back to grantmaking A year of grantmaking: data, themes, and what’s next Explore the data we’ve collected, the takeaways and lessons learned from our first year of grantmaking under our new strategic priorities so far, and learn where we’re headed next as we continue to listen and adapt. Our reflections By the numbers What's next The road so far In August 2024, we launched our refreshed grantmaking strategy, opening five rounds of grant application opportunities designed to build equitable economic mobility for people across the region. The “why” behind our priorities remains simple yet powerful – we are committed to closing gaps for the most underserved communities. In our internal reflections after completing five rounds of grantmaking, we observed: Collaboration among coalitions and communities of practice brings high value to applications and proposals, increasing opportunity and satisfaction for grantees. External reviews and clear internal processes emphasize equity for the application process. Community engagement in webinars and office hours reveal a strong demand for connection, understanding, and strategic alignment. Working collaboratively to define metrics and reporting expectations early on fosters an improved evaluation process. By the numbers:2024-2025 Grantmaking 5 grant rounds in one year 792 applications received $61 M awarded through the new grant pathways 41% grantees in cycle 1 were new to Kauffman or had not received a grant in last five years What’s next for our grant pathways 2025-2026 Cycle In our next year of funding, we have made some changes to simplify the timeline around when our grant pathways open, as well as the frequency of each pathway. GRANT TYPE AMOUNT OPEN DATE CLOSE DATE DISBURSEMENT FREQUENCY CAPACITY BUILDING $100,000 – $250,000 Aug. 12, 2025 Sept. 12, 2025 Nov. 2025 once annually COLLECTIVE IMPACT Up to $500,000 (planning)– – – – – –$5 million – $20 millionmulti-year (implementation) Summer 2026– – – – – –Invitation only 2026– – – – – –Invitation only Jan. 2027– – – – – –Invitation only every other year PROJECT $250,000 or moreper year multi-year Sept. 15, 2025 Nov. 3, 2025 May 2026 once annually RESEARCH $150,000 or moreper year Fall 2026 Fall 2026 Winter 2026 once annually Learn more about specific refinements we are making to each grant pathway for the 2025-2026 cycle: Capacity Building grants The current round of Capacity Building grants is now open until September 12, 2025. For an improved process and experience, application questions are streamlined and simplified. The next opportunity to apply for a Capacity Building grant will be in summer 2026. Learn more about Capacity Building grants > Collective Impact grants In the next grant cycle, we are providing a longer planning duration for grantees to prepare for systems-level change. During the application period we will provide light technical assistance to clarify what we’re looking for in strong planning proposals. The next round of Collective Impact Planning grant applications is expected to open Summer 2026, with an intended cycle every other year. Learn more about Collective Impact grants > Project grants The portal for Project grants will open in fall 2025, our last round until fall 2026. During this upcoming round of Project grants, we are especially interested in proposals that address gaps in our priority areas, including college persistence and completion, connecting entrepreneurs to capital, and career development through industry-driven initiatives and job placement. Learn more about Project grants > Research grants Our Research grant program runs on an annual cycle. The specific research focus for each cycle will be announced in advance and may change from year to year. Before submitting an application, please visit our grant page for the most up-to-date focus and guidelines. Learn more about Research grants > The road so far Read the Currents articles announcing the grantees we awarded in the 2024-2025 cycle. Backwards Forwards Thirty-seven local and regional organizations receive Capacity Building grants June 30, 2025 | Capacity Building Read the article More than $5.8 million in research funding focusing on understanding wealth gaps June 17, 2025 | Research Read the article Twenty-seven project grants awarded to advance strategic priorities May 8, 2025 | Project Read the article Six coalitions awarded funds for Collective Impact planning January 30, 2025 | Collective Impact Read the article Fifty-six organizations awarded Capacity Building grants November 11, 2024 | Capacity Building Read the article Kauffman Foundation relaunches grantmaking strategy in August 2025 September 13, 2024 Read the article