Funding Stories

Great Jobs KC awarded $3.8M+ Patterson grant to expand rural workforce training into Kansas, Missouri 

A three-year grant from the Patterson Family Foundation is expected to help Great Jobs KC bring life-changing training and wraparound support services to workers in rural counties on both sides of the state line, said Earl Martin Phalen. 

Techstars prescribes $220K investment, credibility boost for KC healthtech startup 

“It’s a point of validation that somebody else thinks highly enough of the vision we’ve set,” said Dr. Brandy Archie. “We think we can grow to be a force and make a big change in the world, and they back that with dollars and see that possibility.”

Just funded: Meet 6 new Sandbox startups poised to impact digital health, AI innovation

A fresh round of novel technology concepts — ranging from deterring AI-powered surveillance to supporting families raising autistic children — are among the latest to earn proof-of-concept backing from Digital Sandbox KC.

KC GIFT pitch competition winner smiling on stage, celebrating innovation and teamwork.

Winning chemistry: KC GIFT pitch competition rewards joy on stage, work behind the scenes

Earning a $30,000 grand prize over the weekend closed out a six-week process for LaToya Ebony Sirls and other founders who were pushed to refine not just how they present, but how they build.

Woman smiling at a conference, representing Kauffman-funded entrepreneurial projects.

Kauffman funds 46 more project, research grants; many boosting early entrepreneurship 

The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation recently announced its latest tranche grantees, investing in community-centered solutions that dovetail with its strategic focus on college access and completion, workforce and career development, and entrepreneurship.