The Stanley J. Bushman Charitable Supporting Foundation of the Jewish Community Foundation (JCF) has hired Bailey Nakelsky as its executive director.

Nakelsky will work closely with members of the supporting foundation board to honor Bushman’s legacy through bold, strategic philanthropy that strengthens Jewish life in Kansas City. A major focus of her work will be creating collaborative partnerships with communal organizations to identify opportunities, shape promising ideas and invest in initiatives with the potential for meaningful impact.

Nakelsky has more than two decades of experience in Jewish communal leadership and a vast network of colleagues and professional connections around the country. She has served in leadership roles across the Jewish Federation, Hillel and JCC movements and has a comprehensive understanding of the Jewish communal ecosystem and the philanthropic partnerships that sustain it. She most recently served as chief philanthropy officer of The J, where she led advancement strategy. Her dedication to relationship-building, purposeful vision and thoughtful stewardship are qualities that make Nakelsky a natural fit for the role of executive director of the Bushman Supporting Foundation. 

“We are delighted that Bailey is our executive director,” said Merilyn Berenbom, Bushman Supporting Foundation president. “She has an outstanding skill set that will not only enhance our board, but the entire Jewish community. One of Stan’s favorite words was ‘resilient.’ With his foundation, he has enabled us to make resilience, connection, vibrancy and relevance key variables in our investments. Bailey’s wide national network will be beneficial for looking at best practices around the country. Her creativity and focus will result in opening new doors as we look forward to a promising new vista for our Jewish community.”

In 2005, Bushman established the Stanley J. Bushman Charitable Supporting Foundation and hand selected a trusted board of trustees to serve as stewards of his philanthropic resources. For 20 years, the supporting foundation was used as a vehicle for supporting the many causes close to Bushman’s heart, such as caring for youth and the elderly, combatting antisemitism and supporting the arts, among others. In 2008, the supporting foundation made a significant grant to the Jewish Community Foundation to establish the original Bushman Community Endowment (BCE) program, a high-quality, results-oriented initiative in which JCF collaborated with professional and lay leadership from more than a dozen communal organizations to establish bequests and other planned gifts. Thanks to these efforts, more than 1,000 planned gifts have been established by community members, including $89 million in realized planned gifts and another $165 million in future commitments. 

After Bushman’s passing last year, the supporting foundation trustees identified an impactful funding opportunity which reimagined a planned giving program at JCF that built on the tremendous success of the original BCE. The supporting foundation honored Bushman’s charitable intentions through its first major grant which was awarded to JCF to create a new Bushman Community Endowment program, an effort which will continue Bushman’s vision of ensuring a strong and vibrant community for future generations. The program will include substantial financial incentives to motivate best practices for securing legacy gifts and for donors to help realize their ability to make an impact. Kara Kahn Bush was hired by JCF this spring to lead the program.

“Bailey brings a depth of talent and a strategic approach to grantmaking that will increase the bandwidth of the Supporting Foundation Board in furtherance of Stanley Bushman’s philanthropic legacy. Her hire enhances the Supporting Foundation’s accountability, transparency and vision, attributes valued by Stan,” said Josh Stein, president and CEO of JCF.

Nakelsky will help the board identify additional funding opportunities that align with the supporting foundation’s vision to boldly change the trajectory of Jewish life in Kansas City by making catalytic investments that increase engagement, develop leaders and build a vibrant, connected and resilient community. The three primary funding areas are:

  • Growing Jewish engagement by supporting efforts that expand participation in Jewish life while deepening identity, connection and belonging. 
  • Building community capacity by investing in programs to strengthen organizations and effective leaders, helping build a sustainable, thriving community. 
  • Supporting special projects that reflect Bushman’s vision and have the potential to create significant community impact. These efforts are primarily focused on emerging community needs, innovative or time-sensitive opportunities and collaborative initiatives with broad community impact.

While the Bushman Supporting Foundation accepts formal proposals by invitation only, Nakelsky welcomes opportunities to engage with organizations, community leaders and philanthropic partners throughout the community and looks forward to connecting with interested representatives to explore potential areas of collaboration.

Supporting foundations are one of many types of funds JCF offers to help individuals and families give smarter and build charitable resources for our future. 

More information about the Bushman Supporting Foundation is available at jcfkc.org/BushmanFoundation. Nakelsky can be reached at .