What We Fund
Overview
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
Each application cycle is 18 months. The grant report is due 12 months after the grant is approved/issued, and will become the application for the next cycle.
There are 2 cycles each year: one in the spring and one in the fall.
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 organization
Criteria 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
FAQ
Can I apply for a grant through a fiscal sponsor?
Typically, the Foundation only supports organizations with a 501(c)3 in the name of the organization applying for the funds.
When are your deadlines?
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. March 1 for Basic Human Needs that remove barriers to employment (invitations sent January 2, 2021) and August 1 for Entrepreneurship & Jobs Programs (invitations generally no later than June 30, 2021). From time to time, deadlines change, the web site will always have the most up-to-date grant proposal deadlines.
How long is the review process?
Generally, decisions for application are communicated to grantees and partners 90 days after the grant proposal deadline.
Do you accept requests for operating, capital or program support?
The foundation does not accept capital requests but supports general operating or program/project requests that fall within our funding areas.
Do you accept the Colorado Common Grant Application?
Our application is based on the Colorado Common Grant Application, with a few custom questions added based on our different funding areas.
How much can we ask for in grants or PRI’s?
The Foundations supports grants and PRI’s ranging from $10,000 – $200,000. An average grant is between $5,000 and $20,000. PRIs tend to range from $50,000-$200,000.
How do I know if a PRI is more beneficial to my organization than a grant?
Program-related investments (PRIs) are equity investments or loans to organizations. The terms and structure of PRI’s vary depending on the need and type of organization. The Foundation typically invests in entrepreneurship/job creating programs that have a reliable stream of income to service the loans and/or take on equity investment, however all other programs that meet the criteria for our focus areas could be considered. Click here to learn more about our current program related investments. The Foundation accepts PRI applications on a rolling basis throughout the year.
What is the timeline for approving a PRI?
There are no Program Related Investment Application deadlines. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. The best first step is to schedule an informational phone call with Foundation staff.
What programs do you typically support with PRIs?
We typically invest in entrepreneurship/job creating programs that have a reliable stream of income to service the loans and/or take on equity investment, however the foundation is open to all programs that meet the criteria for our focus areas, including bridge debt for capital campaigns, secured by future grants.