These funds are not specifically designated for use by a particular agency, cause or area of interest. Grants are distributed by the Board of Directors to support the charitable needs of the Kansas City area. One very special giving opportunity the Community Foundation offers is that donors may establish or transfer existing scholarship funds to benefit students at all education levels. Some donors choose to stay involved through advisory relationships, while others name advisory committees to assist in the selection of recipients. Either way, the Community Foundation handles the necessary paperwork and ensures that scholarships and grants are distributed in an equitable manner.
Most charitable organizations seek to attract endowment gifts.
Many, however do not have the resources to attract or manage endowment funds. Such non-profit organizations can establish an endowment fund at the Community Foundation, thereby protecting their endowed monies to meet future needs, providing a relatively constant source of annual income and fulfilling their mission in perpetuity. The Community Foundation, in turn, provides investment oversight services and helps enhance the organization's security, stability and long-range financial planning ability. Many communities seeking to supplement the educational resources provided by their school districts establish an Endowment Fund at the Community Foundation. By doing so, the fund is included under the umbrella of the Foundation's non-profit, tax exempt status.