A collection of experiences by JCF fundholders for JCF fundholders.
One of the many great things about having a fund at the Jewish Community Foundation is connecting with other thoughtful and generous givers. We’ve created a 2026 calendar of complimentary opportunities to socialize, network, and learn with other Foundation fundholders.
Connecting Conversations: Gather to discuss various charitable giving topics, share experiences, and learn about smart new ways to make a philanthropic impact.
Nonprofit Site Visits: Go behind the scenes of area nonprofits to see their missions in action.
Upcoming events are listed below. We invite you to come to one or come to all! If you have any questions or would like to host or propose a topic for a future event, please contact Suzanne Dicken at (913) 327-8286 or sdicken@jcfkc.org.
2026 Calendar
February
Kansas City Theatre Tour
Nonprofit Site Visits
Hosted by Mark Edelman
Friday, February 13
10:30 am - Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
12:15 pm - Lunch at Crown Center
1:30 pm - Coterie Theatre
3:00 pm - Unicorn Theatre
Join JCF for a behind-the-scenes look at some of Kansas City’s vibrant performing arts venues. JCF fundholder and Theater League founder Mark Edelman will share insights as we visit three landmark institutions that enrich our community. With rare backstage access, you’ll meet staff and tour production spaces while hearing about what’s next for the local arts community. Come for all or part of the day based on your availability and interest.
March
The J
Nonprofit Site Visit
Hosted by Sam Levine
Tuesday, March 10 | 11:00 am-12:30 pm
Optional lunch to follow
5801 W. 115th St., Overland Park, KS 66211
Join us for lunch and a special tour of The J KC. Learn about some of the most exciting new initiatives, discuss the core mission of the organization, and discover how that mission is actualized through programming every day. For many of us, a visit to The J is not “new,” but this tour promises to offer insights that will leave you thinking, “Wow, I didn’t know that before!”
April
Making Lasting Impact in a Changing Nonprofit Landscape
Connecting Conversation
Hosted by Rita Cortes
Wednesday, April 15 | 5:30-7:00 pm
Jewish Community Campus
5801 W. 115th St., Overland Park, KS 66211
Community needs shift quickly in our ever-changing world. How do we keep up with the best ways to impact the things we each care about? How do we balance emerging priorities with longstanding causes and personal commitments?
Join other JCF fundholders for a networking dialogue that invites each of us to wrestle with big questions, including how to make lasting impact, how to build trust with grantees while still learning what works, and how to stay nimble as new challenges and opportunities emerge. Bring your questions, your experiences, and your willingness to engage in a dynamic conversation. Rita Cortes will facilitate our dialogue, bringing her experience in personal philanthropy as a JCF fundholder and as a seasoned professional.
May
Truman Library Institute White House Decision Center
Nonprofit Site Visit
Hosted by Merilyn Berenbom
Wednesday, May 6 | 2:00-5:00 pm
500 W. US Hwy. 24, Independence, MO 64050
The White House Decision Center is a nationally recognized hands-on history lab where participants step into the roles of President Truman and his advisors, work with formerly classified primary source documents, and collaborate to tackle some of history’s greatest challenges. Our group will participate in a scenario on the topic of “Addressing the End of the British Mandate in Palestine.”
June
SAVE, Inc.
Nonprofit Site Visit
Hosted by Martha Gershun
Wednesday, June 3 | 10:00-11:30 am
911 E. 31st Street, Kansas City, MO 64109
We’ll visit SAVE, Inc., an organization that provides comprehensive housing solutions to empower socially and medically disadvantaged people to improve their health and lead stable lives with dignity. We’ll tour Teresa’s Place, a shelter for young adults that creates a safe space for the queer community; Alhaven, the 50-unit affordable apartment complex; and one of SAVE, Inc.’s supportive housing facilities, home to 24 people living with HIV or severe and persistent mental illness.
July
JFS Brookside East
Nonprofit Site Visit
Hosted by Lara Krigel Pabst
Tuesday, July 14 | 12:00-1:30 pm
425 E. 63rd Street, Kansas City, MO 64110
Join us for a visit to Jewish Family Services’ Brookside East facility. We will meet with leadership, tour the building, and learn about JFS’s work to provide essential human services for people of all faiths, ages, cultures, and identities who are facing challenges in everyday life or times of crisis. Please consider bringing non-perishable items to donate to the JFS Food Pantry.
August
Kansas City Hospice House
Nonprofit Site Visit
Hosted by Carol Barnett
Tuesday, August 25 | 11:00 am-1:00 pm
12000 Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO 64145
Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care is accredited by the National Institute of Jewish Hospice. The Hospice House’s caring, expert staff and volunteers help those facing the end of life and their families spend time together in comfort and peace. We’ll learn about KC Hospice House’s thoughtfully designed programs which give families the peace of mind to walk together with their loved ones through the end of life journey, and through the grief and healing process.
September
Village Shalom
Nonprofit Site Visit
Hosted by Irene Bettinger & Frank Lipsman
Tuesday, September 15 | 10:00-11:30 am
5500 W. 123rd St., Overland Park, KS 66209
Experience a welcoming, values-driven continuing care retirement community where Jewish heritage meets inclusive, high-quality elder care. Village Shalom is a community where seniors flourish in body, mind, and spirit. This site visit will highlight key aspects of its continuum of care, innovative memory support programs, and the organization’s mission to provide over $2 million in financial assistance each year.
November
The Next Chapter of Generosity: Giving in Your 70s & Beyond
Connecting Conversation
Hosted by Gail & Gary Weinberg
Wednesday, November 11 | 7:00-8:30 pm
Olathe, KS (address shared upon registration)
As you enter your retirement years, your approach to philanthropy can evolve in significant ways. Join other seasoned JCF fundholders for an engaging conversation about legacy gifts and other smart giving strategies in retirement. The discussion will include how to make the most of your IRA charitable distributions and other taxwise tools that align with your values and financial goals.
