Lester R Birbeck Charitable Trust
Accepts applications
Lester R Birbeck Charitable Trust is a private foundation in Kansas City, Missouri. In tax year 2025 it gave $102,485 in 18 grants; the typical grant was $2,380 and the largest $31,950. It accepts applications; its filing gives the instructions below.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$102,485
- Number of grants18
- Typical grant$2,380
- Largest grant$31,950
- Assets$2.8 million
- New grantees6%
Giving in 2025 was down from $127,050 the year before.
6% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, so most of its money goes to organizations it already funds.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $111,564 | 20 | $2.4 million |
| 2024 | $127,050 | 18 | $2.6 million |
| 2025 | $102,485 | 18 | $2.8 million |
How to apply
| Contact | Lori Boyer Commerce Trust 318 Felix St, St Joseph, MO 64501 |
|---|---|
| Phone or email | (816) 236-5748 |
| What to submit | Contact lori boyer at the above address for application |
| Deadlines | April 1 each year |
| Restrictions | High school students from king city or stanberry mo schools |
What Lester R Birbeck Charitable Trust funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 7 states, the most to Missouri.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri | 12 | $94,735 |
| North Carolina | 1 | $2,500 |
| Iowa | 1 | $1,500 |
| Kansas | 1 | $1,500 |
| Florida | 1 | $750 |
| Nebraska | 1 | $750 |
| Utah | 1 | $750 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Northwest Missouri State University | Scholarships | $31,950 |
| University of Missouri - Columbia | Scholarships | $13,975 |
| North Central Missouri College | Scholarships | $13,625 |
| Missouri Western State University | Scholarships | $11,800 |
| University of Missouri - Kansas City | Scholarships | $6,000 |
| University of Central Missouri | Scholarships | $4,825 |
| Rockhurst University | Scholarships | $3,100 |
| Truman State University | Scholarships | $3,000 |
| Southwestern Community College | Scholarships | $2,500 |
| State Technical College | Scholarships | $2,260 |
| Missouri State University | Scholarships | $1,950 |
| University of Kansas | Scholarships | $1,500 |
| Central Methodist University | Scholarships | $1,500 |
| Iowa State University | Scholarships | $1,500 |
| Southeast Community College | Scholarships | $750 |
| Ave Maria University | Scholarships | $750 |
| Brigham Young University | Scholarships | $750 |
| Summit Salon Academy Kansas City | Scholarships | $750 |
Officers and trustees
- Commerce Trust
Questions people ask
Does Lester R Birbeck Charitable Trust accept grant applications?
Yes. Its latest IRS filing says it accepts applications, with this on deadlines: April 1 each year.
How much does Lester R Birbeck Charitable Trust give?
$102,485 in tax year 2025, across 18 grants, with a typical grant of $2,380.
Who runs Lester R Birbeck Charitable Trust?
Its 2025 filing lists Commerce Trust (Trustee).
What does Lester R Birbeck Charitable Trust fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education.