$32 million from Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation 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 dispersed during the next three years.

Project grants allow organizations to pilot new ideas, scale proven models, and create momentum around programs that support long-term community transformation.

The inaugural round of funding is part of the new grantmaking strategy rolled out by the Foundation last spring.

This funding was highly competitive, with more than 250 organizations applying and 25% advancing from the Letter of Interest (LOI) stage to the full application stage; ultimately, 10% of those were selected for funding.

Advanced people primarily focus on unique approaches to advancing economic mobility in Kansas City.

“This funding acknowledges the importance of bold, strategic efforts,” said Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace, 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 deeply rooted in the needs and strengths of the communities they serve.”

Project grant opportunities are designed to drive impact around equitable economic mobility. Funded organizations are expected to design and implement or scale a multi-year project aligned with the Foundation’s strategic priorities, focusing on scaling existing approaches in the Kansas City region or launching new approaches with a strong research basis or success in peer cities.

“What inspires me most about these organizations is their relentless commitment to innovation and equity,” said Allison Greenwood Bajracharya, chief impact and strategy officer of the Kauffman Foundation.

“Rather than being defined by the challenges Kansas City faces, they’re defining what is possible—building on the brilliance and resilience already present in our communities to create lasting, transformative change.”