Community Employment Grants program for people with disabilities – Apr 18

Posted by Kessler Foundation on March 25, 2025

Kessler Foundation invites applications for Community Employment Grants program

Kessler Foundation grantmaking is grounded in the belief that all people with disabilities have a right to pursue competitive, integrated employment and live with dignity within communities. Inclusion in the workplace is the primary focus of our grant funding, which helps people with disabilities find meaningful work and gain independence.

The foundation invites applications for its Community Employment Grants program, which provides critical funding to organizations that support, train, and place individuals with disabilities in competitive, integrated employment. Since people with disabilities often face higher unemployment rates, lower wages, and increased poverty, meaningful employment offers a path toward greater independence, financial stability, and self-confidence. With proper support and training, individuals can secure sustainable employment and improve their long-term economic outlook.

Grants support an array of programs including transition-to-work for youth and adults, employment-related transportation solutions, vocational training, workplace readiness, strategies to support recruitment, hiring, placement, and retention, and strategies to move individuals from 14(c) employment to competitive, integrated employment settings. Grants ranging from $25,000 to $40,000 will be awarded.

Applications will be accepted from both New Jersey-based and out-of-state groups for projects located in New Jersey that serve local residents. For 2025, the foundation seeks proposals from tax-exempt organizations that service New Jersey counties with some of the lowest employment rates for people with disabilities. These counties are: Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Ocean, Salem, Sussex, and Warren.

Organizations that serve New Jersey residents and are recognized as a tax-exempt entity according to the Internal Revenue Code may apply for funding. This includes nonprofit agencies, public or private schools, and public institutions, such as universities and governmental entities (state, local, federal) based in the U.S. or any of its territories.

For complete program guidelines and application instructions, see the Kessler Foundation website.

Deadline: April 18, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. ET