Harry L Rust & Helen M Rust Charitable Foundation
Accepts applications
Harry L Rust & Helen M Rust Charitable Foundation is a private foundation in Kansas City, Missouri. In tax year 2025 it gave $312,000 in 15 grants; the typical grant was $20,000 and the largest $25,000. It accepts applications; its filing gives the instructions below.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$312,000
- Number of grants15
- Typical grant$20,000
- Largest grant$25,000
- Assets$6.6 million
- New grantees100%
Giving in 2025 was up from $292,000 the year before.
100% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a sign it is open to new organizations.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $270,000 | 14 | $6.3 million |
| 2024 | $292,000 | 17 | $6.2 million |
| 2025 | $312,000 | 15 | $6.6 million |
How to apply
| Contact | Michelle Morris - Commerce Trust 1000 Walnut Street BB16-2, Kansas City, MO 64106 |
|---|---|
| Phone or email | (816) 234-8812 |
| What to submit | Application must be submitted online. Call for guidelines. |
| Deadlines | Proposals must be received one month prior to foundation's meeting. |
What Harry L Rust & Helen M Rust Charitable Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 5 states, the most to California.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| California | 7 | $145,000 |
| Missouri | 4 | $77,000 |
| Connecticut | 2 | $40,000 |
| Kansas | 1 | $25,000 |
| North Carolina | 1 | $25,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Durham Literacy Center Inc | Durham literacy center college and career readiness program | $25,000 |
| First Place for Youth | My first place | $25,000 |
| Insight Housing | Used at the discretion of the board of directors or trustees as they see fit for operations | $25,000 |
| Shawnee Mission Meals on Wheels | Used at the discretion of the board of directors or trustees as they see fit for operations | $25,000 |
| American National Red Cross (Greater Kansas City) | Disaster relief | $25,000 |
| East Bay Community Law Center | Education defense and justice for youth (edjy) program | $20,000 |
| Habitat for Humanity of Kansas City | Neighborhood revitalization and affordable housing project | $20,000 |
| Harvesters-The Community Food Network | Feeding children, families, and seniors across our region | $20,000 |
| Inspirica Inc | Employment, education, & financial empowerment [eefe] program | $20,000 |
| Mercy Learning Center of Bridgeport Incorporated | Literacy & life skills program for women | $20,000 |
| The Alameda County Community Food Bank | Used at the discretion of the board of directors or trustees as they see fit for operations | $20,000 |
| Children Rising Inc | Familybridge | $20,000 |
| Fred Finch Youth Center | Cultivating holistic wellness | $20,000 |
| A Safe Place | Used at the discretion of the board of directors or trustees as they see fit for operations | $15,000 |
| Saint Lukes Foundation | Aware360 solution (alert gps) | $12,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Commerce Bank Investment
- Adam Rust
- Commerce Bank Charity
Questions people ask
Does Harry L Rust & Helen M Rust Charitable Foundation accept grant applications?
Yes. Its latest IRS filing says it accepts applications, with this on deadlines: Proposals must be received one month prior to foundation's meeting..
How much does Harry L Rust & Helen M Rust Charitable Foundation give?
$312,000 in tax year 2025, across 15 grants, with a typical grant of $20,000.
Who runs Harry L Rust & Helen M Rust Charitable Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Commerce Bank Investment (Co-Trustee), Adam Rust (Co-Trustee) and Commerce Bank Charity (Co-Trustee).
What does Harry L Rust & Helen M Rust Charitable Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly youth programs, education and food and hunger.