In 2018, the Kansas Health Foundation was privileged to provide more than $23 million in qualifying distributions and approved nearly $13 million in new grants to strategic partners and initiatives throughout Kansas. We work strategically and intentionally to find the greatest areas of need in the state. In looking specifically at social determinants of health like income, education level, race/ethnicity and geography, KHF works to ensure its grant making efforts do do the greatest amount of good for the greatest amount of people. We invite you to explore our annual report to find out more about our work. And just know our focus every day is to improve the health of all Kansans.
Mike Lennen
Chair, Board of Directors
Steve Coen
President and CEO
“To improve the health of all Kansans.” It’s been our mission since day one. It provides clarity about what we do and who we serve and reminds us of the endless opportunities and awesome responsibility we have to make a difference.
For more than 30 years, we’ve been able to be a small part of some very significant health improvements. We’ve helped to bring awareness to the dangers of second-hand smoke with the “Take it Outside” campaign. We’ve helped bring standard physical education curriculum to Kansas schools to promote physical activity at an early age. And, we advocated for the addition of healthcare professionals through the establishment of nurse practitioners and increasing the number of physician assistants, to expand access to care across the state.
In 2018, we continued our efforts to positively impact health by leveraging partnerships, engaging Kansans and identifying the changing health needs of our state.
Overall, we provided grant funding to more than 100 Kansas organizations, though an investment of nearly $24 million dollars, to support healthier people and build stronger, healthier communities. With these partnerships, we can strategically focus our work in four areas:
Through partnerships and community collaboratives in all corners of the state, we’ve “improved the health of all Kansans” in immeasurable ways. But our work is not done. Understanding the changing demographics of our state and armed with health data, we can look at how and where we can make the most impact for our residents, our communities and our state. As good stewards of the resources entrusted to us, we are privileged to support positive health change today and for future generations to come – so EVERY Kansan can make healthy choices where they live, work and play.
Kansas Health Foundation was honored to provide more than 100 grants throughout our state to make positive change in our program and impact areas, as well as build capacity for many organizations. We initiated new programs to invest in Kansas communities, expand access to healthy foods, and create awareness of the importance of voting. We continued promoting worksite wellness, gathering data on health/wellness indicators, and advocating for state policies seeking to bring expanded health insurance to low-income Kansans.
Please click on the link below to view a PDF of all grants approved by KHF in 2018.
This past year marked the conclusion of a 20-year, $60 million KHF effort to increase the community philanthropy across the state. Partnerships with 39 Kansas community foundations allowed for these groups to provide significant grant funding to local projects improving the health and wellness of cities and towns. to learn more about this effort, please view the wrap-up video or read the 20-year commemorative publication.
In Kansas today, 1 in 7 adults age 18 to 64 lack health care coverage. And, 1 in 3 do not have dental coverage. For others, the challenge is not having enough health and dental providers close to where they live. KHF supports efforts to address gaps or barriers to access care, to help improve the health of all Kansans.
Whether talking about medical, oral or behavioral health, Kansas must improve access to care.
Tobacco use and obesity remain the leading causes of preventable death and illness in Kansas. Nearly 1 in 3 Kansans are obese (32.4%), and just over 17 percent of Kansans smoke. KHF invests in programs and supports policy efforts that promote healthy eating, physical activity and tobacco use prevention. Some of this work is focused on encouraging healthier individual behaviors, and some is shaping the environment so Kansans have access to healthy food and ways to be physically active. And, other efforts are to change policies to affect larger populations.
Kansans continue to engage in behaviors like smoking and eating unhealthy foods.
KHF recognizes individuals’ health and well-being are also influenced by where and how they live. And stronger communities also help improve the health of Kansans. However, Kansas data indicates that individuals and groups that traditionally experience poor health outcomes may be less likely to participate in the election process, contact their elected officials or attend public meetings. Active, engaged community members help to shape policies, express needs and expectations, determine how resources are allocated, and elect their representatives. KHF invests in programs that help to build stronger communities and to encourage more Kansans to be civically engaged, and provides the support for leadership, information and data. The result is improved health outcomes for residents and healthy, vibrant communities for all.
2018 marked another opportunity for Kansans to head to the polls during the gubernatorial election.
