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 pathways follow a regular cadence. Funding for approved applications is typically disbursed within 4-6 months after the application period closes. STATUS* OPEN DATE GRANT PATHWAY AMOUNT CLOSE DATE ● November 2026Previous […]

Watch a grantmaking webinar Our webinar series provides a space for the community to hear directly from Kauffman Foundation leadership about our grant pathways. Watch our Grantmaking playlist on YouTube Ask an Impact Officer Sign up to join us for an upcoming “Ask an Impact Officer” session. Each session in July and August will include […]

Sponsorship guidelines Selection process Ready to start the process? We encourage all applicants to review our strategic priorities, sponsorship guidelines, selection process, and FAQs to learn more before applying. Answer a few questions to help determine if your organization or request meets the requirements for a sponsorship. If you need assistance completing the sponsorship application, please contact us. […]

Our grantmaking approach Over the next 10 years, we are committed to closing economic mobility gaps in Kansas City. Our funding priorities & focus areas Strategic priorities Together with our community, we believe we can shift the landscape in three strategies — college access and completion, workforce and career development, and entrepreneurship — prioritized because […]

Funds disbursed: starts Dec. 13, 2024 Frequency: twice annually Download application preview – for reference only [PDF] >Learn more about Capacity Building grant examples > Capacity Building grants are designed to address explicit organizational capacity needs that would strengthen or scale impact in our focus areas. A strong application will demonstrate how an organization has […]

We found fun problem solving together at TEDxKC.

Diaysha Cole is a program manager – FastTrac in Operating Programs for the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, where she leads curriculum-based program operations to equip aspiring entrepreneurs with the business skills and insights, tools, resources, and peer networks to start and grow successful businesses. She also ensures Kauffman FastTrac® affiliate standards are upheld and assigned […]