Overview
Supporting all learners to pursue their educational goals is a primary focus at the Kenan Trust. We welcome projects that promote access to education for all individuals at any age and in a variety of settings.
Eligible Project Types
The Kenan Trust will fund projects that promote access to education, including:
- Scholarship programs;
- Support for vocational training and certificate programs;
- Programs designed to expose students to opportunities in post-secondary education or careers; or
- Educational opportunities for non-traditional students, including those involved in the justice system.
Eligible Organizations
The Trust will consider proposals for the types of projects listed above from:
- Colleges and Universities, including Community Colleges and career/vocational certification programs; or
- Nonprofits focused on increasing access to education through programs like those listed above.
The majority of the Trust’s work in this area is focused on post-secondary educational settings. On occasion, the Trust may consider a project in this area with a K-12 partner, however, the Trust does not offer grants for field trips.
Size and Duration of Grants
Grants in this focus area will generally begin at $250,000 and may reach $1,000,000 for larger organizations demonstrating large-scale impact. Grant durations typically range from 1-3 years.
Please note, the grant size and duration listed here are meant as a general guide. A Kenan Grant Officer will work closely with organizations advancing to later stages of our grant process to tailor grant requests if needed.
Featured Grant in Access: Bard College Prison Initiative
The Bard College Prison Initiative (BCPI) is a pioneering program that provides higher education opportunities to incarcerated individuals in New York State. Founded in 2001, the initiative aims to transform the lives of those in prison by offering college-level courses and degree programs, fostering critical thinking, creativity, and personal growth. BCPI operates on the belief that education is a fundamental human right and access to quality education can significantly impact individuals and their communities. In addition to academic courses, BCPI provides support services, including mentorship, tutoring, and resources for successful reintegration into society upon release.
