Opportunity starts here, and keeps moving forward.
Kauffman Foundation · 60th Anniversary
For 60 years, the Kauffman Foundation has worked alongside people and communities to expand pathways to economic mobility.
One story, still unfolding.
Then · Now · Next
Follow the community-rooted history, the work in motion today, and the opportunities Kansas City communities are building toward next.
A living timeline of people, programs, and possibilities.
Click on an era below to discover its defining ideas, pivotal moments, and legacy stories.
Opportunity begins with a community willing to try.
1966—1986 | The Founding Years
Kansas Citians helped shape early health and youth initiatives, establishing a hands-on approach grounded in participation, learning, and evidence.
Opportunity grows when people are equipped to shape their future.
1987—1994 | Building an Enduring Foundation
The Foundation paired long-term support for young people with practical entrepreneurship education, turning Mr. K’s beliefs into programs built to endure.
A stronger city creates more ways for people to thrive.
1995–2002 | Deepening Roots in Kansas City
The Foundation deepened its Kansas City roots through civic institutions, public spaces, youth leadership, and hands-on learning.
Local ideas reach farther when people connect with purpose.
2003–2011 | Build National Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurs and partners built networks that shared knowledge, created momentum, and extended Kansas City’s influence.
Stronger systems begin with stronger local connections
2012-2023 | Renewing a Regional Focus
The Foundation renewed its regional focus, linking schools, employers, entrepreneurs, and civic partners around more inclusive pathways to opportunity.
Economic mobility grows when pathways work together
2024-present | Elevating Economic Mobility
Drawing on six decades of learning, the Foundation aligned its work around helping more Kansas Citians build stability, mobility, and choice.
Sixty years, told by the people who helped shape them.
Browse the working collection to track the Foundation’s legacy across the last 60 years.
-
2012-2023
Renewing a Regional Focus
I was most excited about Real World Learning. I have never seen something take off where there is agency and ownership in the school district and with the faculty and students and parents over something… I think there's so much potential there, and we're a model, and no one else is doing something quite like this.
— Wendy Guillies, former Foundation president and CEO, 2015-2022
Education
-
Entrepreneurship
-
2012-2023
Renewing a Regional Focus
Entrepreneurship
-
KCEL: Building a culture and curriculum of entrepreneurship
1987-1994
Building an Enduring Foundation
Entrepreneurship
-
Education
-
30 years of data: The Kauffman Indicators of Entrepreneurship
2024-present
Elevating Economic Mobility
Entrepreneurship
-
Tysie McDowell: A vision for high-quality education in the urban core
2024-present
Elevating Economic Mobility
Kansas City
-
Catalyst Fund: From stabilizing civic anchors to building nonprofit capacity
2012-2023
Renewing a Regional Focus
Kansas City
-
Education
-
A library that feels like home: Dayonne Richardson’s vision
2024-present
Elevating Economic Mobility
Education
-
Kauffman School opened to demonstrate high academic performance
2003-2011
Building National Entrepreneurship
Education
-
Education
A Kansas City where more people can build stability, mobility, and choice.
Looking ahead: the 2035 Vision
Over the next decade, the Foundation is focusing its work on equitable economic mobility, guided by community insight and informed by six decades of learning and partnerships.
- College access and completion – equitable opportunities for all
- Workforce and career development – at every stage
- Entrepreneurship – supporting and sustaining business ownership
