Kind World Foundation

OVERVIEW: The Kind World Foundation supports the arts, education, human services and community enhancement in Sioux City, Iowa and beyond.

FUNDING AREAS: Arts, education, human services, community enhancement

IP TAKE: The Kind World Foundation does not have a website to guide grantseekers, restricting transparency about grantmaking guidelines and applications. Although this foundation is based in Nebraska, it mostly funds Iowa nonprofits and is accessible to local groups despite its low profile.

PROFILE: Established in 1991, the Kind World Foundation is a family foundation based in Omaha, Nebraska. It was founded by Norman Waitt, founder and chairman of the Waitt Company, and who previously owned Gateway Computers in partnership with Ted Waitt, his brother. KWF funds local efforts for the arts, education, human services and community enhancement.

Local news coverage and tax filings reveal that Norman Waitt, through his foundation, has given millions of dollars for projects in the Sioux City area. In addition to the funder’s main topics of interest listed above, other grantees work in recreation, health, faith-related activities and technological advancements. Foundation giving largely focuses on community-based service projects close to home. Both Norman and Ted Waitt have also given locally focused donations through the Siouxland Community Foundation. There is a Kind World scholarship program that has supported high school seniors in the Sioux City area since 2009.

Grants range between about $1,000 and $1 million. Learn more about this funder’s local giving by examining its recent tax records. Grantmaking mostly focuses on Sioux City, Iowa. However, other grantees are based in the cities of Omaha, Nashville, Santa Barbara, San Diego, Santa Fe and Washington, D.C. Past local grantees include the Orpheum Theatre, a new headquarters for Girls Inc., and the building of the Norm Waitt Sr. YMCA.

This foundation accepts unsolicited grant applications from nonprofits. There are no specific forms to use or deadlines to adhere to. Grantseekers should simply complete a written application with details about the organization, project, budget, financial information, board of directors and any other relevant information. Direct general questions to the staff at 402-697-8000.

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