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Community Grants

The Research Foundation is deepening our investment in the health of Kansas City.

The Research Foundation awards community grants in support of programs and organizations that expand access to care, promote health equity, and engage students in health care careers.

What are you looking for?

  • Access to care

    Expanding Access to Care

  • Health equity

    Promoting Health Equity

  • Career

    Engaging Students in Health Care Careers

Download The Research Foundation's Community Grant Communications Guidelines here. Please use these guidelines when publicizing information about these grants. 

2025 CYCLE APPLICATION PROCESS

1. Applications will open June 5, 2025. Applicants are invited to attend our In-Person Grant Info Meeting on June 5, 2025 or our Virtual Grant Info Meeting on June 9, 2025 to learn more about the application process. Applicants must create an account with The Research Foundation's Grants Portal to apply. Create or return to an existing account.

2. Applications are due August 15, 2025.

3. All applicants will be notified of grant decisions by December 15, 2025.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

The Research Foundation focuses its funding on organizations that primarily serve residents of Jackson County, Missouri with a priority on urban Kansas City.

Organizations must be tax-exempt under IRS Code Section 501(c)(3). We do not support 509(a)(3) organizations. We do not make grants to organizations with a pending 501(c)(3) status.

Community grants are awarded in alignment with the following priorities:

  • Expanding Access to Care
  • Promoting Health Equity
  • Engaging Students in Health Care Careers

Support will be considered for any program delivered by an eligible applicant that aligns with the stated priorities. All program applicants are allowed to request 10% in indirect costs to help ease the burden of overhead necessary to deliver the program.

Nonprofit organizations with health-centric missions for whom more than half of their program offerings are in alignment with The Research Foundation's stated priorities can apply for general operating support.

COMMUNITY GRANT INFO MEETINGS

Learn more about our community grants program and our requests for proposals by attending a Grant Info Meeting. Registration for both events will be available April 2025.

  • In-Person Community Grant Info Meeting
    In-Person Community Grant Info Meeting

    9-10 a.m.
    June 5, 2025
    1-North Conference Room in Research Medical Center
    Space is limited to the first 45 attendees that register. When registration opens, please register only two representatives from your organization.

  • Virtual Community Grant Info Meeting
    Virtual Community Grant Info Meeting

    1-2 p.m.
    June 9, 2025
    Via Zoom

  • Frequently Asked Questions >>>

    What is The Research Foundation’s geographic focus?
    The Research Foundation will provide support for organizations that primarily serve residents of Jackson County, Missouri (more than 50% of those served must be Jackson County residents) with a priority on urban Kansas City.

    How does my organization apply for a grant?
    Organizations must apply online through The Research Foundation grant portal.

    What is the timeline for grant applications and awards?
    The 2024 community grants cycle will support program or operating activities that occur during the 2025 calendar year. The timeline is detailed below.

    • Site Visits: April through July 2025
    • Interim Report Deadline: July 15, 2025
    • Final Report Deadline: January 31, 2026

    The 2025 community grants cycle will support program or operating activities that occur during the 2026 calendar year. The timeline is detailed below.

    • Applications Open: June 5, 2025
    • In-Person Grant Info Meeting: June 5, 2025
    • Virtual Grant Info Meeting: June 9, 2025
    • Applications Due: August 15, 2025
    • Awards Notification: December 15, 2025
    • Site Visits: April through July 2026
    • Interim Report Deadline: July 15, 2026
    • Final Report Deadline: January 31, 2027

    Does The Research Foundation fund general operating support?
    Nonprofit organizations with health-centric missions for whom more than half of their program offerings are in alignment with the stated priorities can apply for general operating support.

    Does The Research Foundation fund multi-year grants?
    The Research Foundation will make one-year grant awards only. Multi-year requests will not be considered at this time.

    Can an organization submit more than one application per year?
    The Research Foundation will only accept one application per organization per year.

    What is the average grant size?
    Approximately $1.7 million is available through this commmunity grants process. We encourage applicants to ask for what they need with the understanding that most grants funded will be in the range of $25,000 to $50,000.

    Will my organization be required to submit reports?
    Funded organizations will be required to participate in either verbal or written interim and final reporting to follow up on agreed upon outcomes and ensure organizations have the resources they need to successfully deliver programming. These requirements will be outlined in grant award agreements. Site visits may be conducted annually.

    What is not supported by The Research Foundation?

    • Political parties, candidates, or political activities
    • Organizations that require or advocate religious activity as part of or in exchange for services
    • Individuals
    • International organizations
    • Organizations that discriminate
    • Fundraising events and activities
    • Travel or conference expenses
    • Single-disease organizations
    • Medical research

    Still have questions?
    Feel free to email us for assistance or clarification!

  • Important Dates >>>

    2024 CYCLE

    Site Visits
    April through July 2025 

    Interim Report Deadline
    July 15, 2025

    Final Report Deadline
    January 31, 2026

    2025 CYCLE

    Applications Open
    June 5, 2025

    In-Person Grant Info Meeting
    June 5, 2025

    Virtual Grant Info Meeting
    June 9, 2025

    Applications Due
    August 15, 2025

    Awards Notification
    December 15, 2025

    Site Visits
    April through July 2026

    Interim Report Deadline
    July 15, 2026

    Final Report Deadline
    January 31, 2027

  • Kate Heinen, Director of Community Grants

Additional Questions?

We're here to help! Send an email or call 816-276-4812.