National World War I Museum and Memorial Announces $1.9 Million Gift

The National World War I Museum and Memorial announced a $1.9 million gift from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation today, one of the largest donations in Museum history.

The grant from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation is focused on building the long-term financial strength of America's official World War I museum and memorial. The strategic investment is targeted toward accelerating the museum's efforts to increase fundraising and awareness nationally and internationally. It also provides for a significant software upgrade to improve interaction with Museum stakeholders geared toward building membership and individual charitable support.

"This gift will truly help propel the National World War I Museum and Memorial into another stratosphere," said National World War I Museum and Memorial President and CEO Dr. Matthew Naylor. "Already recognized as one of the world's great museums and memorials, this investment from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation will allow for the Museum to amplify its stature regionally, nationally and internationally."

The grant already has resulted in the hiring of additional staff as Dr. Michael House joined the Museum as Senior Vice President in late March and will provide for addition positions in the future. The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation also provided funds for research projects, the engagement of a strategic communications firm, a systematic upgrade of the Museum's software platforms and more.

"The Foundation supports key city assets, such as the National World War I Museum and Memorial, through targeted charitable investment intended to serve as a catalyst for growth," said Gloria Jackson-Leathers, director of the Kauffman Foundation's KC Civic program. "The momentum generated by the Museum's leadership and its Centennial Campaign presented the right timing to expand capacity and fundraising efforts aimed at ensuring the museum as the financial stability to educate patrons for decades to come."

The gift is part of the Museum's "Call to Duty" Centennial Capital Campaign, which has raised $17.1 million since 2014. Since 2013, attendance at the Museum and Memorial has increased more than 50 percent, serving more than 525,000 guests in 2016 and an additional 425,000 individuals through the organization's website.

"This surge in attendance demonstrates the deep vein of interest there is in remembering World War I and understanding its enduring impact," said Naylor. "This investment by the Kauffman Foundation builds on the outstanding accomplishments in building the world's most diverse collection, and telling stories in ways that can help us shape a better future."

The National World War I Museum and Memorial holds the most diverse collection of World War I objects and documents in the world and is the second-oldest public museum dedicated to preserving the objects, history and personal experiences of the war.

About the National World War I Museum and Memorial

The National World War I Museum and Memorial is America's leading institution dedicated to remembering, interpreting and understanding the Great War and its enduring impact on the global community. The Museum holds the most diverse collection of World War I objects and documents in the world and is the second-oldest public museum dedicated to preserving the objects, history and experiences of the war. The Museum takes visitors of all ages on an epic journey through a transformative period and shares deeply personal stories of courage, honor, patriotism and sacrifice. Designated by Congress as America's official World War I Museum and Memorial and located in downtown Kansas City, Mo., the National World War I Museum and Memorial inspires thought, dialogue and learning to make the experiences of the Great War era meaningful and relevant for present and future generations. To learn more, visit theworldwar.org.

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