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.
Founder and Editor-in-Chief of the Black Wall Street Times, Nehemiah D. Frank, writes that access and equitable investment are critical to addressing the widening racial wealth gap.
REPORTThe Changing Diversity of New Entrepreneurs in the United States.
REPORTStrengthening Knowledge Creation and Research in Entrepreneurship: Inclusion Matters.
REPORTWho is the Entrepreneur? Race and Ethnicity, Age, and Immigration Trends Among New Entrepreneurs in the United States.
In this Q&A, Andre Perry dives into the American problem of devaluation and suppression of Black communities – and how that hurts everyone.
Kansas City needs to invest in, make space for, and give its Black community resources to lead – or my young, diverse generation will take our talent, leadership, and drive to create equitable, anti-racist communities elsewhere.
The Plug founder, Sherrell Dorsey, writes that no one is waiting around for the powers that be to grant access to the resources needed for progress.
In order to have a great America, there must be a great Black America. And to have a great Black America, we’ve got to have great Black businesses.— Ron Busby, Sr.President & CEO, U.S. Black Chambers, Inc.
In order to have a great America, there must be a great Black America. And to have a great Black America, we’ve got to have great Black businesses.
The pandemic dealt Black business owners, specifically, a blow that only magnifies the inequities built into the American economy. Black business owners in Kansas City, like entrepreneurs across the country, are managing the reality of now – and the history that got us here.