EZ Innovation Employment Grant Program

Posted by Kessler Foundation on January 30, 2017

Kessler Foundation Accepting Ideas for EZ Innovation Employment Grant Program

The Kessler Foundation is a public charity dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals with disabilities.

To advance this mission, the foundation is inviting ideas for its new EZ Innovation Employment Grants Program, which supports non-traditional solutions that increase employment and career outcomes for New Jersey citizens with disabilities.

Grants of up to $100,000 will be awarded to New Jersey-based organizations to support new pilot initiatives, demonstration projects, or social ventures. These solutions must aim to improve the employment landscape and lead to full-time or part-time employment that provides independence and economic self-sufficiency, important factors toward living a purposeful life. The foundation encourages disability organizations working in employment to forge new collaborative relationships with economic development, corporate, and private groups working to build inclusive, sustainable, and viable communities. All funded organizations will be required to work in partnership with the New Jersey Public Workforce system. Funded projects with high impact and successful outcomes may become eligible for additional funding to expand and scale the pilot.

Any organization that serves New Jersey residents and is recognized as a tax-exempt entity under 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. Applications will be accepted from non-New Jersey-based groups as long as the proposed grant project is based in in New Jersey and serves it residents. In addition, applicant organizations must have operating budgets greater than $1.5 million.

Organizations approved for funding must obtain matching funds equal to 15 percent of the Kessler Foundation grant. Funds must be newly acquired and available for the grant project. Federal or state funds reimbursable for job placement are not eligible as a match source.

Ideas must be submitted no later than February 24, 2017. Upon review, selected applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal by Apri 21, 2017.

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

DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 24, 2017 (IDEA SUBMISSION)

https://kesslerfoundation.org/grantprograms/community-employment-ez-innovation-grant-ezceg