The Greater Kansas City Community Foundation (GKCCF) sought to develop a comprehensive racial equity strategy to address the systemic inequalities that have long affected Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) in the Kansas City metropolitan area. The challenge was to create a roadmap that would not only identify these disparities but also propose actionable steps to rectify them through philanthropy and community engagement.

Kansas City has a rich history but also a legacy of racial inequities that persist in areas such as education, employment, health, and housing. The GKCCF, a leading philanthropic organization in the region, recognized the need to address these issues head-on. To do so, they partnered with Symphonic Strategies to develop a racial equity roadmap that would serve as a guide for philanthropists and community leaders in their efforts to restore America’s promise of equality and justice in the region.

Symphonic Strategies was tasked with leading a multi-phase project to create a racial equity roadmap for Kansas City. Our approach was holistic, integrating both quantitative and qualitative research methods to capture the lived experiences of BIPOC residents and to analyze the structural barriers they face. The project was designed to blend community voices with data-driven insights, ensuring that the resulting roadmap would be both grounded in reality and actionable.

The project unfolded in several key phases:

1. Formation of the Racial Equity Steering Committee: We began by forming a Racial Equity Steering Committee composed of 12 individuals representing a broad cross-section of Kansas City’s community, including residents, community-based organizations, businesses, and government entities. The committee met monthly to review data, discuss insights, and provide strategic guidance throughout the project.

2. Quality of Life Focus Groups: Several in-person focus groups were conducted in Kansas and Missouri (in English and Spanish). These sessions involved a diverse group of participants and focused on capturing lived experiences from the perspective of the region’s minority residents.

3. Racial Equity Analysis: We conducted a comprehensive racial equity analysis that included both quantitative and qualitative research. This involved examining publicly available data on housing, health, education, and employment, as well as conducting in-depth interviews and focus groups with BIPOC residents. An online survey was also deployed to assess a general sense of belongingness among BIPOC communities in Kansas City.

4. Development of the Racial Equity Roadmap: The insights gained from the research and focus group sessions were synthesized into a detailed racial equity roadmap. This roadmap outlined specific actions and commitments necessary to address racial disparities in Kansas City. It was presented in a 20-page written narrative accompanied by visual diagrams to ensure accessibility for all readers.

The Restoring America’s Promise in Kansas City project resulted in a comprehensive racial equity roadmap that has become a critical tool for guiding philanthropic efforts in the region. Key outcomes include:

- Increased Awareness and Engagement: The project successfully engaged a wide range of stakeholders, including community leaders, philanthropists, and residents, in meaningful discussions about racial equity. This increased awareness and fostered a stronger commitment to addressing these issues collaboratively.

- Actionable Recommendations: The roadmap provided GKCCF and other stakeholders with clear, actionable recommendations for closing the racial wealth divide, investing in community healing, and addressing systemic barriers in areas such as healthcare, education, and housing.

- Strategic Philanthropy: The roadmap introduced the concept of restorative philanthropy, encouraging philanthropists to focus their efforts on not just addressing the symptoms of inequality but also tackling its root causes. This approach has the potential to transform how philanthropy is practiced in Kansas City and beyond.

The success of the Restoring America’s Promise in Kansas City project was driven by a collaborative and data-driven approach that centered the voices of BIPOC residents. By providing a clear roadmap with actionable recommendations, Symphonic Strategies helped GKCCF and other stakeholders take meaningful steps toward achieving racial equity in the region.

Are you ready to create a roadmap for racial equity in your community? Contact Symphonic Strategies today to learn how our comprehensive consulting services can help you make a lasting impact.