Kessler Foundation Invites Applications for 2015 Signature Employment Grants

TheKessler Foundationis dedicated to improving the quality of life of people with disabilities through discovery, innovation, demonstration, and the dissemination of results.

To that end, the foundation is inviting concept applications from nonprofit organizations for its annual Signature Employment grants program, which supports pilot initiatives, demonstration projects, and social ventures that lead to the generation of new ideas that address 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, advance competitive employment in a cost-effective manner, or launch a social enterprise or individual entrepreneurship project. Projects must be collaborative, serve a large geographic area, and include multiple funding partners and stakeholders. In addition, initiatives or projects must have the potential for growth, scalability, or replication.

Grants of up to $500,000 over two years will be awarded for qualified pilot projects. Signature grants are not intended to fund project expansions or bring proven projects to new communities. Innovation lies at the core of all signature employment grants.

All interested candidates must submit an online concept application no later than February 13, 2015. Upon review, select candidates will be invited to submit full proposals by June 6, 2015.

Any organization recognized as a tax-exempt entity under the Internal Revenue Code may apply. This includes nonprofit agencies, public and private schools, and public institutions such as universities and government agencies (state, local, federal) based in the United States or any of its territories.

See the Kessler Foundation website for complete program guidelines, information about previous grant recipients, and application instructions.