​The Kessler Foundation is dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with disabilities through discovery, innovation, demonstration, application, and dissemination.

To that end, the foundation is inviting concept applications from nonprofit organizations for its annual Signature Employment grants program, which supports new pilot initiatives, demonstration projects, or social ventures with the potential to generate new i solutions to high unemployment and underemployment among individuals with disabilities.

In 2018, the foundation has a special interest in innovative transportation projects that  help people with disabilities (PWD) seek, obtain, or retain employment. The foundation also is interested in innovative projects that improve employment opportunities and provide jobs for PWD that have been formerly incarcerated or have encountered the criminal justice system. However, all submitted  grant concepts  are eligible for funding.

Grants of up to $500,000 over two years will be awarded for qualified  projects. Signature grants are not intended to fund project expansions or bring proven projects to new communities, and innovation should be the focus of the proposed project

A 15 percent match of the total request amount is required, with the additional percentage  added to the total project budget.

All interested candidates must submit an online concept application no later than February 18, 2018. Upon review, select candidates will be invited to submit a full proposal by June 15, 2018.

Any organization recognized as a tax-exempt under the Internal Revenue Code may apply for funding. This includes nonprofit agencies, public or private schools, and public institutions such as universities and government agencies (state, local, federal) based in the United States or any of its territories.

See the Kessler Foundation website for complete program guidelines, information about previous grant recipients, and application instructions.

Link to Complete RFP