Joshua Akers, Ph.D. Joshua Akers, Ph.D., is a director in Research, Learning, and Evaluation for the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, where he provides leadership for developing and improving operations for all research-related initiatives to facilitate research and knowledge generation. Dr. Akers will place special emphasis on actionable and practical research that can inform policy and programmatic strategies for […]
Foundation hires five directors to new positions October 21, 2024 Appointed across the Impact and Research, Learning, and Evaluation teams, new directors will drive progress toward the Foundation’s 2035 vision.
Sunset grants Funds disbursed: starting Nov. 15, 2025 | Application opens: one-time What are Sunset grant opportunities? We have reorganized our structure, processes, and grantmaking to strongly support our 2035 vision, and we recognize that some grantees may no longer directly align with our strategic priorities. We offer one-time Sunset grant opportunities to help long-term grantees transition […]
Letters of Interest process & timeline The process Project and Research grant opportunities follow a five-step process, outlined below: For Research grant opportunities, a panel of the Foundation’s Research, Learning, and Evaluation (RLE) staff and Impact officers will review all LOI. The panel will also review full proposals and send them to external content experts for peer review. Review timeline To be […]
Project grants Funds disbursed: Q2 2025 | LOI cycles: Twice annually Learn more about our Project grants timeline and review process >Review the Indirect Cost Rate Policy > 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 […]
Research grants Funds disbursed: Q2 2025 | LOI cycles: Twice annually Learn more about our Research grants timeline and review process >Review the Indirect Cost Rate Policy >Download the application questions – for reference only [PDF] > What are Research grant opportunities? The Kauffman Foundation’s Research grant opportunities offer funding for forward-facing research projects that both catalyze […]
Capacity Building grants What are Capacity Building grants? Capacity Building grants are designed to strengthen the organizational capacity of nonprofits by fostering sound leadership, strong boards, professional development for staff, technology, evaluation, strategic planning, communications, and sustainability. Applications open twice each year. Rather than funding a charity’s specific program or singular service, Capacity Building grants look for opportunities […]
A commitment to community and conversation October 2, 2024 The blue carpet was rolled out to welcome more than 250 community members into the Foundation for the second-annual open house Thursday, Sept. 19. President and CEO Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace, and other members of Foundation leadership, greeted guests for a night to “spark” connection and engagement. “‘Spark’ was really our inspiration as we thought about […]
Crystal Everett Crystal Everett is a program leader – school engagement in Operating Programs for the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, where she works collaboratively with the Real World Learning team, local educators, business partners, and other stakeholders in Kansas City to prepare students and employers for the future. Prior to joining the Kauffman Foundation, Everett was a […]
Foundation relaunches grantmaking strategy to close economic mobility gaps September 13, 2024 Explore our updated funding approach, register for a webinar, and take our eligibility quiz, because the grant portal is now open.