Why Human Thriving

Mr. Kenan expressed the hope that his Trust’s grantmaking would “result in a substantial benefit to mankind.” While our primary work has been and will remain focused on educational initiatives, the charge to provide a substantial benefit to humankind guides the Trust in regard to what we think of as Human Thriving.

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Our Work in Human Thriving

We seek projects in our Human Thriving program that empower individuals to reach their full potential. We fund programs that focus on making it possible for people to become economically mobile, better educated, and that provide access to certain basic needs. Specifically, we are interested in projects that provide:

  • Economic mobility or mentorship for students or early career professionals who otherwise might not have opportunities for career development or advancement
  • Food, shelter, or access to healthcare for individuals and families who otherwise would not have access to these resources

We invest in projects that empower individuals to find sustainable pathways to long-term success for themselves and their families. We prioritize funding projects related to the provision of basic needs for organizations working on a broad scale across a geographic region or state, rather than those with a smaller footprint in a single neighborhood or community.

Grant sizes in this program will vary depending on the size, capacity, and reach of the grantee.

 

Featured Grant in Human Thriving: The Opportunity Network

A cohort of diverse students who were selected as Fellows of The Opportunity Network
Photo courtesy of The Opportunity Network

The Kenan Trust provided support for OppNet’s founding Fellows program, which provides individualized support for public school students from all five NYC boroughs. The goal is that the OppNet Fellows, as college graduates, are well equipped to leverage their networks and secure jobs aligned with their skills and passions.

 

Featured Grant in Human Thriving: Alliance Medical Ministry

A team member of the Alliance Medical Ministry explaining to a client how to improve overall health and well-being
Photo courtesy of Alliance Medical Ministry

The Trust funded partial salaries over a two-year period for AMM’s Integrated Support Team, helping ensure AMM’s sustainability and ability to expand its impact and reach. The Support Team works with AMM primary and specialty-care providers to improve overall health and well-being for low income, uninsured Wake County adults.

Explore Our Grant Process

Our grants are by invitation only and are awarded by our Trustees. We invite you to explore our grantmaking process, grantmaking calendar, and other FAQs for more information.

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