en years ago Ingram’s Magazine did something that was almost unheard of in the commercial magazine field, and even rarer in the special area of business publications: Ingram’s devoted virtually the entire December issue to coverage of local philanthropic efforts in an American metropolitan city.
The focus represented a new and unique direction for a business publication, unusual even nationally and virtually unheard of in Kansas City. It was one of several changes brought by new Ingram’s owners Joe and Michelle Sweeney, and it was quickly explained in their column of December, 1997: The purpose of this month’s shift from our usual business format is to celebrate philanthropy in Kansas City—The City With A Heart!

 

The column also answered the logical question: what has philanthropy to do with business? The full answer was both obvious and subtle. Kansas City is truly the Heart of America, not just geographically but with a generosity that is documented as one of the most outstanding in the nation. This national leadership includes a significant, even overwhelming business and corporate component. Businesses share the Midwest generosity, and they realized that the more they contribute to the health of the community, the better the climate for business. It’s a case where enlightened self-interest matches perfectly with traditional Midwestern values.

Ingram’s community support in one sense was an example of this same good business sense, illustrating the magazine’s leadership on a topic often overlooked by the media, especially the business press. But the articles also provided important dialogue on a wide range of philanthropic subjects. By giving one issue each year to promote the community and share positive messages about its people, Ingram’s directly supports the development of a better, more caring community. As Michelle and Joe wrote in this first philanthropic issue, “It is our sincere hope that Ingram’s contribution to this community makes a positive difference in the lives of all Kansas Citians.”

 

Fast Start

The first philanthropic issue didn’t waste time making good on its promise. The issue’s cover story, Local Heroes, took a warm look at some of the area’s true celebrities, and at some of the issues facing the local nonprofit, community-service world.

Typical of Ingram’s far-flung playing field, the 10 Local Hero profiles included a diverse sampling of the community, from a homeless shelter volunteer Richard Tripp to area banker David Ross, whose aggressive grant making was becoming legend. Local Heroes would become a staple of the annual philanthropic issues, and are eagerly anticipated by the community.

More analytical of philanthropic efforts were two other articles. In Second Thoughts On Philanthropy, a watershed in understanding the role and impact of philanthropy in Kansas City was examined in a speech
by William A. Hall, president of the Hall Family Foundation. The Changing Face of Philanthropy focused on the increased rec-ognition of multi-cultural civic leadership.

The remainder of this special issue included in-depth studies of area charities and foundations, as well as a first-hand look at the Christmas in October volunteer program and how it improved everything from office morale to the bottom line. Al Sassone, then president of the Heart of America United Way in Kansas City, wrote in a column that such discoveries should not be surprising. “A new perspective is good business,” he said of increased openness to community involvement. “This new view is imperative to your company, the community and you as an individual.”

One year later, Ingram’s proved that its focus on philanthropy was no fluke. The December 1998 issue included features on volunteerism and Kansas City’s successful efforts at collaboration. Once again, the tone was set from the cover, with Helzberg’s CEO Jeff Comment dressed as Santa Claus, an appropriate custom not only for Comment, but for other generous souls highlighted in the issue as Local Heroes.

Ingram’s that year also included a decidedly businesslike perspective to some of these articles. Other topics included business leaders’ involvement in faith-based initiatives, an analysis of the state of giving in Kansas City, and a feature on Boards of Trustees, work that many area business leaders know firsthand.

 

Increased Focus

As the new millennium approached, these targeted looks at philanthropy became even more focused. In 2000, Ingram’s annual Salute to Philanthropy included the pros and cons of social service agencies, successes of area youth service programs, and a column detailing the benefits of “cause marketing.” These, and articles such as not-for-profits and their connection to the business planning process, continued Ingram’s incisive blend of support and analysis for the nonprofit
sector.

In one of the most unique examinations of philanthropy by the media, Ingram’s that year examined an area often overlooked in coverage of this area: how local media and communications professionals give back to their community.

In the same issue, Executive Editor Jack Cashill weighed in with his renowned wit, but this time his talents were focused on a Kansas organization that emphasizes a practical, grassroots approach to combating the modern plague of divorce. The popular Local Heroes feature took an appropriate look at philanthropic pairs—husband and wife teams who have made outstanding impacts on the local com-munity. This issue also introduced Ingram’s Philanthropic Profiles, in-depth examination of a dozen organizations that form the “faces of philanthropy” for metropolitan Kansas City.

