Back to grantmaking Project grants Through Project grants, the Foundation seeks proposals that will contribute to closing the economic mobility gaps in the Kansas City region, in alignment with our strategic priorities and focus areas. Back to top ^ Definition Areas of Interest Examples Ready to apply? What are Project grant opportunities? Project grant opportunities are designed to drive impact around equitable economic mobility. Funded organizations are expected to design and implement, or scale a multiyear project in alignment our strategic priorities and focus areas. Projects should be focused on scaling existing approaches in the Kansas City region and/or launching new approaches that have a strong research basis or success in peer cities. Review the Indirect Cost Rate Policy > Project Grants Funding amount: $250,000 or more, per year, multi-year Funding disbursement cycle: Twice annually (spring and fall) Areas of interest We have identified some specific areas of interest within our focus areas and invite proposals aligned to them. Proposals listed below are not intended to be exhaustive or prescriptive. Our priority is to identify the project proposals that have the greatest potential for gap-closing impact. Education and employer connection Build pathways, learning models, and feedback cycles that support job placement, retention, and advancement. Equitable access Provide sources of capital that move historically under-resourced entrepreneurs from startup to growth or sustainability. Essential competencies and skills Increase career and workforce exposure as early as middle school. Incorporate entrepreneurial mindsets and experiences into high school and college. Participation and belonging Reduce or remove participation and persistence barriers for entrepreneurs, learners, workers (i.e. participation stipends, transportation, childcare, health insurance, and other wraparound supports). Other areas of interest Reduce fragmentation within and build explicit connections across education, workforce, and entrepreneurship ecosystems to facilitate access and ease of navigation for participants. Fund intermediaries that provide resources to smaller, frontline organizations aligned to the Foundation’s strategic priorities in order to strengthen the direct services sector in the Kansas City region. Project examples Similar to the areas of interest examples above, these projects are not intended to be exhaustive or prescriptive. Integrate durable skills framework, instructional content, and coaching into education and training programs. Establish or grow communities of practice that support entrepreneurs of color. Support high school students to leverage federal and state aid to ensure access to college. Integrate work-based learning, internships, and apprenticeships through job training programs. Leverage the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to close economic mobility gaps in the Kansas City region. Ready to apply? We are currently not accepting applications for this grant. Check our grants timeline and stay connected with us to learn when the application opens next.