Highlighting 2025 Board of Directors Discretionary Fund Grants

The Greater Kansas City Community Foundation’s Board of Directors is proud to announce the 2025 recipients of grants from the Board Discretionary Fund. This year’s grantmaking strategy builds on recommendations from Restoring America’s Promise – A Roadmap for the Kansas City Metropolitan Region, focusing on three critical areas: affordable housing, workforce preparation, and violence prevention.

With over $2 million available for discretionary grantmaking, the Board approved funding for organizations that are creating pathways to stability and opportunity for individuals and families across our region.

Affordable Housing: Building Stability and Dignity

Safe, quality housing is the foundation for thriving families and communities. Our 2025 grants support organizations that are increasing the supply of affordable housing, providing rental and mortgage assistance, and offering dignified housing solutions for vulnerable populations.

• Build WyCo – $400,000 to stabilize and revitalize Wyandotte County neighborhoods through housing development and quality-of-life initiatives.
• LISC KC – $400,000 to expand affordable housing and preserve long-term affordability in historically disinvested neighborhoods.
• Save, Inc. – $400,000 to provide comprehensive housing solutions for socially and medically disadvantaged individuals.
• KC Footprints – $300,000 to support transitional housing for homeless veterans and individuals in recovery.
• Our Spot KC – $200,000 for rental and mortgage assistance for LGBTQ+ individuals and families.
• Village Initiative – $175,000 to provide transitional housing and reentry support for formerly incarcerated individuals.
• Hillcrest Transitional Housing – $175,000 to assist families facing homelessness through structured transitional housing programs.
• Economic Opportunity Foundation (EOF) – $100,000 for emergency rent and utility assistance.

Workforce Preparation: Opening Doors to Economic Opportunity

Economic mobility begins with access to education, training for high-demand careers and support for small businesses. Our grants in this area support programs that equip individuals with skills for success in technology and other growing industries.

• Cornerstones of Care – $50,000 for Build Trybe, a mentorship-based workforce development program for youth.
• Prospect Business Association – $50,000 to strengthen small businesses and microenterprises through hands-on development and strategic partnerships.
• WeCodeKC – $50,000 to empower youth and young adults with coding, cybersecurity and leadership training.

Cross-Sector Impact: Supporting Housing, Workforce Preparation, and Violence Prevention

Public safety remains a priority for our community. We are supporting an initiative that is addressing housing, workforce preparation and violence prevention in a comprehensive way.

• Community Capital Fund to support SAVE KC – $50,000 for a focused deterrence initiative launched in 2024 to reduce violent crime through targeted enforcement and wraparound social services.

Looking Ahead

These investments reflect our commitment to restoring America’s promise in the Kansas City region by ensuring that every individual has access to safe housing, economic opportunity and a community free from violence. We are grateful to our nonprofit partners for their tireless work and to our Board for their leadership in advancing these priorities.

Authored by: LaVon Colhour, Vice President of Community Engagement