Kenneth King Foundation: Removing Barriers to Employment Grant

Kenneth King Foundation: Removing Barriers to Employment Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Kenneth King Foundation
Amount: US $5,000 - US $20,000
Last Updated: January 21, 2026

Summary

The Kenneth King Foundation's Removing Barriers to Employment Grant aims to enhance job creation and entrepreneurship in Colorado. With a focus on individuals facing economic challenges, this grant supports programs providing essential services like financial assistance and job training. Organizations must demonstrate a proven track record in fostering job placements with livable wages. Average grants range from $5,000 to $20,000, promoting sustainable growth and self-sufficiency within the community.

Overview

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 Programs placing individuals in jobs with living wages Apprenticeship programs Job training through social enterprise Jobs created through social enterprises or for-profit companies Financial literacy training, adult education Workforce development Removing Barriers to Employment Grant Programs promoting job creating and entrepreneurship represent 25% of the Foundation's giving. Criteria for strong proposals Wraparound services that support people including services such as emergency financial assistance, food, childcare, transportation, work clothes etc. Navigation through health care, adult education, food assistance, rental assistance/housing to increase stability. Programs must be directly connected to training and employment opportunities through partnerships or within the organization. Focus Populations Individuals experiencing homelessness Low-income single parents Low-income individuals and families Low-income individuals and families from rural communities Justice involved individuals People with disabilities Funding An average grant is between $5,000 and $20,000.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. 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 Programs must improve earning potential and quality of life Alignment with the Foundation’s four focus areas 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.