The process Research grant opportunities follow a five-step process, outlined below: 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. Learn more about our grants cycle and timeline >

What are the Project grant opportunities for 2025? 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 with our strategic priorities and focus areas. Project should focus on scaling proven approaches in the Kansas City region and/or launching new, promising […]

What is the focus for Research funding in 2025? In this round of Research grants, the Kauffman Foundation solicits research projects advancing our understanding of how to expand equitable economic mobility and increase opportunity. Please note: our final Research grant opportunity for 2025 closed on August 10. The next opportunity is scheduled to open again […]

What are Capacity Building grants? Capacity Building grants are designed to support an organization’s internal effectiveness and long-term stability, rather than funding a specific program or singular service. These one-time, short-term investments are intended for charities that can clearly articulate a specific capacity gap and demonstrate alignment with our strategic priorities and focus areas. Successful […]

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 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 […]

Explore our updated funding approach, register for a webinar, and take our eligibility quiz, because the grant portal is now open.

Taylor Werner, CFA, is an analyst in Investments for the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, where she helps manage the Foundation’s $3 billion investment portfolio. Prior to joining the Kauffman Foundation, Werner was a portfolio manager with Commerce Bank. Werner earned her Bachelor of Science in business administration – finance from Kansas State University and is a […]

Solissa Franco-McKay is executive director for Real World Initiatives (ProX) for the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. Reporting to the chief of staff, Franco-McKay provides leadership and implement policies and programs to ensure the Real World Initiative affiliate programs create learning opportunities for students through connections with local businesses, in alignment with the Foundation’s vision and […]

Uncommon Leader Impact Award The Uncommon Leader Impact Award recognizes non-C-suite employees at 501(c)(3) public charities who drive meaningful impact through their work aligned with the Kauffman Foundation’s mission to advance economic mobility, exemplify the core values of our founder, Ewing Marion Kauffman, and demonstrate significant contributions to the Kansas City region. The 12 semifinalists for the […]