The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation (Kauffman Foundation) is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, private foundation based in Kansas City, Missouri.[4] It was founded in 1966 by Ewing Marion Kauffman, who had previously founded the drug company Marion Laboratories. The Kauffman Foundation works with communities to build and support programs that boost entrepreneurship, improve education, and contribute to the vibrancy of Kansas City.
 | |
| Founded | 1966 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Ewing Marion Kauffman |
| Focus | Entrepreneurship and education |
| Location | |
| Method | Research and grant making |
Key people | DeAngela Burns-Wallace, President and CEO[1] |
Revenue (2022) | $112,688,316[2] |
| Expenses (2022) | $192,849,743[2] |
| Endowment | US$2.7 billion |
Employees | 85[3] |
| Website | https://www.kauffman.org/ |
The Kauffman Fellows Program, known for supporting diversity in the field of venture capital, originated from the Kauffman Foundation. In a statement quoted by TechCrunch, fellows said that they “have measured the importance of a trusted diverse network and how it impacts the success and longevity of the best investors in the industry. Research has shown that Kauffman Fellows not only have larger returns than the industry average, but they stay in the industry 15+ years post-fellowship, which is 2X the minimum number of years it takes to recognize success in venture capital.”[5]
Overview
editThe Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation is a private, nonpartisan foundation that works with communities in education and entrepreneurship to increase opportunities that allow all people to learn, take risks, and own their success. The Kauffman Foundation is based in Kansas City, Missouri, and uses its $2.6 billion in assets to collaboratively help people be self-sufficient, productive citizens. Its grantmaking and research activities are focused on advancing entrepreneurship,[6] improving education,[7] and supporting civic development in Kansas City.[8]
History
editIn 2002, academic and entrepreneur Carl Schramm left a Maryland healthcare consulting firm to serve as president of the foundation until his resignation in 2012.[9][10] Schramm's tenure was marked by conflicts over the foundation's mission and grant-making strategy, and he faced criticism for focusing on maximizing impact by awarding larger grants to fewer recipients and for de-emphasizing work in and around Kansas City.[11] Conflict also arose over the extent of his executive authority, which prompted the Missouri Attorney General to recommend that the foundation strengthen its conflict of interest provisions and give the board of directors more decision-making authority.[12]
In May 2022, EMKF announced a partnership and $10 million donation with the national community development initiative, Living Cities. The partnership saw the launch of a $100 million fund aimed at addressing the underinvestment in Black, indigenous, and people of colour communities.[13]
References
edit- ^ "DeAngela Burns-Wallace: President and CEO". Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. Retrieved 17 January 2024.
- ^ a b "Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation". ProPublica. Retrieved 17 January 2024.
- ^ "Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation Profile". LexisNexis Academic (database). 2014. Retrieved 2014-01-09.
- ^ "Kauffman Foundation Grantmaker Record". Foundation Center Directory Online. 2013. Retrieved 2014-01-09.
- ^ "As venture firms struggle with diversity, the Kauffman Fellows program is grooming candidates to help". TechCrunch. 16 June 2020. Retrieved 2022-03-24.
- ^ "What We Do: Entrepreneurship Programs and Initiatives". Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. Retrieved 1 August 2017.
- ^ "What We Do: Education Programs and Initiatives". Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. Retrieved 1 August 2017.
- ^ "What We Do: Kansas City Programs and Initiatives". Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. Retrieved 1 August 2017.
- ^ Anft, Michael (2 October 2003). "A Divided Vision: Critics dispute changes at the Kauffman Foundation". Giving. Chronicle of Philanthropy. Vol. 15, no. 24. ISSN 1040-676X. Retrieved 18 January 2018.
- ^ Preston, Caroline (3 January 2012). "Kauffman Foundation President Departs". Chronicle of Philanthropy. ISSN 1040-676X. Retrieved 18 January 2018.
- ^ Strom, Stephanie (20 October 2003). "Uproar in Kansas City Over Foundation Chief". National Desk. The New York Times. p. A8. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 22 January 2018.
- ^ Strom, Stephanie (5 March 2003). "Missouri Tells Charity To Change". National Desk. The New York Times. p. A17. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on 20 January 2018. Retrieved 19 January 2018.
- ^ "EMKF invests $10 million in Living Cities fund to address wealth gap". Philanthropy News Digest. 4 May 2022. Retrieved 4 May 2022.