St. Louis County Children’s Service Fund was created in 2008 after local voters approved Proposition 1, the Putting Kids First campaign. This effort was driven by growing concern over reductions in state and federal funding for children’s mental health, behavioral health, and substance use services that began in 2005. In response, a coalition of nonprofit organizations, community advocates, and decision-makers came together to pursue a dedicated, local funding source. An independent needs assessment highlighted the extent of unmet needs among children and families, contributing to strong public support for the initiative, which passed with 62% approval. The measure authorized a ¼ cent sales tax to fund children’s mental health services.

Since distributing its first grants in 2010, the fund has grown into the largest children’s service fund in Missouri, investing in programs that support children, youth, and families across St. Louis County. The fund focuses on expanding access to high-quality mental and behavioral health care and substance use prevention and treatment services. Through partnerships with local nonprofits and public agencies, the fund helps sustain a coordinated system of care designed to meet the needs of young people and their families. This growth reflects the community’s ongoing commitment to improving outcomes for children and families.

Fund Purpose and Impact

The St. Louis County Children’s Service Fund is authorized under Missouri State Statutes RSMo 67.1775 and 210.861, which allow local communities to create community children’s service funds and establish the types of services eligible for funding. The fund supports programs that address a wide range of needs, including counseling, crisis response, psychiatric care, substance use treatment, and family support services.

Additional investments extend to home and community-based care, prevention initiatives, respite services, transitional living support, and specialized programming for vulnerable populations such as teen parents. Together, these services promote early intervention, strengthen families, and help young people build resilience and long-term well-being.

To maximize its impact, the fund utilizes multiple funding strategies designed to reach diverse providers and address both ongoing and emerging community needs. The Core Funding Opportunity supports established organizations that address community needs through impact-driven approaches to mental and behavioral health care. The Grassroots Funding Opportunity focuses on smaller community-based organizations, expanding access in underserved areas and supporting culturally responsive, locally driven solutions.

In addition, the fund invests in special projects that address service gaps or systemic challenges and emergency funding to respond quickly to urgent or unforeseen needs. The Children’s Services Fund is launching a youth-led funding initiative through its Youth Advisory Council. Through this flexible and comprehensive approach, the fund strengthens the region’s system of care and increases access to high-quality services for children and families across St. Louis County.

Governance and Administration

St. Louis County Children’s Service Fund is governed by a nine-member Board of Directors appointed by the St. Louis County Executive. The board serves as the fund’s primary decision-making body and holds full authority over its operations, responsibilities, and strategic direction as outlined in its bylaws, including the following:

Oversight of the organization’s activities
Guidance of policy development
Management of the fund’s assets
Distribution of funds in alignment with the Children’s Service Fund’s mission to support children and families

The Board of Directors is also responsible for hiring and evaluating the executive director, who leads the organization’s daily operations and implements the board’s policies and priorities. Through this structure, the fund maintains strong oversight while ensuring effective management and accountability across the community.