The seven founders of the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation passed a hat in 1978, collecting $200 and some change. The Community Foundation was thus begun with an extraordinary idea: Charitable giving should be the responsibility of many, not just a select few. Driven to improve the metropolitan area, the Community Foundation has grown to become one of the largest and most entrepreneurial public charities of its kind. The Community Foundation, including its six affiliates within the Greater Kansas City region, is recognized as a national leader in making sure every philanthropic investment returns the greatest emotional, civic and financial benefit possible. Today the Community Foundation manages almost $1 billion in assets; Houses more than 3,000 charitable funds established by individuals, families and businesses to support the charitable causes that are important to them; and has provided more than $1.5 billion in grants since its inception.