Kansas City, Missouri, October 7, 2025
News Summary
Funding cuts due to the rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs are critically impacting scholarship organizations for minority students. Nonprofits like the Hispanic Development Foundation are experiencing a significant decline in partnerships and funding as institutions comply with new federal policies mandated by the previous administration. With scholarship funds for minority students shrinking, the effects are felt across various educational institutions in Missouri and Kansas. Organizations are now struggling to adapt in order to continue supporting those in need.
Kansas City—Funding cuts stemming from the rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs under the Trump administration are adversely affecting scholarship organizations aimed at supporting minority students. Many scholarship funds traditionally benefitting groups such as Hispanic students are facing significant reductions, with institutions informing them that their funding can no longer be accepted.
One major nonprofit, the Hispanic Development Foundation (HDF) based in Kansas City, has found itself grappling with these challenges. Established over 40 years ago, HDF has historically partnered with educational institutions to provide matched scholarships. However, due to the recent DEI adjustments, the number of colleges and universities willing to collaborate with organizations like HDF has drastically decreased, leading to a sharp decline in available scholarships for students.
Effective from a recent executive order by then-President Trump, public universities in Missouri and Kansas, including prominent institutions such as Johnson County Community College (JCCC), the University of Kansas (KU), and the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC), have implemented DEI rollbacks to comply with new federal policies. These changes particularly involved the elimination of race and ethnicity considerations from scholarships and grants.
Rollbacks Impacting Minority Scholarship Funds
Missouri’s Republican leadership has historically criticized DEI programs, arguing they unfairly disadvantage white individuals and favor social justice over merit. As a result, the rollbacks included significant changes such as dismantling DEI offices, the removal of DEI-related terminology from university communications, and the prohibition of any race or ethnicity-based funding initiatives.
In early 2023, the University of Missouri ceased administering new scholarships with race-conscious criteria. At the time, scholarships classified with race or ethnicity as a factor represented approximately $12.3 million, or 6.4% of the total scholarship pool. While previously awarded scholarships were upheld, the newly restructured scholarship system poses a challenge for future applicants.
The HDF reported that due to the changes, the number of regional colleges partnering with them dropped from 22 to 6. They anticipate a reduction in their anticipated funding of $400,000 due to schools ending scholarship matches. Over its history, HDF has awarded more than $10 million in scholarships.
Recent Adjustments and Community Support
The HDF successfully raised $890,000 this year through its fundraising campaign “Cambio para Cambio” (change for change), with $507,000 coming from public donations and participation from at least 60 local partners. Despite the obstacles, HDF awarded 580 scholarships in the spring, over 200 of which were provided directly to students due to universities opting not to accept them.
Meanwhile, several institutions have made further changes as part of compliance with the new regulations. The JCCC closed its Office of Inclusion and Belonging earlier this year, while the University of Kansas announced it would remove gender-identifying pronouns from all official communications. UMKC also underwent a rename of its mentoring program, transitioning the title from “African Americans Cultivating Excellence” to “Ambitious Achievers Cultivating Excellence.”
The HDF continues to actively seek new partnerships, emphasizing the strong community backing it has received amid these challenges. The fundraising deadline for Cambio para Cambio has been extended to October 31 to provide additional opportunities for contribution.
Conclusion
The funding cuts induced by the rollback of DEI initiatives raise significant challenges for scholarship organizations serving minority students, prompting adaptations and ongoing grassroots support to sustain financial assistance and community empowerment.
FAQ
What changes occurred due to the DEI rollback?
The DEI rollback involved the elimination of race and ethnicity criteria from scholarships and grants, dismantling DEI offices, and removing DEI-related terminology from communications.
How has the HDF been affected by these changes?
The HDF faced a reduction in funding, losing an anticipated $400,000 due to schools ending scholarship matches, and saw the number of regional college partnerships fall from 22 to 6.
What fundraising efforts is HDF undertaking?
HDF launched a campaign named “Cambio para Cambio” to raise funds, achieving $890,000 this year, with the fundraising deadline extended to October 31.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Withdrawal of Diversity Programs | Trump’s administration mandated rollbacks affecting DEI initiatives in education. |
| HDF’s History | Founded 40+ years ago, awarded over $10 million in scholarships. |
| Funding Reduction | Anticipated dropping by $400,000 this year due to funding cuts. |
| Colleges Partnering with HDF | Number declined from 22 to 6 due to DEI rollbacks. |
| 2023 Scholarship Total | 580 scholarships awarded this spring, over 200 directly to students. |
| Fundraising Campaign | “Cambio para Cambio” raised $890,000, deadline extended to October 31. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Kansas City Article
- Wikipedia: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
- Kansas Reflector Article
- Google Search: Scholarship Funding in Kansas
- Kansas Agricultural Scholarships Article
Author: STAFF HERE KANSAS CITY WRITER
The KANSAS CITY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKansasCity.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Kansas City, Jackson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as American Royal World Series of Barbecue, Dia De Los Muertos, and Planet Anime Kansas City. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Kansas City, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Children's Mercy Hospital, Government Employees Health Association, and AMC Entertainment. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREStLouis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Missouri's dynamic landscape.
