What is Bacchus?

What if you were able to give more and have fun time doing it? By hosting fun parties Bacchus turns a $10-$20 donation into a $30,000 dollar grant.

Bacchus formed in 1955, and is a philanthropic organization introducing young adults into Kansas City's civic, cultural and educational communities. Through assisting such worthy causes in our community, Bacchus members have the opportunity to enhance their own individual development, as well as to form lasting relationships with each other. Raising awareness together provides valuable experience in the operation of a nonprofit organization. Bacchus board members and Bacchus volunteers participate in the review of applications and the beneficiary selection. Then we are responsible and accountable for raising the funds necessary to fulfill commitments to the selected beneficiary. We do it with the support of our volunteers alumni and most importantly our community partners. We also support the annual beneficiary by volunteering in their programs. After the beneficiary year many of our board members and volunteers move on to other leadership positions in local area organizations. As evident in our list of previous Ball Chairs, the Bacchus Foundation has contributed to the development of many philanthropists and community leaders who have been instrumental in the development of our town. 

What does Bacchus do?

Annually the Foundation reviews grant applications from charitable organizations to select a single beneficiary that will positively enhance the lives of Kansas City residents and our community. Bacchus then holds herself accountable for this donation and proceeds to fund raise for the grant by hosting fun parties, civic events, and social networking opportunities.

What kind of organizations does Bacchus work with?

We have granted over a million dollars during the past 50+ years to local organizations and involved and introduced thousands of local leaders to the process of philanthropy. But more importantly we do this as an all volunteer organization. Though originally conceived to benefit the Kansas City Philharmonic, the Bacchus Foundation supported a variety of social service, education and arts organizations including the Kansas City Art Institute, the Lyric Theater, Children's Mercy Hospital, and The Rose Brooks Center. Annually the Bacchus Foundation undergoes a competitive process to select the upcoming beneficiary based on a rotating area of interest (education, social service, and arts). The 2007-2008 beneficiary is the Arts Incubator, and the 2008-2009 beneficiary is Gordon Parks Elementary. During the 2007-2008 Beneficiary year Bacchus engaged over 4,000 young professionals in Kansas City through fund-raising efforts and events such as the Bacchus Ball.

How does Bacchus work?

The Bacchus Foundation is managed by a Board of Directors elected by the membership. We have various committees (Marketing, Fund-raising, and Beneficiary Selection) that focus on specific strategic outcomes for the Foundation. Volunteers are encouraged to participate and those that excel are invited to go onto the Board.

How can I join?

Join our mailing list, and membership is simply a matter of wanting to make an impact in Kansas City by having fun. If you would like to get involved in the Bacchus Leadership, then as a new member you will have to express an interest in making Kansas City a better place and more importantly act on those interests.

How do 'Not for Profits' apply?

The grant application period begins in March and ends in May. Grant applications are reviewed based on a three year revolving theme (Arts, Education, Civic). Finalist presentations are made to the board in May, and grant awards are made the following June. Please visit www.bacchuskc.org for specific information including how to access the application, or, more information is available at the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation website:http://www.gkccf.org/nonprofits.aspx?id=890&terms=bacchus