Kauffman Foundation

Kauffman Foundation
Name	Kauffman Foundation
Founded	0 1966
Founder	Ewing Marion Kauffman
Location	Kansas City, Missouri, United States
Key people	DeAngela Burns-Wallace (President & CEO)
Focus	Entrepreneurship, Education
Website	https://www.kauffman.org/

Kauffman Foundation is one of the largest private foundations in the United States, dedicated to advancing entrepreneurship and improving education. Established in the mid-1960s by pharmaceutical entrepreneur and philanthropist Ewing Marion Kauffman, the organization is headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri. Its work is driven by a vision of an inclusive economy where individuals have the skills and opportunities to achieve economic stability, mobility, and prosperity.

History and founding

The organization was established in 1966 by Ewing Marion Kauffman, the founder of the pharmaceutical company Marion Laboratories. Kauffman, a notable figure in American business, was motivated by a desire to give back to the community that supported his success, particularly in the Midwestern United States. Initially, its philanthropic efforts were broad, supporting a wide range of causes in the Kansas City metropolitan area, including cultural institutions, healthcare, and community development. Following Kauffman's death in 1993, the foundation received the bulk of his estate, significantly increasing its endowment and allowing it to expand its scope. The board of trustees, guided by Kauffman's philosophies, later refined its mission to concentrate more strategically on the interconnected areas of entrepreneurship and education.

Mission and focus areas

The core mission is to help individuals attain economic independence by improving educational achievement and promoting entrepreneurial success. This mission is executed through two primary, interconnected focus areas. The first is education, with an emphasis on preparing young people, particularly from underserved communities, for postsecondary success and meaningful careers. The second is entrepreneurship, aimed at making the path to starting and growing a business more accessible for all, thereby fostering innovation, job creation, and broad-based economic growth. This dual focus is informed by the belief that thriving communities require both a skilled workforce and a dynamic, inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Key initiatives and programs

Its entrepreneurship initiatives include programs like Kauffman FastTrac, which provides training and resources for aspiring and existing entrepreneurs, and the Kauffman Fellows program, which develops leaders in the venture capital industry. The foundation also supports ecosystem building through grants to organizations across the United States that provide capital, mentorship, and networks to entrepreneurs. In education, major programs have included Kauffman Scholars, a comprehensive college access and success program for students in Kansas City, and ongoing support for initiatives that improve early childhood education, K-12 systems, and pathways from education to employment. It frequently partners with entities like School Districts, Community Colleges, and national nonprofits such as Code.org and The Aspen Institute.

Research and publications

It is a leading producer of data-driven research on entrepreneurship and education, informing both its own strategies and the fields at large. Its research arm publishes influential reports like the annual Kauffman Indicators of Entrepreneurship, which tracks new business creation in the United States. Other significant publications have included studies on startup growth, access to capital for underrepresented founders, and the state of STEM education. This research is often conducted in collaboration with academic institutions like the University of California, Berkeley and think tanks such as the Brookings Institution, ensuring rigorous methodology and broad dissemination to policymakers, educators, and practitioners.

Leadership and governance

The foundation is governed by a board of trustees, which includes members of the Kauffman family and leaders from the business and philanthropic sectors. Day-to-day operations are led by a president and chief executive officer; as of 2024, this role is held by DeAngela Burns-Wallace. Previous notable CEOs have included Wendy Guillies and Tom McDonnell. The leadership team and trustees are responsible for stewarding the endowment, setting strategic direction, and ensuring all activities align with the vision of Ewing Marion Kauffman. The organization maintains its headquarters in Kansas City, operating with a staff of experts in fields ranging from venture capital to education policy.

Impact and recognition

Through its grantmaking, programs, and research, it has had a substantial impact on the national conversation and practice surrounding entrepreneurship and education. Its efforts have contributed to the growth of entrepreneurial ecosystems in cities like Detroit, St. Louis, and Albuquerque. The foundation's work has been recognized by various institutions, including receiving awards from the United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship. Its influence extends to federal policy, having informed legislation like the JOBS Act, and it is regularly cited by media outlets such as The Wall Street Journal and Forbes for its insights on economic development and innovation.

Category:Foundations based in the United States Category:Organizations based in Kansas City, Missouri Category:Philanthropic organizations established in 1966