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In Kansas City, organizations are increasing access to funding for nonprofits and breaking down financial barriers for small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs.

A photo of Essence Yancey
RACIAL EQUITY

Nonprofit Catalyst Fund will increase access to funding for vital community organizations

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.


From Startland News >
Nonprofit Catalyst Fund will increase access to funding for vital community organizations

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 Yancey
Community Impact Director, United Way of Greater Kansas City

Two young people sit in front of a shared laptop.
PREPARED WORKFORCE, PREPARED WORKPLACE

ProX has the potential to change lives – and the workforce

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.

ProX has the potential to change lives – and the workforce
Edmond Johnson, chair of the DreamSpring Board of Directors and DreamSpring President and CEO Anne Haines meet with Angela Sham from Royale Ballet Dance Academy in Dallas, TX.
RACIAL EQUITY

Filling the funding gap: Another CDFI invests in Kansas City entrepreneurs

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.

Filling the funding gap: Another CDFI invests in Kansas City entrepreneurs

A group of people at Holy Rosary Credit Union in conversation around a conference table
CAPITAL ACCESS

Kauffman funds help Holy Rosary pilot new lending model to boost equitable access to capital

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.


From Startland News >
Kauffman funds help Holy Rosary pilot new lending model to boost equitable access to capital

ENTREPRENEURIAL ECOSYSTEMS

Kansas City’s entrepreneurship community leverages funding innovation, technical support, and the drive to succeed

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.

Kansas City’s entrepreneurship community leverages funding innovation, technical support, and the drive to succeed

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Currents is storytelling that illustrates Kauffman’s grantmaking, research, programs, and initiatives that support the start and growth of new businesses, a more prepared workforce, and stronger communities.

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