Research shows that individuals with more education live longer, healthier lives than those with less education. And, Kansas data indicates that lower levels of education are often linked to lack of health care coverage, limited ability to pay for medical or dental treatment, higher use of tobacco products, increased obesity rates and poor health outcomes. The state average for graduation rates (2018) was 87.3 percent, which means that 12.7 percent of students were left behind. In addition, 63 percent of fourth graders are not proficient in reading. KHF believes that by improving educational attainment, we can work toward better employment opportunities and better health outcomes.
Graduation rates and reading literacy rates are at the heart of KHF’s planning efforts in this impact area.
While these initiatives won’t be part of our annual report highlights until next year, they’re current KHF efforts where you can become involved. We welcome you to click below to see initiatives happening right now in Kansas communities.
Join the Kansas Health Foundation as we work to create awareness of the importance of child literacy. To sign up to support the campaign and receive free tips, resources and ideas to improve children’s literacy in Kansas, please visit the campaign website.
Learn MoreIn late 2018, KHF was looking for a way to highlight the fun, innovative and effective work being done in schools throughout the state. Whether it be learning programs, community partnerships or volunteer efforts, “WooHoo Kansas Schools,” provided a way to tell the story of these schools and districts doing extraordinary work.
Learn More
Interim President and CEO
Chair
Vice Chair/BOD Representative
Vice Chair
President and CEO
Chair
Chair
Vice Chair
Vice Chair
Vice Chair/BOD Representative
Community Impact Officer
Program Officer
Facilities Manager
President and CEO
Director of Community Relations
Controller
Finance Assistant
Vice President
Senior Program Officer
Chief Financial Officer/Vice President of Finance
Associate Vice President
Vice President
COMPASSION
COMPASSION
We care about the health of all Kansans.
STRATEGIC
STRATEGIC
We believe in taking a proactive approach to grantmaking and that promoting systemic change through population-based approaches is the most effective strategy for improving health.
DIVERSITY
DIVERSITY
We seek to maintain an environment and atmosphere of diversity and inclusion – in governance, staff and partners. We honor the diverse needs, strengths, voices and backgrounds of all individuals in our state.
ACCOUNTABILITY
ACCOUNTABILITY
We will be good stewards of the resources in which we have been entrusted to address issues today, and to benefit generations to come. We are committed to the highest ethical standards in governance, administration and grantmaking.
TRANSPARENCY
TRANSPARENCY
We pledge to be open and honest. We will highlight our successes, failures and lessons learned.
COLLABORATION
COLLABORATION
We realize we will be successful in meeting our mission when we listen to and build solid partnerships across sectors.
COMMUNITY
COMMUNITY
We understand that communities are best positioned to identify and respond to their unique health needs and believe in building community capacity and resources to address those needs.
ADVOCACY
ADVOCACY
We support and participate in activities that inform and advance effective health policy. We vow to lead by example and model the policies, practices and programs we support.
December 31, 2018
(Unaudited)
Assets | |
Cash and investments | $453,399,064 |
Other assets | $677,670 |
Land, building and equipment | $12,435,325 |
$466,512,059 |
Liabilities and Net Assets | |
Liabilities | |
Payables and accrued expenses | $310,478 |
Bonds payable | $0 |
Grants payable | $19,962,864 |
$20,273,342 |
Net Assets | $446,238718 |
$466,512,059 |
Year Ended December 31, 2018
(Unaudited)
Revenue and gains | |
Investment income | $1,456,335 |
Net realized and unrealized gains on investment | ($24,844,072) |
Investment management expenses | ($1,787,592) |
Other income | $1,464,449 |
($23,710,880) |
Program grants, net of writeoffs | $8,612,042 |
Operating Expenses | |
Charitable activities and grants administration | $5,769,912 |
$5,769,912 |
Total operating expenses | $5,769,912 |
Increase (Decrease) in net assets | ($38,092,833) |
Net Assets, beginning of year | $486,235,911 |
Net Assets, end of year | $446,238,718 |
KHF defines health broadly, and as such, provides funding in many different areas in order to achieve our mission. However, our organization does have a list of grant exclusions, or projects for which our grant funds may not be used. These include any of the following activities:
Learn more about the latest Foundation news, grant opportunities, stories and health articles by signing up for KHF’s e-newsletters. Join today!