Support Kansas City Announces “Excellence In Nonprofit Leadership Award” Winners

Mission, Kan. (May 15, 2018) — Support Kansas City has announced the winners of its prestigious Excellence in Nonprofit Leadership Awards. The 2018 awards were granted to FIRE Foundation for an agency with a budget of $1 million or less, MOCSA for agency with a budget greater than $1 million, and Harvesters for agency with a budget greater than $10 million.

The 9th annual awards will be presented Thursday, June 28, 2018 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Arrupe Hall on the campus of Rockhurst University, 5351 Forest Avenue, Kansas City, Mo., featuring keynote presentation Automating Inequality: How High-Tech Tools Profile, Police and Punish the Poor by author Virginia Eubanks. For more information visit www.2018ENLA.eventbrite.com.

“Our winners not only exemplify strong leadership, but they also work in the front lines to meet the needs of those with disabilities, those who might go hungry, and those who have suffered trauma at the hands of others,” said Debra Box, President and CEO of Support Kansas City. “This year’s speaker is Virginia Eubanks, author of Automating Inequality: How High-Tech Tools Profile, Police and Punish the Poor. This book makes a bold statement about not letting those we serve be reduced to data but to continue to elevate them to the same level of humanity we extend to our own family and friends – something our award winners champion every day. We are honored to recognize them in this way.”

FIRE Foundation opens the doors of Catholic schools in the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph to children with disabilities so that learners of all abilities have the opportunity to grow together in knowledge, friendship and faith. “The FIRE Foundation is truly honored and grateful to be selected for this prestigious award,” said Lynn Hire, executive director. “FIRE’s success in expanding and strengthening inclusive Catholic education is a reflection of the great passion, talent and determination that our Board of Directors, staff and volunteers invest daily in our special mission.”

“In our 43 years serving as the only rape crisis center in the metro area, we have continually worked to advocate for, support, and help survivors of sexual violence heal,” said Ann Abercrombie, MOSCA Board Chair. “MOCSA is a nationally recognized leader in its field due to the professional and dedicated work of our staff and the thoughtful partnership between our board and executive leadership. Since 2015, we have also prioritized our efforts toward the prevention of sexual violence. This year, the #MeToo movement elevated this issue for us all; in turn, we have risen to the challenge, helping to lead the response for our community. We thank you for honoring our work with this prestigious award.”

“Harvesters is pleased to receive a 2018 Excellence in Nonprofit Leadership Award from Support Kansas City,” said Valerie Nicholson-Watson, Harvesters President & CEO. “Operational excellence is a priority for our organization and is one of four main imperatives in our strategic plan. Focus and commitment by our board and staff to this goal creates efficiency and allows Harvesters to feed more hungry families and seniors in our community.”

The event also showcases collaboration among the nonprofit sector through Support Kansas City’s event partners that participated in the award application review process including: KC SourceLink, Mid-America Regional Council (MARC), UMKC Midwest Center for Nonprofit Leadership, and event sponsors.

Support Kansas City provides nonprofit organizations with business and development expertise, empowering them to focus on their missions. For more information visit www.supportkc.org.


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For the benefit of the nonprofit sector everywhere, we wanted to provide resources for ways we can continue to operate and grow within this era. And once social distancing begins to fade, what lessons can we take from this to improve our operations permanently. Come back often for more updates.

Accounting & Fiscal Management

  • Structure general ledger, chart of accounts, setup assistance
  • Monthly accounting support: accounts payable, accounts receivable, deposits and receipts, bank reconciliation
  • Payroll preparation
  • Preparation of management reports
  • Financial report preparation for board meetings
  • Grant tracking and reporting
  • Preparation of IRS Form 990
  • Preparation of annual 1099’s
  • Preparation of schedules for independent audit, assistance with audit completion
  • Cleanup of past accounting records
  • Budget preparation assistance, reporting and analysis
  • QuickBooks training

Governance & Strategy Development

  • Governance training
  • Executive mentoring and coaching
  • Board retreat facilitation
  • Strategic planning documents
  • Outcomes and impact measurement and reporting
  • Survey assistance

Database Management

  • Database design and development
  • Gift and demographic data entry
  • Donor acknowledgement letters
  • Import and export of data; mail merges; exports to mail house
  • Data and donor analysis
  • Integration with accounting systems, fund development and social media activities
  • Database training
  • Ongoing support and technical assistance

Fund Development

  • Create annual fund development plan
  • Fund development plan audits
  • Board Training
  • Capital campaigns
  • Grant management: research, writing and reporting
  • Major gifts and planned giving
  • Special event planning and support
  • Annual fund drives
  • Annual appeal mailings