Kessler Foundation’s Signature Employment Grants Program to increase Employment Outcomes for Individuals with Disabilities in U.S.

Deadline: 22 February 2019

Applications are open for Kessler Foundation awards Signature Employment Grants yearly to support non-traditional solutions that increase employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities.

Signature Employment Grants are awarded nationally to fund new pilot initiatives, demonstration projects, or social ventures that lead to the generation of new ideas to solve the high unemployment and underemployment of individuals with disabilities. Preference is given for interventions that overcome specific employment barriers related to long-term dependence on public assistance or advance competitive employment in a cost-effective manner. Signature Grants are not intended to fund project expansions or bring proven projects to new communities, unless there is a significant scale, scope, or replicable component. Innovation lies at the core of all Signature Employment Grants.

What they Value

They are looking for organizations that use bold ideas and innovation for pilots and new employment models with potential for adaptation by public and private institutions to change today’s job market for Americans with disabilities. Collaborating, braiding or leveraging grant funding with other public and private monies, especially sources not typically funding disability, e.g., community or economic development funds, is encouraged. Organizations must be able to transform concepts or ideas into action, using new solutions for current problems, in the communities served. All funded projects will be data driven, evidenced based projects, with real-time feedback to refine systems and processes.

Funding Amount

Organizations may apply for up to two years of funding. Yearly funding ranges from $100,000 – $250,000, with maximum project funding at $500,000. Total funds available for this RFP is $1,500,000. Applicant organizations must have operating budgets greater than $3,000,000. This is a requirement to ensure that grantee is not solely dependent on Kessler Foundation funds as a significant portion of operating budget. Indirect costs are funded up to 15 percent.

Eligibility Criteria

Any organization recognized as a tax-exempt entity according to the Internal Revenue Code may apply for funding. This includes non-profit agencies, public or private schools, and public institutions, such as universities and governmental entities (state, local, federal) based in the United States or any of its territories.
They do not fund outside the United States. Kessler Foundation will not fund projects that discriminate in hiring staff or providing services on basis of race, gender, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, age, or national origin.
Organizations employing a large number of staff members self-identifying as having a disability will be scored higher. A proven track record managing and participating in collaborative grant projects is also desirable.

Key Dates