How the American Century Investments Foundation Supports Kansas City, Missouri

America Century Investments has been operating for over 60 years, has over 1,400 employees and conducts business from eight global offices. The company is based in Kansas City, Missouri, and has a charitable foundation that centers its grantmaking there. The American Century Investments Foundation (ACIF) has been awarding grants locally since 2000 and is a good funder to know in the Kansas City area.

Here are some details to know about ACIF and its approach to grantmaking.

Two grantmaking programs

In recent years, ACIF has been awarding around $2 million to nonprofits through its two grantmaking programs. One is called Dollars for Donors, which is a matching gift program that recognizes company employees’ philanthropic contributions. For each dollar American Century Investments employees donate — and also for their volunteer time — ACIF matches contributions dollar-for-dollar. This employee program has a rate 280% higher than the national average for employee matching gift programs.

The other avenue for ACIF giving is its twice-yearly grant application process. The foundation awards grants to innovative and sustainable organizations that operate where company employees live and work. Seeing as Kansas City, Missouri is the site of the company’s headquarters, many grants stay within this geographic area. The Greater Kansas City Community Foundation assists ACIF with grant administration and the online application process for these funding opportunities.

Types of support available

ACIF awards general operating support, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $25,000. Although the foundation has an open and accessible application process, it prefers to award grants to organizations that company employees are involved with.

In the past, ACIF has also given special attention to health and human services organizations that provide direct services to individuals. It does not fund capital campaigns, recreational sports, political or religious causes, individuals or special events. Also, the foundation does not provide financial products or in-kind services to its grantees.

Applying for a grant

ACIF offers a straightforward and transparent grant process and publicizes upcoming opportunities. The application period typically opens up around the first of February and has deadlines at the beginning of April and October. Although the funder accepts applications twice annually, grantseekers should plan to only apply for a grant once per year.

The application process is conducted online and requires organizations to register on an application website. Grantseekers with questions about the foundation or its grantmaking process should contact the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation by phone or email.

To learn more about this funder, check out IP’s full profile of the American Century Investments Foundation, which is part of our Missouri grants for nonprofits guide.

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