Signature Employment Grants

[from Philanthropy News Digest] The Kessler Foundation in West Orange, New Jersey, has announced 2011 grants totaling $2.7 million to thirty-eight organizations in five states working to advance employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

Through its Signature Employment Grants program, which supports non-traditional ventures that increase employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities, the foundation awarded more than $1.7 million to five nonprofits and universities working in Alaska, Florida, Hawaii, Massachusetts, and New Jersey, while through its Community Employment Grants program it awarded $688,848 for education, training, and placement programs for people with cognitive and physical disabilities, including veterans. The foundation also awarded fourteenSpecial Initiative grants totaling $138,500 for grassroots projects in the arts, sports, and education fields, and in support of initiatives that promote awareness and acceptance of people with disabilities.

For a complete list of the foundation's 2011 grantees, visit the Kessler Foundation Web site.

“Kessler Foundation Announces $2.7 Million in Grants to Increase Employment for People With Disabilities.” Kessler Foundation Press Release 1/23/12.

NOTE: Signature Employment Grants are now open for concepts -- Deadline is Feb. 3, 2012 with full proposals due on May 25, 2012.