From 2005 through 2025, Kessler Foundation invested more than $50 million through its Signature Employment Grants program, helping more than 10,000 people with disabilities prepare for work, build skills, find jobs, and participate more fully in their communities.
To preserve and share what was learned, the white paper, “Analysis of Grant-Funded Disability Employment Programs,” examines successes and implementation challenges from past grant-supported initiatives. These insights may help organizations, funders, employers, and community partners strengthen employment outcomes for people with disabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about Kessler Foundation’s grantmaking program, why it ended, its impact, and where to learn more about our ongoing disability employment research.
No. Kessler Foundation’s grantmaking program concluded at the end of 2025, and the Foundation is no longer accepting employment grant applications. We are grateful to the partners whose work helped expand employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
Kessler Foundation’s grantmaking program ended in December 2025 after more than 20 years of supporting disability employment programs and partnerships that helped people with disabilities prepare for and succeed at work.
From 2005 through 2025, Kessler Foundation invested more than $50 million through its Signature Employment Grants program, helping more than 10,000 people with disabilities prepare for work, build skills, find jobs, and participate more fully in their communities.
The grants supported community-based and national programs focused on job training, career preparation, employer engagement, workplace inclusion, and pathways to competitive employment for people with disabilities.
Kessler Foundation’s white paper, “Analysis of Grant-Funded Disability Employment Programs,” shares lessons from past employment grants, including achievements, implementation challenges, and insights for improving employment outcomes for people with disabilities. Read the White Paper.
Kessler Foundation concluded its grantmaking program to focus resources on Foundation-led rehabilitation research and disability employment research. The Foundation remains committed to advancing knowledge and sharing evidence-informed resources that support people with disabilities.
Today, Kessler Foundation advances employment opportunities for people with disabilities through research, data, and evidence-informed programs. This work includes national disability-focused employment surveys, monthly National Trends in Disability Employment reports, and KF-Stride®, a research-backed program for autistic and neurodiverse youth. Learn more on our Employment Research webpage.
No. Kessler Foundation does not provide direct financial assistance to individuals and did not offer individual grants through this program.
People seeking grant assistance or employment support may wish to contact local disability service organizations, state vocational rehabilitation agencies, independent living centers, or community-based nonprofit organizations. Visit our Disability Resources webpage for more information.
For general questions about Kessler Foundation and its mission to create change for people with disabilities, visit our About Us webpage or email [email protected].
