Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation

There’s something powerful about learning that happens outside of the classroom. Parade of Hearts begins with “150 United” tomorrow when Kansas City becomes a living lesson in creativity, connection, and civic pride. In one space, 150 artist-designed hearts will tell 150 different stories — stories of identity, place, and possibility. At the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, we believe education doesn’t just happen in schools. It happens in communities. It happens when we pause, observe, ask questions, and engage with the world around us. This event is more than an art showcase. It’s an invitation to explore: What does community mean to us? How do we express who we are? In what ways can creativity bring people together? We encourage community leaders, philanthropic associates, educators, families, and lifelong learners to experience Parade of Hearts and begin that conversation. Join Kauffman Foundation associates at our activation and see how art can teach us something new about the place we call home. 🔗 Learn more: https://lnkd.in/e69zACc #KauffmanFDN #KansasCity #CommunityLearning #ParadeOfHearts #150United #HeartOfKC

We continue to celebrate Joel Barrett, sr. business development consultant of @missourisbdcatumkc and a 2025 Kauffman Uncommon Leader Impact Award finalist. Barrett shares his approach to providing equitable access to entrepreneurial resources across the Kansas City region. “My focus is on startups in pre-concept and early-stage businesses. I also lead Joel Speaks Out and the KC Rainbow Tour, partnering with organizations and community leaders to educate and engage audiences in Kansas City’s diverse LGBTQ history,” he said. His commitment to champion difference makers builds collaborative relationships and drives impact in the communities he serves. Inspired by the visionary leadership of our founder, Ewing Marion Kauffman, the Impact Award recognizes everyday Kansas Citians doing extraordinary things to uplift their neighbors and neighborhoods, creating lasting change through bold and compassionate action. LEARN MORE about Joel Barrett and his fellow finalists as they welcome us into their personal stories and meaningful work within #KansasCity communities: https://lnkd.in/gS_ebzjB

The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation is continuing to strengthen its technology leadership with the addition of two new directors: Brian Todd and Jackson A. Winsett MBA, BRMP. Brian will lead enterprise-wide information security, data governance, and IT operations—overseeing everything from cybersecurity to cloud infrastructure. Jackson will focus on aligning technology with business needs, helping teams identify smarter systems and solutions to drive impact. Together, they bring deep expertise that will enhance infrastructure, improve system performance, and strengthen service delivery across the organization. We're excited to see how their leadership will further advance the Foundation’s mission and the role technology plays in driving meaningful outcomes. READ MORE about our new Kauffman associates: https://lnkd.in/gH_fkPPJ #KauffmanFoundation #KauffmanAssociates #TechLeadership #KansasCity

Opening Day in Kansas City represents more than the start of a baseball season—it reflects a long-standing tradition of community, civic pride, and shared optimism. Ewing Marion Kauffman understood the unique role baseball could play in bringing people together and strengthening a city’s identity, which is why in 1968 he became the first owner of the Kansas City Royals. His vision extended well beyond the ballpark though. It was rooted in expanding opportunity and investing in people. At the Kauffman Foundation, we continue that work by supporting entrepreneurs and fostering pathways to economic mobility across our region. As the Kansas City Royals home opener nears, we recognize the enduring impact of that vision—and the collective energy that continues to move Kansas City forward. FIND OUT more about the uncommon ways in which Mr. K changed baseball and gave back to the community: https://lnkd.in/gDDksBnx

In recognition of Women’s History Month, the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation hosted a compelling conversation highlighting women leaders driving innovation and impact across the philanthropic sector. Moderated by Kauffman Foundation President and CEO Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace, the discussion featured: Debbie Wilkerson, Greater Kansas City Community Foundation | Greater Horizons Dr. Marjorie Williams, Sisters Giving Circle Qiana Thomason, Health Forward Foundation Brenda Sharpe, REACH Healthcare Foundation Panelists explored critical topics including advancing philanthropic impact, ensuring long-term sustainability, and the importance of representation in leadership. 💬 “People look to us for the work because we are the faces of trust. Trust is so very important. If people believe they can talk to you … it allows you to build relationships,” Dr. Williams said. “I’m looking at where that person is going to be in five or 10 years from now. What is it that they want to do, and how can I help them on that pathway to having that success?” We’re grateful to all who joined us for this thoughtful exchange and to the leaders who continue to shape stronger, more equitable communities. READ MORE about the discussion: https://lnkd.in/g9M74BWe #WHM2026 #WomensHistoryMonth #WomenLeaders #CommunityImpact #KansasCity #KauffmanFoundation

We’re excited to announce our 2026 Project and Research grantees—an inspiring group of organizations and researchers advancing bold ideas to expand economic opportunity in Kansas City. Through this funding, grantees will explore solutions to some of today’s most pressing challenges—from barriers to entrepreneurship and workforce access to the systems that drive wealth gaps. Together, these efforts will generate new insights, tools, and strategies to help build a more equitable future. At the Kauffman Foundation, we believe research is a powerful catalyst for change—helping communities unlock opportunity and drive lasting economic mobility. Learn more about this year’s grantees: https://lnkd.in/dFFM8G-T #EconomicMobility #ImpactResearch #KauffmanFoundation #KansasCity

Understanding rising costs is essential to expanding economic opportunity. The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation was proud to support the “Why Is Everything So Expensive?” event with American Public Square, bringing together a diverse group of experts. Thank you to the speakers and everyone who joined the conversation at the National WWI Museum and Memorial, especially former board chair, Esther L. George, and our chief research, learning, and evaluation officer, Dr. Yvonne Ferguson. WATCH the full panel discussion: https://lnkd.in/gcHTSVrY #KauffmanFoundation #EMKF #EconomicMobility #EconomicOpportunity #CostOfLiving #KansasCity #KC

We continue to celebrate Kimberly W., program director of Community Health Council of Wyandotte County and a 2025 Kauffman Uncommon Leader Impact Award finalist. Weaver's work is grounded in trust and the idea of giving back. “I believe lasting change starts when communities are trusted to lead their own solution,” she said. As an Impact Award Finalist, Weaver underlines the importance of paving the way for others to follow in her footsteps. Inspired by the visionary leadership of our founder, Ewing Marion Kauffman, the Impact Award recognizes everyday Kansas Citians doing extraordinary things to uplift their neighbors and neighborhoods, creating lasting change through bold and compassionate action. LEARN MORE about Kimberly Weaver and her fellow finalists as they welcome us into their personal stories and meaningful work within #KansasCity communities: https://bit.ly/4urQx6V

We were proud to join the Urban League of Greater Kansas City for the 68th Annual Difference Maker Awards Luncheon & Signature Fireside Chat. Congratulations to Bridgette Williams and Rev. Al Sharpton on being recognized as Difference Makers. We appreciated the insightful conversation featuring Rev. Al Sharpton, moderated by Gwendolyn Grant. We’re honored to celebrate leadership that advances equity, opportunity, and progress in Kansas City. Thank you to everyone who joined the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation's table: Matt Pozel, Donell Hammond, Dr. Nicole Smith, EdD, MBA, Ralvell Rogers II, Tonya Guinn, Dr. Marjorie Williams, Precious Stargell Cushman, NaTika Rowles, Dawn Rattan, Gloria Jackson-Leathers, and Quinton Lucas.

We’re proud to support the continued momentum put in motion at last month’s Real World Learning Conference 2026, which brought hundreds of attendees together across the Kansas City metro and beyond. Can’t wait to build on this progress together at the District Planning Summit on April 16. REGISTER for the District Planning Summit now: https://lnkd.in/gAqs7rGc