money is each grant worth?
Grants may be made for $2,500, $5,000 or $10,000 depending on the scope of the grant request.
What reporting requirements to grantees have?
Reporting requirements will be determined with the RBC Program Manager after winners are selected.
Are childcare facilities eligible to apply?
Yes, as long as the grant funding will support unhoused youth.
Is this grant only available for non-profits?
No. This grant is available to any organization or individual running a program that address the challenges faced by unhoused students.
Are previous grantees eligible to apply?
Yes.
Watch our April 3rd Info Session for more:
Selection Committee
The 2025 Reinvention By Community Selection Committee is made up of six community members who have been impacted by the challenges RBC aims to address. This year’s committee members are:
- Gwen Russom
- Mauri Scott
- Diana Spells
- Steward Stiles III
- Ellen Usher
- Larenzo Williams
St. Louis City League used the RBC grant for capacity building to create new and unique opportunities for kids. Students in the program have seen a 90% increase in academic motivation, 88% increase in peer-to-peer interactions, 88% in perceived self confidence. We’ve been able to launch new initiatives such as ‘Player of the Week’, highlighting academic and athletic performance of student players and ‘Student Ambassadors’, who are leaders and representatives of their own individual student communities.
Allison Cousins, St. Louis City League Commissioner, RBC Grantee