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A year of grantmaking: Reflecting on what we’ve learned

A year of grantmaking: Reflecting on what we've learned
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Our commitment to continuous improvement is rooted in our long-term goal to advance equitable economic mobility in Kansas City and beyond.

Written by DeAngela Burns-Wallace, Ed.D.

One year ago, we launched a new grantmaking strategy focused on advancing equitable economic mobility through three areas: college access and completion, workforce and career development, and entrepreneurship. It is an ambitious vision grounded in listening, learning, and a deep belief that systems change starts with communities.

Now, after completing five funding cycles, we’re reflecting on what we’ve learned and how it’s strengthening the path forward for Kansas City as a national model for equitable economic mobility.

What we saw

This first year affirmed some things we expected and surprised us in others. We learned:

  • Our communities are eager for collaboration, not just funding.
  • Flexible, responsive grantmaking can be a lifeline in moments of opportunity or urgency.
  • Even with a thoughtful strategy, our work must remain open to learning, especially from those closest to the work.

We also saw that when our focus is broad, it requires refinement to ensure we’re hitting all the key aspects of our strategic areas. In the next round of grantmaking, we’re prioritizing some specific aspects of our strategy areas where our funding hasn’t yet reached as deeply.

Read more: A year of grantmaking: data, themes, and what’s next >

Why it matters

As we move forward, we’re thinking about how we can apply what we’ve learned. This commitment to continuous improvement drives us toward our 2035 vision.
  
Every adjustment we’re making – from timelines to how we strengthen support for grantees – is grounded in our long-term strategy: to move the needle on economic mobility, especially for those who have been historically excluded.  

These changes are not about tightening gates or changing our vision; they’re about deepening roots.

We remain committed to equity, collaboration, and transparency. That includes being clear about how we plan to respond to lessons learned and the needs of the moment as much as we can.

Our thanks

To those who applied for funding or gave us feedback this year, we say, thank you. You helped shape our learning, and we welcome your continued insight.

Let’s stay focused and keep moving forward together.

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