WeCode KC, CAPA selected for free services from this Top 10 KC small business winner

A company lauded among Kansas City’s top small businesses for three consecutive years this week announced the nonprofit recipients of $100,000 in pro-bono marketing services through a first-time expansion of its annual Crux for a Cause initiative.

WeCode KC and Child Abuse Prevention Association (CAPA) will each receive marketing investments of $50,000 for 2024, said Melea McRae, founder and CEO of Crux KC.

Melea McRae, Crux KC

“We care about working with and supporting purpose-driven organizations in our community, which makes Crux for a Cause such a meaningful program to the full Crux team,” said McRae. “We were fortunate to receive so many worthy applications, and we’re proud to have found a way to serve not one, but two nonprofits this year. As the selection process becomes more challenging with growing interest, we look forward to finding ways to service more in the years to come.” 

Click here to learn more about the Crux for a Cause program.

Since its inception in 2020, Crux for a Cause has served a wide range of nonprofit organizations based in Kansas City, including People of All Color Succeed, KC Shepherd’s Center, Kanbe’s Markets and, most recently, What if Puppets.  

RELATED: What if they connected: New leader wants to use puppets to give toddlers their first arts experience

WeCode KC is a edtech nonprofit that is preparing a pipeline of future-ready tech professionals by training youth and young adults ages 7 to 26 on technology concepts, leadership and professional development. Serving Kansas City’s urban core, WeCode KC aims to create a more inclusive and equitable technology industry, by making coding more accessible to every young person, regardless of zip code or financial status.   

“The Kansas City nonprofit community is filled with so many deserving organizations, and we are honored to be chosen for this year’s Crux for a Cause,” said Tammy Buckner, founder and CEO of WeCode KC. “Working with Crux will allow us to better serve Kansas City’s young people, recruit more program volunteers and position Kansas City as a hub for development.”   

RELATED: WeCode KC founder earns women’s achievement honor; adds national STEM figure to her org’s leadership

Founded in 1975, CAPA is committed to preventing and treating all forms of child abuse by creating changes in individuals, families and society that strengthen relationships and promote healing. This mission carries with it the commitment to work with some of the community’s most vulnerable families.

Each year, CAPA serves nearly 2,000 children and adults in Jackson County and the surrounding Kansas City metro through counseling, family support services, parenting classes and prevention education. CAPA programs are strengths-based, client-centered, trauma-informed, and provided in a culturally respectful way. No child or family is turned away based on their inability to pay.  

“We’re thrilled Crux is investing in the often overlooked and under-supported mission of keeping children safe, putting the spotlight on the resources available to those who have experienced abuse, neglect or other significant family trauma,” said Rochelle Parker, president and CEO of CAPA. “We look forward to a dynamic collaboration that will help us amplify awareness on the realities of child abuse in Kansas City and reach more individuals in need of crucial support.”  

Crux’s work with nonprofit client partners has earned awards including Nonprofit Connect Philly Awards for KC Shepherd’s Center, KC Common Good, Linda Hall Library and Young Friends of the Kansas City Public Library, as well as Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) PRISM awards for KC Common Good and The Pinnacle Prize.

In 2022, as a result of its award-winning work with multiple nonprofit organizations, Nonprofit Connect honored Crux with its prestigious Community Champion award. 

“Crux for a Cause and our continued work with nonprofits allows us to use our marketing superpowers to support those essential organizations working to build a stronger Kansas City,” McRae said. 

Crux is a team of 47 with specialists across all marketing disciplines serving an active roster of more than 90 client partners. The company has been named an Inc Best Workplaces and included on the Inc. 5000 (No. 1500 in 2023, and No. 2678 in 2022), a two-time Ingram’s Corporate Report 100 nominee, a two-time Kansas City Business Journal Champion of Business, and a three-time Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce Top 10 Small Business.