About Us
Mission
The Greater Kansas City Community Foundation is a public charity under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3). Its mission is to improve the quality of life in Greater Kansas City by increasing charitable giving, connecting donors to community needs they care about, and leading on critical community issues.
Vision
Community dreams fulfilled through the power of philanthropy.
Commitment to Diversity
As the community's foundation, we are committed to promoting equity and inclusion throughout the region we serve, and it is our obligation to model diversity and focus the community conversation on racial equity.
Our Values
- Integrity. We conduct our work in an honest and transparent manner, holding ourselves accountable to our commitments and for our words and actions.
- Respect. We value each person as an individual, embracing inclusion and diversity. We always ask "What's important to you?"
- Passion. We believe in the mission of the Foundation. That belief translates into compassion for people and a commitment to our work.
- Innovation. We seek new ideas and approach our work with flexibility, urgency, enthusiasm, and an entrepreneurial spirit.
History and Today
The seven founders of the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation passed a hat in 1978, collecting $200 and some change. The Community Foundation was thus begun with an extraordinary idea: Charitable giving should be the responsibility of many, not just a select few. Driven to improve the metropolitan area, the Community Foundation has grown to become one of the largest and most entrepreneurial public charities of its kind.
The Community Foundation, including its six affiliates within the Greater Kansas City region, is recognized as a national leader in making sure every philanthropic investment returns the greatest emotional, civic and financial benefit possible. We ask every donor, community leader and nonprofit organization, "What's important to you?"
Today the Community Foundation
- Manages almost $1 billion in assets
- Houses more than 3,000 charitable funds established by individuals, families and businesses to support the charitable causes that are important to them
- Has provided more than $1.5 billion in grants since its inception
By partnering with the Community Foundation, donors receive the simplicity and tax advantages of a public charity combined with the personal recognition, involvement and flexibility of a private foundation. Donors also gain access to the highest level of strategic thinking on ways to meet community challenges.
The Greater Kansas City Community Foundation has met the National Standards for operational quality, donor service and accountability in the community foundation sector. The Community Foundation is in compliance with the National Standards of U.S. Community Foundations Program administered by the Council on Foundations, a membership body of more than 2,000 grantmaking foundations and giving programs worldwide. This affirms our commitment to financial security, transparency and accountability.