Kansas City boasts a vibrant nonprofit sector dedicated to addressing diverse community needs, from education and housing to health and cultural enrichment. These organizations represent the heart of the city’s commitment to fostering inclusivity, compassion, and progress.
Whether by tackling pressing social challenges like poverty, hunger, and homelessness, or enriching the community through arts, education, and environmental stewardship, these nonprofits shape Kansas City’s identity as a city that cares.
Each of these organizations has a unique story, often rooted in grassroots efforts or driven by visionary leaders who identified gaps in the community and worked tirelessly to fill them. Together, they create a safety net for vulnerable populations, provide opportunities for personal and collective growth, and inspire hope for a brighter future.
Nonprofit Resources
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Literacy KC
Literacy KC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving literacy skills for adults and families in the Kansas City area. By providing free classes, tutoring, and resources, Literacy KC empowers individuals to achieve personal and professional success through improved reading, writing, and digital literacy skills.
History: Founded in 1985 by a group of volunteers passionate about adult education, Literacy KC initially focused on one-on-one tutoring. Over the years, it expanded to include comprehensive programs addressing workforce readiness, family literacy, and technology skills, adapting to the changing needs of the community.
Vision: To create a community where literacy is no longer a barrier to success and where everyone has the skills to reach their full potential.
Impact: Literacy KC serves thousands of individuals annually through its diverse programs. Graduates of the program have gone on to secure better jobs, pursue higher education, and contribute more fully to their families and communities. The organization’s impact extends beyond education, fostering confidence, independence, and opportunity for those they serve.
Cultivate Kansas City
Cultivate KC is a locally-grown nonprofit working to grow a healthy food system in Kansas City by supporting urban farming, local food production, and community engagement around sustainable agriculture.
History: Founded in 2005 by Katherine Kelly and Daniel Dermitzel, Cultivate KC began with a focus on promoting urban agriculture. Its programs started with small-scale initiatives like workshops and urban garden projects, eventually growing into a robust network of farmers and community partnerships.
Vision: To create a thriving food system where everyone has access to healthy, locally grown food, and urban farming contributes to environmental and economic sustainability.
Impact: Cultivate KC has supported hundreds of urban farmers, launched initiatives like the Gibbs Road Farm and Juniper Gardens Training Farm, and distributed locally grown food to underserved areas. Through advocacy and education, they have empowered the community to prioritize sustainable food systems and health equity.
Green Works in Kansas City
Green Works in Kansas City is an environmental nonprofit that empowers urban youth through environmental education, job training, and hands-on learning experiences. By connecting young people to nature and sustainable practices, the organization fosters environmental stewardship and personal growth.
History: Founded in 2007 by Kate Corwin, Green Works began with a mission to bridge the gap between urban youth and environmental opportunities. Starting with small after-school programs, the organization has grown into a leading force in environmental education, offering diverse programs that combine classroom learning with practical, real-world experiences.
Vision: To create a thriving, sustainable community where young people are empowered to make environmentally responsible choices and lead meaningful lives.
Impact: Over the years, Green Works has provided hundreds of students with opportunities to explore environmental careers, gain life skills, and contribute to sustainability projects in their communities. From river clean-ups to energy efficiency workshops, the organization has inspired a new generation of environmentally conscious leaders in Kansas City.
Variety Children’s Charity of Greater Kansas City
Variety KC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping children with disabilities gain access to mobility equipment, adaptive technology, and inclusive opportunities. The charity works tirelessly to ensure every child can participate fully in their community.
History: Established in 1934, Variety KC began as part of an international effort to support children facing physical and developmental challenges. Over the decades, the organization has expanded its services and initiatives, partnering with local businesses, schools, and healthcare providers to better serve the needs of children with disabilities.
Vision: To create a more inclusive world where all children, regardless of ability, can live active and fulfilling lives.
Impact: Variety KC has provided thousands of children with specialized equipment such as adaptive bikes, communication devices, and sensory tools. Their advocacy has also led to more inclusive playgrounds, theaters, and community spaces throughout Kansas City, fostering a culture of accessibility and acceptance.
Front Porch Alliance – Kansas City
Front Porch Alliance is a community-focused nonprofit that works alongside Kansas City’s urban neighborhoods to build strong, supportive communities. Through programs aimed at youth, families, and senior citizens, the organization empowers individuals and fosters connections that lead to long-term neighborhood resilience.
