News Releases

News Releases

THE EWING MARION KAUFFMAN FOUNDATION AWARDS THE TRUMAN LIBRARY INSTITUTE WITH $1.65 MILLION GRANT | October 16, 2017

Transformative Grant Will Support the Institute’s Plans for the 75th Anniversary of Truman’s Presidency

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation has awarded the Truman Library Institute a $1.65 million grant to increase fundraising efforts and expand strategy to promote the life and legacy of Kansas City’s hometown president, Harry S. Truman.

“This generous grant will have a transformative impact on the Truman Library Institute,” said Clyde Wendel, board chair of the Truman Library Institute. “The Institute has already seen exciting growth in recent years in fundraising, programming and visibility—this funding will help propel this momentum even further.”

The Kauffman Foundation’s grant is focused on three primary areas of support: 1) Building the Institute’s fundraising capacity; 2) Supporting a comprehensive fundraising communications plan along with existing marketing efforts; and 3) Developing a strategy to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of Harry Truman’s presidency in 2020.

“The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation supports Kansas City’s key city assets, including the Harry S. Truman Library and Museum, by providing funding that propels these organizations towards financial growth,” said Gloria Jackson-Leathers, director of the Kauffman Foundation’s KC Civic program. “The Foundation sees great value in supporting the Truman Library Institute so that the Truman Library can continue to serve as an important resource and inspiration for our community for decades to come.”

The renewed support from the Kauffman Foundation will allow the Truman Library Institute to collaborate with its federal partner the Harry S. Truman Library and Museum to launch the most ambitious plan in the Truman Library’s history. The primary goals include the creation of a new Truman exhibition, a museum renovation and expanded programming to bring the life and legacy of one of the nation’s most respected presidents to bear on the current generation.

“The impact of Harry Truman’s presidency is currently affecting our nation and world more than ever, and this support from the Kauffman Foundation allows the Institute to capitalize on this moment to ensure Truman’s legacy continues to grow… and inspire,” said Alex Burden, executive director of the Truman Library Institute. “The Kauffman Foundation’s generous grant is a strong affirmation of the lasting relevance of Harry Truman and the importance of our mission.”

The Truman Library Institute is the member-supported, nonprofit partner of the Harry S. Truman Library and Museum, one of 14 presidential libraries of the National Archives. The Truman Library Institute draws on President Truman’s legacy to enrich the public understanding of history, the presidency and America’s unique form of government. This mission is achieved through the development and funding of world-class museum exhibits, a robust international research grant program, public forums and nationally acclaimed education programs serving more than 40,000 students and teachers each year. Learn more at TrumanLibraryInstitute.org.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Lacey Helmig
Director of Communications
Truman Library Institute
816-400-1217
lacey.helmig@TrumanLibraryInstitute.org