Brandon Calloway is the CEO and co-founder of G.I.F.T. (Generating Income For Tomorrow), a Kansas City nonprofit on a mission to close the racial wealth gap by uplifting Black-owned businesses in historically underserved communities.
Raised on Kansas City’s east side, Calloway has lived the challenges G.I.F.T. seeks to solve. After serving in the Army and running his own gym, he found his purpose in nonprofit work—ultimately co-founding G.I.F.T. in 2020 to bring real, lasting change to his community.
Since then, G.I.F.T. has awarded over $1 million in grants, helped launch and grow more than 60 businesses, and created 100+ jobs. Calloway’s vision continues to reshape what economic justice looks like in Kansas City.
When did you start and why?
Kansas City G.I.F.T. was launched in May 2020. We started this organization driven by the need to directly address the racial wealth gap and support Black-owned businesses in underserved communities.
Our mission has been to create substantial, sustainable opportunities for wealth creation in these communities, helping not just individual entrepreneurs but also fostering intentional economic development in historically redlined areas.
Image credit: Kansas City G.I.F.T.
How does your business feed the community?
Kansas City G.I.F.T. feeds the community both economically and socially. We provide grants and business support to Black-owned businesses, which are crucial for their growth and sustainability. This support helps create jobs and stimulates local economies. Beyond financial aid, we offer workshops, training sessions, and networking opportunities that build social capital and strengthen community ties, turning local businesses into sources of resilience and pride for their neighborhoods.
What have been your biggest challenges in business?
One of the biggest challenges has been securing consistent funding to meet the growing needs of the community we serve. The fluctuating economic climate can impact donor contributions and grant availability. Inspiring people to take action and use their philanthropic power to close the racial wealth gap, has been a continuous focus.
Where do you see your business in five years?
In the next five years, I see Kansas City G.I.F.T. expanding our reach and deepening our impact. We aim to increase the number of businesses we support, expand our offerings to Kansas City, Kansas, and increase our advocacy work to influence policies that affect Black-owned businesses. Our vision includes a more robust infrastructure to provide even more comprehensive services and expand to support other underserved communities beyond Kansas City.
Image credit: Kansas City G.I.F.T.
What has been your proudest moment in business?
Our proudest moment has been seeing the tangible results of our support for Black entrepreneurs—such as businesses expanding, hiring more staff, and watching owners thrive against the odds. Celebrating these successes at our annual events, where we can share the
stage with our community and highlight their achievements, truly embodies the spirit and purpose of G.I.F.T.
Supporting G.I.F.T.
Readers who wish to support Kansas City G.I.F.T. can do so by donating through our website, where options to give either one-time or recurring donations are available. Additionally, volunteering, partnering with us for events, or even spreading the word about our mission are invaluable forms of support. Every bit of help goes directly towards empowering more Black-owned businesses and fostering economic development in our communities.
For more details and to make a contribution, please visit our website – kansascitygift.org. Your support helps us continue our work and make a significant impact. Thank you for being part of our community’s growth and success.
