Kauffman’s Currents features stories and insights that underscore the essential role of education and entrepreneurship in empowering all people to shape their futures, create vibrant communities, and grow an inclusive economy.
Our strategic priorities reflect the heart of our mission: college access and completion, workforce and career development, and entrepreneurship.
Through transparency, rigor, inclusivity, and responsiveness, we aim to ensure accountability, build trust, and acknowledge diverse perspectives.
The Kauffman Foundation operates the following programs: 1 Million Cups, Kauffman FastTrac®, and Real World Learning.
Our funding philosophy is shaped by research, community-informed feedback, and the legacy established by our founder, Ewing Marion Kauffman.
All grantmaking will be aligned to our strategic priorities and focus areas, driving toward our goal of equitable economic mobility for Kansas Citians.
In sponsorships, we support organizations and programs that align with our strategic priorities, which reflect the heart of our mission.
Beginning in 2025, we will offer awards to recognize community champions and bold changemakers having impact in the Kansas City area.
Everything we do is grounded in the generosity and love for Kansas City that Mr. Kauffman infused into the heart of our mission.
Our team is made up of connectors and supporters who believe all people should have the opportunity to thrive.
Ewing Kauffman’s life took him on an unconventional path that allowed him to enrich the lives of others along the way.
— Learning and listening with and from those with whom we work and who are most impacted by our decisions and what we do.— Planning and proceeding with a purposeful and public five-year strategy, intended to inform the best roles the Kauffman Foundation can and should fill as it works with and in communities in Kansas City.— Committing and supporting current and future grants that we see as relevant to the Kauffman Foundation’s future work, and the conclusion of work we have been proud to support even as we move in new directions. Stay connected with us for future updates >
A rigorous, community-informed strategic planning process centers the Foundation’s work on the intent of Mr. Kauffman by refining the priorities that affect equitable economic mobility.