The Hispanic Development Fund (HDF) is dedicated to improving the quality of life of Latino families in Greater Kansas City. HDF carries out this commitment by engaging the Latino community in philanthropy through grantmaking, scholarship support, and college advising. Since 1983, HDF has granted over $3 million to more than 50 Kansas City Latino-led and -serving nonprofit organizations and over …
Get to Know the Black Community Fund
The Black Community Fund (BCF) is Kansas City’s largest institutional funder wholly dedicated to serving the Black community. Since its founding in 1983, BCF has invested more than $4 million in organizations addressing critical community needs within the Black community. Additionally, BCF is committed to expanding educational access for Black students. In 2023, BCF awarded $176,000 in scholarships to 40 …
Supporting Our Community: KC Strong Fund at United Way of Greater Kansas City
The Kansas City community is grieving after a beautiful day of celebration came to a violent end outside of Union Station. In response to this heartbreaking tragedy, United Way of Greater Kansas City and the Kansas City Chiefs have launched our community’s emergency response fund. Donations will support: Victims and their families Violence prevention and recovery organizations, including mental health …
Over $23 Million Deployed for COVID-19 Response and Recovery
The Kansas City Regional COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund was created in March 2020 to address the needs of the Kansas City region’s most vulnerable communities affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Fund was established by the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation, United Way of Greater Kansas City, LISC Greater Kansas City (Local Initiatives Support Corporation), and the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC). Between …
2024/2025 Scholarship Opportunities Are Now Open
A Note from Rosisella Blakney, Senior Manager, Scholarship & Grantmaking Services: It’s that time again when scholarship opportunities for the next school year open. Every year, I am amazed by our donors’ generosity in providing opportunities for educational advancement for students in Kansas City and beyond. Scholarship support is more important than ever as the cost of post-secondary education increases. …
Planning for 2023 Year-End Giving
It’s giving season! As we approach the end of the year, our team at the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation is all-in to help philanthropists establish new charitable funds, contribute to their funds and process year-end grants to nonprofits. Here are our tips for giving this year-end. Opening a New Charitable Fund at the Community Foundation We’re here to help …
President & CEO Debbie Wilkerson: Making an Impact in Forbes 50 Over 50
President and CEO Debbie Wilkerson’s career journey is a classic Kansas City story. She started at the Community Foundation over 25 years ago, but her connection to the organization extends even beyond that. As a recently announced member of Forbes 50 Over 50, Debbie joins an impressive group of trailblazers who are leading the charge for a better world. Debbie …
Our 2022 Annual Report is Now Available
The Community Foundation is proud to share another record-breaking year for our donors. Through their charitable funds, donors granted over $819 million to the causes they care about nationwide, creating a remarkable impact in all corners of philanthropy. Our 2022 annual report celebrates the achievements of individual, family and corporate charitable giving this past year. Donor-Advised Funds Donor-advised funds are …
Navigating Disaster Relief Philanthropy
In the face of disaster, communities worldwide rely on the generosity and compassion of individuals willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. Disaster relief granting from donor-advised funds plays a critical role in providing immediate and long-term assistance to communities impacted by devastating events. Many often wonder what the disaster relief process looks like and how this …
Fueling Nonprofit Success: The Role of Donor-Advised Funds
Here at the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation, we regularly establish all types of charitable funds for individuals, families, companies and even charities. What’s the most popular charitable vehicle we encounter? It’s easily the donor-advised fund. These funds make up more than half of our assets and the majority of our annual contribution and grant totals. Our donors choose to …