Partnerships

Ivanhoe values its partnerships

Early on, Ivanhoe’s leaders realized that while they were strong in the areas of interest and commitment, they did not have all of the resources needed to turn the neighborhood around by themselves. Thus, they invited and welcomed assistance of a number of partners. The Front Porch Alliance, formed out of the Village Presbyterian Church, has been a key partner since 1999. It offers a wide-range of programs for residents that have been instrumental in encouraging/emboldening residents to come out of their houses to get involved in neighborhood enrichment activities and improvement initiatives.

Funding provided by the Kauffman Foundation made it possible, in 2001, for Ivanhoe to hire staff, open its office, and have the means to seriously pursue accomplishment of the community change initiatives included in its strategic plan.

Ivanhoe works closely with its elected officials, the City of Kansas City, MO, and the KC MO Police Department to improve the appearance of the neighborhood and crime and safety. Today, Ivanhoe is much cleaner, illegal dumping sites have diminished, and crime has dramatically declined. We will soon own all of our Land Trust Lots (200 lots). In 5 years, residents have worked with the police to close more than 600 drug houses!

Renovation of the Boxing Center (now the Nutter Ivanhoe Neighborhood Center) was made possible through funding provided by James B. Nutter and Company Real Estate, Christmas in October, and a Missouri’ Neighborhood Assistance Program tax credits grant. Ivanhoe residents and friends have contributed time and money to assist with opening of the Center. Other key partners/funders: Bank of America, BCI & Associates, Bryan Cave Law Firm, COMBAT. DST Systems; Freddie Mac, Gates Barbecue: Greater Kansas City LISC: Habitat for Humanity: Hall Family Foundation; Health Care Foundation; Jewish Heritage Foundation; Kansas City Power & Light: Keep Kansas City Beautiful: Legal Aid of Western Missouri:; Local Area Ministry Place; ReDiscover; Swope Community Builders: University of Missouri-Kansas City; and United States Environmental Protection Agency.