Kauffman Foundation Project grants awarded to advance education, workforce, and entrepreneurship initiatives
The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation awarded Project grants to 27 organizations that have the potential to close economic mobility gaps in the Kansas City region. Project grants represent more than $32 million in total funding being disbursed during the next three years.
This funding was highly competitive with more than 250 organizations applying for the funding and 25% advancing from the letter of interest (LOI) stage to the full application stage; ultimately, 10% of those were selected for funding. Those that advanced are especially focused on unique approaches to advancing economic mobility in Kansas City.
'This funding acknowledges the importance of bold, strategic efforts,' said DeAngela Burns-Wallace, Ed.D., president and CEO of the Kauffman Foundation. 'Project grants allow organizations to pilot new ideas, scale proven models, and create momentum around programs that support long-term community transformation. They serve as catalytic investments – fueling innovation, fostering collaboration, and amplifying the impact of initiatives that are deeply rooted in the needs and strengths of the communities they serve.'
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Meet the inaugural Project grantees
Accelerator for America: Project connects workforce and training providers in the skilled trades industry in the KC region.
The Aspen Institute: Project helps emerging KC leaders build civil discourse skills through connection and cultural exchange.
Beacon Media, Inc.: Project creates a hub on Documenters.org, automated uploads of public meeting data, and training for local editorial staff.
CHWC, Inc.: Project creates a Small Contractor Loan Program for small contracting companies in Wyandotte County.
Community Capital Fund: Project funds an intermediary to strengthen nonprofits driving economic mobility in the KC region.
ConnectED: National Center for College and Career: Project ensures equitable access to high-quality college and career learning in North KC schools.
Credit & Homeownership Empowerment Services: Project expands Porterhouse KC's 811 retail incubator program to reach unmet demand.
The Curators of the University of Missouri (KC STEM Alliance): Project funds KC STEM Alliance career preparation activities.
El Centro, Inc.: Project supports expansion of the Economic Empowerment program serving digital literacy, GED classes, and business support.
Generating Income for Tomorrow: Project expands technical assistance to support 33% more East Side Kansas City business owners than currently served.
Greater Kansas City Community Foundation: Project supports the Hispanic Development Fund's Family College Prep Program and bilingual college advising.
Goodwill of Western Missouri & Eastern Kansas: Project scales adult basic education programming to increase the number of working age adults with a high school diploma.
Literacy Kansas City: Project sustains and expands adult education and literacy (AEL) programs.
Kansas State University: Project expands the Kansas State College Advising Corps program to 12 KC area schools.
Keystone Community Corporation: Project implements and scales programming to remove barriers for underrepresented groups and reduce fragmentation within the innovation-led startup ecosystem.
The Metropolitan Community College Foundation: Project launches a Diesel Technology Degree in the Fall of 2026.
Mid-Continent Public Library: Project supports expansion of the existing Excel Adult High School program, focused on library patrons interested in starting businesses and those interested in pursuing better career options.
Operation Breakthrough, Inc.: Project scales and expands youth career and entrepreneurship programs.
Ownership Works, Inc.: Project expands a new national model that will increase employee-owned businesses and create wealth for employees with potential for impact in KC.
Partnership for Regional Educational Preparation – Kansas City, Inc. (Prep KC): Project expands in-school college access and exposure programs starting as early as elementary school.
Per Scholas, Inc.: Project provides nationally recognized IT skills training, professional development, and employment support to students in the KC region.
Show Me the World Project: Project expands its youth global education, international travel, entrepreneurship, and STEM learning to the Kansas City Public Schools.
Truman Heritage Habitat for Humanity: Project will give construction entrepreneurs a pathway to economic mobility by improving access to work on public construction contracts.
TNTP, Inc.: Project seeks to increase the post-secondary readiness of a focus cohort of approximately 1,000 students entering four KCKPS middle schools next year through their 11th grade year.
University of Kansas Center for Research, Inc.: Project elevates a university-community partnership model providing career readiness technology education for justice-impacted women in the greater Kansas City area.
Western Governors University: Project supports the development of community-led nursing pathways through a unique one-year Bachelor of Nursing program for RNs who do not currently hold nursing degrees.
Youth Ambassadors, Inc.: Projects prepares youth ages 14-18 with career skills through ACT WorkKeys Assessments and programming.
The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation is a private, nonpartisan foundation that provides access to opportunities that help people achieve financial stability, upward mobility, and economic prosperity – regardless of race, gender, or geography. The Kansas City, Missouri-based foundation uses its grantmaking, research, programs, and initiatives to support the start and growth of new businesses, a more prepared workforce, and stronger communities.
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