About

the Northland Community Foundation

About Us

The Northland Community Foundation was established in 1986 to encourage charitable giving to benefit the families and children living in Clay and Platte counties. We believe that every person can make a difference in the world, and we strive to empower individuals and organizations to create positive change in their communities.

Our team is made up of passionate and dedicated individuals who are committed to making a difference through philanthropy and community engagement. We provide a variety of services and resources to help donors and non-profit organizations achieve their goals, including grantmaking, donor-advised funds, and community initiatives.

Join us in creating a brighter future for the Northland community!

Our Mission

Authentic voices in our communities

Our Board Members

Front row, from left: Jenifer Sears, Linda Ward (History & Orientation), Michael Short (Board Chair), Karen Dolt (Finance), Chris Evans (Development).
Back row: Kevin Corlew, Kirk Davis (Governance), Damien Boley, Michelle Jarvis (Past-Chair), Jeanne Leitze (Secretary), Libby Blair (Scholarships), Brandy Colson, Bety Le Shackelford.
Not pictured: Michel Ann Kaiser (Planning & Initiatives), Andres Dominguez, Matt Pepper.

Michael Short, Chair
Michelle Jarvis, Immediate Past Chair
Karen Dolt, Treasurer
Jeanne Leitze, Secretary

Libby Blair
Damien Boley
Brandy Colson
Kevin Corlew
Kirk Davis
Andres Dominguez

Chris Evans
Michael Ann Kaiser
Matt Pepper
Brian Sandridge
Jenifer Sears
Bety Le Shackelford
Linda Ward

Our History

The Northland Community Foundation (NCF) was established in 1986 as a regional affiliate of the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation. Serving Clay and Platte counties in Missouri, NCF was created to encourage charitable giving and address the needs of families and children in the Northland area. Over the years, it has focused on connecting donors with community causes, providing grants to nonprofits, and tackling critical local issues. A key milestone came in 2023 with the release of its Community Needs Assessment, which identified gaps and opportunities for impactful philanthropy, particularly in supporting children’s well-being. Today, NCF continues to enhance the quality of life in the Northland through strategic grantmaking and community leadership.

Virjean Burton

Virjean Burton was the founder of the Northland Community Foundation (NCF), established in 1986 as an affiliate of the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation. Her vision was to create a lasting legacy of charitable giving to support families and children in Clay and Platte counties, Missouri. Burton’s dedication to the Northland community inspired the foundation’s mission to improve quality of life by connecting donors with local needs and addressing critical issues. Her legacy is honored through the Virjean Burton Youth Philanthropy Award, Recognizing young individuals who demonstrate exceptional philanthropic leadership, reflecting her commitment to fostering community spirit and support.

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