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JSMF Awards Three New Grants Totaling $1.7 Million

Logos for 314Oasis, Home Repair Network, and Midwest BankCentre.

The James S. McDonnell Foundation is pleased to announce three new investments, totaling $1,742,046, that will support organizations providing resources to tornado-affected communities, scaling the number of qualified local home repair contractors, and expanding an affordable home improvement loan program.

314Oasis

314Oasis is a climate resilience hub formed after the May 2025 tornado to respond to extreme weather, food insecurity, toxic exposure, and trauma with community-centered, non-institutional care. The organization is expanding its capacity to serve the community by deploying key staff to operate core programs, increasing service locations and hours, and developing a virtual platform for its services in partnership with the Integrated Health Network.

JSMF’s investment will enhance the civic infrastructure that connects North City residents with essential social and financial well-being services and strengthen residents’ ability to advocate for their needs.

Home Repair Network

The Home Repair Network is a coalition of nonprofit organizations committed to providing free and low-cost home repairs throughout the St. Louis region. The coalition will fund a pilot Contractor Capacity Building Program to increase the number of local, low-to-moderate-income contractors qualified to perform home repair projects in the St. Louis area. The program will offer dedicated support such as business and trade technical assistance, emergency funding access, and connections to bidding opportunities.

JSMF’s investment will support the Home Repair Network in building a network of qualified contractors, increasing the pool by at least nine.

Midwest BankCentre Foundation

The Midwest BankCentre Foundation was established to address systemic financial barriers that limit opportunity for many families and small businesses. The nonprofit is expanding its existing Affordable Home Improvement Loan program to serve more low- to moderate-income families in the St. Louis area who need affordable financing to repair their homes.

JSMF’s investment will establish a first-loss reserve and provide logistical support for the program expansion, which will increase access to home repair loans for at least 900 homeowners.