How we fund

Submit an idea

We are open to new ideas and innovative project submissions at any time throughout the year. Please keep in mind, although your project may appear to fall under our grant funding priorities, funding for requests is limited. While not affiliated with the Kauffman Foundation, our list of Other Grantseeker Resources for individuals and organizations may provide additional guidance and options for funding of your project.

The Kauffman Foundation does not have proposal deadlines or established maximum and minimum dollar amounts. Grant amounts vary depending on the scope of the specific project and the size of the organization. We are grateful for the hard work and passion you put into your work. Because of that, we try our best to review every idea we receive within 30 days and get back to you. However, we do receive a lot of strong applications. Please know that, as much as we would like to, we simply can not respond to every submission personally.

Request for proposals (RFPs)

Periodically, requests for proposals (RFPs) may be issued to invite qualified organizations who meet specialized criteria for a grant. Within a structured set of terms and conditions, each RFP features distinct requirements for a limited time with specific deadlines. The competitive process is designed to identify and advance uncommon approaches to support social progress and well-being. Visit our RFP Portal for more information.

What we don’t fund

• Institutions that discriminate on the basis of race, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability or sexual orientation in policy or in practice.
• Programs in furtherance of sectarian religious activities, impermissible lobbying, legislative or political activities.
• Requests from individuals, political, social or fraternal organizations.
• Fund endowments, special events, arts or international programs.
• Loans, startup expenses, or seed-capital funding for private businesses or scholarships requested by individuals.
• Medical research, profit-making enterprises or programs targeted for people with a specific physical, medical or psychological condition.

Our list of Other Grantseeker Resources for individuals and organizations may provide additional guidance and options for funding of your project.