Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation

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Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation We work with communities to champion uncommon solutions that empower people to shape their futures and to be successful. House Rules: http://bit.ly/2IESaqB
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Everything we do is grounded in the generosity and love for Kansas City that Mr. Kauffman infused into the heart of our mission. Our vision, strategy, and partnerships embody his intent and commitment to the community. That is why we are dedicated to advancing equitable access to opportunity and spurring economic growth. We work in Kansas City, the surrounding states of Missouri and Kansas, and share our learnings nationally. We champion organizations and communities that test innovative solutions and seek to change conditions. Our grantmaking to nonprofit organizations connects students, educators, families, and small business owners with practical solutions and resources to realize their ambitions. As a result, new businesses and a stronger workforce of skilled individuals drive regional economic growth and set us all on a path to greater financial stability, upward mobility, and economic prosperity. We are a private, nonpartisan foundation. Our work is grounded in the principles of racial equity, diversity, and inclusion and is consistent with the aspirations of our founder, Ewing Marion Kauffman. For more information, visit kauffman.org and follow the Foundation on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Instagram.

A key component of the archival unboxing of the Foundation's legacy was identifying the six eras and the elements that g...
10/08/2026

A key component of the archival unboxing of the Foundation's legacy was identifying the six eras and the elements that ground them.

Explore those eras on the Legacy website to learn more about the moments and milestones of community-led initiatives driving opportunity in Kansas City since 1966.

https://bit.ly/3VBm9u7

From archived boxes and personal memories to stories we can share with you.Our new Legacy website brings six decades of ...
10/07/2026

From archived boxes and personal memories to stories we can share with you.

Our new Legacy website brings six decades of the Kauffman Foundation’s work to life. Discover how ideas in education, entrepreneurship and civic vitality took shape, and what we can learn from them today.

Honor the past. Learn alongside us.
https://bit.ly/3VywlUa

10/05/2026

This summer, RedTail Academy’s week-long aviation camp ended with a “discovery flight,” which found Nathan Abernathy, 12, stepping out of the flight simulator and into the cockpit of a Piper PA-28-181.

Fellow Red Tail Academy student and licensed pilot, 17-year-old Aiden Ellison, flew Nathan over houses and roads made miniature by the elevation. Then, Nathan took the yoke – steering the plane and holding a potential future in aviation with both hands.

With a Capacity Building grant from the Kauffman Foundation to support sustainable fundraising and revenue streams, Red Tail Academy welcomes young people into the workforce pipeline for high-demand aviation jobs.

The opportunity to introduce young people to aviation is what moved Jeff Bolden, Kerry Gooch, David Toliver, and John Hall to co-found Red Tail Academy in 2020. Its programming creates a pathway into the aviation workforce through exposure, education, and mentorship for local students who might not get the experience otherwise.

Plus, jobs within the aviation workforce are in high demand. The Kansas City region is home to Kansas City International Airport (MCI), Kansas City Downtown Airport - Wheeler Field - MKC, and 17 public and private airports.

Learn more about how Capacity Building funding supports Red Tail Academy’s ability to reduce barriers and expand its reach to bring more students into the aviation workforce pipeline in Kansas City: https://www.kauffman.org/currents/red-tail-academy-aviation-workforce/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=CB_grantee_profiles

10/04/2026

With Heidi Wooten’s story, we close our inaugural Kauffman Uncommon Leader Visionary Award finalist series.

Heidi was one of six leaders named to the award’s first cohort of finalists. Through Safehome, she has helped build a survivor-centered continuum of care where safety can become the foundation for healing, choice and greater independence.

Watch Heidi’s story: https://bit.ly/4AE6OJ6

As this campaign comes to a close, we celebrate all six finalists for showing us that uncommon leadership takes many forms, and that every vision can open new possibilities for our community.

10/02/2026

Kar Woo was one of six leaders named to the inaugural cohort of Kauffman Uncommon Leader Visionary Award finalists,an accomplishment reflecting more than 15 years of service to people experiencing homelessness.

Through Artists Helping The Homeless, Kar begins with each person, listens to their goals and connects them with the community resources that can help them move toward stability and opportunity.

Watch Kar’s story: https://bit.ly/47p1BHK

10/01/2026

Micheal Lawrence was one of six leaders named to the inaugural cohort of Kauffman Uncommon Leader Visionary Award finalists, an accomplishment that reflects more than three decades of service to Kansas City’s young people.

Through Big Brothers Big Sisters Kansas City, Micheal has helped turn mentoring relationships into pathways to career exploration, postsecondary education and greater opportunity.

Watch Micheal’s story: https://bit.ly/4rBAfHH

09/30/2026

Alana Henry of Ivanhoe Neighborhood Council was one of six leaders named to the inaugural cohort of Kauffman Uncommon Leader Visionary Award finalists, an accomplishment that reflects her lasting impact in the Ivanhoe community.

Through food access, housing, community services and resident-led partnerships, Alana is helping neighbors shape and benefit from their community’s future.

Watch Alana’s story: https://bit.ly/4hnaje4

09/29/2026

Brennan Crawford was one of six leaders named to the inaugural cohort of Kauffman Uncommon Leader Visionary Award finalists, an accomplishment that reflects the lasting impact of his work.

Through Build WyCo, Brennan and his team invest in housing, neighborhoods and the people who make them strong, helping create pathways to homeownership, stability and generational wealth.

Watch Brennan’s story: https://bit.ly/4AEGDBY

09/28/2026

You know Tysie McDowell as our inaugural Kauffman Uncommon Leader Visionary Awardee. Now, step inside the work her vision helped build.

Through Crossroads Charter Schools, Tysie and her team have made Kansas City part of the classroom, creating opportunities for students to learn, grow and imagine what is possible for their futures.

See the vision for yourself: https://bit.ly/3VErNeR

Yesterday, there was a deep rumbling in the belly of the morning sun that spawned from something other than the trains g...
09/25/2026

Yesterday, there was a deep rumbling in the belly of the morning sun that spawned from something other than the trains going across the tracks down in the West Bottoms of Kansas City.

This rumbling didn't come to a head with a horn either. It was a combination of anticipation, admiration and joy for the service to the community presented on behalf of the 2026 Kauffman Uncommon Leader Visionary Award Finalists, and the reveal of the awardee.

Today, we have our Visionary Award recipient in Tysie McDowell of Crossroads Charter Schools, but the award breakfast experience stands as a symbol of what's to come as we look forward to future visionary leaders.

Congratulations once again to Tysie and thank you to all of the Visionary Award Finalists for your uncommon visions realized! 💙

Learn more: https://bit.ly/4t7yXUb

Address

4801 Rockhill Road
Kansas City, MO
64110

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+18169321000

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