Innovation in Economic Opportunity Grant

The Patterson Family Foundation’s Innovation in Economic Opportunity grant is part of a broader suite of open call grant opportunities designed to strengthen rural communities in Kansas and western Missouri. Rooted in a commitment to increasing equitable access to jobs, wealth-building, and long-term economic prosperity, this funding opportunity emphasizes community-driven approaches to solving deeply rooted systemic and structural barriers. The foundation itself is a private philanthropic organization headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, with a regional focus on counties that fall within its catchment area—particularly those with populations under 50,000 residents. This geographic targeting ensures that funding reaches communities with fewer resources and significant potential for transformational change. This specific grant opportunity seeks proposals that advance innovative solutions to economic challenges faced by rural communities. The foundation encourages applicants to think creatively and holistically about economic mobility. Projects might include, but are not limited to, rural job placement strategies, regional innovation hubs, industry diversification initiatives, and models that integrate childcare into economic development. A key emphasis is placed on both creativity and practicality—solutions must be rooted in the unique contexts of rural regions while demonstrating strong potential for sustainability, measurable impact, and replicability across other communities. Applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, public school districts, government entities, or have a fiscal sponsor that qualifies under these categories. Furthermore, they must be based in or directly serve a county within the foundation’s defined catchment area. A detailed catchment map provided by the foundation includes eligible counties in Kansas and western Missouri. Proposals from outside these regions will not be considered, and applicants are encouraged to consult the foundation's materials or reach out directly if they are unsure about eligibility. The application process is multi-staged, beginning with registration through the Patterson Family Foundation's grants portal. Once registered, organizations submit a Letter of Intent (LOI), which serves as a preliminary screening. Only applicants whose LOIs align with the foundation's goals will be invited to submit a full proposal, which must include a project plan, budget, and relevant documentation. The foundation emphasizes the importance of planning and encourages early submission due to strict deadlines. Late or incomplete submissions are not accepted. In 2026, the grant operates on a two-cycle calendar. For Round 1, registration opens January 12, LOIs are due by February 18, and full applications by April 3. For Round 2, LOIs are due by May 13, and final applications are due by June 29. All deadlines close at 12:00 PM CST on the specified dates. Applicants are informed of funding decisions by June and September for Rounds 1 and 2, respectively, with disbursements following in July and October. The foundation reviews applications based on impact potential, alignment with rural economic priorities, feasibility, and evidence of long-term sustainability. To ensure competitiveness, the foundation gives preference to projects that can demonstrate at least 25% of the total project budget has been secured from other sources and those that include a strong evaluation framework. Contact support is available through the foundation’s Grants Portal or its general contact page, with technical assistance provided throughout the submission process. This grant is designed not only to fund projects but to seed scalable innovation across rural economic ecosystems.

Applicants should secure 25% of total project budget and demonstrate clear sustainability and replication potential.