History: Established in 1999, Front Porch Alliance began as a grassroots effort to address poverty and community fragmentation in Kansas City’s east side neighborhoods. With the support of local leaders and volunteers, it quickly grew into an organization offering a range of services, from youth mentorship to home repair assistance for seniors.
Vision: To create vibrant, interconnected communities where every resident has access to resources and opportunities to thrive.
Impact: Serving hundreds of families annually, Front Porch Alliance has made a significant difference through initiatives like their youth internship programs, parenting workshops, and senior outreach services. By addressing critical needs and fostering collaboration among residents, the organization has helped strengthen the social fabric of Kansas City’s urban neighborhoods.
KC Pet Project
KC Pet Project is a nonprofit animal shelter and advocacy organization dedicated to improving the lives of pets and their owners in the Kansas City area. With a mission to promote adoption, foster care, and education, the organization ensures that animals receive the love, care, and homes they deserve.
History: Founded in 2012, KC Pet Project began its journey managing the Kansas City animal shelter, transforming it into one of the largest no-kill shelters in the United States. The organization quickly expanded its services, establishing multiple satellite adoption centers and community outreach programs to address the root causes of pet homelessness.
Vision: To create a community where every pet is valued, cared for, and loved, and where no animal faces euthanasia due to space or treatable medical conditions.
Impact: KC Pet Project saves the lives of over 10,000 pets annually through adoption, fostering, and lifesaving medical care. In addition to sheltering services, they provide resources such as low-cost veterinary care, training programs, and food pantries for pet owners in need, ensuring pets and their families can stay together. Their work has made Kansas City a model for compassionate and sustainable animal welfare practices.
Habitat for Humanity of Kansas City
Established in 1979, Habitat for Humanity of Kansas City is a leading nonprofit home builder in the region, committed to providing safe, affordable housing for all.
History: Founded by John and Mary Pritchard, the organization began with three homes in the Boston Heights/Mount Hope neighborhood and has since expanded to serve multiple counties across Kansas and Missouri.
Vision: A world where everyone has a decent place to live.
Impact: Partnering with over 1,000 families annually, Habitat KC has significantly contributed to affordable housing solutions, enhancing community stability and quality of life.
Greater Kansas City Community Foundation
One of the nation’s most respected charitable organizations, the foundation aims to improve the quality of life in Greater Kansas City by increasing charitable giving and addressing critical community issues.
History: Founded in 1978 with a modest collection, it has grown to manage over $5 billion in assets, supporting a wide range of community initiatives.
Vision: To be a leader in philanthropic services, connecting donors to community needs and fostering a culture of giving.
Impact: The foundation has facilitated over $7 billion in grants, supporting various causes and significantly contributing to the region’s development.
Guadalupe Centers
With over a century of service, Guadalupe Centers is dedicated to improving the quality of life for Latinos in the Kansas City area through education, social services, and cultural enrichment.
History: Founded as a volunteer effort to address education and healthcare needs of Latino immigrants, it has evolved into a comprehensive service provider.
Vision: To be the premier Latino organization in the region, empowering individuals and families to achieve their fullest potential.
Impact: Guadalupe Centers offers a charter school system, senior programs, affordable housing, and essential social services, significantly contributing to community empowerment.
Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation
The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation focuses on education and entrepreneurship, providing access to opportunities that help individuals achieve financial stability and economic prosperity.
History: Established in 1966 by Ewing Marion Kauffman, the foundation embodies his commitment to Kansas City and his vision for economic empowerment.
Vision: A society of economically empowered individuals contributing to the improvement of their communities.
Impact: Through grantmaking and research, the foundation supports programs that boost entrepreneurship, improve education, and contribute to Kansas City’s vibrancy.
Bridging The Gap
Bridging The Gap is an environmental nonprofit dedicated to connecting people, businesses, and communities with the resources and knowledge they need to protect the environment. Through innovative programs focused on sustainability, conservation, and waste reduction, the organization empowers individuals to make a tangible impact on the planet.
History: Established in 1992, Bridging The Gap was founded to address growing environmental challenges in the Kansas City area. Starting with recycling initiatives, the organization has expanded to include a wide range of programs, including tree planting, energy conservation, and water protection efforts.
Vision: To create a more sustainable and resilient community by inspiring environmental action and fostering stewardship.
Impact: Bridging The Gap has been instrumental in reducing Kansas City’s ecological footprint. Over the years, they have diverted thousands of tons of waste from landfills, planted tens of thousands of trees, and educated countless residents on the importance of sustainability. Their work continues to drive significant environmental progress, ensuring a healthier, greener future for the region.
