Greater Kansas City Community Foundation

Can you spell it?

Ann's spelling words last week were "listen," "travel," "explain," "circle," and "speed." We practiced and practiced and she swears she got them all correct on Friday's test. We shall see! I had to memorize the words myself to quiz her in the car. An interesting exercise to dream up a sentence using all five! "Listen and I will explain how to speed travel in a circle." Uh, right.

This got me thinking about a succinct way to describe the work of the Community Foundation. It is kind of a mouthful to say "We fulfill community dreams through the power of giving by increasing charitable giving, connecting donors, and leading on critical community issues to improve our region's quality of life." Briefly stated: More giving, smarter investments, better Kansas City. I'll bet we all can spell those six words...but do you like them? I invite you to post your comments about what investing in Kansas City means to you.

Do the dollars make sense?

The spring break homework for Mrs. Inzer's first grade class at Prairie Star Elementary School was to collect 30 pennies, 10 nickels, 10 dimes, and four quarters. Naturally with an entire week to pull it together, Ann and I waited until this afternoon to dig around in piggy banks and seat cushions. "Why do you think Mrs. Inzer asked you to do this for your homework?" I inquired of Ann (who spent most of her spring break playing radio weather man with a very LOUD amplifying mike). "Well," she said, "you have to know how to count money so you can pay your bills faster." Close enough.

My colleagues and I have fielded some excellent questions lately about the Community Foundation's facts and figures. With over 2,000 funds, ranging in size from a few thousand dollars to several millions of dollars, the Community Foundation's donors granted nearly $200 million toward community causes last year alone. That's a chunk of change! Click here to read some of the most burning questions--and the answers. Maybe the same questions have been jingling around in your mind, too!

It all adds up

I am convinced with mathematical certainty that Daylight Savings Time "spring forward" will always occur on a weekend when that hour is most needed. This year was no exception. The early morning hours of Sunday were filled with kiddos who'd come down with the flu in the middle of the night.

Here's another, happier, mathematical certainty. Let's assume that you routinely give to 32 different charitable organizations in any given calendar year. (Actually, this amazing equation works with any number--32, 5, 15, 61, you name it.) What's the total number of tax letters you need to save for your accountant? Answer: 1. That's right, one. Your personal, family or corporate fund at the Community Foundation allows you to organize your giving in one place.

Don't believe it? Click here and we'll send you the proof. And here's the magic part. You just got back that lost hour--in multiples!