W.K. Kellogg Foundation Strategic Plan Strategic plan for W.K. Kellogg Foundation supporting children, families and communities to create conditions that propel vulnerable children to achieve success rooted in racial equity and community engagement. This strategic plan was extracted from publicly available information by AI (Claude, Anthropic) on February 10, 2026, including foundation's website, program descriptions, and public reports. W.K. Kellogg Foundation was founded in June 1930 as W.K. Kellogg Child Welfare Foundation by breakfast cereal pioneer Will Keith Kellogg. In 1934 Kellogg donated more than $66 million in Kellogg Company stock and other investments to W.K. Kellogg Trust (equivalent to roughly $1 billion at time). Ninety years later W.K. Kellogg Foundation manages more than $9.4 billion in assets and is one of largest philanthropic foundations in world. When Will Keith Kellogg established foundation in 1930 he said: "Use the money as you please so long as it promotes the health, happiness and well-being of children." This belief is rooted in founder's vision. Foundation focuses grantmaking on child's earliest years from birth through age eight because investing early has been proven to make biggest difference in children's long-term development. Working at community level is central to foundation's work. Like Mr. Kellogg foundation believes in people and that people and communities are best source of ideas, wisdom, and solutions to create real change for children. Foundation concentrates two-thirds of its grantmaking in priority places where there are high concentrations of poverty and where children face significant barriers to success. Priority places in U.S. are Michigan, Mississippi, New Mexico, and New Orleans Louisiana; internationally are in Chiapas and Yucatán Peninsula Mexico and in central and southwest Haiti. Foundation also works with sovereign tribes. Based in Battle Creek, Michigan. Signatory to Philanthropy's Promise, initiative of National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy, committing to allocate majority of grantmaking dollars to marginalized communities and at least 25% to social justice strategies such as advocacy, community organizing, and civic engagement. As grantmaker recognizes children live in families and families live in communities. Uses variety of change-making tools: grantmaking, impact investing, networking and convening. W.K. Kellogg Foundation WKKF uuid-1a2b3c4d-5e6f-7a8b-9c0d-1e2f3a4b5c6d One of largest philanthropic foundations in United States supporting children, families and communities to strengthen and create conditions that propel vulnerable children to achieve success. Will Keith Kellogg Founder (deceased 1951), breakfast cereal pioneer who established foundation in 1930 with instruction to promote health, happiness and well-being of children Envision nation that marshals its resources to assure all children have equitable and promising future - nation in which all children thrive regardless of race or income. uuid-2b3c4d5e-6f7a-8b9c-0d1e-2f3a4b5c6d7e Support children, families and communities as they strengthen and create conditions that propel vulnerable children to achieve success as individuals and as contributors to larger community and society. uuid-3c4d5e6f-7a8b-9c0d-1e2f-3a4b5c6d7e8f Community Voice Believe people and communities are best source of ideas, wisdom, and solutions to create real change for children. Early Investment Focus on earliest years from birth through age eight because investing early makes biggest difference in children's long-term development. Place-Based Work Work at community level concentrating two-thirds of grantmaking in priority places with high concentrations of poverty. Racial Equity Center racial equity through everything foundation does and in all grantmaking to ensure all children have equal access to opportunity. Integrated Systems Recognize children live in families and families live in communities therefore work is interconnected and holistic. Thriving Children Increase number of children who are reading-and-math proficient by third grade through investments in early childhood development prenatal to age eight. 02e4423c-2352-43a0-9d0a-045814c52b48 1 Young Children Children from birth through age eight receiving development and education as foundation for independence and success. To ensure all children get development and education they need as foundation for independence and success WKKF seeks opportunities to invest in early child development (prenatal to age eight) leading to reading proficiency by third grade, high school graduation, and pathways to meaningful employment. Children at heart of everything foundation does. Goal is lasting transformational change for children. Every child deserves best possible start in life. Care and education children receive in first years of life are building blocks to future success. Early Care Ensure equitable access to high-quality and culturally affirming early care and education programs and schools from prenatal to age eight. c346e3c1-af97-4dfb-a5c3-2456aadf083c 1.1 Good Early Care and Education focus area prioritizes equitable access to high-quality and culturally affirming programs and schools. Foundation responsive to needs of individual communities and varies approach by location. Reading Proficiency Increase number of children who are reading-and-math proficient by third grade through support for all aspects of early childhood development. 66e5fa6d-8b9d-4936-a8f7-5e7df7b06f45 1.2 Foundation partners with organizations supporting all aspects of early childhood development: academic, physical and emotional, family literacy, innovative educational practices, policy reform and lifelong learning. Professional Development Support professional development for teachers and innovative educational practices including data/technology tools and digital media learning tools. 6f4b3b6a-495b-4134-a2e0-c392a34e82b5 1.3 Areas of interest include professional development for teachers, data/technology tools for instruction and assessment, digital media learning tools, pre-K educational services, K-12 supplemental education services and content. Pathways Employment Create pathways to meaningful employment through high school graduation, postsecondary achievement and vocational education. 