ST. LOUIS – November 18, 2026 – Twenty years of women coming together to make a difference in the St. Louis community have added up to more than $4 million in giving. Now, as the Spirit of St. Louis Women’s Fund (SOS) celebrates its 20th anniversary, the organization is marking the milestone by awarding more than $207,000 in grants to 10 local nonprofits through its 2026 Spirit Awards.

Announced at an awards ceremony November 17 at LiUNA Event Center in Sunset Hills, this year's grants will support organizations making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families throughout the St. Louis area.

A women’s giving collective of nearly 200 members, SOS brings women together to identify and support smaller local nonprofits. Members review grant applications, conduct site visits and vote as a group to select the organizations they believe will benefit most from their support. With this year's awards, SOS's total community investment reaches more than $4 million over two decades, supporting 116 nonprofit agencies.

“The core philosophy of SOS is simple – we pool our resources and award grants as a group. Working together, our members are able to better support the outstanding work of area nonprofits and have a greater impact on the community as a whole,” said Pat Crowe, SOS president.

That collective approach allows SOS to shine a spotlight on smaller nonprofits whose work may otherwise go unnoticed. These organizations are often on the frontlines of addressing critical community needs, from providing mental health support to struggling teens, to revitalizing neighborhoods through the arts, to helping formerly incarcerated individuals rebuild their lives through counseling, skills training and other support services. Though their missions differ, they share a common commitment to strengthening the St. Louis community and improving lives.

SOS grantees receive their awards over a two-year period. Each of the 10 organizations received its first installment at the November 17 ceremony, with a second installment scheduled for next fall.

The 2026 Spirit Award recipients, all first-time SOS grantees, are:

Archway Refugee Connections - $25,000
Supports refugee women and their families as they build connections with one another and the St. Louis community through targeted programs.

Atlas Youth Outreach- $25,000
Creates a safe place for adolescents to participate in psychoeducational support groups and social engagement programs supporting social and emotional growth.

Conflict Resolution Center - $20,000
Empowers people to resolve conflict through accessible mediation, coaching and education.

Foster Together - $11,127
Supports and equips children and families impacted by foster care by filling critical gaps in services.

Intersect Arts Center - $25,000
Seeks to enrich places and people through the arts by providing artistic opportunities in the Gravois Park and Dutchtown neighborhoods.

Just Moms STL - $25,000
Provides community-driven knowledge to secure full site cleanup and eliminate severe health risks from hazardous materials.

Our Brothers Keepers of Southern Illinois- $25,000
Assists citizens returning from incarceration through an array of reentry services, including peer counseling, life and employment skills training and referrals to supporting services.

Project Present  - $11,127
Serves caregivers, older adults and individuals living with dementia to improve their quality of life through programs that foster communication, connection and creativity.

Three Steps Home  - $25,000
Provides compassionate, holistic care to those who need a safe place to recover and stabilize from illness and are experiencing homelessness in the St. Louis region.

Turn the Page STL - $15,000
Fosters collaboration and fills gaps in early literacy, ensuring every St. Louis child has the opportunity to read proficiently.

To learn more about SOS and the difference it is making in the community, visit http://www.spiritstlwomensfund.org

Contact: Barb Meyer, barbmeyer1980@gmail.com; 314-520-3100