St. Louis Nonprofit Annie Malone Children and Family Services Receives Million Grant Amid Financial Strain
ST. LOUIS — In a significant development for the Annie Malone Children and Family Services, local officials announced on Friday a million grant aimed at addressing critical building repairs. This announcement comes in the wake of the nonprofit’s decision to cancel its renowned May Day Parade, a longstanding tradition that has faced financial challenges in recent years.
The grant, approved by the St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC) on Thursday as part of a city initiative to support small businesses and nonprofits on the north side, is specifically allocated for crucial repairs to the nonprofit’s historic headquarters, which has stood at 2612 Annie Malone Drive for over a century. According to Annie Malone’s spokeswoman, Angelia Bills, while the grant is significant, it will not be sufficient to facilitate the return of the May Day Parade for 2025.
“The funds will be dedicated to essential roof and masonry repairs,” Bills stated, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the operational integrity of the facility. This grant not only aims to keep the nonprofit’s headquarters functional but also encourages further community contributions by spotlighting Annie Malone’s long-term impact on the north St. Louis community.
Deion Broxton, a spokesperson for the SLDC, highlighted the agency’s intention to use this grant announcement as a platform for rallying additional support for the invaluable services provided by Annie Malone, which has deep roots in the community dating back to its establishment in 1888.
The timing of the grant is particularly poignant; just two days prior, Annie Malone announced the cancellation of its 2025 May Day Parade, a hallmark event known as the second-largest Black parade in the United States. The decision was attributed to rising operational costs, dwindling sponsorship opportunities, and uncertainties surrounding future federal and state funding. Consequently, the organization has made efforts to realign its financial priorities to focus on its core mission—serving vulnerable families and children within the community.
The nonprofit plays a crucial role in the region, assisting hundreds of families annually, particularly within the foster care system. Its services include a 24-hour crisis center and educational programs designed for children facing mental and behavioral health challenges.
In a related financial context, Annie Malone had initially sought million to address a comprehensive overhaul of its aging facility, underscoring the extensive repairs needed, which have been estimated to total up to million. The announcement of the recent grant has coincided with heightened scrutiny of the SLDC’s grant distribution practices; reports have surfaced regarding over 35 rescinded grants totaling nearly million from the funding program, as officials plan to reallocate the funds among other deserving applicants.
The ongoing support from the SLDC—including ,000 for its parade since 2023—remains vital. To move forward, Annie Malone aims to secure at least 0,000 by March to assess the feasibility of reviving the May Day Parade, which in past years has served as the nonprofit’s largest fundraising event, typically generating around 0,000 each year.
As the organization navigates these challenges, it has successfully raised ,000 to date, assisted by substantial donations from local businesses and community organizations, including the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis and Barnes-Jewish Hospital. “We are extremely grateful for the community’s support during this challenging time,” Bills remarked, expressing hope for continued engagement and contributions from the public.
This grant serves not only as much-needed support for repairs but also as a potential catalyst for renewed community involvement and philanthropic support, critical to the sustainability of Annie Malone’s mission and its historic role in St. Louis’s north side.
