Project Grants (Entrepreneurship focus)

Project Grants (Entrepreneurship focus) is sponsored by Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation's Project Grant opportunities are designed to drive impact around equitable economic mobility, with a focus on entrepreneurship. They encourage proposals that bring together diverse partners to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem, particularly for underrepresented idea-stage or early-stage entrepreneurs.

Submissions that include at least two collaborators (including a financial institution and an entrepreneur support organization) will be especially prioritized. Projects should focus on scaling proven approaches in the Kansas City region and/or launching new, promising approaches that have shown success in peer cities.

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 . 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 approaches that have shown success in peer cities.

Review the Indirect Cost Rate Policy > Learn about the latest cohort of Project grants funded > Funding amount: $250,000 or more, per year, multi-year Funding disbursement cycle: once annually For the fall 2025 cycle, we are especially interested in pilots, programs, or new approaches to systems-level challenges that are grounded in collaboration and community-driven impact.

We will consider all proposals, but will prioritize proposals that advance our goals in the following strategic areas: College access and completion We encourage proposals that implement evidence-based strategies to increase postsecondary credential attainment and facilitate career-aligned transitions.

Competitive applications will: Deliver activities focused on students earning a postsecondary credential and successfully entering career pathways. Reduce structural and financial barriers to college degree or credential completion. Leverage partnerships across educational institutions, systems, and community programs.

We encourage proposals that bring together diverse partners to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem, particularly for underrepresented idea-stage or early-stage entrepreneurs. Submissions that include at least two collaborators (including a financial institution and an entrepreneur support organization) will be especially prioritized . Competitive applications will: Demonstrate a strong, strategic partnership between organizations.

Focus on expanding capital access and closing knowledge gaps for underrepresented entrepreneurs. Address both systemic and immediate barriers in the startup landscape. Workforce and career development We encourage proposals that lead with evidence of employer demand and are rooted in strong industry partnerships, with a particular focus on the placement, retention, and/or advancement of jobseekers in their careers.

Competitive applications will: Provide support for individuals at all stages of the career journey with emphasis on career retention and advancement. Emphasize job placement into high-quality, stable employment. Demonstrate clear regional demand and alignment with existing workforce strategies to avoid duplication.