In the face of deep economic challenges, Kansas Citians are living up to their reputation for generosity. At the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation, we are encouraged that people continue to give to the charitable causes they care about. Many of our donors, recognizing that the need is even greater than before, have asked what they can do to help our community cope in this sobering economy. Here are just a few inspiring examples of the many ways donors are helping to provide the basic necessities of warmth, food and housing to those who need it most. These stories are shared only with the express permission of the donors involved.
As you may have heard, The United Way of Greater Kansas City launched the United for Hope United to Help campaign on March 11. This campaign has already raised more that $2 million in addition to its regular annual fund-raising campaign,and is providing additional support to local agencies providing emergency assistance to those in need in our community. For additional information visit http://unitedwaygkc.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=312&Itemid=417.
A number of donors, including the George K. Baum Family Foundation and the Mutual Fund Store Foundation, are working in collaboration with Community Foundation experts and nonprofit organization caseworkers to provide necessary funds to individuals and families in critical need. Indeed, more and more donors are establishing funds to address immediate needs for individuals and families. These funds are also being supported by the United for Hope United to Help Camp and from January 1, 2009 through May 6, 2009, nearly 200 families have been supported by grants from these funds totaling $97,605.
The need for support has been so great that Community Foundation donors gathered together to plan their efforts around strengthening Kansas City’s ability to provide services to those in need. We were so inspired to see the group engage at a strategic level about ways to leverage donations in both the short and long term. The Community Foundation hosted a similar discussion in April 2009, and additional gatherings are scheduled throughout the year.
Two of the Community Foundation's affiliates have rallied their communities around emergency assistance as well. Visit the Community Foundation of Johnson County and Northland Community Foundation pages to learn more.
The Greater Kansas City Community Foundation is committed to working harder than ever to increase giving in our region so that as many donors as possible can connect with the causes that are most important to them. If you are interested in learning more about ways to support those in need in our community contact us at info@gkccf.org.
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