Description

This grant opportunity, offered by the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation, aims to fund innovative programs and services that address unmet needs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in the Kansas City region. The initiative specifically targets projects that are not already funded through existing sources, such as the Medicaid Waiver. Funding priorities are established through collaboration among the eitas board, staff, and community members, with a focus on supporting independence, inclusion, and improved quality of life for individuals with IDD.

The six priority categories for funding are:

• Employment and Transition Services (e.g., career advancement, internships, digital literacy, workplace navigation)
• Transportation and Access (e.g., agency vehicles, mobility mentoring, rideshare programs, tech-based transit)
• Advocacy and Legal Support (e.g., self-advocacy training, system navigation, disability rights education)
• Housing and Accessibility (e.g., inclusive housing partnerships, transitional housing, universal design consultation)
• Emotional Wellness and Crisis Support (e.g., adapted counseling, trauma support, resilience programs)
• Enhancing Belonging and Community Engagement (e.g., inclusive volunteer programs, peer mentorship, community integration)

Proposed programs should fill gaps not addressed by other funding streams and demonstrate potential for significant impact in the Kansas City area.