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 …
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 …
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 …
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. …
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 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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
If you own a private company, you might have a long list of things that keep you up at night. After you tick through budgets, employees, customers and competitors, is your exit strategy at the bottom of the list? If you’re not a late-night worrier, maybe you spend your nights dreaming of retirement, knowing that you’re working hard now to …
