Kansas City is home to an inspiring network of Black-led organizations that are not just making a difference but transforming communities. From workforce development and education to advocacy and youth empowerment, these organizations pave the way for a brighter, more equitable future.
As Black History Month reminds us of the resilience and contributions of Black leaders past and present, it’s also an opportunity to uplift the organizations making lasting change today. Here are five Nonprofit Catalyst Grantees in Kansas City that empower the Black community year-round.
Professional Women of Color
Black women are trailblazers in business, entrepreneurship, and corporate leadership, but systemic barriers often make advancement more difficult. Professional Women of Color is tackling these challenges by creating opportunities for Black women to thrive. Through networking events, mentorship programs, and career development initiatives, they provide the tools and support necessary to help Black women navigate industries where they have been historically underrepresented.
By focusing on leadership development and peer support, Professional Women of Color is not only opening doors but ensuring that Black women in Kansas City have a seat at the table in decision-making spaces.
WeCode KC
In today’s digital age, access to technology education can be the difference between economic mobility and being left behind. WeCode KC is working to bridge the racial gap in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) by providing free coding and technology programs for Black youth.
Led by a team of Black tech professionals, WeCode KC teaches coding, web development, and IT skills—empowering young people with the tools they need to pursue careers in the fast-growing tech industry. By eliminating barriers to tech education, WeCode KC is not only creating job opportunities but positioning Black youth to become future innovators and entrepreneurs.
Chandler/Turner Scholarship Fund
Education remains one of the most powerful tools for economic advancement, but financial barriers continue to limit opportunities for Black students. The Chandler/Turner Scholarship Fund program is working to change that by providing scholarships specifically for Black students in Kansas City.
Founded by local Black leaders, this scholarship fund helps students overcome the financial burdens of higher education, allowing them to pursue degrees and careers that uplift themselves and their communities. Investing in Black students today, the Chandler/Turner Scholarship Fund is cultivating the next generation of Black leaders who will shape Kansas City’s future.
National Congress of Black Women
Black women have long been at the forefront of social change, yet their voices remain underrepresented in policy and leadership positions. The National Congress of Black Women (NCBW) is dedicated to ensuring that Black women are not only heard but also positioned as decision-makers in politics, business, and advocacy.
NCBW provides leadership training, civic education, and policy advocacy to equip Black women with the tools needed to enact meaningful change. Their mission is to increase Black women’s representation in government and leadership roles, ensuring that issues affecting Black communities are addressed with firsthand knowledge and lived experience.
The Nia Project
The Nia Project is committed to empowering Black women and girls by raising awareness, providing financial support, and funding impactful initiatives that create real opportunities for growth and success. Through grants, internships, and special initiative funding, The Nia Project uplifts organizations and individuals doing transformative work—especially those that face barriers to traditional support.
The Nia Project provides critical mental health support and trauma-informed care to help Black women and girls heal and thrive. By offering accessible counseling, wellness resources, and community-driven initiatives, The Nia Project ensures that those who have experienced trauma or systemic barriers receive the support they need. Through this work, they are changing individual lives and fostering a stronger, healthier, and more resilient community.
These five organizations are just a few of the many in Kansas City working every day to uplift and empower the Black community. Supporting them doesn’t just mean donating money—it can be as simple as volunteering your time, spreading awareness, or advocating for policies that support Black economic growth and leadership.
To learn more about our volunteer opportunities with our Nonprofit Catalyst Grantees, visit here.