The Kansas City-based Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation has awarded grants totaling $1.75 million from the Kauffman Legacy Fund to two local organizations.

The foundation awarded $1 million to the Kansas City Zoo, part of a $35 million capital campaign that will fund construction of a more convenient entrance, a penguin exhibit, an up-close giraffe feeding area, an expanded children's section, and an enlarged tropical forest. In addition, the foundation awarded $750,000 to the Kansas City Art Institute, which recently completed phase two of a multi-million-dollar plan to enhance its facilities and grounds.

"We're pleased," said Kauffman Foundation president and CEO Carl Schramm, "to be able to honor our founder by contributing to organizations that are working to improve the quality of life for area residents and enhance the overall welfare of our community."