Announcing The 1881 Foundation, Inc.
The 1881 Foundation exists to restore, preserve and protect the building and grounds of Oakwood Country Club, ensuring this historic landmark thrives and endures for generations to come.
The 1881 Foundation
We are proud to announce the establishment of the 1881 Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit which will safeguard Oakwood’s rich heritage, protect a treasured piece of Kansas City history, and ensure our historic landmark remains a vibrant and welcoming community in perpetuity.
Tax-deductible donations to the foundation will build a permanent endowment to fund the ongoing preservation of Oakwood, including its historic building and grounds, its architectural legacy, and its important and impactful generational history.
As Oakwood Country Club continues its exciting transformation, we remain deeply committed to preserving and honoring the legacy of our historic clubhouse and grounds. To ensure these landmarks thrive and endure for generations to come, we are proud to announce the establishment of the 1881 Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Your tax-deductible gifts to this charitable foundation will safeguard Oakwood’s rich heritage and protect our treasured piece of Kansas City history, ensuring Oakwood remains a vibrant and welcoming community in perpetuity. (See page 10 for giving levels and ways to get involved).
Our mission:
To build a permanent endowment to fund the ongoing preservation of Oakwood, including its historic building and grounds, its architectural legacy, and its important and impactful generational history. Founded in 1881, Oakwood Country Club holds a unique position as one of only two clubs in the United States that began as a Jewish club and has since earned its place on the National Historic Registry — a truly remarkable distinction. Adding to this legacy, Oakwood is also part of an exclusive group of just 35 private clubs out of 4,000 nationwide, including such well-known clubs as Oakmont Country Club, Merion Golf Club, Baltusrol Golf Club, and Winged Foot Golf Club, that have been granted 501(c)(3) nonprofit status to ensure the preservation of its rich history. Fewer than 1% of private clubs across the country are listed on the National Historic Registry, and only a select few hold this rare 501(c)(3) designation, underscoring Oakwood’s exceptional commitment to safeguarding its heritage for generations to come.“For me, starting in my youth through today, Oakwood has been the center of my life and my main source for recreational and social activities. I have made so many friends, business colleagues, and community partners for life — all because of Oakwood.”