In 2018, individuals, families and companies contributed $427 billion to charities. At a recent Nonprofit Connect event in Kansas City, Dr. Patrick Rooney from Indiana University’s Lilly Family School of Philanthropy presented the Giving USA Annual Report of Philanthropy for the year of 2018. The Giving USA report shows how tax changes in 2017 created three trends in giving: Continued …
At a recent Corporate Giving Network event, representatives from companies around Kansas City were invited to discuss how to create a culture of giving in the workplace. Burns & McDonnell chairman and CEO Ray Kowalik and Foundation director Julee Koncak shared several tried-and-true ways to support philanthropy in the workplace. 1. Empower employee giving. “The power of people being proud …
With more than $150 billion in profits expected next year, human trafficking is the fastest-growing crime in the world. Outperforming Walmart, Exon, Microsoft and Apple’s profits combined, the trafficking industry has unquestionably reached epidemic proportions. At a recent Donor-to-Donor event, Greater Kansas City Community Foundation donors were invited to hear from a panel of experts on the changing landscape of …
Earlier this spring, Greater Kansas City Community Foundation donors had the opportunity to go behind the scenes at the Kansas City Urban Youth Academy. With support from Major League Baseball and generous donors, the Academy opened in March of 2018 as one of only eight state-of-the-art facilities in the country focused on empowering youth through baseball and softball. In 2006, …
Founded 20 years ago in 1999, McCownGordon Construction is responsible for the development, planning and building of many construction projects across the country. The 100% employee-owned company focuses on its three core values of integrity, relationships, and performance. McCownGordon partnered with the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation more than a decade ago to establish the McCownGordon Charitable Foundation. Since …
A panel of experts recently joined Greater Kansas City Community Foundation donors and community leaders to discuss the role of philanthropy in Opportunity Zones. Still largely unregulated, Opportunity Zones provide the chance for investment in community development projects in typically disinvested areas. What are Opportunity Zones? Opportunity Zones are designated as economically distressed communities. There are more than 8,700 Opportunity …
With just over 50 employees, Pro Athlete, Inc., an online retailer selling baseball and softball bats and gloves, was recently named a Best Place to Work and one of Kansas City’s healthiest employers by the Kansas City Business Journal. Boasting top-notch facilities and amenities, Pro Athlete offers an employee experience unlike any other. While the benefits and perks make for …
In 1991, Paul Dorrell founded Leopold Gallery to showcase the work of regional artists. After a successful 15 years in the business, Paul felt it was time to start helping others. In 2006, Paul paid a visit to Paseo Academy, a local charter school, and was devastated by what he saw in the art classrooms. “These were intelligent kids making …
Earlier this year, 23 representatives from Kansas City early childhood education organizations gathered together over lunch at the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation to celebrate their work, share their knowledge, and express their gratitude to the Stanley H. Durwood Foundation. The Stanley H. Durwood Foundation, better known simply as the Durwood Foundation, has provided funding to early childhood education programs …
A lesser-known aspect of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provides a tax incentive for investors to invest in designated economically distressed areas across the country, known as Opportunity Zones. Ross Baird, national expert on Opportunity Zones, recently joined Whitney Hosty, Senior Philanthropic Advisor on the Grow Your Giving podcast. They discuss how Opportunity Zones in Kansas City and across …
