The REACH Healthcare Foundation has announced the first round of 2023 Rapid REACH Equity Fund grants totaling $45,000 to nine nonprofit organizations in the foundation’s service area.
The Rapid REACH Equity Fund was introduced this year as a response to lessons learned through the foundation’s work in the Centering Black Voices (CBV) pilot, which helped spotlight the importance of flexible, unrestricted funding to help smaller organizations address needs essential to fulfilling their missions.
Carla Gibson, Vice President of Programs, said the concept for Rapid REACH emerged from conversations with Black nonprofit leaders who identified the lack of options for smaller grants and flexible funding to address equipment and supply needs, marketing and communications, and other operational necessities.
“We heard from leaders about the stressors of securing resources for basic operational needs,” said Gibson. “This new funding opportunity represents REACH’s desire to offer a simplified grant application process and reduce funding barriers for lower-budget organizations that are essential contributors to the health and well-being of more vulnerable populations.”
Gibson said the pool of applicants “opened our eyes to organizations that we weren’t aware of that are making a difference in the neighborhoods where they live and work.” The next opportunity to apply will be announced in 2024.
In developing the fund, the REACH Foundation prioritized Black-, Brown-, immigrant-, refugee- and rural-serving partners working with frequently underserved populations.
In addition, applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations or rural governmental entities, located and delivering services within the foundation’s six-county service area, and providing services aligned with the foundation’s mission. To address the needs of small and developing organizations, annual operating budget must fall between $25,000 to $250,000.
The following organizations received 2023 grants:
Missouri-Based Organizations
Creative and Innovative Entrepreneurs
Elevating Men
Essential Families
Family Resource Center of Cass County, Inc.
Greenline Foundation Inc.
Hold Em Up 4 Care
Kansas City Black Mental Health Initiative
Kansas-Based Organizations
Fountain of Life Inc.
Shepherd’s Center of Kansas City, Kansas
Find more information on the purpose and qualifications for the Rapid REACH Equity Fund.
