Kauffman Foundation Research Grants 2025: Apply Now for $150K+ Funding to Advance Equitable Economic Mobility

The Kauffman Foundation is now accepting Letters of Interest (LOIs) for its final round of Research Grants in 2025. With funding starting at $150,000 per year, these grants are designed to support research projects that address systemic barriers to economic mobility and generate insights that can translate into practice and policy.

Grants will support efforts that align with the Foundation’s 2035 strategic vision, focusing on entrepreneurship, college access, workforce development, and the wider goal of expanding equitable economic mobility—particularly in places like Kansas City and other mid-sized U.S. cities.

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Grant Overview

• Funding amount: Minimum of $150,000 per year

• Funding cycle: Annual disbursement

• LOI window: July 8 – August 10, 2025

• Webinar: July 16, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. CST

• Full proposal deadline (by invitation): October 2025

• Award announcements: March 2026

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2025 Focus: Equitable Economic Mobility

The Foundation is seeking projects that explore how to close economic opportunity gaps across race, gender, geography, and generations. With economic mobility in the U.S. declining—and communities of color disproportionately affected—the 2025 grant cycle centers on place-based, system-level research strategies.

Projects must directly address how to promote economic mobility in a sustainable and inclusive way, with strong emphasis on college access, workforce pathways, and entrepreneurship.

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Research Topics of Interest

Some suggested areas for proposals include:

1. Economic Mobility in Critical Sectors

Explore labor shortages and training needs in high-demand sectors. How can marginalized populations be included in workforce planning? What role can local or state initiatives play in improving long-term access to stable jobs?

2. Impact of Emerging Technologies like AI

How can AI help or hinder equitable economic opportunity? What are the risks of bias, and how can community-driven solutions use AI to reduce inequality in the workplace?

3. Data Access & Community Measurement

Public data plays a critical role in understanding neighborhood-level changes. How can applied data science improve access, representation, and utility of datasets for researchers, community leaders, and policymakers?

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Methodologies

Applicants from all disciplinary backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Accepted methods may include:

• Qualitative or quantitative analysis

• Econometric or secondary data analysis

• Policy ecosystem research

• Participatory and engaged community research

• Modeling, simulations, and quasi-experimental designs

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Eligibility & Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

• Clarity and strength of research question

• Alignment with Foundation priorities

• Relevance to Kansas City (or clear parallels to similar contexts)

• Feasibility and expertise of the research team

• Practical application and dissemination potential

• Community engagement and inclusive research practices

Note: Projects conducted outside of Kansas City must explain their relevance to the region’s context or challenges.

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Application Timeline

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Reporting & Evaluation Expectations

Selected grantees will work closely with the Kauffman Foundation’s Research, Learning, and Evaluation (RLE) team to disseminate findings, participate in learning exchanges, and publish research outputs. There is a strong focus on practical translation of results and community impact.

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How to Apply

Submit a Letter of Interest (LOI)

Visit the official portal to check your eligibility and submit your LOI before August 10, 2025.
Check eligibility and apply

For more opportunities, visit opportunitiesforyouth.org.