9da35144-dfe8-49be-81cb-6e0f01915ffc 1.4 Includes secondary and postsecondary graduation and retention strategies, postsecondary vocational education. New Options Initiative For Youth establishes new pathways connecting out-of-school young adults ages 16-24 with meaningful career opportunities. Birth Policy Support Birth to Five Policy Alliance to increase public and private support so young children particularly those facing most challenges get high-quality services. 1a8fd2aa-be4a-4707-836c-47ace4901269 1.5 Working Families Increase number of children and families living at least 200 percent above poverty level by supporting family economic security and stable high-quality jobs. 6506f8fa-8308-4e04-bd73-af33cda848ba 2 Vulnerable Families Families needing short-term assistance or supports to move from poverty to financial stability and economic security. Children more likely to thrive when families are economically secure. Primary needs of family must be addressed to create pathways out of poverty for children. In United States foundation works alongside grantees and employers to widen pathways to stable, high-quality jobs and more equitable employment opportunities. Foundation supports programs that increase family stability, foster quality jobs, careers and entrepreneurship, and promote secondary achievement and financial independence. Supports strategies that increase income, assets, and aspirations of vulnerable children and their families and reduce disparities based on class, gender and race. Some families may need short-term assistance or other supports to move from poverty to financial stability so foundation supports efforts that inform policies and change systems to create greater economic stability for families and communities. Economic Security Increase financial security of families particularly women-headed families through innovative programs fostering entrepreneurship and financial independence. 89f1c2f1-b0f8-4dd5-b234-4e17a34fbc3c 2.1 Foundation supports innovative programs that increase financial security of women-headed families, foster entrepreneurship and promote postsecondary achievement and financial independence. Equitable Employment Widen pathways to stable, high-quality jobs and more equitable employment opportunities reducing class-, gender- and race-based disparities. b40695d7-ba7f-4668-a1a2-c93a568e3dc8 2.2 Business Enterprises Expand support for tribal-, minority- and women-owned business enterprises and accelerate small business growth. 12b56b17-18a0-4330-9100-8592bfdd7738 2.3 Financial Services Improve access to responsible financial services including lending, transaction services and savings to combat multi-generational poverty. 9b185602-db63-4968-ab71-f34cb085ac10 2.4 Mission-driven investments target enterprises that help families achieve economic security by earning and saving more. Opportunities in providing capital to lend or invest in job creation, entrepreneurship opportunities, access to key services and development of family or community assets. Equity or fixed income investments in enterprises and programs that enable or directly provide families or communities with access to responsible financial resources. Policy Systems Support efforts that inform policies and change systems to create greater economic stability for families moving from poverty to financial stability. af0d8e2f-36f6-45b8-a454-032dae67484f 2.5 Equitable Communities Create equitable communities through racial equity and healing programs that end structural racism and create inclusive societies where all children can thrive. 395b9ae5-0bd1-4d2e-b9b4-4b490190f688 3 Community Leaders National and local leaders, teachers, civic organizations and community members working to create fair and just systems and policies. Foundation seeks to remove structural barriers and overcome unconscious bias to create equitable opportunities for all children. Communities thrive when wisdom, know-how and goodwill come together to support children's best interests. Foundation recognizes that without tackling root causes of racial injustice substantial gains in health, education, or economic growth are not possible. Racial Equity and Healing program works to end structural racism and create inclusive societies. Commits to Community & Civic Engagement and Racial Equity because both are necessary for communities to create conditions under which all children can thrive. Foundation supports community-based and national organizations whose innovative and effective programs foster racial healing, and through action-oriented research and public policy work translate insights into new strategies and sustainable solutions. Truth Healing Implement Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation program as in-depth grassroots process for uncovering and healing historic and ongoing wounds of racism. 4979a7da-ce3f-40f1-adc5-4d8f40368739 3.1 TRHT program is foundation's signature program. In-depth grassroots process for uncovering and healing historic and ongoing wounds of racism. Rolled out in United States communities. Brings together national and local leaders, teachers, and civic organizations in effort to create fair and just systems and policies. Racial Equity 2030 Lead global call through Racial Equity 2030 challenge to reimagine solutions advancing racial equity over next decade with bold, inclusive, community-led change. 