December 4, 2023 (KANSAS CITY, Mo.) – United Way of Greater Kansas City, with support from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, is pleased to announce the continuation of major investments into community organizations through the Nonprofit Catalyst Fund.
This new grant fund was first announced in February. Its goal is to advance small nonprofit organizations that are led by or primarily serve Black, Latino, and other people of color in the community.
To date, 65 organizations have been awarded funding totaling nearly $1.59 million. Recipients are 501(c)(3) public charities supporting education, human services, entrepreneurship, workforce skill building, economic mobility, and community development.
“Providing funding for our mission has been the biggest hurdle for us,” said Ray Freeman, founder and executive director of One Community Jiujitsu Club, a catalyst grant recipient. “We have families lining up to participate in our programming, but we can’t grow without additional support. United Way stepping up with the Nonprofit Catalyst Grant has been game-changing for us. It’s validation.”
Nonprofit organizations are pivotal not only as employers and community conveners, but for their immense contributions to a future that provides equitable opportunities for all of our neighbors to thrive.
“The investments made possible through the Nonprofit Catalyst Grant are already having a major impact,” said Essence Yancey, United Way director of community impact. “New programming is being created to serve our community, add new staff, build resiliency, and it’s making a tangible difference in the lives of those these organizations serve.”
This initiative provides grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000, depending on organizational size, operating budgets and specific needs outlined in grant proposals. The latest round of funding represents grants to 14 organizations totaling $343,000.
“The Nonprofit Catalyst Fund is a creative example of what can happen when we work together,” said DeAngela Burns-Wallace, Ed.D., president and CEO of the Kauffman Foundation. “By partnering with the United Way, we can reach more organizations, helping to elevate community impact through smaller, yet critical, organizations in Kansas City. These newest grantees represent the promise of greater success for the people of our region.”
Newest Nonprofit Catalyst Grantees include:
Chandler/Turner Scholarship Fund, Inc. | Kansas City, Kan. (Education)
Corey’s Network | Kansas City, Mo. (Homicide Advocacy, Victim/Family Support)
Fountain of Life Inc. | Overland Park, Kan. (Senior Citizen Support, Health & Wellness)
Gem Cultural Education Center | Kansas City, Mo. (Community Development, Education)
Growth Ministries | Olathe, Kan. (Prison Reentry, Economic Mobility)
In the Word Ministries Institute | Overland Park, Kan. (Literacy, Mental Wellness)
Made Men | Kansas City, Kan. (Education)
Mission Vision Project KC | Kansas City, Mo. (Workforce Development, Health Equity)
New Hope Center KC | Kansas City, Mo. (Refugee/Immigrant Education, Mentorship)
Providence School of the Arts | Kansas City, Mo. (Arts Education)
Systems of Care Initiative | Kansas City, Mo. (Early Childhood Education)
The Help KC | Kansas City, Mo. (Prison Reentry, Economic Mobility)
The Prospect KC | Kansas City, Mo. (Vocational Training, Economic Mobility)
True Light Family Resource Center | Kansas City, Mo. (Financial Stability, Career Training)
ABOUT THE KAUFFMAN FOUNDATION:
The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation is a private, nonpartisan foundation based in Kansas City, Mo., that seeks to build inclusive prosperity through a prepared workforce and entrepreneur-focused economic development. The Foundation uses its $3 billion in assets to change conditions, address root causes, and breakdown systemic barriers so that all people–regardless of race, gender, or geography–have the opportunity to achieve economic stability, mobility, and prosperity. For more information, visit kauffman.org and connect with us on Twitter or Facebook @KauffmanFdn.