Letters of Interest process 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 >
Project grants What were 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. Projects should focus on scaling proven approaches in the Kansas City region and/or launching new, promising […]
Research grants What is the focus for Research grant funding in 2026? The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation invites field-initiated research proposals advancing our understanding of how to expand equitable economic mobility and increase opportunity. We invite proposals driven by questions already at the forefront of your research that follow innovative lines of inquiry and that expand new […]
Capacity Building grants What are Capacity Building grants? Capacity Building grants support an organization’s internal effectiveness, long-term sustainability, and ability to advance its mission. These one-time investments help organizations strengthen the people, systems, strategies, and infrastructure needed to achieve greater impact over time. These grants are intended for organizations that can clearly identify a specific organizational need and […]
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 real world learning officer – educator programming and engagement in Operating Programs for the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. She leads the efforts related to our MVA Educator Network to ensure that teachers have professional development and peer support when implementing Market Value Assets in the classroom. Everett serves as our subject matter expert […]
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.
Taylor Werner, CFA 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 Solissa Franco-McKay is executive director for ProX, an operating program of 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 […]
Awards Uncommon Leader Visionary Award The Uncommon Leader Visionary Award is designed to honor an executive leader from a 501(c)(3) public charity in the Kansas City region who is building an inspiring and impactful legacy within their community, particularly aligned with the Foundation’s mission to advance economic mobility, and who demonstrates significant contributions to the Kansas City […]