FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Michael Tritt, Union Station / 816-460-2278 / [email protected]
Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation Awards Multi-Year Capacity Building Grant to Union Station Kansas City
The investment will support key technology and fundraising strategies to increase long-term sustainability of the iconic Kansas City landmark
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (August 6, 2019) — The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation has awarded a $2 million, four-year, capacity building grant to Union Station Kansas City, Inc to support areas including fundraising, donor development, membership, technology, training, and staff capacity to deliver world-class programs and services. Union Station Kansas City, Inc operates as a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving its historic monument and its stories, inspiring lifelong learning and creating lasting memories for our community.
The grant is part of the Foundation’s Kansas City Civic key city asset strategy to build the financial capacity of irreplaceable institutions that are deeply rooted in Kansas City and greatly contribute to its economic vibrancy and national relevance.
“Ewing Kauffman worked to enhance civic pride in his hometown and make it a major league city. The Foundation continues that legacy today and supports its vibrancy through this investment in Union Station’s technology and fundraising capacity to ensure that it continues to contribute to the economic and cultural well-being of the community for the long term,” said Wendy Guillies, Kauffman Foundation president and CEO.
Dating back to 1994, the Kauffman Foundation has invested in Union Station, serving as a critical funder of the initial restoration and 1999 reopening of the historic monument. Additional funding over the years supported important Union Station initiatives including volunteerism, community events and programming, and the year-round Maker Studio in Science City.
“In addition to helping save and reopen Union Station, the Kauffman Foundation has provided seed funding for programs that have taken root and thrived at Union Station,” George Guastello, Union Station president and CEO, said. “The Foundation’s latest support will allow us to further build a long-term, sustainable and exciting future. It’s these types of investments that allow us to dream bigger, reach new audiences and serve the greater Kansas City community in a more profound way.”
Success breeds success and Union Station has proven itself to be wildly popular and a vibrant community destination, worthy of important investments, both large and small.
“This grant is a significant recognition of the smart work the executive team, professional staff and Board have already done, and a tremendous vote of confidence that signals to Kansas City what to expect from Union Station as we build for the future,” said Ramón Murguía, Union Station Board chairman. “Union Station is honored – once again – to be recognized for our efforts, accomplishment and commitment to Kansas City and beyond.”
Union Station opened in 1914 as the primary rail transportation hub for the region. Today, Union Station is a national, regional and local landmark, serving the economic and cultural interests of the community in a variety of important ways. Validation of Union Station’s efforts come in the form of nearly 2 million annual visitors, 10,000 Member Households and prestigious reoccurring recognitions and awards including “Best of Kansas City”, “Favorite Family-Friendly Attraction”, “Favorite Historic Attraction” and “Favorite NEW Place in KC”. Unlike other similar structures around the country, no continuous and dedicated public funds support Union Station’s operations. Consequently, Union Station depends on multiple sources of earned revenue as well as philanthropic contributions from business, foundations and individuals to support specific programs and general operations.
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About Union Station Kansas City, Inc.
Union Station Kansas City — a 501(c)3 non-profit organization — is a 104-year-old historical landmark and celebrated civic asset renovated and reopened to the public in 1999. Now 20 years later, Science City has earned the distinction of Kansas City’s “Favorite Attraction” and “Favorite Family-Friendly Attraction”, while Union Station as a whole is recognized as KC’s “Favorite Historic Attraction” and “Best of KC”. The organization — dedicated to preserving its historic monument and its stories, inspiring lifelong learning and creating lasting memories for our community — is home to Kansas City’s internationally-awarded Science City – Powered by Burns & McDonnell; the new Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium; the Regnier Extreme Screen Theatre; the popular Model Railroad Experience; City Stage featuring live theater, and a selection of unique shops and restaurants. Union Station is also home to prominent area civic organizations and businesses, and regularly hosts world-class traveling exhibitions. Awarded “Top Banquet Facilities in KC” by KC Business Journal, the facility annually hosts hundreds of community events and private celebrations of all sizes. Visit WWW.UNIONSTATION.ORG for details. Also, follow us on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM, and YOUTUBE.
About the Kauffman Foundation
The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation is a private, nonpartisan foundation that works together with communities in education and entrepreneurship to create uncommon solutions and empower people to shape their futures and be successful. The Kauffman Foundation is based in Kansas City, Missouri, and uses its $2 billion in assets to collaboratively help people be self-sufficient, productive citizens. For more information, visit www.kauffman.org, and follow the Foundation on www.twitter.com/kauffmanfdn and www.facebook.com/kauffmanfdn.