Meet our December Employee Campaign Manager (ECM) Spotlight: Kurtis Grothoff of Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas!
Kurtis is the Chief Development Officer at Catholic Charities of NE KS where he works to inspire individuals to create meaningful change in the lives of others, fostering a stronger and more unified community.
“To me, being in this role is a profound privilege and responsibility. It’s more than fundraising—it’s about inspiring hope, fostering generosity, and creating a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and families in need,” Kurtis shared.
Inspired by United Way’s ability to unite and mobilize diverse nonprofits, he’s been leading fundraising efforts for UW as an ECM at his organization for three years. “They [UW] work collectively to address some of the most pressing, complex, and immediate needs of our communities,” he said.
Having served as an ECM for five years in his previous role outside of Kansas City, Kurtis gained critical experience that prepared him to be successful in his current position.
“That experience taught me invaluable lessons about the dynamics of fundraising and community engagement within a smaller UW framework. Those years shaped my understanding of how to navigate challenges and seize opportunities in resource-constrained environments,” he said.
During Catholic Charities of NE KS’ campaign season, their main goal is to raise their fundraising total from the previous year while cultivating a stronger awareness among staff about UW and the impact of its work. In addition, they aim for greater participation with an emphasis that every contribution, no matter the size, has an impact.
This year, their campaign nearly doubled their fundraising total from the previous year while also boosting participation! They brought back their pumpkin carving contest which resulted in eager anticipation and a significant increase in engagement.
“The excitement and creativity our team brought to this simple yet impactful fundraiser reminded me of the power of community and how a shared purpose can bring people together,” he said.
Additionally, volunteer opportunities are deeply fulfilling for Kurtis, allowing for the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals while learning about the important work being done by nonprofits in our community.
“Every time I step away from the office to volunteer, I leave with a renewed sense of purpose, knowing that even small actions can make a significant difference. It’s a powerful reminder of the impact we can all have when we come together to serve others,” he shared.
By partnering with United Way, Kurtis embraces the opportunity to collaborate with other nonprofits, supporting essential work across Kansas City to tackle challenges and drive meaningful change together.
“Together, we are building a stronger, more compassionate community,” he said.
Kurtis’ dedication to making a positive difference and empowering others to do the same is an inspiring representation of what it means to be a true Waymaker™. Stay tuned for more stories as we continue to highlight the amazing work being done by our ECMs.