4540af7b-3d39-4970-a923-28340035b93b 3.2 Racial Equity 2030 challenge is global call to reimagine solutions to advance racial equity over next decade. $90 million in funding awarded to visionary organizations around world. Reflects WKKF's belief that lasting change must be bold, inclusive, and community-led. Community Power Develop strategies for creating more just and equitable systems, build community power and change narratives about role of racism. a982e0ec-e9c6-4d90-a182-67a7c07ac0fd 3.3 Promise of Equitable Future focus area supports organizations that address racial healing and equitable community development. Giving prioritizes groups that develop strategies for creating more just and equitable systems, build community power, change narratives about role of racism in shaping people's experiences. Policy Advocacy Support national policy, advocacy and organizing groups working for racial and Indigenous equity through grassroots campaigns. fd157235-4554-411c-beb1-f72f94adb2b5 3.4 Recipients include Indian Law Resource Center, Center for Empowered Politics Education Fund, Showing Up for Racial Justice Education Fund, Race Forward Action, National Compadres Network, Women's Foundation of South, Michigan Advocacy Program, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders groups. Civic Engagement Promote community voices and civic engagement to help families and civic leaders play active role in making children's development and well-being central to decision-making. 8c83b6a3-d9ba-4b74-97b4-973ff0890d42 3.5 Healthy Kids Increase number of children born at healthy birth weight who receive care and healthy food they need for optimal development through improved health services and nutrition. 4462dca0-e2fa-4d4a-8c82-57d9fca60bf2 4 Children Families Children and families needing nutrition, stimulation, healthy living conditions and access to quality health care. WKKF seeks to ensure all children receive essential nutrition and stimulation and that they benefit from healthy living conditions and access to quality health care. Especially interested in efforts that focus on improving conditions for children disadvantaged by multiple societal factors including disproportionate percentage of children of color. Help children get healthy start by funding organizations that improve birth outcomes, create access to healthy foods and educate families and communities about factors that affect well-being. Children need nutrition, stimulation, healthy living conditions and access to quality health care. WKKF helping many of them get all four. Birth Outcomes Improve birth outcomes so more children are born at healthy birth weight through funding organizations supporting prenatal and maternal health. 37ca026e-06e8-498d-a191-31afb899c44c 4.1 Healthy Foods Create access to healthy foods and first food experiences to ensure proper nutrition for children's optimal development. 607e9857-224f-4ad7-acfb-0db80e616f01 4.2 Foundation supports organizations that create access to healthy foods and improve first food experiences. Health Services Improve health services access and quality including oral health care especially for children disadvantaged by multiple societal factors. af62cb9f-a4bf-4bdc-aaed-aa6e1e23fe44 4.3 In 2010 WKKF started dental therapy program in five states to educate children and families about importance of healthy teeth. Mobile dental vans travel to rural areas to give families access to dental care. Foundation gives grants to help minorities attend school for dentistry. Health Equity Promote greater health equity by leveraging strategic partnerships and policy and systems changes to address disproportionate health challenges facing children of color. bb2e0855-d9e5-4762-97a7-4645a9372cb8 4.4 Native Health Improve health of Native children and benefit economic health of families and communities through food system infrastructure and oral health care. 9cd38bf5-515f-437f-815f-3afa48b420e6 4.5 In 2016 Kellogg Foundation funding more than 40 projects in Native American country with total value of more than $30M in open grants. Since 2008 funded 380 Native American projects. Grants to First Nations Development Institute ($2.95M) to advance strategies to build and strengthen local and systemic food system infrastructure. Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board ($2.96M) to increase access to quality oral health care through alternative workforce models using Dental Health Aide Therapists. Mission Investments Advance foundation mission through Mission Driven Investments program dedicating $100 million of endowment for investments in nonprofit and for-profit entities generating social and financial returns. f17c6de2-1cf6-4e87-abdd-bccc77054069 5 Social Enterprises Nonprofit and for-profit entities advancing foundation mission through education facilities, health services, job creation and community development. WKKF's Mission Driven Investments (MDI) program has dedicated $100 million of endowment for investments in nonprofit and for-profit entities that advance foundation mission and generate both social and financial returns. MDI targets enterprises that help families achieve economic security by earning and saving more and combating cycle of multi-generational poverty. Opportunities in providing capital to lend or invest in job creation, entrepreneurship opportunities, access to key services and development of family or community assets. Foundation defines PRIs (program-related investments) separately from mission-driven investment program. PRIs typically below market rate investments to organizations aligning with foundation's mission to improve lives of vulnerable children and their families. MDI focuses on debt financing for educational facilities and working capital for educational providers as well as venture capital investments directly into companies with high potential for social impact. Education Investments Provide debt financing for educational facilities and working capital for educational providers as well as venture capital for companies with high social impact potential. 5fcc3e49-decc-4cc9-828a-1d504888dd03 5.1 Job Creation Invest capital in enterprises creating jobs, entrepreneurship opportunities and development of family or community assets. 738a5b62-bbca-43c8-93ab-0570e1161304 5.2 Financial Access Make equity or fixed income investments enabling families and communities to access responsible financial resources including lending, transaction services and savings. 2893e0d0-004e-4394-b274-0350e05f3449 5.3 Racial Equity Investments Give priority to investments that embrace racial equity as part of their enterprise strategy. 1abe841e-c4c9-40a7-9231-a4b0595cfc80 5.4 Foundation believes all children should have equal access to opportunity and chance to put racial prejudice behind them. Racial equity is key to both grantmaking and mission-driven investments. 2024-01-01 2030-12-31 2026-02-10 https://www.wkkf.org Owen Ambur Owen.Ambur@verizon.net