COMMUNITY EMPLOYMENT GRANT PROGRAM

Kessler Foundation's Community Employment Grant Program focuses on increasing employment and career opportunities for individuals with mobility and/or physical disabilities in New Jersey.

Rates of unemployment and underemployment are unacceptably high among people with disabilities. With training and support, many people can find meaningful employment and reap the benefits of greater independence and self-esteem. Our Community Employment Grant Program supports projects, programs, capacity building, pilot initiatives, and creative solutions that focus on job placement, education, training and retention for New Jersey citizens with disabilities.

2010 Grant Application Deadline

April 2, 2010 at 5 p.m. Eastern Time.
Click here to apply

Download Community Employment Budget Form (PDF)
Download Program Development Form (PDF)

Our Process

Application to the Community Employment Grant program begins with an online proposal submission. Grant proposals are screened and reviewed by Kessler staff and grants committee. All grant applications recommended for funding are subsequently approved by Kessler Board of Trustees.

Who Can Apply

Nonprofit organizations serving New Jersey residents that are tax-exempt according to the Internal Revenue Code may apply for funding. This includes nonprofit organizations, public/private schools and public institutions. We will accept applications from non-NJ based groups as long as the proposed grant projects are based in NJ and serve NJ residents.
Any organization awarded a Community Employment Grant for the past three (3) consecutive years is not eligible to apply for this program.
Kessler Foundation will not fund projects that discriminate in hiring staff or providing services on basis of race, gender, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, age, or national origin.

Geographic Focus

Our primary target service area is New Jersey for this program.

What We Fund

The purpose of Community Employment Grants is to increase employment opportunities and career advancement for individuals with mobility and/or cognitive impairments primarily from neurological disabilities such as spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, stroke, multiple sclerosis or chronic musculoskeletal disorders. Some areas of interest are transition to work for youth and adults, employment-related transportation issues, vocational training and workplace preparation, and strategies to support recruitment, hiring, placement and retention. Other related projects or programs may be considered and/or funded at the discretion of our Trustees.
It is very important to have a plan for sustaining a funded project beyond the grant period if the proposed project will be ongoing. Additionally, Kessler is interested in knowing how the grant will be judged effective at the end of the grant period.

Grant Duration and Amount

Community Employment Grants are awarded for one year. Funding ranges from $25,000 - $50,000. Beginning in 2010, organizations may apply for indirect cost expenses up to 8% in their project budgets.

Target Population

A priority is placed on programs serving individuals with mobility and/or cognitive impairment primarily from neurological disorders (at least 65% of the target population) such as, but not limited to, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, stroke, cerebral palsy, and spina bifida.

How To Apply

After determining whether your organization fits Kessler Foundation grant guidelines, we invite you to submit your application online by April 2, 2010 at 5 p.m. Eastern Time. The application can be accessed at:
https://www.GrantRequest.com/SID_972?SA=SNA&FID=35008

Grant Limitations

The Community Employment Grant Program does not support:

• Grants to individuals
• Grants to underwrite fundraising events, such as benefits, dinners or theater events, ticket purchases, advertising, etc.
• Endowment campaigns
• Scholarship funds
• Deficit reduction or loans
• International organizations or causes

We only accept online submissions for Community Employment Grants.
For more information or questions, please email us at KFgrantprogram@KesslerFoundation.org