The year of 2001 was unusual in several ways. Ingram’s didn’t shy from coverage of how 9/11 and the ensuing economic woes brought negative impacts for nonprofits—and what nonprofits and others were doing to counter the challenges.

One of the most positive examples was a new program launched by UMB to help nurture leadership growth in area nonprofits. More serious was a survey of area nonprofit organizations and foundations to examine trends in contributions and giving. Although most signs signaled temporary decreases that in some areas would be serious, a consensus pointed to balancing factors available through good business practices and accountability.

Once again, Ingram’s also featured in-depth profiles of nonprofit organization
in its Philanthropic Profiles, the Local Heroes feature, and a warm look at the Hall family that not only operates Kansas City-based Hallmark Cards, but also created a seemingly endless array of foundations and community service efforts.

The December, 2002 issue reported on the undercurrent of 9/11 that continued through much of the nonprofit world, just as it affected American business and life in general. Indeed, the now obvious and long-lasting impact of the Sept. 11 attack was now more obvious because of time’s perspective, and this “Peace in War” issue emphasized the “celebration of open in a troubled time.”

The theme was more than a play on words. Director of Sales Michelle Sweeney took over the publisher’s column for the month and noted, “This year has forced people to a close look at home and abroad and search their souls to reassess their values and the values of the organizations with which they affiliate.”

The issue’s major articles focused on those who submerge themselves in The Greater Good, while Jack Cashill’s monthly Industry Outlook assembly and article focused on foundations, nonprofits and other organizations that serve community needs. With representation ranging from American Humanics to the YMCA, the far-reaching discussion targeted issues at the core of Kansas City’s philanthropic efforts. Twelve more nonprofits were featured in the Philanthropic Profiles.

 

Visible Leaders

The December, 2003 issue was appropriately decked in red, with a seasonal look at Kansas City Chiefs. While the 2003 Chief’s competitive standing that year was certainly not a negative, the feature examined the surprising number of annual efforts by the team and its members with area non-profits and community organizations. From the philosophy of owner Lamar Hunt and General Manager Carl Peterson to programs established by individual players, the Chiefs’ were found to be as unstoppable philanthropically as they were offensively.

This year’s selection of Local Heroes was especially heartwarming, with a focus on volunteers who specialize in children’s issues and organizations—literally helping children enjoy life and feel love that might otherwise be missing.

For the second year, the monthly Industry Outlook focused on philanthropic organizations. The valuable dialogue again broke from the usual examination of the financial industry or a region’s economic developments to study the state of the region’s nonprofits. Although the overall environment was positive, the feature’s usual analysis and insight included many areas that call for attention and improvement, as well as thought provoking suggestions.

In 2004, Industry Outlook narrowed its focus to the role of philanthropy in healthcare. An unusually large group of 40 leaders of healthcare providers and funding organ-izations agreed that while the issues are complex, a small army of well-meaning people is working hard to increase both focus and efficiency.

Ingram’s Local Heroes examined those who not only give of themselves, but give year-round. These representatives of the area’s religious community devote their time, energy and huge amounts of resources to im-proving the lives of those around them.

The issue also included a thorough study of healthcare and giving, ways in which foun-dations and individuals improve the local healthcare services and the challenges both they and their recipient organizations face.

 

The Katrina Effect

The most recent year, 2005, saw an eerie parallel to 2001, but more positive. Just as 9/11 almost overwhelmed 2001, Hurricane Katrina and its impact on the Gulf Coast dominated 2005, especially in the philanthropic community. Unlike 2001, several encouraging results were beginning to emerge in 2005. Ingram’s Magazine found one in the overwhelmingly positive response by Kansas City area relief agencies.

The annual Local Heroes investigation uncovered similar results. Leading individuals and philanthropic organizations were quick to take action with an outpouring of massive relieve that in many ways typified the spirit of the Kansas City community.

The annual Philanthropic Industry Outlook Report for 2005 was especially animated, but continued its tradition of discussing solutions as well as problems. The dialogue included controversial issues that ranged from stem cell research to healthcare legislation, but even those on opposites of these and other issues agreed that the overall quest for a better community was paramount.

Ingram’s Magazine continues its philanthropic support throughout the year, but is especially proud of its annual focus each December. Through this contribution one month out of the year, Ingram’s helps metropolitan Kansas City achieve a more and quite literally become a better community. We believe that’s good business and good policy.