[Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation](https://www.kauffman.org)

Sep. 15, 2025 (application opens) | Nov. 3, 2025 (application deadline)

$250,000 or more per year, multi-year; disbursed annually

Supports multiyear projects that close economic mobility gaps in Kansas City by scaling or launching impactful, research-based initiatives.

--- ## Description The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation's Project Grants support organizations designing, implementing, or scaling multiyear projects that address economic mobility gaps in the Kansas City region. These grants prioritize initiatives aligned with the Foundation’s strategic focus on education-to-employment pathways, equitable access to capital for under-resourced entrepreneurs, essential career skills, participation and belonging, and reducing fragmentation across education, workforce, and entrepreneurship ecosystems. Projects may involve scaling proven approaches or launching new, research-based models that have demonstrated success in peer cities. The program also funds intermediaries that strengthen direct services and build cross-sector connections. --- ## Due Dates - Application window opens: September 15, 2025 - Application deadline: November 3, 2025 Disbursement to awardees is expected in May 2026. --- ## Funding Amount - Minimum of $250,000 per year, with multi-year funding available - Funds are disbursed annually - Indirect cost rate: 25% for organizations with budgets ≤$100 million; 15% for universities/government/organizations with budgets >$100 million --- ## Eligibility - Open to organizations (nonprofit, for-profit, and others) able to demonstrate impact in the Kansas City region - Applicants do not need to be physically located in Kansas City but must show a track record of work and a clear plan for impact in the six-county Kansas City metro area (Cass, Clay, Jackson, Johnson, Platte, Wyandotte) - Projects must align with at least one of the Foundation’s focus areas: essential competencies and skills, education and employer connection, participation and belonging, or equitable access - Funding cannot be used for: construction, endowments, discriminatory institutions, private business expenses, lobbying, medical or religious activities, or direct scholarships to individuals --- ## Application Process - Review the [Project Grant information](https://www.kauffman.org/funding/grants/project/) and [eligibility quiz](https://www.kauffman.org/funding/grants/#eligibility) - Applications must be submitted during the open window (Sep. 15 – Nov. 3, 2025) - Only one grant award is typically supported per organization at a time, unless otherwise approved - Guidance and applicant support are available through [webinars and office hours](https://www.kauffman.org/funding/webinars/) - Indirect costs should be included per the Foundation’s [Indirect Cost Rate Policy](https://www.kauffman.org/funding/grants/indirect-cost-rate/) - For questions, use the [grantee help desk](https://www.kauffman.org/funding/faqs/#grantee-help-desk) --- ## Additional Information - Projects should be multi-year and demonstrate strong potential for closing economic mobility gaps - Areas of particular interest include education-to-employment pathways, equitable access to entrepreneurial capital, workforce exposure, and wraparound supports for learners and workers - Intermediaries and coalitions that foster connections across sectors are encouraged to apply - The Foundation considers program-related investments (PRIs) where appropriate --- ## External Links - [Project Grant Information](https://www.kauffman.org/funding/grants/project/) - [Full Grants Timeline](https://www.kauffman.org/funding/grants/#timeline) - [Strategic Priorities and Focus Areas](https://www.kauffman.org/funding/#priorities) - [Indirect Cost Rate Policy](https://www.kauffman.org/funding/grants/indirect-cost-rate/) - [FAQs](https://www.kauffman.org/funding/faqs/) - [Grantmaking Guidelines](https://www.kauffman.org/funding/grant-types/) - [Webinars & Office Hours](https://www.kauffman.org/funding/webinars/) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact Method | |------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [Contact Form](https://www.kauffman.org/contact/) or call 816-932-1000 | | Grantee Help Desk | [Submit a question](https://www.kauffman.org/funding/faqs/#grantee-help-desk) | | Grant Program Details | [Project Grants page](https://www.kauffman.org/funding/grants/project/) |

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