Announcing the 2026 Project and Research grantees to advance economic mobility in Kansas City March 26, 2026 The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation announced its latest cohorts of Project and Research grantees, investing in innovative ideas, data-driven insights, and community-centered solutions designed to expand economic mobility. These grants support organizations and researchers working to better understand and address the systemic barriers that limit access to opportunity while advancing practical strategies that help individuals […]
Philanthropy leaders mark Women’s History Month with fireside chat at the Kauffman Foundation March 26, 2026 Dr. Burns-Wallace facilitates a conversation that touches on relationship building and respect for the philanthropic sector.
Foundation welcomes two directors to new positions March 26, 2026 Hires bring depth and expertise to IT operations strategy.
Jackson Winsett Jackson Winsett is a director of IT business relations and solutions with Technology for the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. He is responsible for the development, implementation, and oversight for aligning technology services with the operational needs of the Foundation, as well as consulting across departments to understand business workflows, identifying opportunities for process improvement, and […]
Brian Todd Brian Todd is a director of information security and IT operations in Technology for the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. He is responsible for the development, implementation, and oversight of the Foundation’s enterprise-wide information security, data management and governance, and IT operations strategy. His role oversees cybersecurity, systems administration, cloud services, network infrastructure, endpoint management, and […]
Esther George to conclude Board service after nine years; Susan Chambers to serve as next Chair March 6, 2026 After nine years of distinguished service, including three consecutive three-year terms and more than three years as Chair, Esther George concluded her tenure on the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation Board of Trustees on March 5, 2026. The Board has named Susan Chambers as its next Chair, marking a new chapter in the Foundation’s governance.
Ross Jensby Ross Jensby is a communications officer – operating programs with the Strategic Communications team for the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. He provides primary communications support for the Foundation’s operating programs, including Kauffman FastTrac, 1 Million Cups, Real World Learning, and Real World Initiatives (ProX), where he ensures communications for each program are clear, consistent, and […]
Abrillia Whitson Abrillia Whitson is a projects and events coordinator with Strategic Communications for the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, where she provides project and event coordination support to advance the Foundation’s vision and priorities, focusing on execution and logistics for projects and sponsorships. Prior to joining the Kauffman Foundation, Whitson was a NextGen leader and divisional training/program […]
Madi Smith Madi Smith is an impact analyst in Impact for the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, providing essential coordination across projects, processes, and information. Her role ensures the team operates effectively by managing daily operations related to grants and budgets, tracking key project outcomes, and coordinating team engagements and initiatives. Prior to joining the Kauffman Foundation, Smith […]
Michael Padden Michael Padden is an executive administrative assistant in Research, Learning, and Evaluation (RLE) for the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, where he provides executive-level administrative and project management support to the chief research, learning, and evaluation officer. Prior to joining the Kauffman Foundation, Padden was an administrative assistant with Zona Rosa Delta and executive assistant – […]