For Grant
Seekers
Eligibility
Eligibility Requirements
Service Area
Our service area includes the city of Kansas City, Missouri, and Cass, Jackson and Lafayette counties in Missouri, and Allen, Johnson and Wyandotte counties in Kansas. Funded projects must benefit uninsured or medically underserved individuals in these areas.
Organization Status
Organizations must be tax-exempt under IRS Section 501(c)(3) and not a private foundation as described under Section 509(a), and in good standing in the state in which incorporated. Governmental entities must have a Federal Employer Identification Number.
Collaborations
Collaborative efforts are eligible to apply provided the applicant organization meets the Foundation’s eligibility criteria and is exempt under Section 501(c)(3).
Non-Discrimination Policy
Organizations cannot discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, gender identity and sexual orientation in employment practices or policies and procedures concerning services. Organizations also must meet local, state, and federal regulations related to non-discrimination, wage and hour laws, workplace safety, licensing, protection of confidential health care information, and other laws and regulations that apply to staff, patients and consumers.
Fiscal Management
Organizations must maintain financial records in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and obtain an annual audit by an independent certified public accountant each fiscal year. Organizations that do not meet the audit requirement are encouraged to discuss their circumstances with program staff.
Ineligibile Activities
The REACH Foundation does not fund health care or aid for individuals, health services for Medicare-eligible populations, medical research, programs focused on a single disease or animal-assisted therapy programs.
In addition, REACH does not fund endowments, fundraising events or operating deficits. To maximize our resources, the foundation directs its grantmaking primarily toward strategies within three outcome areas. REACH staff is available to meet and discuss on an individual basis.
Community Investment Framework
In 2021, the REACH Foundation Board of Directors adopted a 2022-2026 strategic plan with a revised Community Investment Framework that builds on the foundation's longstanding interest in advancing health equity through health care coverage, access and quality. The Community Investment Framework prioritizes three outcome areas that support our aim of achieving equitable health outcomes. Each outcome area is further defined by strategies that guide our work, partnerships and where we invest.
FAQs
Does the foundation accept applications for general operating support?
The REACH Foundation has maintained a longstanding position of funding core operations for safety net health care clinics, community mental health centers and policy and advocacy organizations whose work is considered essential to maintaining a health care safety net. The foundation’s core operating grants are offered by invitation only. For questions about core operating grants, contact a REACH Program Officer at (913) 432-4196.
If our organization has an innovative idea that seems like a fit for the foundation, how can we present it?
We encourage you to review our vision and mission and review the foundation’s Community Investment Framework to see if your program or project is a fit. If you still believe your proposal would support the foundation’s mission and goals, please contact a REACH Program Officer at (913) 432-4196.
How many annual funding cycles does the foundation have?
The foundation does not set a schedule for requests for proposals (RFPs). Please sign up for our newsletter to receive notifications of funding opportunities.
Do you have geographic restrictions?
Our service area covers Allen, Johnson and Wyandotte counties in Kansas; Cass, Jackson and Lafayette counties in Missouri; and the city of Kansas City, Missouri. We do fund Kansas and Missouri policy and advocacy organizations that work beyond those areas, provided their work ultimately benefits the residents in our service area.
Does the Foundation allocate its funds by county or outcome investment?
No, but we work to ensure our resources are addressing needs across our geographic and priority areas.
What type of organizations do you fund?
The REACH Foundation awards grants to tax-exempt organizations and public agencies. Organizations without 501(c)3 status or other tax-exempt recognition must partner with a tax-exempt organization to serve as the lead agency and fiscal agent. The foundation does not award grants or financial assistance to individuals or for-profit entities.
Can I present my proposal to individual members of the foundation’s Board of Directors?
Talking with individual Board members about a grant proposal is strongly discouraged. As part of our Conflict of Interest Policies, Board members who have prior or current relationships with particular organizations must disclose those relationships, and may be required to recuse themselves from discussion and/or votes related to those grant proposals.
