3 Nonprofits That Are Building a Better Kansas City

Problem solvers. Risk takers. Change agents.

We often use those words to talk about Kansas City entrepreneurs. But here, we’re putting the focus on another type of entrepreneur: the nonprofit leader, another key player in Kansas City’s economy and community.

Like entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders risk their time, money and effort to create and operate successful organizations, solve problems and transform communities. Sometimes called social enterprises, these common-good do-gooders play a vital role in our Kansas City community: They focus on building hope, providing critical services, contributing to economic mobility and giving a voice to those who too often are unheard.

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Three such nonprofits will be recognized June 21, 2018, (details on that event below) with an Excellence in Nonprofit Leadership award by Support Kansas City, a Kansas City nonprofit that supports and celebrates the work of area nonprofits. Support KC provides nonprofit organizations with business and development expertise—think accounting, payroll services, database management, fund development, grant writing, board development, etc.—so those nonprofits who serve the social good can better serve their missions.

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This year, at the ninth annual celebration of nonprofit excellence, it will recognize three award-winning nonprofits:

FIRE Foundation

FIRE Foundation opens the doors of Catholic schools in the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph to children with disabilities so learners of all abilities can grow together in knowledge, friendship and faith.

Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault (MOSCA)

MOSCA is the only rape crisis-center in the metro area. For more than 40 years, it has worked to advocate for, support and help survivors of sexual violence heal.

Harvesters

Harvesters is a regional food bank servicing the 26-county area of northwestern Missouri and northeastern Kansas. Harvesters provides food and related household products to more than 620 not-for-profit agencies, including emergency food pantries, community kitchens, homeless shelters, children’s homes and others.

“Our winners not only exemplify strong leadership, but they also work in the frontlines to meet the needs of those with disabilities, those who might go hungry and those who have suffered trauma at the hands of others,” says Debra Box, president and CEO of Support KC.

The June event also features speaker Virginia Eubanks, author of Automating Inequality: How High-Tech Tools Profile, Police and Punish the Poor.

“Her book makes a bold statement about not letting those we serve be reduced to data but to continue to elevate them to the same level of humanity we extend to our own family and friends — something our award winners champion every day,” Debra says.

Ready to get inspired by some nonprofit excellence?

Support KC’s Excellence in Nonprofit Leadership Awards will be presented Thursday, June 28, 2018, from 4-7 p.m. at Arrupe Hall on the Rockhurst University campus, 5351 Forest Ave., Kansas City, Missouri. For more information, visit www.2018ENLA.eventbrite.com.

Ready to start a nonprofit?

We can help you get your mission off the ground. Check out our first steps for starting a nonprofit in Kansas City, and then reach out to us for your Personalized Action Plan.

Image courtesy of Support KC.