The arts and philanthropy have been at the heart of Jennifer Wampler’s career for more than 25 years. On November 7, 2023, she will be recognized by the Greater Kansas City Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals with the Excellence in Fundraising Award at the Kauffman Foundation Conference Center.
As KCB’s Chief Philanthropy Officer, Jennifer’s dedication and expertise have propelled Kansas City Ballet to new heights. With more than 16 years of loyal service, Jennifer’s commitment to the Ballet’s mission is unwavering. Former Executive Director Jeffrey Bentley says of Jennifer, “She is a remarkable leader within the organization and views her role in development as a calling as much as it is a profession.”
Her fundraising skills and in-depth understanding of the organization’s goals have been invaluable to its growth and success. In addition to raising annual operating funds, she has led campaigns to build the Todd Bolender Center for Dance & Creativity, to grow the Ballet’s endowment, and most recently, to expand the KCB School’s South Campus at Meadowbrook.
A Strong Foundation of Making a Difference
Jennifer was born in Omaha, Nebraska, and earned a Bachelor of Art’s degree in Religious Studies from Iowa State University. She moved to Kansas City to pursue her MBA in nonprofit management from the University of Missouri – Kansas City, where she is a Senior Fellow at UMKC’s Midwest Center for Nonprofit Leadership.
Jennifer has earned a stellar reputation in the Kansas City community, a testament to her ability to build lasting relationships with donors and colleagues. As KCB Board member Patricia Macdonald has said, “I’ve experienced Jennifer as a highly skilled and savvy development officer.”
A true advocate of philanthropy, she fosters a culture of giving within her organization and advances the profession through her work with AFP-KC and the Midwest Center. In all aspects of her work, Jennifer follows a donor-centric approach, recognizing that the success of her team and the Ballet rests upon prioritizing the needs and wishes of the donors.
A trusted advisor to volunteer groups like the Arts Council of Johnson County, the Lenexa Arts Council and Missouri Citizens for the Arts, Jennifer imparts best practices and guidance on advocacy, solicitation techniques, and stewardship. Her ethical approach to collaboration and fundraising sets her apart as a true professional.
Through her tireless efforts and commitment to donor-centric strategies, Jennifer continues to be an invaluable asset to the Ballet and the generous donors who make it all possible.
Congratulate Jennifer
If you’d like to congratulate Jennifer, please add a comment below or email her at jwampler@kcballet.org. All comments will be shared with her.
Top Photo | Photography by Larry F. Levinson.
Congrats! Well deserved.
Well done! We’re so proud of you!
Sarah, Brad, & Orgil
Congratulations on your accomplishments! Thank your for your contributions to the K C Ballet.