Kauffman’s Currents features stories and insights that underscore the essential role of education and entrepreneurship in empowering all people to shape their futures, create vibrant communities, and grow an inclusive economy.
The Kauffman Foundation focuses on ensuring the Kansas City region’s education and learning opportunities are equitable, real-world relevant, and lead to economically-viable careers.
We seek to support the start and growth of new businesses through programs, policies, and practices that give rise to equitable access to entrepreneurship.
We continue Ewing Kauffman’s legacy by supporting institutions and organizations that eliminate barriers for all people to drive cultural, social, and economic impact in Kansas City.
Learning through measurement and evaluation help us better support programs that improve education, boost entrepreneurship, and help Kansas City thrive.
Associates of the Kauffman Foundation work in partnership with people who share a passion for entrepreneurship and education.
It all starts with access to opportunity for people to improve their lives. Our grantmaking, research, programs, and initiatives support the start and growth of new businesses, a more prepared workforce, and stronger communities.
The Kauffman Foundation Conference Center is a nationally recognized convening site located adjacent to the Foundation offices in Kansas City. This facility welcomes more than 75,000 thought leaders per year.
Our team is made up of connectors and doers who dream big, solve problems together with the communities we serve and take calculated risks to drive results.
The $2 million fund – supported with funding from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation – is expected to launch in March with grants provided over the next three years. Grant amounts range from $5,000 to $50,000, depending on organizational size, operating budgets, and specific needs outlined in grant proposals.
We believe that small, nonprofit organizations within communities of color play a key role in addressing a range of economic, human service, and educational challenges.— Essence YanceyCommunity Impact Director, United Way of Greater Kansas City
We believe that small, nonprofit organizations within communities of color play a key role in addressing a range of economic, human service, and educational challenges.
A regional collaborative that pairs Kansas City students with area businesses for paid professional student experiences is ready to build on the momentum of last summer.
With support from the Kauffman Foundation, DreamSpring will expand access to small business credit among historically marginalized entrepreneurs in KC with loans from $200 to $2 million.
The Kauffman grant funding supports Holy Rosary Credit Union’s new approach to credit scoring that could potentially become a model for other lenders to use to evaluate risk and distribute capital in more equitable ways.
A panel discussion offered insights from local entrepreneurs as well as promising developments in equitable access to financing and technical support needed for entrepreneurs to start and grow businesses in the Kansas City.