Date of Award

2025

Document Type

MA Project - Restricted Access (SIA Only)

Project Type

MA Project - Business Plan

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Art Business

First Advisor

Betsy Thomas

Second Advisor

Leo Krakowsky

Abstract

The Skidmore Foundation, located in Kansas City, Missouri, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the landscape of the Missouri/Kansas area. Established in May 1994, the foundation has consistently demonstrated its commitment to community development and support through a strong governance structure that ensures transparency and accountability. Our mission is to provide targeted and impactful contributions to elementary art programs, ensuring that these often overlooked communities receive the support they need to foster creativity and cultural appreciation among young students. For the past thirty years, the foundation has been managed by Lindon Q. Skidmore, William Sisney (my grandfather), and now William Kyle Sisney (my father). The foundation has always been popular and sought after in our city, and we have always been consistent in delivering to local needs. However, the foundation has never had any real structure or organization in terms of where our money goes every year, and we have known for a very long time that it would be beneficial to start directing our funding towards something specific and consistent, that way we can create something long lasting and grow our legacy as a foundation. My idea, as the future of the Skidmore Foundation and its leadership, is to develop elementary art programs across the Kansas City metroplex, as art program funding is neglected and somewhat non-existent around our home area. Post pandemic, most rural schools are still recovering from budget constraints and many programs have been completely cut as a whole. This is an issue that we forecast will only get worse over time. Our organization is structured as a tax-exempt entity under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, allowing us to maximize the impact of our philanthropic efforts by allocating more resources directly to the art programs we aim to support. The foundation's leadership, now under the stewardship of William Kyle Sisney, is committed to advancing our mission through strategic vision and community engagement. Our services are grouped into two main categories: Art Program Funding and Educational Support Services, with a unique focus on supporting art programs in small rural elementary schools. This niche allows us to make a significant impact where it is most needed, distinguishing us from other philanthropic trusts with broader donation priorities. The Skidmore Foundation's business strategy is designed to ensure sustainable growth and adaptability. Our flexible funding model adjusts annual allocations based on trust interest rates, fostering long-term relationships with the schools we sponsor and allowing for the development and growth of art programs over time. By structuring our allocations to allow for growth and development, we ensure that our contributions can increase and adapt to the evolving needs of the schools we support. This targeted school sponsorship approach enables us to provide substantial and focused support to three schools, making a meaningful difference in each institution. Our unwavering commitment to supporting local communities and prioritizing the development of art programs sets us apart, ensuring a sustainable and meaningful impact on the quality and availability of art education in rural communities.

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