Community Employment Grants

Increasing Employment Opportunities in New Jersey

Our Community Employment Grants enable New Jersey organizations to support, train and place people with disabilities in competitive-integrated-employment. Individuals with disabilities are more likely to be unemployed, work fewer hours, earn less and live in poverty. By working full or part-time, often with training and support, many people can find meaningful employment and reap the benefits of greater independence, financial security and self esteem. Having a job creates a sustainable pathway to a better economic future.

What We Fund

We look for projects that increase employment opportunities and career advancement for New Jersey Citizens with disabilities. Grants support a wide array of programs including transition-to-work for youth and adults, employment-related transportation solutions, vocational training, workplace preparation, and strategies to support recruitment, hiring, placement, and retention. Other related programs may be funded at the discretion of our Trustees. Community Employment Grants are awarded for one year. Funding ranges from $25,000 - $40,000. Organizations may apply for indirect cost expenses up to 8% in their project budgets. There is no matching grant requirement.

Who Can Apply

Any organization that serves New Jersey residents and is recognized as a tax-exempt entity according to the Internal Revenue Code may apply for funding. This includes non-profit agencies, public or private schools, and public institutions, such as universities and governmental entities (state, local, federal) based in the United States or any of its territories. Kessler Foundation will not fund projects that discriminate in hiring staff or providing services on basis of race, gender, religion, marital status, sexual orientation or national origin. Organizations employing a large number of staff members self-identifying as having a disability is scored higher.
We accept applications from non-New Jersey based groups for projects based in New Jersey and serving local residents.

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Our Process

Application to our Community Employment Grants program begins with an online application submission. Grant applications are screened and reviewed by staff and Grants Committee. All grants recommended for funding are subsequently approved by our Board of Trustees. Final grant selection is at the discretion of Kessler Foundation. The application process from submission deadline to final approval takes approximately 6 months. All grants are funded at the discretion of Kessler Foundation.