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 […]

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 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 […]

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 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 […]

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 […]

Grant opportunities We offer Capacity Building, Collective Impact, Project, and Research grants on a regular grant cycle. Key dates & funding amounts Our grant types will be offered on this cycle: STATUS* GRANT TYPE AMOUNT OPEN DATE CLOSE DATE DISBURSEMENT FREQUENCY ● CAPACITY BUILDING $100,000 – $250,000 Summer 2026 2026 2026 once annually ● COLLECTIVE […]

Attend a grantmaking webinar We want to provide clear and concise information about our funding opportunities. Our optional grantmaking webinars provide a space for the community to hear directly from Kauffman Foundation leadership about this strategy and to ask questions. Over the past year, we have held several webinars speaking to our new grant cycles. […]