KANSAS CITY, Mo. (Jan. 20, 2026) — Crux KC, Kansas City’s marketing “un-agency,” has selected the Kansas City Public Library and Kansas City Girls Preparatory Academy as the recipients of its 2026 Crux for a Cause program, providing $50,000 each in pro-bono marketing services to each Kansas City nonprofit in the program’s seventh year.
“Nonprofits are the heartbeat of Kansas City, and their impact inspires us year after year. Crux for a Cause is our opportunity to lean into what we do best — strategic marketing that moves missions forward,” said Founder & CEO Melea McRae. “The Kansas City Public Library and Kansas City Girls Preparatory Academy are transforming lives every day. By amplifying their stories, we’re helping open doors to knowledge, empowerment, and opportunity that will extend far beyond 2026.”
Founded more than 150 years ago, originally as a part of the Kansas City Public School system, the Kansas City Public Library is a doorway to knowledge for all Kansas Citians, providing access to physical and digital collections, classes, public programming, public outreach services and more. In its work with Crux in 2026, the library aims to reach new audiences and more effectively communicate its many community resources across the region.
“The Kansas City Public Library is honored to partner with Crux, which will empower us to more boldly share the story and impact of our library that has been a cornerstone of service, learning, and community connection in Kansas City for more than 150 years,” said Abby Yellman, Library Director and Chief Executive. “Every day, our team works to expand access and opportunity for all by connecting people to resources, education, and hope for a brighter future. We are grateful for Crux and their investment in our mission. With their support and expertise, our library will be better positioned to expand our outreach and continue to deepen our impact in our community.”
Inspired by the Young Women’s Leadership School of East Harlem, the Kansas City Girls Preparatory Academy is the city’s only single-gender, tuition-free, public charter school. Serving nearly 150 families through its middle school and high school leadership program, the academy prepares its scholars to use their voices, succeed academically, and lead impactful, meaningful lives. The Kansas City Girls Preparatory Academy will work with Crux to develop a comprehensive marketing and community outreach strategy to build awareness in the Kansas City community and grow enrollment.
“We couldn’t be more delighted to have been chosen as a Crux for a Cause recipient this year,” said Christine Kemper, founder and board chair. “As the newest charter school in Kansas City, building awareness among families has been one of our greatest challenges. We are excited to partner with the experts at Crux to amplify our brand, reach more scholars, and ultimately enhance our ability to deliver on our mission and vision. It is both and honor and a meaningful opportunity to strengthen our school.”
For six years, Crux for a Cause has supported a wide range of nonprofit organizations to develop coordinated marketing campaigns, enhance their online presence, and expand their reach. Previous program winners include POAC Succeed, KC Shepherd’s Center, Kanbe’s Markets, What if Puppets, WeCode KC and CAPA Cares. In 2025, Crux helped The Prospect KC more effectively convey its identity and message to the community and the increasingly competitive donor market, as well as supported the National WWI Museum & Memorial’s Centennial campaign.
Crux is a team of 40 serving an active roster of 60+ client partners. The “un-agency” is a four-time Inc. 5000 honoree, a three-time Ingram’s Corporate Report 100 nominee, a two-time Kansas City Business Journal Champion of Business and Fast 50 company, and a three-time Greater KC Chamber of Commerce Top 10 Small Business. Crux’s work for nonprofits has earned numerous awards, including Nonprofit Connect Philly Awards and Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) PRISM awards.
Learn more about Crux for a Cause and the company’s commitment to the Kansas City community.
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Crux is the “un-agency,” a radical rethink of what marketing can and should be. Our fractional CMOs, surrounded by a squad of specialists, focus on what truly drives a business forward – a high-performance machine built for branding, messaging, content, communications, digital marketing and paid media – to elevate brands, amplify missions and fuel growth. Crux delivers everything you need, nothing you don’t. Growth, simplified. Learn more at findyourcrux.com
The Kansas City Public Library system consists of a central library, nine physical branches, a digital branch, and an outreach services program serving a community of 250,000 people in Kansas City, Missouri. In addition to providing services to residents, the Library also serves as a resource for people living throughout the greater Kansas City metropolitan area. Learn more at kclibrary.org.
Kansas City Girls Preparatory Academy is Kansas City’s first and only single-gender public charter school, with a mission to prepare our scholars to use their voices, succeed academically, and lead impactful, meaningful lives. Learn more about KCGPA at kcgpa.org.