Launched in 2025, the Kauffman Uncommon Leader Awards are a portfolio of awards to recognize leaders in the Kansas City area who are making a lasting impact within their nonprofit organizations and the communities they serve. The awards include the Kauffman Uncommon Leader Impact Award and Visionary Award.  

Meet inaugural Kauffman Uncommon Leader Impact Awardee Dr. Rachel Melson, whose compassionate, data-informed leadership has expanded access to care for Kansas City residents through Swope Health.

The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation announced that Dr. Rachel Melson, Outreach Clinic Director, Swope Health Services, has been named the inaugural Kauffman Uncommon Leader Impact awardee during a celebration event Dec. 11. Melson receives $50,000 individually and $100,000 for Swope Health Services.

The final round of Capacity Building grants for 2025 supplies support for organizations’ internal effectiveness and long-term stability.

Economic Mobility Research and Data Forum convenes 30 organizations to help move the needle on economic mobility in the Kansas City region.

The RFA opens November 11, 2025 and closes December 1, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. CT.

The RFA opens November 12, 2025 and closes December 5, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. CT.

The RFA opens January 12, 2026 and closes February 16, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. CT.

The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation has announced five finalists for the Uncommon Leader Impact Award, celebrating individuals who demonstrate bold, creative, and inclusive leadership across the Kansas City region. Selected from a distinguished group of twelve semifinalists, these leaders embody the spirit of Ewing Kauffman’s uncommon leadership through their innovation, courage, and impact in their communities. Each of […]