The Zero KC Grant

The Zero KC Grant is an innovative funding opportunity designed to transform how our community addresses homelessness. Unlike traditional grants that support individual programs or organizations, this initiative seeks to build a cohesive, functional system by aligning the efforts of local organizations. Area agencies serving people experiencing homelessness are invited to apply, not just for funding, but to collaborate in creating an interconnected network of services. From outreach and transportation to treatment and permanent housing, the goal is to map applicants’ capabilities and strategically fund those who can contribute to a complete, effective system. Agencies must be open to partnership and flexible in working collaboratively with others to address gaps and achieve a shared vision of ending homelessness. Together, we can shift from isolated efforts to a unified approach that ensures no one is left behind.

Learn more about the Zero KC Grant Application.

Eligibility

1. Who is eligible to apply for this grant?

   Organizations that serve individuals experiencing homelessness or those that contribute to helping someone exit homelessness are encouraged to apply. We understand that moving people out of homelessness requires a wide range of services and interventions—such as transportation, outreach, treatment, shelter, permanent housing, rental assistance, etc. Therefore, we do not expect applicants to present a comprehensive plan.

   For example, if your organization provides transportation services for this population, we will evaluate that activity based on its own merits and how it contributes to the broader system we are building. Each application will be assessed for its unique role in addressing homelessness and its potential to align with and strengthen a coordinated network of services.

2. Are there specific types of organizations, such as 501(c)(3) nonprofits, required?

   No requirements. We are looking for organizations that can help people experiencing homelessness end their homelessness. If you believe your organization can help with that, please apply.

3. Are there restrictions based on location, size, or focus area?

   Funded activities must take place in Kansas City, Missouri.

4. Can newly established nonprofits apply?

   Yes!

Application Process

5. What is the deadline for the application?

   December 15th

6. How do I submit the application (online portal, email, mail)?

   Through the portal link provided

7. Are there specific forms or templates required?

   Follow the prompts within the portal in the link provided.

8. Is a Letter of Intent (LOI) required before submitting a full application?

   No. Just submit your plan. After plans are submitted, the Office of Unhoused Solution will meet with organizations that we believe will give us the best chances for success. It is at that point we ask for necessary documentation related to implementing the plan.

Grant Purpose

9. What types of projects or programs does this grant fund?

   The Zero KC Grant is designed to build a cohesive system to address homelessness by aligning the efforts of local organizations. Rather than funding individual programs, this grant focuses on creating an interconnected network of services, from outreach and transportation to treatment and permanent housing. Applicants must be open to collaboration and willing to work with others to address gaps and strengthen the system.

10. Are there restrictions on how the funds can be used (e.g., salaries, capital projects, operating expenses)?

    No restrictions. If your proposal helps us create a system that delivers people out of homelessness it is eligible. Keep in mind, the people reviewing the grants are experts in homelessness, so whatever is being funded will need thorough explanation in how the project contributes to a system level response.

11. Does this grant support multi-year projects?

    No, this grant does not support multiyear funding.

Funding Details

12. Is there a minimum or maximum grant amount for individual applicants?

    No minimum or maximum

13. Is this a one-time grant, or is it renewable?

    Currently, this is a one-time grant, but the goal is to work to find sustained funding if the system we design is effective at getting people out of homelessness.

Budget

14. Do I need to provide a detailed budget with my application?

    Follow the prompts in the application portal. Basic budget information is desired at this level, and we will ask for more details if your project is being considered.

15. Are matching funds or in-kind contributions required?

    Not required, but it certainly helps. Side note - If we believe your project is great and we can help find matching funds, we would love to work with you! It’s all part of the innovative nature of this grant process.

16. What are allowable and non-allowable expenses under this grant?

    If you believe the expense leads to the outcome of people getting out of homelessness, and we believe it too, it is eligible.

Evaluation and Reporting

17. What are the reporting requirements if we receive funding?

    Not yet, but there will be. We don’t know the nature of the projects yet, so it doesn’t make sense to paint organizations into a corner. We will work with agencies on reporting mechanisms that make sense to the project, with the goal being a system level approach. This will be done together with the organizations being considered.

18. Are there specific metrics or outcomes we need to track?

    See Question 17

19. How frequently will we need to provide updates or reports?

    See Question 17

Selection Process

20. How are applications evaluated, and what criteria are used?

    Questions the review committee will ask while reviewing applications:

    • How does this program/activity/organization result in the person they are serving ending their homelessness?
      
      We are looking to fund programs/organizations that result in a system level response to homelessness. Rather than evaluating “units of service” we will evaluate outcomes. A question we will ask frequently will be, “How does this program/activity/organization result in the person they are serving ending their homelessness?
      
      If what you are seeking funding for is built around delivering “units of service” like handing out hygiene bags or food, and there isn’t a case to be made for getting people out of homelessness, it is unlikely it will be funded.
      
      
    • Do other organizations like working with this organization?
      
      We will evaluate based on your organization’s ability to work together with other agencies. Agencies who are committed to their work without wanting a systems approach, a shared sense of values, and a shared sense of mutual respect will be unsuccessful in seeking funding through Zero KC.
      
      
    • Can this project contribute to a system level approach to solving homelessness?
      
      We will evaluate the capacity of the organization to respond at a system level which means a shared language around the problem and the solution, a shared standard of quality, and data being used as a tool to evaluate system performance rather than nonprofit performance.
      
      
21. Who will review the applications (e.g., staff, external reviewers)?

    Members of the Housing Department, the Office of Unhoused Solutions, and City Manager’s office.

22. Can I receive feedback if my application is not selected?

    Yes

23. Do we need to demonstrate organizational capacity or financial stability?
    To a point. Reviewers of these grants have strong nonprofit backgrounds, so we will work with organizations to understand their financial situation. We recognize nothing in the future is guaranteed (especially in the nonprofit world) and having secure financials for the next few years is hard for any organization.

24. Are partnerships or collaborations required or encouraged?
    Deeply encouraged. We are going to work with agencies to collaborate regardless, so providing a grant that includes collaboration is preferred. Remember, we want to create a system that gets people out of homelessness.

25. Is there a site visit or interview component to the process?
    Yes. This will occur once the applications have been reviewed and funding requests are being considered. Along with a site visit, we will meet about how your application may achieve a better outcomes if we worked with another provider seeking funding to ensure a better system level response. Example: If a DV shelter seeks funding, and a transportation organization seeks funding, we will work with both providers to determine how they might work together to solve similar problems.

Post-Award Questions

26. Are there opportunities for technical assistance or other support beyond funding?
    We are creating a system, so the Office of Unhoused Solutions will work with the agencies awarded to ensure the function of this system. This is certainly require some level of technical assistance that we are excited to provide.