Ewing Kauffman wanted Kansas City to thrive

Recently, Kauffman Foundation Board of Trustees Chair Esther George wrote in The Kansas City Star about Ewing Marion Kauffman’s deep connection and commitment to Kansas City. As the board journeys through the process of finding the Foundation’s next president and CEO, it recognizes that the individual who leads this organization must understand and embrace Mr. Kauffman’s vision for the Foundation and the community as we continue to fund key initiatives and work with many organizations in Kansas City.

“He believed Kansas City should be a place where every student can access a quality education and apply it toward their own success. Where entrepreneurs can find support, knowledge, opportunity, and funding. Where key city institutions, organizations, and programs are accessible as critical civic investments,” George wrote.

Ewing Marion Kauffman cared deeply about Kansas City. As his hard work was met with increasing success, he was very intentional in using that success to the benefit of the Kansas City community. George writes the most visible of his contributions, for many, was his ownership of the Kansas City Royals.

“It may be hard to imagine today, but at that time Ewing Kauffman’s name was relatively unknown to many in our city. He told a reporter that his decision to become owner of the baseball team was driven by love for Kansas City, ‘This community has been good to me, and I want to show that I can return the favor.’” George recalls.

“It is not coincidental that much of the foundation’s work focuses on areas with which Mr. Kauffman was familiar from his own life experiences as the child of a family of limited means,” she wrote. “Yet, the fact is that far too many in our community are financially unstable and don’t see a pathway to improve their economic opportunities.”

The Foundation’s work, through its grantmaking, programs and initiatives, aims to provide opportunities that help people achieve financial stability, upward mobility, and economic prosperity — regardless of race, gender, or geography.

“As we work to identify the next leader of the Kauffman Foundation, the board of the Foundation recognizes that the individual who leads this organization must understand and embrace Mr. Kauffman’s vision for the Foundation and the community as we continue to fund key initiatives and work with many organizations in Kansas City,” wrote George.

“By working together, we can further Ewing Kauffman’s legacy to catalyze ideas and support solutions designed to improve education, boost entrepreneurship, and help our communities and individuals thrive.”