Whats the purpose of the UMKC Foundation?
There was some lack of comfort with the University of Missouri System by the Kansas City philanthropic and business community. What the 501(c)(3) does is give us an instrument for accepting philanthropy without going through the University of Missouri System. So this relates to the $145 million in philanthropic support that the blue-ribbon task force recommends for UMKC as long as certain strategic issues are addressed? That’s right. This provides the instrument for that to be done. And it allows the givers to make sure their money is used for their intended purposes? That’s right. You know, it is anyway. But I think it gives people a level of comfort that’s real important. What has been your greatest challenge? I knew coming in that we had quite a challenge to get everything settled down and get us and the community on the same page. We also have some challenges in funding. The simple truth is we are not a wealthy state, and there are a lot of demands on the state Legislature. While t
