Kenneth King Foundation: Job Creation & Entrepreneurship Grant

The Kenneth King Foundation's Job Creation & Entrepreneurship Grant focuses on enhancing Coloradoans' earning potential and quality of life by funding programs that create jobs with living wages and support entrepreneurship. With an average grant size between $5,000 and $20,000, the foundation prioritizes organizations that demonstrate a proven track record in job creation and skills development. Ideal applicants are 501(c)(3) organizations based in Colorado, targeting low-income individuals, women, and communities of color.

NOTE:
The Pre-Proposal deadline represents the chance to schedule an informational call.The Kenneth King Foundation accepts funding applications by invitation only. Invitations to apply for funding are e-mailed to mission-aligned organizations throughout the year, generally no later than 45 days before the grant proposal deadline.
Overview
The Foundation is interested in grants and Program Related Investments that advance Coloradoan’s ability to improve earning potential and quality of life. The Foundations places premium on programs that have a proven track record in creating jobs with livable wages / pathways to self-sufficiency / wealth creation and entrepreneurship opportunities / growth. Giving areas include Entrepreneurship and Job Creation programs (50% of giving), Barriers to Employment (25% of giving) and General Purpose Funding (25% of giving). Within our General Purpose portfolio, the Foundation allocates funds towards pre-determined legacy organizations and arts, culture and sciences.
Kenneth King Foundation Focus
Programs developing individuals with increased skills in high-demand fields
Training and support that results in increased entrepreneurial skills and/or new businesses.
Seed capital bundled with support services to help grow small to mid-sized ventures,
jobs created because of new businesses or growth, financial skill building
Job training through social enterprise
Jobs created through social enterprises or for-profit companies
Programs promoting job creating and entrepreneurship represent 50% of the Foundation's giving.
Criteria for strong proposals
Programs developing individuals with increased skills in high-demand fields
Training and support that results in increased entrepreneurial skills and/or new businesses.
Seed capital bundled with support services to help grow small to mid-sized ventures,
jobs created because of new businesses or growth, financial skill building
Job training through social enterprise
Jobs created through social enterprises or for-profit companies
Low -income entrepreneurs
Individuals lacking credit needed to secure traditional loans
Funding
An average grant is between $5,000 and $20,000.

Eligibility

Ideal Grant Seeker:Organization must be a 501(c)(3) with a tax identification number listed in Guidestar
Organization must be based in Colorado, serving Colorado residents
Clearly presented goals, objectives and strategies
Programs must have previous proof of skills resulting in creation of/placement in jobs with livable wages and businesses with growth potentials
Sustainable and diversified funding streams
Organizations must be in operation for at least two consecutive years
Strong, effective and ongoing organization and program evaluation with measurable outputs and outcomes
Utilization of best practices and principles across all levels of the organizationCriteria for Eligibility:A reliable stream of income to service the loans and/or take on equity investment
Measurable social impact is desirable
Proven track record of job creation /provision of entrepreneurship skills and new businesses
Organization must be based in Colorado, not necessarily only serving in Colorado

Ineligibility

The foundation does not accept capital requests but supports general operating or program/project requests that fall within our funding areas.