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 …
Late in 2023, Merriam-Webster announced that their word of the year was “authentic.” According to Merriam-Webster, the term had an increase in searches “driven by stories and conversations about AI, celebrity culture, identity, and social media.” Perhaps people were inspired to become more authentic because of the significant events and cultural moments that shaped 2023. While we can’t know what …
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. …
When it comes to financial planning, the relationship between wealth advisors and their clients can extend deeper than money. As the architect and partner in your clients’ financial journeys, you can also support your clients’ vision of the future for themselves, their loved ones and their legacies through their philanthropy. One vehicle you can recommend to your clients is a …
If you have recently opened a donor-advised fund at the Community Foundation or are eager to learn more about the opportunities that come with your fund, this blog post is for you! By opening a donor-advised fund, you have unlocked a world of possibilities and advantages that will amplify your philanthropic impact. We like to break down the donor-advised fund process into three simple …
December is often filled with feelings of hope, gratitude and kindness to others. It’s the perfect time to reflect on the role everyone can play in making the world a better place. For us at the Community Foundation, December also means “The Giving Season” is in full swing, which is a time when we help many philanthropists set up new …
Despite a decline in overall charitable giving (according to Giving USA), inflation, and a challenging year for U.S. financial markets, the 2023 Donor-Advised Fund Report compiled by National Philanthropic Trust, shows donor-advised funds continued to be one of the most reliable funding sources for charitable organizations. Grants from donor-advised funds have grown every year since 2009 and more than doubled …
When disaster strikes, many philanthropists ask: How can I help? Senior Philanthropic Advisor Whitney Hosty was joined by Patty McIlreavy, the President and CEO of the Center for Disaster Philanthropy and Suzanne Ehlers, the Executive Director and CEO of USA for UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, to discuss disaster relief giving. Together, they explored philanthropy’s role in supporting communities facing …
How does organizing your company’s giving under one structure promote employee engagement? Employee engagement has become a “buzzword” amidst our current corporate landscape. Now more than ever, companies recognize their role in cultivating a sense of belonging and social impact within their organizations. By creating a corporate foundation, companies can streamline and organize their philanthropic giving, which creates a fulfilling …
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 …
